Updated 2/24/23
Do you write Middle Grade or Young Adult books? Find support for your writing through these online kidlit communities, challenges, courses, contests, and events.
Fee or free? Here’s a key:
(free) – no fee to enter or to participate
($) – fee to enter or to participate; fees vary
(*See note) – look for *explanation within the blurb
Year-round resources are listed first, followed by events and opportunities available each month. Click the name of a month to go directly to that month’s listings. NOTE: See monthly blog posts for special events scheduled during COVID-19 social distancing.
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Know a good resource or event that isn’t on this list? Is it intended for middle grade or young adult writers? Is it available online (not an in-person conference or event)? Please tell us in the comments, or send a message through the Contact Form on the About Us page. Thanks.
Available all year:
Children’s Book Academy ($)
On-demand self-paced courses from industry professionals on a variety of topics. CBA also offers scheduled courses with faculty support; see monthly listings. Hosted by Mira Reisburg.
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.
Editing Young Adult Fiction ($)
Developmental editing of a YA novel requires a different approach from editing adult novels. The secret to editing YA fiction is being able to place yourself into a teen’s head. Self-paced course with support from instructor Lou Piccolo. Be ready to time travel back to the teenage you! From Editorial Freelancers Association.
Eva Langston Writing for Teens and tweens (and adults, too!) (free) Visit for plot exercises, analysis of beloved MG and YA writing, and blog posts with actionable advice.
First Five Pages Workshop (free) The first Saturday of each month (except April, August, and December). Enter the raffle for the chance to be one of five randomly chosen writers to receive feedback from writing mentors across three weeks.
Four on 400 (free) A monthly contest where 1 kidlit writer is selected to receive feedback on the opening 400 words of their manuscript (MG and YA writers)
From the Mixed-Up Files… of Middle-Grade Authors (free access to resources, closed to new members) houses resources for MG readers, teachers, librarians, and writers. Look for craft resources, book lists, STEM posts, and the “We Need Diverse Middle Grade” series!
GETTING YOUR MIDDLE GRADE OR YOUNG ADULT NOVEL UNSTUCK: AN ON DEMAND ONLINE WORKSHOP 2021 ($) Highlights offers an on demand workshop available all year long with Erin Dionne and Chris Tebbetts. Learn lots of tools for getting unstuck! Gain access to workshop videos, worksheets, a 20 minute zoom with Erin or Chris to discuss your WIP, monthly office hours, and access to a community discussion page!
Highlights Foundation Workshops ($) Intimate and inspiring workshops for children’s authors and illustrators.
Institute of Children’s Literature ($)
Offers multipart course Writing for Children and Teens, with one-on-one mentorship by an industry professional; The Writers’ Block, an online community with many benefits including monthly critiques.
KidLit 411 (free)
Comprehensive online resource for children’s writers and illustrators, with associated Facebook group. KidLit411 has their own list of Writing Challenges here and Challenges for Illustrators here. Founded and maintained by Elaine Kiely Kearns and Silvia Liu.
Kids’ Choice KidLit Writing Contest (free)
Write a 200-word story for PB, MG, or YA readers and it will be judged by KIDS! First annual event January 2022, with winners announced in March. Prizes include critiques and AMAs with agents and authors. Hosted by author Kailei Pew.
Lyrical Language Lab / Peek & Critique (free)
YouTube channel available all year long, providing free critiques and lessons to kidlit writers every Monday. Hosted by children’s poet and author Renee LaTulippe.
Lyrical Language Lab Courses (*See note)
This online course teaches children’s writers the poetic techniques. Subscribe to mailing list for next availability. *Link lands on a page with links to five free lyrical language lessons, plus info about 10-week paid course. Hosted by children’s poet and author Renee LaTulippe.
The Loft Courses ($) All classes will move to live meetings in virtual spaces using Zoom, with some also using Google Classroom as a learning enhancement. “Online-flex schedule” means you can take the class on your own schedule in Wet.Ink, without live meetings. “Online-live” are classes offered in real time with live video conference meetings.
Mary Kole’s kid lit website (free) is filled with information on querying, publishing, and (of course) writing! Find books on craft and recent recommended children’s books. You could get lost in this resource for days! She also has a book if you want even more!
