Happy May! Here’s the roundup of online events. Did you know that events are posted in advance on the PICTURE BOOK SUPPORT resource page? Try using a search term there to find upcoming events.
Click the links to go directly to each list.
Fee or free? Here’s a key:
(free) – no fee to enter or to participate
($) – fee to enter or to participate
(*See note) – look for *explanation within the blurb
Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards
Mermay Contest (free)
A month-long mermaid-themed illustration and animation challenge, with a different optional prompt for every day of the month. Post artwork on Instagram with challenge hashtags to be eligible for some serious prizes. May 1 – 31, 2024. Hosted by illustrator Tom Bancroft.
#KidLitPit (free)
Twitter pitching event for KidLit authors to pitch to agents and publishers. Events will kick off in late May 2024, according to this post. Guidelines here, Twitter here.
Webinars & Conferences
Events lasting from an hour to a few days, in mostly chronological order.
2024 Year-Long Writing Project Information Session (free)
If you’re curious about the Loft’s Year-Long Writing Project in Fiction or Children’s Literature, come find out more! The teaching mentors Lisa Bullard (Children’s Literature) and Alison McGhee (Adult Fiction) will briefly share an overview about what to expect. May 1, 2024, 4:40 – 5:30pm Central Time. From The Loft.
PR Like a Rockstar ($)
Unleash Your Inner Publicist in the World of Book Publishing and learn to be your own publicist. May 3, 2024, 12noon-1:30pm Eastern. Led by Blair Northen Williamson, picture book author. From Writing Workshops.
MayFest 2024 Virtual Conference ($)
Come join us for a virtual one-day conference! MayFest features a keynote speaker, an editor panel, an agent panel, an art portfolio showcase, and optional Zoom critiques (submissions due April 1). May 4, 2024, 9am – 2pm Pacific Time. Hosted by SCBWI San Diego.
The All Texas Writers and Illustrators Conference ($)
This conference is being offered both in-person and online. See link for details. May 4 – 5, 2024. Hosted by SCBWI Texas chapters.
Story Therapy: Learn How To Get Out of a Writing Rut ($)
Have you hit a wall in your writing? Are you unsure about which direction to take your character or plot? Join Hollywood producer, writer Jordanna Fraiberg for a “story therapy session.” Sunday May 5, 2024, 4pm Eastern Time. Hosted by Whale Rock Workshops.
Disability Representation in Picture Book Illustration ($)
Join illustrators Kaz Windness and Katie Mazeika to learn more about representing disabled characters through illustration. Tuesday and Thursday, May 7 & May 9, 2024, 7 – 8:15pm Eastern Time. From The Highlights Foundation.
Don’t Forget Grandma!: How to Include Grandparents and Elders in Your Work ($)
Including grandparents and elders in your work a great way to help readers who live in intergenerational communities connect with your stories. Addie Woolridge will share how and why she writes flawed, funny, and fabulous grandparents, and how you can include them in your work, too. May 11, 2024, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Pacific Time. From SCBWI California: San Francisco/South
Book Launch Boot Camp: Strategy, Online Promotion & School Visits ($)
You’ve got a book coming out. Your dream is coming true. But why does the idea of self promotion, school visits and launching your book feel like a nightmare? Time to sign up for SCBWI British Isles’ famous BOOK LAUNCH VIRTUAL BOOT CAMP. May 11 – 12, 2024. Hosted by SCBWI British Isles.
True to Character (from any angle) ($)
Author-Illustrator Mike Malbrough will share his insights into creating memorable characters and offer advice on how to keep them consistent throughout a project. May 13, 2024, 7pm Eastern Time. Sample illustration, picture book, and graphic novel critiques available at additional cost (submissions due May 10). Hosted by SCBWI Pennsylvania East.
Writing Is a Revolution. Loving Your Writing Is the Real Revolution ($)
Do you need inspiration to write? Would you like to jumpstart your writing routine? Could you benefit from thinking about your writing practice in new ways? Then this Shop Talk with author Valerie Bolling is for you. May 13, 2024, 5 – 6pm Eastern Time. From SCBWI-New England.
