Conferences, Workshops & Retreats
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| © Alice Carter |
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)
October 2026
Oct 3 Picture Book Summit. Join a world-class online conference for picture book writers and illustrators. With 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, this is the one conference for children’s writers you don’t want to miss! This is a robust, online learning “classroom”with award-winning, well-respected speakers and workshops LIVE. This means you’ll have opportunities for Q&A, interaction with other attendees, and live customer service throughout the entire event. Plus, you get access to event replays for three months.
July 13 application deadline - Oct. 24 Rutgers One-on-One Conference A 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. (Rutgers, NJ)
Oct. 24-27 Better Books Marin: If you're a MG or YA writer, come spent October 24-27 with our community, including this year's amazing faculty: Irene Vásquez, literary scout at Maria Campbell Associates; Sheila Knigge, agent with High Line Literary Collective; Hannah Teachout, literary assistant at Folio Literary Management, and award-winning author Gary Schmidt. The small workshop (limited to less than 24 people) offers in-depth review of a WIP, deep craft discussions, and a supportive community.
Oct. 30-Nov. 1 Big Sur on Cape Cod For the past twenty-five years, Andrea Brown has brought this Workshop comprised of top tier professionals and new and seasoned writers together. Andrea is the Founder and President Emeritus of Andrea Brown Literary Agency, long recognized as one of the top agencies for children’s book writers and illustrators.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.
(North Falmouth, MA)
January 2027
Sept 6-13 application period for Jan.21-24 Kindling Words East. For 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 (Providence, RI)