Regional virtual events

June 23, 2026: Bethan Woollvin is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator, best known for her bold, witty storytelling and empowering fractured fairytales. She launched her career with Little Red, created while studying illustration at the Cambridge School of Art, which won the Macmillan Children’s Book Competition in 2014. Since then, Bethan has continued to reimagine classic tales including Rapunzel and Hansel & Gretel, alongside her own original tales such as Three Little Vikings and Luna and the Sky Dragon. She will talk to us about her career, and the interplay between text and image in picture books, before answering questions.

June 23, 2026: Learn different techniques, analyse different story openings, and (re-)write your own lines. In this 2-hour, in-depth workshop with Tina Tocco, you’ll see how your reimagined intros can alter tone, point of view, pace, and more. This format will be an interactive workshop, attendees are invited to share their writing if they feel comfortable to do so. Price: $30 ($20 for Premium Members) Recording available for 30 days!

June 29, 2026: Award-winning UK author Dan Smith will talk us through: i) writing a manuscript, ii) going from there to having a published book and iii) sustaining and building momentum around your book post-publication. Dan is the author of popular books for young readers such as THE WINTERMOOR LIGHTS, THE DEADSOUL PROJECT, THE WALL BETWEEN US, and NISHA'S WAR.

June 29, 2026: Step into the world of professional illustration with confidence in Industry Ready: Best Practices for (beginning) Illustrators—a dynamic webinar designed to help you bridge the gap between passion and paid work. Whether you're refining your portfolio or wondering if you're ready to start querying, this session will give you clear, actionable guidance on what industry professionals actually look for. You’ll learn how to build a portfolio that stands out, discover insider tips for getting noticed and hired, and understand the subtle but critical differences between “good” and “ready.” We’ll also review real portfolios and websites together, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and how to level up your presentation instantly. If you’re serious about turning your illustration skills into real opportunities, this is the roadmap you’ve been waiting for.

July 1, 2026: A practical, confidence-building workshop for every author & illustrator. Social media is part of being an author or illustrator now, but that does not mean it is intuitive or comfortable. Many creators struggle with knowing what to post, how often to show up, whether what they are doing is actually helping their book, and which platforms they should even be on. There is also a lot of pressure to be everywhere at once, even when certain platforms do not feel natural or sustainable. This free webinar is meant to bring clarity to all of that and make social media feel more manageable.

July 7, 2026: Once you've written a draft, it can be difficult to figure out where to go next. A range of people will provide feedback, but who is right? How do you go about discerning what to edit and what to keep the same? To effectively edit, it’s critical to identify a novel’s underlying argument—it’s heart. In this workshop with author Meg Eden Kuyatt, we’ll discuss the “thesis statement” approach to editing, looking at examples of novels’ “thesis statements,” as well as providing exercises to help you identify and hone in on your novel’s thesis. This webinar will be recorded and available to registered attendees for 30 days following the event.

July 7, 2026: While we often spend a lot of time writing a story, the shape of that story on the page can sometimes be an afterthought. And yet, typography tells a story too. Font choices, placement, and the shape of words can relay as much meaning as the words themselves. In this workshop, we’ll investigate how to make sure your story is being told through the proper typographic treatment.

July 10, 2026: In this webinar, editor and translator María Camila Correa shares an inside look at translating children’s books. Drawing on her bilingual background, María will explore what shapes a successful translation, walk through her own path into the industry, the translation process in children’s book publishing, and touch on why a global outlook and multicultural perspectives are more important than ever. Organized by California: San Francisco/South Translator Coordinator Karin Redclift.

July 11, 2026 (registration closes July 9): Backstory can make or break a manuscript. Learn how to use it effectively with Dean Gloster. Join SCBWI San Francisco North & East Bay for a 90-minute Zoom class on inserting backstory without slowing your story down. Dean Gloster, former Regional Advisor for our region, will cover why backstory matters, why writers often include too much too soon, and practical techniques for revealing the right information at the right time.

July 11, 2026: Are you afraid of using photo references in your illustration practice for fear that it's "cheating"? Or the opposite: are you too reliant on them, and unable to use your imagination to draw? This webinar is for you then - as well as for everyone else in-between! Meredith Lucius, illustrator of six children's books, will show us how she uses art and photo references to guide her illustration practice. You'll learn how to use references in a way that doesn't feel like cheating and that inspires to create something new, rather than rigidly adhering to your reference. Participants will also get to practice on several photo references of children under Meredith's guidance. This webinar will be recorded and available for 30 days afterwards.

July 12, 2026 (registration closes July 9): Join the Austin SCBWI chapter online for 6 hours of education on revision, self-editing, & critiquing others. Join editors, agents, and authors to understand and decode an “Edit Letter,” embark on your revision journey after you’ve completed that first or fifth draft, understand cross-genre reading, interpret and implement feedback, and fully evaluate your manuscript. Optional: query, pitches, critique, and submission options with agents/editors!

July 13, 2026: Georgia Tournay-Godfrey of the Bright Agency will discuss with us how to get her attention whilst querying, and what she is looking for when reading manuscripts. She will also discuss with us the issue of working class representation in the industry.

