MD/DE/WV Region

July 17th, 2025 No matter your story’s genre, research can save you time when writing or illustrating and bring your work to life! Join nonfiction author-illustrator Melissa H. Mwai as she shares her research tips and experiences from working with publishers like National Geographic, DK, and Paw Prints. Along with a Q&A, there will be an interactive research challenge!

July 14th, 6.30-8pm ET Although every creator's path to publication is different, there are some insights to be gleaned from Matt's particular journey. In this presentation, Matt will share how he first approached the prospect of getting traditionally published, how critique groups and networking helped him develop his skills and grow his career, and why he remains unagented after publishing for ten years. (Hint: the answer to that last question is surprisingly simple!)

Typography Can Make or Break Your Picture Book Dummy with Brian LaRossa Creating a picture-book-dummy is the first step toward publishing a book that could have a profound impact on a child’s life. Picture-book-dummies are reviewed in-house by professional editors and art directors who have deep experience with the craft of constructing books. Don’t let your heartfelt storytelling and art be upstaged by novice typography and book design. In this talk we’ll go deep, but not too deep. After all, you’re aiming to become published, not to become a professional book designer. Instead, a carefully curated selection of just-right best-practices and pro-tips have been packaged specifically with author/illustrators in mind. Learn to make your picture-book-dummies shine! Registration page coming soon