Lots of short webinars and conferences this month for both writers and illustrators. Find one that meets your needs!
Click the links to go directly to each list.
NOVEMBER EVENTS
Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, Awards, and Events
Webinars & Conferences
Multi-Week Courses (None starting this month)
REGISTER IN NOVEMBER FOR LATER
HAPPEN EVERY MONTH
For Everyone
For Illustrators
For Writers
To see what’s available all year ’round, and what’s coming up in early 2023, visit the PICTURE BOOK SUPPORT resource page.
Do you write for older readers? Check out November Middle Grade & Young Adult Opportunities.
Fee or free? Here’s a key:
(free) – no fee to enter or to participate
($) – fee to enter or to participate
(*See note) – look for *explanation within the blurb
NOVEMBER EVENTS
Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, Awards, & Events
Black Friday Bootcamp (Free)
Learn how to write, illustrate, and publish children’s books. (No artistic talent required.) November 25th, 2022, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific Time. Hosted and organized by Storyteller Academy and author Arree Chung.
Webinars & Conferences
Events lasting from an hour to a few days, in mostly chronological order.
Writing About Trauma and Grief for Kids (free)
Kids and teens need books that share the pain, hope, and journeys associated with trauma and grief. Panelists Ally Malinenko, Amber McBride and Linda Epstein each have experience in writing about trauma and grief for kids and teens sensitively and honestly. November 2, 2022 7:30-8:30pm Eastern Time. A free #HFGather from Highlights Foundation.
Working with Small Press Publishers ($)
Join Claire Noland, author of several books & upcoming books with small presses, and Maria Dismondy, the founder, publisher and CEO of Cardinal Rule Press as they discuss the ins and outs of working with small publishers. November 2, 2022 5:30pm Pacific Time. From SCBWI California: Central/Coastal.
Storytelling Beyond the Page: Engaging Your Audience through Authentic Connections ($)
Lauren Casey of bookstore Second Star to the Right will share tips on school visit, social media sharing, and engaging your audience. November 3, 2022, 7-8:30pm Mountain Time. From SCBWI Rocky Mountain.
Middle of the Map Annual Conference ($)
See link for schedule of events. In addition to real-time events, all Saturday webinars will be recorded and available through Thursday, January 5, 2023 to registered participants. November 3 – 6, 2022. From SCBWI Kansas / Missouri.
What Editors Want For Young Readers ($)
Editorial Director Sunita Apte will walk you through what editors (or at least this editor) look for when reviewing manuscripts for younger readers. November 5, 2022, 7pm Eastern Time. Hosted by SCBWI Pennsylvania: East.
April Pulley Sayre Celebration Conference ($)
A conference on writing nature-themed nonfiction for children, in the memory of April Pulley Sayre, November 5, 2022, 10am – 2pm, confirm time zone with organizers. Hosted by SCBWI Indiana.
Introduction to Writing Picture Books for Children ($)
Do you have a story you want to share with children? In this introductory two-part course, we will survey a range of contemporary picture books and explore writing techniques for crafting stories in this unique genre. Instructor: Mélina Mangal. Two Sessions: November 9 and 16, 2022, 6pm – 8pm Central Time. Hosted by The Loft.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Children’s Books ($)
Understanding Social-Emotional Learning and How to Enhance Your Creative Work to Support this Curriculum, with Michelle Nott. November 10, 2022, 7:30 – 9pm Central European Summer Time. Hosted by SCBWI Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg).
The Funny Women of Kidlit Confab ($)
Join us for a haha (and serious), craft-filled, questions-answered, yep, we are going there weekend! Day one is all about the industry, inspiration, and crafting our stories while assessing the marketplace. Day two is all about asking the hard questions, deepening connections made on day one, and moving our journey forward. November 12 – 13, 2022, 9am – 7pm Central Time. Hosted by The Writing Barn.
