Wisconsin 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.
Aug 9, 2026 WI Critique Group Renaissance
Aug 09, 2026 - Sep 09, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
Melissa Manlove presents: Climb inside an editor’s brain and learn the 10 most powerful questions to ask yourself as you critique others’ work—or your own! Then we will practice the exponential power of phrasing your critique as questions (again, to others and to yourself).
Sept. 19 SW Area Meetup
Sep 10, 2026
Unlimited seats
Sun Prairie Library
Join us at 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19th at the Sun Prairie Library. Featuring the topic "Plotting the Bones of Your Story" with Sarah J. Mendonca. The building recently underwent a beautiful transformation, and you've got to save time to check out the children's area (and fish tank) before/after our meet-up. We will be in their new conference room. Please RSVP to Sam at [email protected] (ideally by 9/16) if you can make it!
October 8 - 10, 2026 Engaging Stories Conference
Oct 08, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
11 event
Available seats 13
Attend sessions to improve your craft. Take part in an intensive 3 hour session offered by pros in the writing/illustrating field. Meet fellow authors, illustrators, editors, and agents. You'll leave feeling ENGAGED and motivated to complete your latest work.
Nov. 11, 2026 Value-Added Nonfiction: How to Get Noticed and Get It Right
Nov 11, 2026 - Dec 11, 2026
1 event
Online event
Unlimited seats
VALUE ADDED NONFICTION What makes a nonfiction picture book stand out—and what can an author do before submitting to make the case for it stronger? 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. We’ll 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. Janet will also discuss the less obvious but crucial benefits these relationships can bring to the writing, illustrations, and sales potential of a title. Experts and organizations may contribute to stronger back matter, endorsements, partnerships, bulk sales, events, and specialty-market opportunities. Participants will leave with practical steps they can take before submitting a manuscript to strengthen its credibility, clarify its audience, demonstrate its market potential, and help a publisher envision its path from manuscript to readers. This webinar will be recorded for registrants. Submission opportunities available for registrants.