PSA: Every month, I stumble across an online event for PB creators that happened in the previous month, that wasn’t posted or publicized in time for me to include it. Don’t let this happen to your event! Email me directly through the contact form on the About Us page. I compile the list the third week of the previous month, and it publishes the Tuesday before the first of the month.
Hope you find something this month! –Marianne
Click the links to go directly to each list.
JULY EVENTS
Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, Awards, and Events
Webinars & Conferences
Multi-Week Courses
Fee or free? Here’s a key:
(free) – no fee to enter or to participate
($) – fee to enter or to participate
(*See note) – look for *explanation within the blurb
Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards
1st Annual Free Verse Poetry Contest ($)
Write a kidlit free-verse poem suitable for elementary, middle grade, or young adult on the theme of “Summer Snapshot” – open to interpretation. 100 words or less, not including title. Submissions open June 21 – July 21, 2024. Nominal entry fee. Hosted by Renée LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Lab.
#SunWriteFun
Non-fiction/Informational Picture Book Writing Contest, hosted by authors Jennifer Buchet & Karen Greenwald. Stretch your writing muscles & imagination as you craft a complete 200-word short story within the contest guidelines. Watch the page at this link for 2024 dates and submission details.
SCBWI Emerging Voices Award (free)
A grant to foster the emergence of diverse voices in children’s books. Applications open July 1 – July 30, 2024.
SCBWI Ezra Jack Keats Showcase Prize for Illustration
In honor of Ezra Jack Keats, the legendary author and illustrator of children’s books including The Snowy Day, Whistle for Willie, and Peter’s Chair, SCBWI will award one cash prize of $3,500 to a promising BIPOC illustrator. Check site for 2024 submission details.
SCBWI Volemos Grant
Awarded to one manuscript submitted by a writer of Hispanic/Latinx/Ibero-American heritage. The winner will receive $500 along with a one-year SCBWI membership, registration to the summer conference, and a coaching session to further their creative career. Check site for 2024 submission details.
Black Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest (free)
The contests’ mission is to elevate authentic, culturally relevant children’s stories written by and about Black people. Every entry is considered for publication and three cash prizes will be awarded. See link above for details. Submissions open on June 19, 2024, check link for when they close. Sponsored by Free Spirit Publishing and Strive Publishing.
Webinars & Conferences
Events lasting from an hour to a few days, in mostly chronological order.
2024 kidlit@Hollins Symposium ($)
The 2nd biennial kidlit@hollins Symposium, chaired by Lisa Rowe Fraustino, will focus on the theme of “Valuing.” Invited keynoters include author Mitali Perkins and Assistant Professor Stephanie Toliver. See link for full details. On Zoom, June 27 – 30, 2024. From The Hollins Digital Commons.
Drab to Delightful: Craft Engaging Characters for Picture Books ($)
This Summer Springboard for Illustrators from Mirka Hokkanen is a 2-part class designed to help you take your character designs from bland and stiff to charming and energetic. Two sessions: June 29 and July 27, 2024, 12 – 1:30pm Eastern. Register by noon Friday, June 28. From SCBWI MDDEWV.
Digging Deeper: The Nuts & Bolts of Translating KidLit ($)
Join Nanette McGuinness, award-winning translator of the much-loved Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novels and many more, as she discusses the nuts & bolts of translating kidlit. July 6, 2024, 1 – 3pm Eastern. From SCBWI Canada East.
Write Now! Summer Specials ($)
Hoping to reach a writing milestone this summer? Join Write Now! host Shari Becker and special guest Heather Demetrios for dedicated mornings of writing designed for you to completely immerse yourself in your craft. July 8 and July 17, 2024, From Whale Rock Workshops.
Transforming True Events Into Picture Books ($)
Author Nancy Churnin will share craft techniques that will show you how to make stories about true events compelling and emotion-filled. July 9, 2024, 7 – 8:15pm Eastern Time. Hosted by SCBWI MidAtlantic.
Writing and Submitting “The Story of My Heart” ($)
How do you turn the story of your heart into a traditionally published book? Author Monica Acker will define the meaning, provide tips on taking that story from personal to publishable, and share her experience from story conception, to rejections, to publication. July 10, 2024, 5 – 6pm Eastern Time. From SCBWI New England.
Growing Readers by Growing Ourselves: Literacy Development for Authors and Educators ($)
As authors, educators, and professionals who bring story to kids, we have a real responsibility to nurture a love of reading. Join us for this two-night mini course that offers professional development practices in literacy, with authors and educators Nawal Qarooni and Jasmine Warga. July 11 & 18, 2024, 7pm Eastern. From Highlights Foundation.
Picture Book Pagination ($)
Pagination, pacing, page-turns—these are some key elements that can make or break a picture book. In this workshop, Danielle Collins, Assistant Editor at Simon & Schuster, explains the mechanics of picture book pagination. July 12, 2024, 12 – 2pm Mountain Time. From SCBWI Utah/Southern Idaho.
Successful Strategies for Submitting Your Manuscript to Agents and Editors ($)
Join editor Harold Underdown to uncover strategies for successfully submitting your manuscript to agents and editors. July 15 & July 18, 2024, 7pm – 8:15pm Eastern. From the Highlights Foundation.
Picture Books: Using Dummies/Storyboards ($)
Through examples, exercises, and hands-on activities, Denise Vega will help you explore book dummies and storyboards and how they can improve your story’s pacing and page turnability. July 17, 2024, 4:40 – 6:30pm Mountain Time. From Lighthouse Writers.
Writing Humor in Kidlit ($)
Join author Donna Gephart for a Craft Webinar that’s all about infusing humor into books for kids and teens! July 20, 2024, 11am – 12:30pm Central Time. From The Writing Barn.
Picture Book Palooza! (free)
Annual SLJ Picture Book Palooza, an all-day, free virtual celebration of authors and artists dedicated to the visual dance and extraordinary craft of picture books! July 25, 2024, 10am – 5pm Eastern Time. Hosted by School Library Journal (SLJ).
Multi-Week Courses
Courses lasting more than a day or two.
Picture Book Plotting from A To Z ($)
Are you ready to do a deep, deep dive into picture book structure? If A is for ARC, and Z is for ZILLIONS, just imagine all of the learning that happens in between! Get ready to read, write, and WORK on all things Picture Book Plotting, from A to Z. Instructor: Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen. July 18 – August 15, 2024, with live sessions on Thursdays from 7:30 – 8:30pm Eastern Time. From the Highlights Foundation.
Intensive Picture Book Workshop ($)
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), Twitter chat for children’s book illustrators & friends. Moderated by author/illustrators @RubinPingk and Charlene Chua (@charlenedraws).
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.
Likes Publishing Picture Book Critique Group (free)
Live, free online meetings for serious writers, 8 times a month! You do not need to attend every meeting, but you are expected to be present and participate when you do. Register at link above. Hosted by Kelly M. Likes.
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.
WIFYR Book Club (free)
Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers hosts monthly zoom meetings with an author presenter and time for Q&A, to discuss everything from picture books through young adult. Pauses for summer months. Register at this link. Hosted by WIFYR.
Months of a Year Banner Illustrations by Blue Ring Media, Shutterstock
WRITERS' RUMPUS 
Thanks for all the great info!
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