Monthly Twitter Writing Challenge (free)
Participants agree to aim for 500 words or 1 hour of editing each day for a month. Founded by author Kristy Acevedo.
NewPages is the Portal of Independents! News, information and guides to literary magazines, independent publishers, creative writing programs, independent bookstores, alternative periodicals and newsweeklies, writing conferences and events, and more.
Reedsy (free) Weekly writing contests.
Rate Your Story ($)
Year-round program with registration in November, December, and January. Manuscript critiques from professionals in the field, among other benefits. Nonmembers may submit for free critiques on open submission days, purchase a Speed Pass for a single critique, and participate in the fee-based annual contest.
SCBWI ($)
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. International organization with a strong online presence, including challenges, webinars hosted by regional chapters but open to all, and active discussion boards on all topics of interest to children’s writers and illustrators.
Storyteller Academy ($)
Online courses taught by a variety of professionals, related to writing and illustrating for children. Hosted by Arree Chung.
SubSix (free)
Children’s Book Creatives Support Group. Facebook group of children’s writers and illustrators working toward submission goals.
Writing Blueprints ($)
On-demand webinars and resources. Each Writing Blueprint takes a particular genre or category of book and breaks the process of writing and revising it into tiny steps. Each step then features a video with an expert instructor describing this piece of the writing puzzle and giving instructions about using the fillable PDF form for that step. From Children’s Book Insider.
Whale Rock Writing Workshops ($) Whale Rock Workshops is a community of kidlit authors (aspiring and published) designed to help you get your best work done.
The Writing Barn Classes ($) Our programs are here to provide writers a space to cultivate their craft and create a literary community.
Complete Month by Month Listings
Children’s Novel Workshop ($)
Work with a developmental editor in a “novel overview and first chapter critique workshop” with SIX 30-minute Zoom meetings and create a skeleton draft of your children’s chapter book, middle grade novel, or young adult novel. January 17 – March 3, 2024. Led by Anastasia Suen, author (and ghostwriter) of 400+ books for children, teens, and adults.
Write Your Children’s Book! ($)
In this eight-week long personalized workshop, you’ll draft (or revise, or finish up) your work-in-progress for a children’s book (PB, MG, or YA). With author/illustrator Kelly Bingham. Eight weeks starting January 4, 2023.
The Adventure Writers Competition ($) A competition for action packed adventure novels. Receive feedback on your manuscript, be considered for publication by Braveship Books, cash prize. Submissions open January 1st, 2023.
A Woman’s Write ($) an international novel contest. Enter an unpublished novel! Every submission receives critique. Submissions open January 1st, 2023.
New England SCBWI Windows & Mirrors Scholarship (free to apply)
The NESCBWI Windows & Mirrors Scholarships were created to boost marginalized writers and illustrators from historically underrepresented groups in children’s literature. The applicants themselves must identify in one of the listed categories (see link for list). Submission deadline: January 31, 2023 at 11:59 pm Eastern.
First Five Pages Workshop (free) The first Saturday of each month (except April, August, and December). Enter the raffle for the chance to be one of five randomly chosen writers to receive feedback from writing mentors across three weeks.
Four on 400 (free) A monthly contest where 1 kidlit writer is selected to receive feedback on the opening 400 words of their manuscript (MG and YA writers) January 4, 2023
NFFest Registration (see February listing)
Storystorm (free)
Come up with 30 story ideas in 31 days. Inspirational guest posts. Raffle of prizes for those who succeed. Hosted by children’s author Tara Lazar.
Write Mentor Children’s Novel Award ($) Submit a completed manuscript by January 31st 2021 for unagented and unpublished. Pay an extra £5 for feedback from 4 readers (2 adults and 2 children). Winners receive prize money and trophy. January 31, 2023.
Book Pipeline Contest ($) has two contests, one for published books and one for unpublished manuscripts. The contest looks at the work for film and television adaptation by film and television producers. Accept nonfiction book proposals and fiction manuscripts. Submissions accepted through March 10th, 2023.
