Regional virtual events

February 19, 2026: Picture book biographies have been popular for many years, but there's currently an increased demand for other kinds of nonfiction in the marketplace. One great option is concept picture books with an expository writing style. Join award-winning author Melissa Stewart for a lively presentation that digs deep into the expository nonfiction writing process, including strategies for developing an irresistible hook, selecting a text structure, experimenting with format, and identifying the best voice for a particular manuscript.

February 21, 2026: Today's nonfiction is bold, engaging, and innovative! Attendees will take an in-depth look at what books are (and aren't) being published. We will explore how books cover the "What?" "So What?" and/or the "Now What?" of a topic. For the sake of time, the exemplars will be picture books, but the principles explored apply to all informational books. Come ready to investigate, explore, sort, and discover with author Heather Montgomery.

February 21, 2026: Join us for an editor's perspective on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in writing for children. The 2026 San Diego Region DEI Grant recipients will be announced.

February 21, 2026: Writers who want to write KidLit are often surprised to discover the ways that the market has sliced and diced the genres into age categories and how each category has specific requirements that must be met to make their work publishable. This workshop will delve into the basics of writing for the children's market.

February 22, 2026: Free registration. Three different Purim board books, released on the same day by the same publisher! Three authors will show how they created fresh approaches for the Purim holiday that worked for different ages of toddlers and how you can apply those principles to finding new approaches for other holiday books. Varda Livney, Barbara Kimmel, and Nancy Churnin will be joined by a moderator from PJ Library, who will talk about why they acquired these books and PJ Library's wish list going forward. Sunday, February 22, 12:00 PM EST / 19:00 Israel time.

February 25, 2026: The Middle Grade Adventure Blueprint - Join us as Beth McMullen - Writers With Wrinkles podcaster, book coach, and author - explores a practical, writer-friendly framework built around five core pillars that help middle grade adventure, fantasy, and mystery stories gain momentum and emotional depth. Using simple questions and craft touchstones you can apply while drafting and revising, we’ll look at why scenes stall, how kid-sized stakes and agency keep readers engaged, and how emotional change drives a story forward. Offered by SCBWI Nebraska as part of their Creative Connections series.

February 26, 2026: Do you ever struggle with picking a palette or would you like to learn more about how color works? Color provides impact, mood, and is a way of focusing attention. Learn how to use color to emphasize storytelling. Add to your toolbox with this virtual workshop on color theory. Author, illustrator and teacher Jen Betton will talk about how to use color for maximum impact in your work, using examples from illustration and animation. Betton began her illustration career in kindergarten when she got into trouble for drawing outside the lines. She is an arts educator, the author-illustrator of HEDGEHOG NEEDS A HUG, published with Putnam (winner of Pennsylvania’s Keystone to Reading Book Award), and the illustrator of TWILIGHT CHANT, written by Holly Thompson published with Clarion (a NCTE Notable Book) and BARN AT NIGHT, written by Michelle Houts and published with Feeding Minds Press. You can find her work online at jenbetton.com

February 26, 2026: If you've ever felt behind because your manuscript isn't finished or your illustrations aren't where you want them to be, this session is for you. Academy Award-winning animator, author, and illustrator Alan Barillaro (Bunns Rabbit, Piper) understands that pressure, despite his impressive resume. In this candid presentation, Alan shares what he's learned about creativity's glacial pace, why throwing away hundreds of drawings led to better work, and how to sustain your energy when a project spans years rather than months. Whether you're a writer, illustrator, or both, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of why your creative timeline is exactly what it needs to be. Join us to learn how time can become your greatest creative asset instead of your biggest source of pressure.

February 28, 2026: Agent Hillary Fazzari will be sharing hands-on editing strategies to polish First Chapters that hook agents, editors and readers, using examples of projects she personally represented and First Page submissions from attendees. You will also get an agents overview of the parameters and importance of a well-written synopsis when submitting novels – which more agent and editor submission guidelines are now requesting.