Submission & Acquisition & Bookmaking: Demystifying Publishing Processes ($)
This workshop will demystify the processes of publishing. Led by Charlesbridge Senior Editor, Karen Boss, and hosted by Author Rosie J. Pova. A special direct submission opportunity will be available to registrants after the workshop! May 14, 2024, 4:30 PM Central Time.
Writing in Different Categories from Board Books to Chapter Books ($)
A picture book idea might be better suited as a chapter book, or an early reader, or a board book. But how do you know? And how do you tackle a new category? Author and illustrator Vicky Fang talks about how to expand your storytelling skills. May 14, 2024, 7 – 8:15pm Eastern Time. Hosted by SCBWI MidAtlantic.
Strengthening Voice in Narration and Illustration (*See note)
Author and Publishers Weekly book reviewer Susan Metallo shares her experience analyzing voice in prose, poetry, and illustration. May 14, 2024, 7-8:30 p.m. Mountain Time. *Attend free by emailing in advance to the address at the website. Nominal fee to access recording through June 14. From SCBWI New Mexico.
Writing Irresistible Query Letters ($)
Let former literary agent Mary Kole guide you through what an irresistible cover letter is—and isn’t—and how to pull yours off with style and flair. May 14, 2024, 6:30pm Pacific Time. From SCBWI Oregon
Writing With Pride for Picture Book Writers ($)
Join celebrated authors Lesléa Newman and Rob Sanders for this short course designed to bring LGBTQIA+ creators and their allies together to study the craft of picture books. May 14 & 16, 2024, 7pm – 8:15pm Eastern Time. From the Highlights Foundation.
Cover Stories ($)
Book covers are hugely important in the making of a book. Shortcuts can result in a lost opportunity in engaging the reader before the first page. Join school librarian and illustrator/designer Lisa Allen to learn what works and what doesn’t in making book covers. Sunday 19th May 2024, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM New Zealand Time– Check both date and time in your time zone. From SCBWI New Zealand.
Bookkeeping For Writers: Learn How to Balance Your Books as an Artist ($)
Did you know that as a writer or illustrator, you are essentially a small business owner? How to begin on the finance side of writing? Join bookkeeper Beckie Rosenberg for this finances-based seminar. Wednesday May 28, 2024, 7pm Eastern Time.
From Pencil or Paint to Pixel ($)
Beginning illustrators can join children’s book author/illustrator Courtney Pippin-Mathur to talk about approaches to using different media in your illustrations. Special guest Aram Kim will join us for ten tips about submitting work to an art director. May 28 & 30, 2024, 7-8:15pm, Eastern Time. From the Highlights Foundation.
Multi-Week Courses
Courses and opportunities lasting more than a day or two.
Publishing Skills for Writers ($)
Author Kathy MacMillan will cover techniques for effective agent and publisher research, the nitty-gritty details of formatting your manuscript for submission (with detailed demos), and best practices for communicating professionally in a digital world, and more. Four Mondays starting May 1, 2024, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Eastern Time. Hosted by Writing Workshops.
Intensive Picture Book Workshop ($)
Work with a developmental editor in SIX 30-minute Zoom meetings as you write and revise your fiction or nonfiction picture book. Start anytime, complete within 10 weeks. Led by Anastasia Suen, author (and ghostwriter) of 400+ books for children, teens, and adults.
HAPPEN EVERY MONTH
For Both Illustrators and Writers
12 x 12 Picture Book Chat (free)
Join 12 x 12 Challenge Founder Julie Hedlund each month as she hosts picture book creators who read their books and discuss their path to publishing. Plus, they’ll answer your questions during a live Q&A session.
KidLitAMA (free)
KidLit Ask Me Anything interviews with kidlit creators, hosted on Bluesky Social by Debbie Ridpath Ohi. Check site for details on this month’s KidLitAMA!.
