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)
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.
April 2026
Apr. 11, 2026 in San Bruno, California, SCBWI California: San Francisco/South Golden Gate Fest 2026 Looking for an in-person conference that gives you access to industry professionals? Join us at Golden Gate Fest for our regional conference with the timely theme "Finding Courage: Creating Through Resistance." Our faculty includes multiple Caldecott Honoree author-illustrator Marla Frazee, agents Sarah Stephens (Red Fox Literary) and Sophie Sheumaker (BookEnds Literary Agency), art director Sasha Illingworth (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), and editors Esther Hernandez - formerly Cajahuaringa (Knopf BFYR, Penguin Random House) and Danielle Collins (Beach Lane Books, Simon & Schuster). You’ll get a chance to hear from them and have submission opportunities after the conference. Incredible value. Fulfilling experiences. You deserve this day for you. Registration is open now. (In-person).
October 2026
Oct. 24-27 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)
Other Conferences (watch for dates)
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)
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)