February 28, 2026: "Stick to one style!" "Only show one style in your portfolio, otherwise art directors and editors won't know what they're going to get." Like many illustrators, you may have heard this advice ad verbatim. But is it really true? In this talk, which will take place in-person and on Zoom, children's book illustrator Charlie Mylie will dive deep into visual "style". Mylie will share a theory of how style is created, what it means, and what we can do with it as artists. Also, he will pop the hood on some of his books to show in practical detail how style is functioning as a tool for meaning making. Mylie believes that we define style; style does not define us. Bio: Charlie Mylie is an author and illustrator of several children's books. He makes his art in many styles from his singular home in Kansas City, KS. Charlie's wife and son are his first critics and biggest advocates. This event will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 1-2 pm. It will be in-person at Park University in Parkville, MO and also be broadcasted on Zoom. A recording will be made available for viewing for 30 days after the event.

February 28, 2026: Through looking at Scholastic’s Branches early chapter book line, Editor Katie Carella will reveal how to craft quality, page-turning series for newly independent readers! Early chapter book readers are just starting to read longer page-count, more text-heavy books. Readers need certain supports in place to invite them into this format. We’ll explore key features of Branches books and do brief writing exercises together. Also, while this category generally targets children ages 5–8, it is especially important to create high/low books for today’s marketplace—now that more older children than ever before are significantly behind in their reading journeys.

February 28, 2026: Be prepared for any opportunity. Helen Jonsen will help you captivate your audience, become a dynamic speaker, improve your messaging, and be confident in any settling so you can enjoy the process. This webinar will focus on crafting your author story for conversations, book tours, podcasts, and panels (as well as grant, residency, and scholarship applications.)

February 28, 2026: Meet literary agent Julie Romeis Sanders with SteelWorks Literary during this virtual event. After a brief introduction, Julie will critique participants' 2-sentence pitches during this webinar. General Q&A will be included at the end. After registering, you will be sent a link to a form where you can submit your pitch. We will try to accommodate as many pitches as possible, but please keep in mind that due to time limitations, your pitch may not be addressed.

March 7, 2026: Plotting doesn’t always come naturally—especially if your brain freezes at the word “outline.” But your subconscious is already better at it than you think. In this workshop, writers will learn how to coax their brains into generating plot ideas organically, using tricks and techniques that tap into how stories are naturally structured. They’ll explore key story elements such as goals, stakes, and conflict, and discover how asking the right questions can spark the perfect next scene. Writers will also learn how to spot hidden plot threads in their own ideas and shape them into a cohesive narrative without killing their creativity. Additional MG/YA written critiques available.

March 7, 2026: Join the Austin SCBWI chapter online for a day-long bootcamp about nonfiction and educational markets. 5 amazing speakers will discuss PB, novel, and illustration works and business topics, with additional opportunities such as pitches, critiques, and AMAs.

March 7, 2026: This online event will allow 25 people to submit their work to be read aloud, as well as optional full critiques by Lynne Marie. Participants who submit first pages for review must be present and take their own notes. Submission guidelines will be available after registration in your member home/my events/meeting info. Optional Critiques: Space for the full critiques is limited to 8 participants at 15 minutes per session.

March 10, 2026: Get ready to bring your stories to life—panel by panel! In this presentation, Marcie Colleen breaks down the building blocks of comics and graphic novels—from panels and gutters to bubbles and sound effects—all through the lens of a writer.

March 10, 2026: In this workshop, author Danielle Herzog explores how meaningful conflict drives compelling storytelling. Participants learn to identify internal and external conflicts, raise stakes, and build tension that keeps readers engaged. Through guided exercises, writers practice transforming character struggles into powerful narrative momentum. We’ll examine examples of effective conflict, discuss common pitfalls, and explore techniques for deepening emotional impact. By the end of the session, attendees will understand how to craft purposeful conflict that shapes character arcs, enriches plot, and strengthens overall story structure. This webinar will be recorded and will remain available to registered attendees for 30 days following the event.

