Maryland/Delaware/West Virginia Regional events
Serious about improving your craft? SCBWI's regional events provide opportunities for professional growth and help you connect with a supportive, creative community.
Zoom Social Series
Feb 02, 2026 - Dec 07, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
A FREE online social for SCBWI Members hosted by MD/DE/WV Regional Advisor Mirka Hokkanen. Geared mostly for illustrators, but authors welcome to jump in too. Hop on zoom to build community with fellow kidlit creators. Ask questions, share wins, ask for feedback on a piece you are working on. These sessions will not be recorded.
PAL Storytime - Registration link below
Feb 10, 2026 - Dec 08, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
Come and listen to PAL authors and illustrators read their published book, and discuss their creative process. After reading, members are asked to share an online review of the story and/or request the book at their local library. This is a great time to come and ask questions from PAL members and give something in return. Register for this event via the google from link below.
Meetup at Olney Panera Bread
Apr 16, 2026 - Dec 16, 2026
1 event
Unlimited seats
Panera Bread, 18141 Town Center Dr Olney, MD 20832
Who wants to celebrate getting through another year of taxes? We’re having the first (of hopefully many) get-togethers in and around the Olney, MD area. It’s another opportunity for writers and illustrators to meet and share successes - or commiserate! If you would like to join us Thursday, April 16, 7 PM at the Olney Panera, 18141 Town Center Drive, please email Naomi Milliner at: [email protected]
SCBWI MDDEWV presents Writing an Early/Easy Reader? Let’s Talk Craft with Author Lola M. Schaefer
Apr 23, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
Learn the key components of an easy reader in recently published books. Bring two early readers that have been published in the past 3 years with you to the session to analyze. Learn to create a unique personality that is relevant and relatable for today's 4-7 year olds and find out what makes early readers sweet, sassy, quirky, or hilarious.
SCBWI MDDEWV presents Bringing the Vision to Life: Board Book Creation Behind the Scenes with Author Katrina Moore
May 14, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
In this informative, eye opening, and interactive webinar, author and early childhood educator Katrina Moore will take audience through an in-depth look into creating board books for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. She will break down their format, key features, target audience, and elements that make them stand out in a crowded marketplace, as well as give a behind-the-scenes look at the making of her Big Jobs For Little Babies board book series, from crafting through production. A Q&A will follow her presentation.
Pathways to Publishing Panel
May 21, 2026 - Jun 22, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
Join us for a lively discussion with three published authors as they discuss their pathways to publication and share their tips from along the years. We’ll have a full 30 minutes for Q&A after their talks, so this is a great time to bring your publishing related questions to the table. The panel will be moderated by our chapter regional advisor Mirka Hokkanen. This event will be recorded and a replay will be sent the following day. You’ll have 30 days to watch the replay.
Illustrators Critique Group
May 23, 2026 - May 24, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
Illustrators! Do you have a new project you’re working on and would like feedback on rough drawings BEFORE committing to a final? Join us Saturday, May 23rd, 12-1pm EST for our first open critique zoom hosted by MD/DE/WV IC Brittanny Handiboe. Don’t worry, the drawings don’t have to be perfect but do join with more than a thumbnail. Sessions will not be recorded so bring your notes and maybe a cup of coffee! Let’s work on those tricky compositions.
Industry Ready: Best Practices for Illustrators with Danamarie Hosler
Jun 29, 2026 - Jul 29, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
Our Summer Spring Board session for Illustrators is going to be amazing: 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.
Summer Springboard Query Intensive for Authors with Sam Cameron
Jul 11, 2026 - Aug 11, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
Launch your query this summer! Over the course of three sessions on Saturday, July 11 book coach Sam Cameron will help you draft your query, synopsis, and start your agent research. You’ll finish the day with everything you need to stop stalling and start submitting.