Crushing the Critique Group: Tips and Tricks for Long-term Success ($)
A panel of experts shares their know-how on how to make your critique group work. November 14, 2022, 6:30-8pm Eastern Time. Hosted by SCBWI Maryland/Delaware/West Virginia.
Introduction to Wordless Picture Books ($)
Join artist Kate Samworth for an introduction to the wordless picture book form, and the unique elements of narrative storytelling that are so crucial to telling a story through pictures. November 15, 2022, 7 – 8:15pm Eastern Time. From the Highlights Foundation.
We Really Do Care… a lot. ($)
A bookmaking conversation with editor, Neal Porter; illustrators, Juana Martinez-Neal and Molly Idle; author, Julie Fogliano; and art director, Jennifer Browne. November 15, 2022, 7:30-9pm. Hosted by New York: Metropolitan.
My Process Shop Talk Series: Jess Townes (free)
On Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 from 6- 7 pm, join us and PB author Jess Townes as she shares her process in writing her debut PB Spellbound. Hosted by Kansas/Missouri SCBWI.
The Five Principles of a Satisfying Picture Book ($)
Intensive with Cheryl Klein, Editorial Director at Algonquin Young Readers. Take a deep dive into crafting a picture book that children will want to read over and over again. November 19, 2022, 9am – 12noon Pacific Time. Hosted by SCBWI California: San Diego.
Giving Characters Life and Voice ($)
Utilizing techniques and examples from both theatre acting and children’s literature, this interactive workshop explores tools to build rich characters with standout voices and unique personalities. Charlotte Wenger, Literary Agent with Prospect Agency. November 19, 2022 2pm – 4pm Pacific Time. SCBWI California: San Diego Chapter Meeting.
Building Bountiful Board Books! (*see note)
How can you get started creating bountiful board books for the very youngest readers? Join us for this panel discussion with 5 professional kidlit authors who are releasing brand-new board books in 2023! Free for SCBWI members (any region); nonmembers pay admission. November 22, 2022, 8pm Israel Time. Hosted by SCBWI Israel.
It Takes Two – Co-Authoring Kidlit ($)
Join Nancy Churnin for this craft webinar on co-writing. When is it the right time to co-author a book? What are the factors that make this the best and most satisfying choice — and what are the concerns? November 27, 2022, 10am – 11:30 am Central Time. Hosted by The Writing Barn.
MAKING WAVES 2022: An Online Illustrator Event ($)
Join us for two days of craft-oriented presentations, hands-on intensives, optional critiques, and a juried art show! December 2 – 4, 2022. Registration closes 11/29. Hosted by SCBWI MD/DE/WV.
HAPPEN EVERY MONTH
For Both Illustrators and Writers
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.
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
Ditty of the Month Club (DMC) (free)
Practice writing in rhyme and submit your poem. A new challenge each month, plus interviews. Hosted by Michelle H. Barnes on Today’s Little Ditty website.
FireButtChallenge (free) (#FiBuCha)
About once a month, without warning, a #FiBuCha notice goes out on Twitter. You have 24 hours to write a new PB draft or revise an existing one. Grab a writing partner to keep yourselves accountable. Hosted by children’s authors Michal Babay and Katie Frawley.
#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 ($)
A 4-week course with short, daily lessons. Options for working with a small class or on your own. New enrollments begin the first of every month. Taught and hosted by children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill.
Monthly Twitter Writing Challenge (free)
Participants agree to aim for 500 words or 1 hour of editing each day for a month. Five hundred words? That’s a whole picture book. Founded by author Kristy Acevedo.
Penny’s Two Cents ($)
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 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.
Months of a Year Banner Illustrations by Blue Ring Media, Shutterstock
WRITERS' RUMPUS 
Marianne, this list is chock full of exceptional opportunities! I was thrilled to see the April Pulley Sayre Celebration Conference. I was privileged to attend one of her sessions about writing nonfiction picture books, and it was immensely informative and enjoyable.
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Such a loss. The conference is an excellent tribute to her.
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