March 12, 2026: Join us for this informative workshop with Karen Boss, Senior Editor at Charlesbridge. Whether you're working on a picture book or a novel, we'll focus on POV as you start and end your manuscript. This event will not be recorded.

March 14, 2026: Middle grade or YA nonfiction is sold on proposal rather than a finished manuscript. But preparing a book proposal that will hook an editor or agent is a skill onto itself. The proposal is a sales document, job application, and a giant pitch. This workshop will cover all the sections that make up a book proposal as well as provide tips and tricks to make the proposal irresistible.

March 14, 2026: It’s an exciting time when you’ve finished a publishing project and are ready to query! But if you’re feeling a little lost on where to get started, we’ve got you covered. Literary agent and author, Sandra Proudman, will dive into the parts of a query letter + samples, her top ten tips for writing a standout query, the best ways to utilize and come up with comparative titles, and more in this 80-minute panel. There will be ample time for Q&A, so bring your questions and be ready to talk all about queries!

March 17, 2026: A discussion of picture books, improvisation, mistakes, creative uncertainty, ugly art, and the benefits of a cat-proof cabinet with acclaimed author-illustrator Corinna Luyken, creator of The Book of Mistakes, My Heart, and The Tree in Me.

March 21, 2026 (registration closes March 20): Most YA authors rely on their memories of adolescence to write teen characters. In this 60-minute presentation (plus time for Q and A), you’ll learn that no matter how vivid your memories are, the fact remains that teenage brains function differently than adult ones. These differences are deeper than the poor impulse control that makes you want to scream, “What were you thinking?” As a book coach and high school teacher who writes for teens, our presenter Sam Cameron will share insights she thinks every YA writer should know. In addition to explaining teen brain chemistry, she'll offer exercises you can use to make your own work in progress more appealing to a teen audience, with plenty of examples from published works. A limited number of manuscript critiques by Sam are also available.

March 24, 2026 (registration closes March 23): What is a "revise & resubmit" request, and what do you do when you get one from an agent or editor? This path to publication is more common than you might think, but it doesn't always look the same. This webinar will take creators through the ins and outs of R&Rs from all angles—why an author might do one, what risks might occur, how an editor thinks about them, and what the ultimate outcome might look like. You'll be prepared for any scenario involving an R&R! A limited number of PB & MG critiques available at an additional cost.

March 25, 2026: THE NOVELTY OF GRAPHIC NOVELS will take a brief look at the history and current expectations of graphic novels, then pop-the-hood on workflows and techniques. Using many examples, we will look at the why/how they work in practice by examining pacing, art style, and the larger issues of telling stories across panels. We’ll present a historically grounded approach to the format from a technical and artistic POV, plus look at how other artists and writers have approached this rapidly evolving format. You’ll come away inspired to push your creativity in this format with an expanded understanding of the fundamentals.

March 28, 2026: Creators love to create, but it's hard to understand the other side: the publishing industry. It's dizzying delving into the many avenues and many options! AZ IC Michael Hale will cover all the ways creators can turn manuscripts into books, what options are available in 2026, and the associated costs and potential returns for each method.

April 10, 2026: The SCBWI Illinois Region invites you to Choose Your Own Adventure at our 2026 Spring Thaw Online Pitch Event. Registration opens February 9th at noon CDT. This Spring, your writing journey is in your hands! At 2026 Spring Thaw, the story is yours to shape. Choose how to attend, choose your Compass Quest, and choose your Adventure Guide. No matter which path you take, you’ll hear from industry professionals during live panels, have post-event, above-the-slush-pile submission opportunities with all of our faculty, and collect feedback that helps guide you in your writing adventure.

April 13, 2026: How do the latest industry developments and practices affect you and your writing? What do publishers discuss behind closed doors? What is no one telling you? In this session, we’ll talk about what creators need know about today’s book market, from advances to publication timelines, morality clauses to AI and more. If these phrases aren’t familiar, you’re not alone—and more reason to attend! Join us for a timely discussion as we tackle the biggest secrets of our book market. It’s a lively time in publishing, so we’ll have lots to discuss! Please bring your questions, as this session will end with Lilly’s signature juicy Q+As, to help you get the most from it.

