 |
| © Stacy Ebert |
The following is a list of conferences and workshop retreats offered for writers across the country. Conferences are listed first, chronologically, and retreats follow.
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
College Kid Lit Conferences -listing of children's literature conferences around the country
What are the Great Children's Literature Writing Retreats?
Retreats & Writing Workshops (a great list)
JULY
July 8-12 The Southampton Children’s Lit Conference - July 8-12, 2020 The Southampton Children's Lit Conference provides a unique forum in which to study and discuss the craft of writing for children. World-renowned authors, illustrators and editors offer inspiration and guidance through workshops, lectures, group discussions and special presentations. Open to new, established and aspiring writers, the Conference is located in the Hamptons at the Eastern End of New York's Long Island—a resort area of natural beauty. The Children's Lit writing workshops are led by authors and editors of the first rank, and are the heart and soul of the conference experience. Picture Book, Middle Grade and YA workshops meet daily for 3 hour sessions. Enrollment is limited to 12 students per workshop.
July 9-12 The First Biennial Interdisciplinary Symposium hosted by the Graduate Programs in Children’s Literature at Hollins University This interdisciplinary symposium invites papers that theorize and seek solutions to marginalization and the paradox of adult “Others” producing literature and culture for children. We seek submissions from publishing practitioners and scholars in any discipline and from any ethnic, gender, or abled identity. The organizers expect that an edited collection of essays will emerge from the symposium. Proposals of 500 words or less due by Feb. 14, 2020.
AUGUST
Aug 9-16 Writer's Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices Apply for a one-week intensive workshop in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, genre, and screenwriting in Los Angeles. Twelve writers will be selected for each category; scholarships are available. Applications due by Feb. 2
Aug. 9-14 Art of the Picture Book with Duncan Tonatiuh Picture books are a uniquely challenging and potent art form, where both words and images work in tandem to create a story. Join Duncan Tonatiuh, the award-winning children’s book author and illustrator, for a week-long residency workshop at Buxton School. For further information and to register, go to www.buxtonschool.org/summerprograms and scroll down to Artist Workshop Residencies. (Williamstown, MA)
SEPTEMBER
Sept 11-13 Big Sur in Cape Cod Sponsored by Andrea Brown Literary Agency, a working conference for children's writers (PB to YA), where two industry professionals 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 weekend. (Cape Cod, MA)
Oct. 5. Picture Book Summit A world-class online conference for picture book writers and illustrators, featuring keynotes and workshops from bestselling, award-winning authors and illustrators, plus other learning and networking opportunities for aspiring picture book authors around the globe, all from the comfort of home.
October 2020 Whale Rock Workshop - Anne of Green Gables Adventure Workshop with award-winning MG & YA author Gary Schmidt (Green Gables, Canada). Sign up for newsletter for more info.
NOVEMBER
Nov. 4-8 Master Skills Picture Book Workshop Phoebe Yeh (VP/Publisher, Crown Books for Young Readers) and Maria Modugno (Executive Editorial Director, Random House Children's) will teach this workshop reserved for published and/or agented picture book authors only. (Concord, MA)
DECEMBER
Dec. 4-6 Big Sur Conference Sponsored by Andrea Brown Literary Agency, a working conference for children's writers (PB to YA), where two industry professionals 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 weekend. (Big Sur, CA)
Feb. 27 The Write Universe Kid Lit Workshop with Random House Editor Frances Gilbert. Random House Editor, Frances Gilbert, will share honest insight about the reasons she rejects manuscripts, the behind-the-scenes process of accepted manuscripts, picture book hooks that work, plus much more. Q&A sessions will assure that she answers your burning questions about picture book publishing, working with an editor, acquisitions with a "Big Five" house etc. Opportunity for feedback. (Richardson, TX)