DVCON (free)
A two-day virtual writers conference for authors & illustrators who identify with a marginalized community. 2023 dates not yet announced. 2022 info at this link. A product of #DVPIT.
SCBWI Regional Webinars ($) SCBWI offers webinars across the regions in the US and abroad. Follow this link to a list of the webinars being provided by the various regions.
#50PreciousWords Writing Challenge (free)
Write a story appropriate for kids ages 12 or under, using only 50 words. Dates to come for 2022. Hosted by author Vivian Kirkfield.
SCBWI Virtual Conference ($)
The 2023 SCBWI New York Conference is virtual as well as in person! February 25, 2023. Early Bird registration until 1/25/2023. Hosted by SCBWI-National.
Kate Dopirak Craft & Community Award (free)
The award includes full tuition to the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrator’s Annual Summer Conference (in Los Angeles, California unless virtual) and a phone consultation with an agent and editor. Submissions for 2023 will be accepted for middle grade and young adult writers.
Children’s Novel Workshop ($)
Work with a developmental editor in a “novel overview and first chapter critique workshop” with SIX 30-minute Zoom meetings and create a skeleton draft of your children’s chapter book, middle grade novel, or young adult novel. February 7 – March 24, 2024. Led by Anastasia Suen, author (and ghostwriter) of 400+ books for children, teens, and adults.
NonFiction Fest (free) (@NFFest)
NF Fest turns February into a crash course in writing nonfiction for children. Daily blog posts from authors and industry professionals and a Facebook community. No registration necessary! Hosted by the NonFiction Chicks: Lisa Amstutz, Stephanie Bearce, Nancy Churnin, Susie Kralovansky, Linda Skeers, and Peggy Thomas.
#SFFpit (free) is a twitter pitch contest for fantasy and science fiction novels! (PB, MG, YA and adult!) Submit up to 10 tweets! 2023 date to come.
Four on 400 (free) A monthly contest where 1 kidlit writer is selected to receive feedback on the opening 400 words of their manuscript (MG and YA writers) February 4, 2023.
Valentiny Writing Contest (free)
Write a Valentines’ story no longer than 214 words, appropriate for ages 12 and under, following prompt for the current year. Prize for the winner. Hosted by children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill.
SCBWI Regional Webinars ($) SCBWI offers webinars across the regions in the US and abroad. Follow this link to a list of the webinars being provided by the various regions.
HIGHLIGHTS FOUNDATION COURSES($)
THE LOFT ($) The LOFT LITERARY CENTER offers a variety of courses each month, but not all are specifically for kidlit writers.
DVdebut (free)
For debuting, marginalized book creators who are looking to survive their debut year. Mentors are seasoned authors who have been through it all before and are willing to guide a new author through the highs and lows of this experience with the hope of retention and expansion of our community. Check back for info for 2024. From Diverse Voices, Inc.
Four on 400 (free) A monthly contest where 1 kidlit writer is selected to receive feedback on the opening 400 words of their manuscript (MG and YA writers) March 4, 2023.
Children’s Novel Workshop ($)
Work with a developmental editor in a “novel overview and first chapter critique workshop” with SIX 30-minute Zoom meetings and create a skeleton draft of your children’s chapter book, middle grade novel, or young adult novel. March 13 – April 28, 2024. Led by Anastasia Suen, author (and ghostwriter) of 400+ books for children, teens, and adults.
Color of Children’s Literature Conference ($)
Join us online for an incredible weekend with top editors, agents, authors & illustrators in the children’s/YA publishing world. Our spring conference is an excellent opportunity for BIPOC writers & illustrators to learn, get inspired and network with others in the industry. Please note that this conference is EXCLUSIVELY for Black, Indigenous and POC writers and illustrators. March 31 – April 2, 2023. Link goes to “save the date” page, check website for more details. Hosted by Kweli Journal.
We Need Diverse Books Mentorships (free)
Pairs ten writers and illustrators who belong to underrepresented groups with experienced children’s book creators for year-long mentorships.
SCBWI Karen and Philip Cushman Late Bloomer Grant (See note*)
Submissions open March 1 – March 31. Recognizes a promising manuscript by a writer over the age of 50 who has never been published. Submit in conjunction with the Work-in-Progress Awards (see below). *No application fee, but applicant must be a member of SCBWI, which requires dues.
