Conferences, Workshops & Retreats
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| © Sheila Keegan |
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
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)
August 2024
Aug 1-4 SCBWI Virtual Conference A children's book writing conference spectacular! Join in a vibrant digital environment that will uplift, inspire, and support you in writing and illustrating impactful children's books. Pitch your book to acquiring agents and editors. Get your art in front of industry pros. Explore all aspects of children’s book creation: writing, illustrating, translating, and marketing. Immerse yourself in sessions specifically for illustrators, traditionally published & self-published authors, nonfiction writers, graphic novel creators, picture book writers and more! Every attendee has access to the content of all 50 sessions for up to one month after the conference concludes.
September 2024
Sept. 20-26 Green Gable Retreat Join fellow writers and kindred spirits for a seven-day, six-night guided getaway to Cavendish, Prince Edward Island. Visit historic Anne of Green Gables landmarks. Write where Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote. Guided by award-winning author Gary Schmidt and renowned editor, author and VCFA faculty emerita Shelley Tanaka, each day will provide time to work on your writing as well as prompts and activities to spark your creativity. Participants may submit ten pages to each instructor for expert editorial review and will have a 30-minute one-on-one meeting with each instructor. (Cavendish, Prince Edward Island)
Sept. 12-15 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. We are also excited to offer two scholarships for diverse voices. (Menlo Park, CA)
October 2024
Oct. 5 Picture Book Summit Picture Book Summit is 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! The team has invested in a robust, online learning “classroom” so they can bring you award-winning, well-respected speakers and workshops LIVE, plus submission opportunities. (online)
Oct. 6 Rutgers One-on-One Plus 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. (New Brunswick, NJ)
February 2025
Feb. 21-23, 2025 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)