October Picture Book Opportunities

It’s a big month for special events, and for webinars, with more than the usual number for illustrators. Check out the list and find something to get–or keep– your creative juices going.

Click the links to go directly to each list.

OCTOBER EVENTS
Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, Awards, and Events
Webinars & Conferences 
Multi-Week Courses 

REGISTER IN OCTOBER FOR LATER

HAPPEN EVERY MONTH
For Everyone
For Illustrators
For Writers

Also see KidLit Graphic Novel Resources.

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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 

OCTOBER EVENTS

Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards

Latino Voices in Children’s Literature Writing Contest (free)
The contest’s mission is to elevate authentic, culturally relevant children’s stories written by and about Latino people. Every entry is considered for publication and three cash prizes will be awarded. Open to Latino authors who are at least 18 years of age or older and residing anywhere in the United States. No entry fee. See details at link above. Submissions open September 9 – October 14, 2024. Sponsored by Free Spirit Publishing and Con Todo Press.

Fall Writing Frenzy (free)
Write 200 words inspired by one of the contest photos, and submit it between October 1 — October 3, 2024. A badge for all participants, prizes for winners. Usually happens in October, watch site linked above. Hosted by Lydia Lukidis and Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez.

#SeasonsOfKidLit’s Trick-or-Treat Event (free)
Month-long fall-themed event filled with book recommendations and interviews with authors, illustrators, publishers, and literary agents, plus fun Tricks and tons of Treats for kidlit creators! More info at the link above. The fun runs from October 1 – 31, 2024. From #SeasonsOfKidLit, Heather Macht, Lynne Marie, and Rate Your Story.

Halloweensie Contest (free)
Write a 100-word Halloween story appropriate for ages 12 and under, following prompt for the current year. Prize for the winner. Search Susanna’s blog to find this year’s info. Hosted by children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill.

Inktober (free)
Challenge to draw 31 illustrations in ink, in 31 days. Hosted by illustrator Jake Parker.

See also HAPPEN EVERY MONTH.

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Webinars & Conferences

Events lasting from an hour to a few days, in mostly chronological order.

Bonus September event!
The Virtual Europolitan Pre-Conference  2024
If you can’t make it to the in-person Europolitan Conference in Cologne this year, we got you covered! Here comes the Virtual Europolitan Pre-Conference, a series of additional workshops, presentations and feedback session. September 23 – 27, 2024. See link above for dates and descriptions of specific workshops.

The Back Is Where It’s At: Why Back Matter Matters ($)
Editor Carol Hinz, who has been called the Queen of Back Matter on at least one occasion, offers a thorough investigation of what back matter is, who it’s for, and what types of back matter work best for picture books. Carol Hinz is accepting submissions from webinar attendees. October 2, 2024, 6 – 7:30pm Eastern Time. Register by NOON September 30, 2024. From SCBWI MD/DE/WV.

Online Critiques with Executive Art Director, Brian LaRossa from Scholastic (*see note)
Do you ever wonder what an art director looks for in artwork? Join us for a night of critiques led by Executive Art Director, Brian LaRossa from Scholastic. *Free to observe the critique; fee for critique slots (if space available). October 2, 2024, 7 – 9pm Eastern Time. From SCBWI Ohio: North.

Picture Book Summit ($)
In its 10th year! Full-day writing conference live-streamed to your computer. October 5, 2024. Founded and hosted by Katie Davis of Writers’ Block (formerly of ICL), Julie Hedlund of 12 x 12, Emma Walton Hamilton of Just Write Children’s Books, and Founders Emeritus Jon Bard and Laura Backes of Children’s Book Insider.

Social Media Marketing for Published Authors and Illustrators ($)
In this webinar, Lorraine Hawley will share tips and tricks for breaking through social media algorithms. Participants will explore actionable methods to sharpen their social media presence, increase visibility, and have fun as they experiment and grow their book marketing strategies. October 5, 2024, 1-2:30pm Arizona Time. From SCBWI Arizona.

2024 Fall Harvest Writers and Illustrators Day ($)
Join us as we learn about craft and book publishing, connect with agents, an art director, authors, and an illustrator. Mingle with other creatives. We’ll offer critiques, pitches, and contests. Hybrid Meeting, in person and Zoom. Sat., Oct. 5, 2024, 8:30am-6:00 pm Pacific Time. From SCBWI SoCal.

Defining Your Style: A Guide for “Indecisive” Illustrators ($)
Join NYT#1 Bestselling Illustrator Marissa Valdez in an interactive webinar where she discusses her own experience with style indecisiveness and how she refined it. October 5, 2024, 1-3:30pm Central Time. From SCBWI Texas Houston.

Canva for Authors ($)
Canva is a powerful tool that anyone can use to create book trailers, Instagram reels, slide presentations, social media headers, and other graphics. Join author Susan Johnston Taylor on a deep dive into the world of Canva. October 6, 2024, 1 – 4pm Central Time. From The Writing Barn.

