Regional virtual events

Sessions begin September 1, 2026 (registration closes October 31, 2026): Celebrate World Kidlit Month with eight dynamic, 20-minute presentations during this multi-region collaborative event. From picture book basics to querying, portfolios and publishing paths, each session includes time for questions, so you can connect, learn, and move your work forward. Join us all month long for this fast-paced, inspiring series created for writers and illustrators ready to grow their careers. Recordings available until October 31. Presented by the Inland Northwest, Los Angeles, Midsouth, Southwest Texas, Nebraska, Illinois, and Wisconsin Regions. This series is made possible by a grant from SCBWI and the Authors Coalition of America.

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.

September 16, 2026: I'm Em! (they/them) I make stories and illustrations with heart <3. My first picturebook, Kip and the Squiggledoodle, came out with Farshore/Harper Collins in May 2025. It’s an adventure story that touches on staying with difficult emotions and handling change. My second book, The Magic Scarf, with Farshore/Harper Collins released on April 9th 2026. It’s a story about finding where you belong and also about dancing. So much dancing! I love making work that sparks conversations about how we can understand and share our emotions better, and after years working in statistics, have finally found a career where that's actually encouraged!

September 17, 2026: Take a deep dive into Kate’s Fantastically Great women series and to children’s non-fiction books in general! Kate will discuss: The Inspirations behind her series and how the idea came about; Putting a pitch together for a non-fiction idea; Some of her favourite children’s non-fiction books around at the moment. Join us for this informative session!

September 17, 2026 (registration closes September 14): The path to publication is rarely straight. Join illustrator Linda Bleck to discover how flexibility, persistence, and a little playfulness can build a creative career that lasts. Both illustrators and writers will be inspired and encouraged by this webinar.

September 19, 2026: "What a Character!" is a fun, visual dive into how we creators can use shape language, color psychology, and expressive features to give our characters life. Drawing on my years as an Art Director and author-illustrator, I also share practical tips on maintaining character consistency and using technical approaches—like line weight and texture—to silently tell a story.

September 19, 2026: Join us for a webinar that will explore practical strategies for layering middle grade novels from the first draft through revision. Using examples from mentor texts and hands-on practice, we’ll work on creating strong characters in page-turning stories while weaving in emotional depth, interconnected subplots, rich settings, and more. Whether you're drafting a new novel or revising a work-in-progress, this workshop will help you create layered stories that connect with young readers and stay with them long after they've closed the book.

September 19, 2026: An immersive workshop on the art of creating an unforgettable hook or "elevator" pitch, what catches an agent's or editor's attention, and what to expect during in-person pitches. We will discuss the elements of a pitch, a query letter, and a synopsis and how each is important in the submission process. Presentation is for all kidlit genres, from picture books through YA.

September 19, 2026: What do industry professionals look for when they read the first pages for manuscripts? Ruqayyah Daud, senior editor at Little Brown Books For Young Readers and an author herself, will offer live feedback on anonymous first manuscript page submissions. Whether you choose to submit a file or just watch, you'll gain insights on how to improve your writing. Limited number of post-webinar written critiques available, and opportunity to submit for a limited time after the event. This webinar will be recorded and recording will be made available for event registrants for 30 days after the event.

September 19, 2026: CREATING STORIES THAT MATTER with Susan Metallo. Story creation is an ancient and cross-cultural career, yet even those of us with published books frequently get asked what our "real jobs" are. No wonder we get Imposter Syndrome! Author, storyteller, and librarian Susan Metallo will share the history of creating stories and the science of how stories affect the human brain, using that information to nail down what makes our work meaningful and important. From there, we'll explore how to apply those principles when choosing the stories we tell. Participants will leave this webinar armed with exercises for finding the "emotional truth" of their projects and a research-based elevator speech for explaining the value of their work.

The SCBWI San Diego Virtual Chapter Meeting Season Ticket pays for all chapter meetings from September 2026 through April 2027 and provides discounts on other chapter events. Tickets available through December 12, 2026.

September 19, 2026: The querying process can be stressful with an ocean of possibilities. This webinar with Paige Terlip of Starling Literary + Media shares tips and tools to help writers stay afloat during the querying storm. From crafting a dynamic query to exploring what it's like to read submissions and how Paige manages her query box. Discover how to catch the best agent for you—and if you should throw them back!

September 21, 2026: Author and illustrator Ruby Amy Thompson joins us to talk about how she created her debut picture book, Rock and Roll, and its journey to getting published - beginning life as a University project and growing to a two-book deal with dream publishers, Little Tiger. Ruby will touch on how her past career, working in comedy and entertainment TV, helps bring a playfulness to her writing. She will also give useful insights about how to embrace your weirdest ideas, and play to your strengths in order to stand out to agents and publishers.

