Conferences, Workshops & Retreats

© You Jung Hyun

The following is a list of conferences and workshop retreats offered for writers across the country. Conferences are listed first, chronologically, and retreats follow.

 CONFERENCE TIPS

How to Decide if a Writer's Retreat is Right for You

Tips for Attending the Summer Conference

Tips for Conference SCBWI Conference Newbies, Second Timers, plus a challenge for Many Timers

Ask the Agent: Do You Need to Go to Writing Conferences?

On SCBWI, Advice for Authors and Illustrators

Seven Tips for Your Next Writers' Conference

Jane's Guide to Getting the Most Our of a Writers Conference

CONFERENCES

SCBWI Events Calendar- Workshops, conferences, retreats and regional events. We do not list the individual regional SCBWI conferences on this page. 

Craft Writers' Workshops/Retreats not limited to kid lit

What are the Great Children's Literature Writing Retreats? (older link but many of these conferences are still running)

Your Work Deserves It: Conferences to Consider

 July 2025

July 9-13, Southampton Writers Conference Children's Lit Conference. Workshop your picture book, middle grade, or young adult (YA) novel by the sea with award-winning, best-selling authors!

Set on the beautiful Stony Brook Southampton campus, this five-day immersive experience brings together both emerging and established writers in a supportive, inspiring environment. Attendees receive 14 hours of workshops over five days, plus 8 optional talks and lectures as part of the larger Southampton Writers Conference, 4 salon events, 4 evening readings, and one night of Selected Shorts. (May 1 application deadline)

July 31-Aug 3 SCBWI Virtual Summer Conference Ready to take your children’s book career to the next level? Wherever you are in your publishing journey, the Virtual Summer Conference provides an opportunity for growth, creativity, and connection. Dive into every aspect of the children’s book world, from writing and illustrating to translating, marketing, and self-publishing. Put your art in front of industry pros in the career-launching Portfolio Showcase. And get inspired by sessions tailored for illustrators, picture book authors, nonfiction writers, graphic novel creators, and more—no matter your path or publishing background. Best of all? You’ll have access to all 50+ sessions until September 14th, so you can learn and grow at your own pace. Join us and invest in your passion. It’s time to bring your stories to life! REGISTRATION OPENS TUESDAY, MAY 13TH AT 10AM PACIFIC / 1PM EASTERN

October 2025

October 15-19, R(ev)ise and Shine Writing Retreat in Vermont's beautiful Green Mountains during peak foliage season at Potash Hill! This residency is open to everyone. We welcome all writers to join us, from picture book to adult fiction. Whether you have published before or are just starting out, we will tailor your experience to meet you where you are in your writing journey. You will be assigned two mentors who will work closely with you to determine your unique strengths and needs as a writer, as well as what’s working and what isn’t (yet!) in your current draft. Together we will help you design a plan of action for your next revision or for getting out of a stuck place. Come prepared to leap over hurdles that have been getting in your way. In addition to our R(ev)ise and Shine Faculty: Lesa Cline-Ransome, Rob Costello, Jo Knowles, and Jennifer Jacobson, this year we will be joined by guest Editor Eileen Robinson, Agent, Stephen Barbara, James E. Ransome (as our special guest illustrator) and Alysa Wishingrad (as our special guest author). (Marlboro, VT)

February 2026

 Feb. 20-22, 2026 Big Sur Workshop with Andrea Brown Literary Agency Long recognized as one of the top agencies for children’s book writers and illustrators, Andrea Brown Literary Agency (ABLA) brings top tier professionals together with both beginner and seasoned writers. This popular workshop fills quickly. Two industry professionals will mentor you in very small group sessions where one-on-one feedback is provided. Writers will get the chance to mingle and discuss their works with editors, agents, and published authors throughout the all-inclusive weekend. (Big Sur, California)

 Other Conferences (watch for dates)

Better Books Marin: The Better Books Workshop, limited to fewer than 28 seasoned writers, is designed to provide deep immersion in craft. The schedule includes faculty master class sessions, group discussions, and a 30-40 minute faculty-led critique of 25 pages. (Menlo Park, CA) 

Kindling WordsFor more than 30 years, Kindling Words has been the leading professional retreat for the children’s book world.  Published authors and illustrators and editors hone the tools of their craft, engage in deep conversation with colleagues and fill the creative well with fresh ideas. (Whidbey Island, WA and Providence, RI)

Rutgers One-on-One Conference The unique one-on-one format gives writers and illustrators a rare opportunity to share their work with an assigned mentor from the children's publishing world, whether it be an editor, agent, art director, or published author or illustrator. These professionals generously volunteer their time to not only critique the work of new and talented writers and illustrators, but also to share constructive information about the overall business of publishing. Every attendee is guaranteed a forty-five minute one-on-one manuscript or portfolio review session, and there are additional opportunities to network with our faculty members.