Conferences, Workshops & Retreats
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| © 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
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)
January 2026
Jan. 16- Jan. 18 SCBWI Winter conference Join SCBWI's annual Winter Conference for children's book writers, translators, and illustrators is back with even more options for exploring the many facets of the craft and business of illustrating, translating, and writing books for kids. Highlights include: industry panels, one-on-one manuscript and portfolio consultations, a half-day intensive just for illustrators, the popular Portfolio Showcase and a choice of twenty-eight craft or business breakout sessions. Back by popular demand: expanded publishing house tours with unprecedented access to editors in the children’s publishing industry! (New York City)
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)
March 2026
March 13- 15 Whispering Pines Retreat Join serious children's book writers and illustrators to improve your craft and network with industry professionals. Attend presentations and have one-on-one meetings with mentors about your manuscript. applications due Dec 4-5.
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. (Spring 2026)