September 22, 2026: Poetry is an experience in the possibilities of language. In this interactive writing workshop, award-winning author and poet Quartez Harris will try to trick you into using poetry to visually craft your prose. For authors and illustrators creating in all genres.

September 22, 2026 (registration closes September 20): Join children's book author and scholar Megan Dowd Lambert for an introduction to her Whole Book Approach, developed with The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Drawing on her book Reading Picture Books with Children, Megan will provide tools for engaging young readers with the picture book as a visual art form and inspire authors and illustrators to use the Whole Book Approach as a lens for inspiring creative work.

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

September 26, 2026 (registration closes September 23): Learn about the qualities editors are looking for when they evaluate picture books on submission and consider their marketability, including word count and pacing, lyricism and accessibility, a fresh concept and the element of surprise, read-aloud-ability, character and story, urgency and a sense of purpose, that certain je ne sais quoi, and more! Includes limited additional picture book critiques.

September 26, 2026: For those who consider themselves “editorial agents,” this means taking on a whole other level of working with clients. Carter Hasegawa of the Tugeau2 Agency will share what he considers when working with a new client, how he decides which manuscript to submit, and his process of getting clients' manuscripts ready to submit to major publishers.

September 26, 2026: You’ve probably heard from agents and editors that voice is the most important aspect of your writing. But what is voice? Voice establishes the tone of your story, tells the reader what kind of personality your narrator has, and gives a feeling of time and place. How does one find the right voice, and make it come across effectively? In this workshop, we will demystify the process by defining voice and analyzing mentor texts, and you will be supplied with a plethora of advice (and exercises!) to take on your voice-finding journey.

October 21, 2026: Success in publishing isn't just about finding the right opportunity. It's about becoming someone people remember, trust, and genuinely want to champion. In this practical webinar, Sara Grintz, President of GIFT∙OLOGY, shares a proven relationship strategy for building a career through intentional generosity, meaningful follow-up, and authentic connection…not awkward, exhausting networking.

September 28, 2026: Authors Diane and Guy Worthey discuss the pros and cons to their publishing paths to help you decide which route is best for you!

September 28, 2026: In surreal times, realistic fiction can ground us in the complexity, beauty, tragedy, and even absurdity of our world. While the rules of the form restrict us to characters, settings, and natural laws of the known universe, creative opportunities abound. In this presentation, we will look at examples of different types of realistic fiction, with a focus on picture books and an eye to what we can bring into our own work.

October 3, 2026 (registration closes September 28): Writers and illustrators are invited to a full day of speaker presentations, critiques, pitches, first pages, contests and mingling with fellow creatives! This hybrid event is both in-person at Cal State Fullerton and via Zoom.

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 5, 2026: Join middle grade author, Lisa Thompson, as she shares her writing and editing process. With seventeen books under her belt, Lisa has found a way of writing books that works for her. In her presentation she will share her favourite writing tips, discuss overcoming self-doubt and how she tackles heavy issues but with commercial appeal.

October 7, 2026: Join Literary Agent Christing Goss for first pages reading of submitted manuscripts. Geared for writers, Christine is drawn to stories with high stakes and tension. The first pages must draw her in with action and curiosity. Lyrical writing, along with emotionality, physicality, and interiority, are all key components Christine looks for in a manuscript.

October 8, 2026: " Finding the right agent is much like dating. You must first ask questions about yourself and what you’re looking for in an agent. What makes a successful match? In this workshop, literary agent Sera Rivers and bestselling, award-winning author Brooke Hartman will discuss key components that create a successful client-agent relationship and share tips on finding the right agent for you. This workshop will be interactive; participants should come prepared with questions. A limited number of manuscript critiques are available for purchase. (Note: Brooke is only accepting picture book manuscripts.) This webinar will be recorded and made available to attendees for 30 days."

October 12, 2026: Whether it’s a classic whodunit or a new spine-chilling tale, kids can’t get enough of horror and mystery stories! Even though many young readers are struggling with reading right now, these two genres remain some of the most popular categories in middle grade. They continue to sell year after year and are getting more critical acclaim in awards and reviews. Kids are clamoring for their next great read—and publishers are eager to help them find it! In this presentation, we’ll discuss recent killer trends, investigate how to craft a satisfying story, and crack the case on how to help your project stand out in the market!

October 13, 2026: As an MFA Playwright, Amy Fellner Dominy learned how to write smooth and natural dialogue for the stage. Those same writing principles can help writers avoid many of the common pitfalls of dialogue and create dialogue that will come to life on the page. Amy will break down the elements of dialogue and present actionable tips for attendees to improve their scenes. This webinar will be recorded and available to registered attendees for 30 days following the event.