April 17-18, 2026 (registration closes April 16): Join SCBWI Oklahoma/Arkansas on Zoom for the main sessions of our 2026 Spring Conference. It’s certain to be a weekend of creative and professional growth as you listen to our faculty and speakers. Not only will you learn about the craft of creating books for children and the business of publishing, but you’ll be inspired by hearing the publishing stories of some of our local authors. Plus, registered attendees will have the opportunity to submit to our in-person and offsite professionals after the conference (many of whom are closed to unsolicited queries). You don’t want to miss it.

April 21, 2026: In this session, Newbery Medal-winning author Erin Entrada Kelly (Hello, Universe, We Dream of Space, The Land of Forgotten Girls) will guide us through excerpts from mentor texts to determine how and why the author's dialogue was successful and learn how to implement best practices in our own work.

April 21, 2026: Most picture books are meant to be read out loud. How does yours actually sound to a listener's ear? This webinar will give you tips and tricks for strengthening the musicality of your manuscripts. We'll consider why writing in rhyme gives everyone the heebie-jeebies, how to revise for rhythm, and when to break the monotony of perfect meter. This event will be recorded, and a replay will be available for 30 days after the live event.

April 23, 2026: Every agent, editor, and writing teacher will share specific “rules” you must follow to sell your manuscript: don't rhyme, don't try to teach a lesson, and never, ever write a story about a kid who won't eat his vegetables. But why do we have these rules? And more importantly, when can you break them? This workshop will help writers better understand what agents and editors are looking for, and what they can do to improve both their storytelling and their chances at getting published. Plus, a little extra mindset support for when writers need some magic.

April 28, 2026: Get a Handle on Your Author Biz with Sara Fujimura! Grow your author business exponentially by working smarter, not harder. Your book is out! Now, what once was your greatest dream suddenly feels like your biggest nightmare. A proven three-step interconnected marketing system teaches debut authors—and seasoned authors, too!—how to grow their businesses exponentially with the least amount of work. Let's work smarter, not harder, authorpreneurs! This webinar will be recorded and will remain available to registered attendees for 30 days following the event.

May 2, 2026: Join us virtually with your work-in-progress during these two Advanced Writing Workshops led by two amazing editors.

May 7-8 and September 14-15, 2026 (registration closes March 28): Calling all Picture Book Author-Illustrators! Ever wish you could have the same publishing professional look at your dummy a second time? After you made their suggested revisions? Well now you can! Two-Step Critique participants will meet with literary agent Kait Feldmann to discuss their picture book dummy (illustrations and completed manuscript) once in May, then have about 3 months to revise and resubmit for a second round of feedback in September.

May 21, 2026: Being both an author and an illustrator places you in a specific creative position—one where story and art can be developed side by side, in conversation with each other. That combination comes with real opportunities, but also real decisions about where to focus, what to show, and how to shape your work for the market. In this webinar, we’ll explore how to use your dual role intentionally when building dummies, developing portfolio pieces, and presenting your work to agents and editors. We’ll look at how writing and illustration can support one another without competing, and how to make choices that serve the project rather than trying to do everything at once. This session is about understanding how to work from the position you’re in as an author-illustrator—using both skills together to strengthen your storytelling, elevate your materials, and put forward work that feels cohesive, confident, and true to you. A limited number of PB & CB critiques available at an additional cost.

Registration closes September 25, 2026: Engaging Stories! Readers must have a compelling reason to start—and continue—engaging with your story. Engaging Stories is designed to provide takeaways and insightful creative strategies and techniques from acclaimed authors, illustrators, author-illustrators, agents, and editors. Join us at the SCBWI Wisconsin 2026 Engaging Stories webinar series and in-person conference. Webinar series dates: Feb.17, March 10, April 14, May 2, June 9, Aug. 9, 2026. In-person conference: October 8-10, 2026