August 22, 2026: Voice is a tricky thing, perhaps one of the slipperiest elements to develop in our writing—easy for readers to identify, but tough for writers to develop. Any editor will tell you that she knows a distinct writer’s voice when she hears it, especially when it draws her into a story and keeps her there. In this workshop we will read, study, discuss, and practice technique as we find our writer’s voices and learn how to hone them. Be ready to actively participate in the discussion.

August 22, 2026: We all know about the power of three. But when it comes to picture books, it takes two: text and art! The industry standard is that authors and illustrators work separately. Join us as acquiring editor for Cardinal Rule Press, Adam Blackman, discusses notable exceptions to this standard and explores how closer collaboration between authors and illustrators can lead to work that is more than the sum of its parts. This event will be recorded.

August 22, 2026: Learn how agent Natascha Morris reverse engineers a story and how she has guided several debut graphic novelists through the process of preparing their graphic novel proposals. From inspiration and MSWL, she will go over the act of outlining and break down how to create a new manuscript. Whether you are working on a new idea or have no idea where to start, this proven method will help you crack the code on how to give editors and agents what they might be looking for. Handouts will be provided.

August 22, 2026 (registration closes August 17): Try something new! Join us for DOODLES & DRAFTS, a free virtual event for writers and illustrators working on all ages and categories of children’s books. Think of it as half-Telestrations, half-Write/Draw In, with ZERO pressure and a fun twist – a SWAP – designed to amp up your creativity! This event is made possible by a grant from SCBWI and the Authors Coalition of America.

August 22, 2026: Larissa Brown guides participants through the art of using humor as a storytelling superpower in picture book illustration. From cracking character expressions to crafting the perfect visual and text contradictions, you'll learn how strong story moments become comedic gold.

August 27, 2026: Graphic Novels are an exiting new part of the book world – especially in the kidlit markets. No matter if you always wanted to write a Graphic Novel or are just curious, join this introduction webinar and learn everything you need to start: overview, step-by-step guide and a handout with resources. Price: $20 ($12 Premium Members)

August 27, 2026: Invisible identities shape the lives of countless young readers, yet they often go unrecognized or are portrayed inaccurately in children’s literature. This workshop explores how to authentically represent experiences that aren’t immediately visible—such as bilingualism, chronic conditions like diabetes or epilepsy, and neurological or psychological differences including dyslexia, ADHD, or depression. We’ll discuss how to avoid stereotypes, build fully realized characters, and integrate these identities naturally into story. A limited number of MY, YA, & NIV CRITIQUES available at an additional cost.

September 3, 2026: A picture may be worth a thousand words, but an author’s pen can capture something beyond the view of any camera lens: the experience of a moment from inside the body and mind of the person experiencing it. This webinar will explore the critical concepts of point of view and narrative voice, then dive deep into strategies for channeling your main character’s unique, embodied perspective. We’ll examine how to use first person and third-person intimate POVs to bring your character’s story to life in setting, action, and interiority, drawing examples from picture book, middle grade, and young adult mentor texts. You’ll come away from this workshop with concrete tools to help you render your main character’s perspective on the page and transport your readers far past the superficial, deep into your story’s heart. A limited number of PB (manuscript or dummy), MG, YA, & NIV CRITIQUES available at an additional cost.

September 15, 2026: In this tell-all session, Karen Spafford-Fitz will explain the core elements of a hi-lo book. She will also offer tips and tricks for the writer (ie. the “cook”) to lean into while crafting their own hi-lo fiction. With information about publishers who the writer might hook with their compelling stories, attendees will leave with practical next steps for pitching their hi-lo’s. Bring your questions, ideas, and imagination as we navigate the world of fast-paced, accessible fiction for young readers. Further supported with readings from hi-lo books, Karen will conclude “Get to Know Hi-Lo” with a Q&A session.

Registration closes September 20, 2026: WRITING FROM THE INSIDE OUT - PICTURE BOOKS - You’ve asked for it. We listened. Join us as we level up your picture books. Award-winning author Marcie Colleen is teaming up with SCBWI Nebraska for a virtual 6-month workshop meant to take your picture books to the next level. Targeted for authors who have written a minimum of three picture books and have an established, basic understanding of picture book writing, this workshop is intended to take your projects from good to extraordinary. Offered by the Nebraska region starting September 2026.

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

October 4, 2026 (registration closes September 26): It’s harvest time in the community garden! Our one-day online conference is designed to help you cultivate deeper industry roots, sow seeds for future connections, and gather the tools you need to grow your creative career as an author, illustrator, or both! Join us on Sunday, October 4, 2026 for inspirational keynotes, industry panels of agents and editors to equip you with the skills to nurture and harvest meaningful relationships, and time to grow in our Garden Box Breakout sessions. Plus, opportunities to dig deeper with optional 1:1 critique sessions. Whether you’re planting your first manuscript or tending a well-established story, Fall Harvest is a place to learn, share, and gather together in creative community. Let’s grow something beautiful—together.

October 24, 2026 (registration closes October 22): Take Two! Developing a Cinematic Eye for Illustrators with Sheli Petersen. You’ve got a great manuscript and character studies—now what? In this workshop, we’ll put you in the director’s chair by covering the basics in staging your character. Develop a map of your character’s world to envision “camera” angles and framing that can best convey your visual narrative. Bring a sketchbook and a fresh cinematic eye! Learning Outcomes: Basic understanding of mapping to envision the character’s world; Basic understanding of framing a scene through the cinematic model; Basic understanding of point-of-view through linear perspective.