October 13, 2026: NARRATIVIZE YOUR NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK: HARNESSING THE TOOLS OF FICTION TO WRITE INFORMATIONAL TEXTS THAT SHINE. In this one-hour workshop with award-winning picture book author Leslie Barnard Booth, learn how to elevate your nonfiction manuscripts by thinking like a fiction writer. Analyze mentor texts to see how techniques and structures from the other side of the literary aisle can bring nonfiction to life for young readers. Consider the role of character, tension, and plot in informational and nonfiction mentor texts, then try an exercise designed to bring the propulsiveness of fiction to your nonfiction manuscript and strengthen its narrative arc.

October 14, 2026: There are a variety of ways to frame a picture book. Prolific picture book author Tammi Sauer will discuss many of these structures (classic, how-to, reversal, etc.), provide examples of books that have used these structures successfully, and share tips for utilizing these structures in our own writing. This is a free event, but registration is required. This event is made possible by a grant from SCBWI and the Authors Coalition of America.

October 14, 2026: Hear Amy discuss how the UK's annual Young Adult Literature Convention (YALC) helped her find an agent, get published and be part of a thriving YA writing community. There will also be a writing exercise and audience Q&A.

Registration closes October 16, 2026: Karina Granda, Art Director at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers will give 7 written portfolio critiques. On November 14, each illustrator will have 15 minutes to discuss their artwork and written critique one-on-one with Karina during the two-hour virtual roundtable event. It's a great opportunity to present 10 - 12 pieces of your artwork to an industry professional for feedback. Portfolio Deadline: October 22, 2026 / Roundtable: November 14, 2026

October 17, 2026: Have you been told your book is “too quiet” or “needs more arc”? Do you have a vignette or mood-piece that wants to become a whole story? In this webinar with Melissa Manlove, Executive Editor at Sourcebooks, we’ll look at how these rich beginnings can turn into extraordinary connections with your reader--and whether your ‘rollercoaster’ leaves your readers’ hearts pounding…or just makes them pleasantly dizzy, we’ll explore how you can end up with a ride that is worth the price of admission!

October 19, 2026 (registration closes October 12): Based in the London office of the Creative Artists Agency, Agent Rachel Mann represents a broad range of work – including young adult, and middle-grade markets. She gravitates towards darkly comic and formally inventive works. She seeks compelling voices, unpatronizing writing, and vivid, complex characters. International settings and traditions and radical social commentary will always capture her attention. Rachel will provide feedback on 8 query letters submitted in advance.

October 19, 2026: Whether you're writing picture books, middle grade, or young adult fiction, creating a story with series potential requires a careful balance. The first book needs to feel complete and satisfying on its own, while also leaving room for readers, editors, and publishers to imagine what might come next. In this presentation, agent Estelle Laure (Folio Jr.) will take a practical look at today's publishing landscape. What do agents and editors mean when they say they're looking for "series potential"? How can writers position themselves to take advantage of opportunities without sacrificing the integrity of the story in front of them? And how do you avoid making the common mistake of spending all your energy setting up future books at the expense of the first one? Whether you're dreaming of a long-running series or just want to keep your options open, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of the publishing landscape and a bit of inspiration for developing stories, characters, and concepts that have room to grow while still delivering a compelling, marketable first book.

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.

October 29, 2026: From building characters readers want to revisit to creating worlds with room to grow, editor Carina Licon (Henry Holt) will talk about the qualities editors look for when evaluating series potential in middle grade and young adult novels, with a brief look at what works for picture book series as well. Whether you're drafting book one of a planned series or wondering if your manuscript has sequel potential, this session will offer an inside look at how editors think about series in today's children's publishing market.

November 5, 2026: "When I first started thinking about writing for children I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't have the first clue about the industry, how it worked or what was expected. I just had a passion for writing and liked the idea of getting a book published. I now have around 80 published titles, a further 10 in production, and have worked with many of the big UK publishing houses. In this session I'll tell you how I got my first deal and how I've grown my career over the past 26 years, while demystifying the industry to help you move forward in your own career."

November 6-8, 2026: Join us in Albuquerque—Friday night at Books on the Bosque and Saturday at CNM Workforce Training Center—for an enriching, community-building conference celebrating children's literature and its creators. Follow up with an online Handsprings Pitch Party Sunday afternoon.

November 7, 2026: Join the Austin SCBWI chapter for SIX hours of online learning focused on marketing, visibility, and growing your career! Learn from published authors and industry experts as they share practical strategies for using Pinterest and Facebook Groups, creating an effective website, building confidence in public speaking, and networking with purpose.

