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)
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).
April 30-June 25 (April 9 registration deadline) Boyds Mill Press Whole Novel Workshop for Middle Grade and YA Writers. Apply for this transformative opportunity to have your entire draft (up to 85,000 words*) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and a private consultation provided. This online program is for any writer of a middle grade or young adult novel. Includes live sessions/lectures on four Thursdays (April 30-June 25), peer-to-peer workshopping, private consultations. ($2,199)
June 2026
June 15-19 Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Our week-long conference is filled with hands-on workshops where the faculty work with you on your manuscript. As a participant, you get feedback from an agent or editor on your writing, opportunities to network with writers, and five days of breakout sessions filled with craft-specific topics designed for kidlit authors.Once WIFYR week is complete, you’re not stranded. There's year-round support designed to help you achieve your writing and publishing goals.
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)
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. (Scholarship deadline is April 3)
(North Falmouth, MA)
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)