Shhh! Librarians Spill Secrets to Successful School Visits ($)
You’ve heard from fellow authors and illustrators about how they create engaging presentations for students and teachers. Now hear from the librarians about how they find authors and illustrators to bring to their schools. October 10, 2024, 6:30-7:30pm Central time. From SCBWI MidSouth.

Financial Wellness for Creatives ($)
Embark on a transformative journey from creative passion to financial prosperity! This is an exclusive course tailored for SCBWI members by expert Anna Orenstein-Cardona. Session 1—From Passion to Prosperity: The Art of Creatorpreneurship, October 10, 2024. Session 2—Financial Resilience for Creators: Navigating the Challenges and Safeguarding Your Future, October 17, 2024. Both events are at  7 – 8:30pm in British Isles; You must confirm time zone with organizer. From SCBWI British Isles.

The Author/Agent Relationship ($)
There’s ample information about how to *get* an agent, but virtually nothing about how to create a successful working relationship with them. In this workshop, Isabel breaks down her approach to working well with your agent, relationship red flags, and what to do if you’re just not a good fit. October 16, 2024, 5 – 6 pm Eastern Time. From SCBWI New England.

The Art of Extraordinary ($)
Join Agent Estelle Laure for an unforgettable journey filled with techniques on how to master your writing craft and tips & tricks to creating a standout query. Estelle will also be OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS from ALL attendees after the event! October 19, 2024, 1 – 3 pm Eastern Time. From SCBWI Florida.

Crafting Believable Characters for Children’s Books ($)
Zoie Konneker, Assistant Editor, Peachtree Publishing, will address all things character-related in children’s books to help you learn to build genuine, believable characters that young readers will love. October 19, 2024, 2-4pm Pacific Time. SCBWI California-San Diego Chapter meeting.

Brainstorm Like a Boss ($)
Join a dynamic duo of real-life brainstorming partners Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen and Mike Ciccotello to understand the many ways you can brainstorm characters and concepts for picture books, getting you from stuck–>idea–>outline (or first draft!) more quickly. October 21 & 23, 2024, 7-8:15pm Eastern Time. From Highlights Foundation.

Creating in Community ($)
Building on her experience as a writing coach and as a sensitivity reader for publishers of adult and KidLit titles, Lisa A. Crayton will explore how critique partners (and groups) can better celebrate, uplift, and empower creators through community. October 22, 2024, 7-8pm Eastern Time. From SCBWI Eastern Pennsylvania.

Research Techniques ($)
Research is the backbone of nonfiction. It also adds depth, detail, and accuracy to fiction. Join authors Stephanie Gibeault, Jolene Gutiérrez, and Anita Yasuda as they share the tools and strategies writers need to dig into research with confidence. October 22 & October 24, 2024, 7 – 8:15pm Eastern Time. From the Highlights Foundation.

The Wildlife Webinar Series ($)
Join author Susan Johnston Taylor, author/illustrator Andrea Gabriel, and editor Sarah Rockett from Sleeping Bear Press for three inspiring sessions that dive into the wild side of children’s books. Hosted by SCBWI Inland Northwest.

• Researching Animals with Susan Johnston Taylor October 25, 2024, 4:30pm Pacific Time
• Wildlife Drawing with Andrea Gabriel, October 26, 2024, 6pm Pacific Time.
• Sleeping Bear Press with Sarah Rockett November 4, 2024, 6pm Pacific Time.

WIFYR 3-Day Intensive Online Conference ($)
This intensive three days will include speakers Mary Kole (publishing/writing mentor), Joy Peskin (senior editor), Alane Ferguson (Edgar Award-winning author), Amy Jameson (literary agent), Victoria Vargas (literary agent), and more. Sign up at link above to be notified when registration opens. October 24 – 26, 2024. From Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers.

Curating your Craft: Annual Eastern PA Virtual Illustrator Day ($)
Join us for a day of curating your illustrator portfolio as we honor keynote speaker and local author-illustrator, Julie Fortenberry. Plus world-class presentations from invited faculty and add ons—an AD assignment, and portfolio reviews. October 26, 2024, 9:30am – 5pm Eastern Time. From SCBWI Eastern Pennsylvania.

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Multi-Week Courses

Courses starting this month that last more than a day or two.

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.

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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. Appears to have paused for the summer, 2024; check site for updates.

#KidLitChat (free)
Happens every Tuesday night on Bluesky Social at 9pm Eastern / 6pm Pacific, co-hosted by @bonnieadamson.com and @gregpincus.bsky.social

LitMingles (free)
Every month, the Los Angeles Region SCBWI hosts multiple LitMingles, opportunities to discuss topics of interest to kidlit writers and illustrators. Use this link for this month’s LitMingles calendar. 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.

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For Illustrators

Color Collective (free)
Weekly challenge for illustrators on Instagram where you make work based on a single color.

#kidlitart (free)
Weekly chat on BlueSkySocial for children’s book illustrators & friends every Thursday, 9pm Eastern Time (2am UTC).

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 20^th for next month’s gallery. *No application fee, but must be a dues-paying member of SCBWI.

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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.

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!

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Months of a Year Banner Illustrations by Blue Ring Media, Shutterstock