SCBWI Work-in-Progress Awards (See note*)
Submissions open March 1 – March 31. Annual awards given to writers of children’s books in support of a work in progress that is not already under contract, including picture books. *No application fee, but applicant must be a member of SCBWI, which requires dues.
SCBWI Regional Webinars ($) SCBWI offers webinars across the regions in the US and abroad. Follow this link to a list of the webinars being provided by the various regions.
HIGHLIGHTS FOUNDATION COURSES($)
- Line Editing Your MG or YA Novel This six-week online course offers the skills to revise and enrich your novel, and features live sessions with faculty, structured assignments, community interaction, and goal-setting.
THE LOFT ($) The LOFT LITERARY CENTER offers a variety of courses each month, but not all are specifically for kidlit writers.
- The Themes That Call You: Listening to What Your Heart Longs to Write
- Influencer 101: How to Leverage Social Media and Cultivate Your Author Brand
- Evil and Empathy: How to Create Complexity in Villains and Other Characters
- Diamonds from Coal: Beyond the First Draft
- Write as You Are: Learn What Your Draft is Telling You
- Children’s Writing for Beginners
- How to Hook: Writing Powerful Beginnings
- Idea Lab: Finding Inspiration for Your Children’s Book Writing
- None listed yet! Check back for updates!
- Making the Personal Universal: Representing Your Unique Lived Experiences in Children’s Literature How do you transform your worldview into a story that resonates with readers of all backgrounds? The key is tapping into universal themes and emotions that we can all relate to— a love for animals, family, celebrations, loss, fear, and more.
- Write. Submit. Support. for Novelists with Carrie Jones ONLINE Write. Submit. Support has successfully ushered writers through personal challenges times to keep up with their writing goals and publishing goals.
- Humor Master Workshop with Cate Berry (A Six-Week Online Workshop) Shine up that funny draft for a sale. In this humor workshop, all manuscripts will be lovingly brainstormed and lifted to their highest potential in real time.
Spring Fling Writing Contest (free)
Challenge for writers, find a springtime-themed gif and write 150 words. Deadline April 3, 2023! Hosted by Ciara O’Neal and Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez. Check out Fall Writing Frenzy, too.
DVmentor (free)
For book creators from marginalized and underrepresented communities, DVMentor pairs agented and/or published creators with unagented authors and illustrators for a mentorship through revision, querying, and more. Applications closed for 2023. From Diverse Voices, Inc.
Four on 400 (free) A monthly contest where 1 kidlit writer receives feedback on the opening 400 words of their manuscript (MG and YA writers) April 4, 2023.
#WriteMentor Summer Programme (free)
UK-based program pairing professionals in children’s literature with pre-agented writers for online summer mentorship. Open to anyone who writes in English. Applications open April 12-14th, check link for info.
The Adventure Writers Competition ($) A competition for action packed adventure novels. Receive feedback on your manuscript, be considered for publication by Braveship books, cash prize. Deadline April 30, 2023
SCBWI Regional Webinars ($) SCBWI offers webinars across the regions in the US and abroad. Follow this link to a list of the webinars being provided by the various regions.
Four on 400 (free) A monthly contest where 1 kidlit writer is selected to receive feedback on the opening 400 words of their manuscript. May 4, 2022.
Modified MayFest One-Day Conference Check back for 2023 details!
Bath Children’s Novel Award ($) International writer competition for unpublished authors of CB, MG, and YA (no graphic novels). Cash prize, shortlist offered opportunity to be introduced to literary agent, most promising longlist winner opportunity to win 18 week online course This website also houses great resources on how to win a contest! Deadline May 31st, 2023.
Winter Thrills, VIRTUAL EVENT ($) A celebration of thriller books, the authors who write them, and the fans who read them. May 31st – June3rd, 2023.
June
Four on 400 (free) A monthly contest where 1 kidlit writer is selected to receive feedback on the opening 400 words of their manuscript June 4, 2022.