November 8, 2026: Calling all illustrators! Curious what art directors are looking for in a portfolio geared toward the children's publishing industry? Join us as Tracy Shaw, art director at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR), shares advice on best practices for organizing/curating your portfolio. Apply learned techniques to your portfolio, and assess the effectiveness of those changes by signing up for an optional 15-minute virtual portfolio review. Portfolio reviews participants are invited to a Virtual Happy Hour to debrief with other attendees and build community. The webinar will be on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 1pm CST. Portfolio Reviews will be on Sunday, December 13, starting at 1pm CST.

November 11, 2026: Janet Bruins, founder and publisher of Picnic Heist Publishing, will share what a small press may be looking for in nonfiction and take participants behind the scenes of how Picnic Heist develops its nonfiction titles. Explore how to identify a book’s genuine “value added”—not simply why its topic is important, but what this particular book contributes that existing titles do not. Participants will learn how to research relevant organizations and subject-matter experts and approach experts to help vet their stories. This webinar will be recorded for registrants. Submission opportunities available for registrants. Optional critiques are available for an additional cost.

November 14, 2026: Join us for a full day of keynotes and classes with professional faculty, as well as our wonderful PALs assisting with teaching. There will be opportunities for professional critiques, submission opportunities, an illustrators showcase, purchasing of members' books, and of course, mingling with your regional team and fellow members. Don't Miss This!

November 14, 2026: Meet The Editors: Frankie DeGiorgio, Assistant Editor, Scholastic, and Olivia Haase, Associate Editorial Coordinator of Children’s & YA Publishing, Sourcebooks, and Claire Tattersfield, Associate Editor, Viking Children’s Books. Get an inside look at the world of children’s publishing. They’ll introduce their publishing houses and the lines they acquire. They’ll also highlight favorite past and current projects and reveal their wish lists for future projects. There will be time at the end for a Q&A, and attendees will receive submissions guidelines following the meeting.

November 30, 2026: Join Costa Award winning author Jasbinder Bilan and discover more about her publication journey from the beginning to the present day. What does a typical day look like? Why are school visits and events a crucial part of being a children’s author? With eleven books under her belt in seven years, she will talk about her early inspirations, how she creates the magical worlds of her novels and why middle grade is her natural home.

December 8, 2026: Alice McGinty has spent the last 12 years successfully supporting herself as a writer through her writing camp (https://wordsonfirecamp.wordpress.com/), school visits, presentations, educational writing, book sales, writing coaching, tutoring, online writing workshops, and book reviews. While everyone’s journey and goals vary, in this presentation McGinty will cover techniques everyone can apply. These include: bread and butter (generating income you can count on); trajectory (setting a path); setting a minimum wage; thinking of yourself as a business person (setting financial and business goals, self presentation); and reaching (marketing, generating new ideas, growing as a writer). This webinar will be recorded and available for 30 days following the event.

December 19, 2026: 2026 Debut Children's Literature Authors and Illustrators from the SCBWI Global Community share lessons they learned on the path to publication.

January 16, 2027: In FABULOUS FIRST PAGES, Rachel Orr from Prospect Agency will take a look at what makes a strong, enticing beginning in picture books and novels, using examples from classic texts, her own clients’ work and manuscripts from San Diego SCBWI Season Ticket Holders. She’ll give tips for how to catch an agent’s eye in those opening lines, and warn against common pitfalls you’ll want to avoid. If time allows, Rachel will offer thoughts on how best to wrap-up a manuscript as well. Don’t miss it!

February 6, 2027: Children’s books help shape how young readers see themselves, understand others, and make sense of the world. That’s why allyship is so important in children’s book publishing. As authors and illustrators, we can create stories that help children feel seen while introducing them to experiences and perspectives different from their own. Allyship means listening to voices and communities that have historically been underrepresented, challenging stereotypes, seeking authentic perspectives, and supporting a broader range of creators and stories. It also means recognizing that we don’t have to share someone’s experience to care about it or stand beside them. As readers, we can practice allyship by seeking out diverse books, recommending them, and supporting the authors and illustrators who bring these perspectives to young readers. Together, we can help create a children’s publishing community where more voices are heard, more experiences are represented, and every child has the opportunity to find both a mirror of their own life and a window into someone else’s.

April 4, 2027: In this workshop senior literary agent Adria Goetz delves into how to incorporate humor into books for young readers. The instructor will examine successful humor-driven books, decode the secret to their success, and identify specific techniques you can use in your own work. Humor is a fantastic entry point into reading, particularly for kids who are intimidated by books, so the instructor takes silly books very seriously.