LitMingles (free)
Every month, the Los Angeles Region SCBWI hosts multiple LitMingles, opportunities to discuss topics of interest to kidlit writers and illustrators. For this month’s LitMingles calendar, go to the link above and then click the “LitMingle Calendar” link at the top of the landing page. Hosted by SCBWI Los Angeles, open to everyone via Zoom.
PBParty New Draft Challenge (free)
Usually the third Thursday of each month, unless it conflicts with a pitch party, so check web site. All day, Eastern Time. Hosted by Mindy Alyse Weiss.
PB Workshop Chat Group (free)
In the PB Workshop chat server you can discuss writing, ask for tips and opinions, share your favorite books, discuss events, etc. Hosted on the Discord App by author Chris Nantais.
Storytime Sprint (free)
A monthly, short and sweet, online event where an author (usually debut) reads their new picture book. Participants then have 24 hours to SPRINT to leave an honest review or a library purchase request in order to be entered into a drawing for a prize from the author. Hosted by Ryann Jones and Andi Chitty.
For Illustrators
Color Collective (free)
Weekly Twitter challenge for illustrators where you make work based on a single color.
kidlitart (free)
Every Thursday, 9pm Eastern Time (2am UTC), Chat for children’s book illustrators & friends. Moving from Twitter/X to BlueSky, starting January 24, 2024. Moderated by author/illustrators Charlene Chua (@charlenedraws.bsky.social) and Tiffany Harvey (@tiffanyharveyart.bsky.social)
Inktober 52 (free)
A weekly drawing challenge for the entire year: one prompt a week, 52 weeks in the year, 52 drawings. Hosted by illustrator Jake Parker.
Might Could Studiomates (free)
Tired of social media, but still want a space to share your art and be inspired? Meet artist friends and grow your art practice in this free, private online community. Founded by artist Christine Nishiyama.
SCBWI Draw This! Challenge (See note*)
Monthly challenge for illustrators with a new theme each month. Submit by the 20th for next month’s gallery. *No application fee, but must be a dues-paying member of SCBWI.
For Writers
#FirstDraftFriday (free)
The first Friday of each month, 8am-8pm Eastern Time (1pm-1am UTC), write a new picture book first draft with inspiration from the day’s blog post featuring guest authors, then enter to win a free MS critique. #FirstDraftFriday. Hosted by children’s writer Hollie Wolverton.
Making Picture Book Magic ($)
A 4-week course with short, daily lessons. Options for working with a small class or on your own. New enrollments begin the first of every month. Taught and hosted by children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill.
Penny’s Two Cents ($)
Picture book author Penny Parker Klostermann offers video chat sessions, small-group webinars, and packages that include feedback on picture book manuscripts. Contact Penny here to schedule.
Picture Book Power Hour (free)
PB Power Hour is “a Quick Moving Exercise-Based Hour” for picture book writers at all stages. It is free to attend and occurs on the first Sunday of each month, except for July. Sign up here. Hosted by author Jamie Rodarte.
Picture Book Study Hall ($)
Marcie Colleen hosts this month-long online critique group for writers who have multiple picture book manuscripts to revise. New session starts each month.
South Asian Scribe Squad (free)
Nine agented writers of South Asian descent offer free weekly picture book critique opportunities on Twitter. The goal is to give back to the writing community that has helped all of us in our journey. The giveaways are open to all PB writers. Follow the South Asian Scribe Squad for opportunity alerts!
WIFYR Book Club (free)
Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers hosts monthly zoom meetings with an author presenter and time for Q&A. We discuss everything from picture books through young adult. Pauses for summer months. Register at this link. Hosted by WIFYR.
Do you, your local writing organization, SCBWI region, etc. host virtual events that are available to anyone with an internet connection? Would you like them listed here? Please share the info in the comments, or use our Contact Form.
Months of a Year Banner Illustrations by Blue Ring Media, Shutterstock
WRITERS' RUMPUS 
Thanks for all the great info!
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