Jackson Hole Writers Conference ($) Manuscript critiques with authors & editors. Tracks for fiction, creative nonfiction, young adult, and poetry; workshops, talks & craft sessions. June 23 – 25, 2022
Historical Novel Society ($)
The conference offers programs by 100+ presenters on writing craft, historical topics, publishing info, and more! June, 2023. (A year off, but let’s not forget about it!)
Four on 400 (free) A monthly contest where 1 kidlit writer is selected to receive feedback on the opening 400 words of their manuscript. July 4, 2022.
Children’s Novel Workshop ($)
Work with a developmental editor in a “novel overview and first chapter critique workshop” with SIX 30-minute Zoom meetings and create a skeleton draft of your children’s chapter book, middle grade novel, or young adult novel. July 1 – August 31, 2023. Led by Anastasia Suen, author (and ghostwriter) of 400+ books for children, teens, and adults.
WriteOnCon ($)
Online conference for kidlit writers and illustrators for all levels (PB, MG, YA). Check back for 2023 details.
Readercon 31, VIRTUAL EVENT ($) Readercon is an annual conference devoted to “imaginative literature” — literary science fiction, fantasy, horror, and the unclassifiable works often called “slipstream.” July, 2023
Rate Your Story Writing Contest ($)
Categories for picture books and novels, prizes including access to industry professionals. Open to members and nonmembers. A portion of submission fees donated to worthy causes. Happened in August, 2021; info for 2022 will be added here when available.
Four on 400 (free) A monthly contest where 1 kidlit writer is selected to receive feedback on the opening 400 words of their manuscript. August 4, 2022.
Children’s Novel Workshop ($)
Work with a developmental editor in a “novel overview and first chapter critique workshop” with SIX 30-minute Zoom meetings and create a skeleton draft of your children’s chapter book, middle grade novel, or young adult novel. August 1 – September 30, 2023. Led by Anastasia Suen, author (and ghostwriter) of 400+ books for children, teens, and adults.
#SunWriteFun (free)
Your adventure begins Aug 5, 2022 (should you choose to accept!). What am I talking about? The annual #SunWriteFun Nonfiction/ Informational Fiction contest! #ExploreandSoar your way to some serious prizes. Full details at link. Hosted by Karen Greenwald, Aimee Bissonette, and Jenny Turnbull Malizio.
Children’s Novel Workshop ($)
Work with a developmental editor in a “novel overview and first chapter critique workshop” with SIX 30-minute Zoom meetings and create a skeleton draft of your children’s chapter book, middle grade novel, or young adult novel. September 13 – October 22, 2023. Led by Anastasia Suen, author (and ghostwriter) of 400+ books for children, teens, and adults.
Digital Workshops 7.0 (*See note)
SCBWI’s digital workshops are back! Each webinar will take place at 4:00 pm Eastern Time / 1:00 pm Pacific Time. Video recordings will be posted to the SCBWI website 24 hours after each workshop concludes and will remain up on the Digital Workshop archive page for one month. Log into your SCBWI account at link above for access to Zoom links. *Free for dues-paying members of SCBWI
ReVISIONweek Wednesday, September 14th – 21st, 2022 October
#DVPit and #DVart (free)
Annual pitch party previously in twitter will be held on discord this year. For historically underrepresented voices in children’s literature. Authors of Children’s & Teen Fiction/Nonfiction (picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult) use #DVpit; Artists & Illustrators use #DVart. October 11, 2023. See website for more details. Created and moderated by literary agent Beth Phelan with assistance from authors Kat Cho and Claribel Ortega and agent Peter Knapp.
Kidlit GN Pitch Event (free) an annual for MG writers and illustrators of graphic novels. October 3-6th, 2023 Pitches must be uploaded between 8 am EDT starting Oct. 1st until 11:59 EDT on Oct 3rd.
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. Hosted by children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill. Typically held last week of October, but no details listed specifically for 2023. Check link for updated details.
Children’s Novel Workshop ($)
Work with a developmental editor in a “novel overview and first chapter critique workshop” with SIX 30-minute Zoom meetings and create a skeleton draft of your children’s chapter book, middle grade novel, or young adult novel. October 4 – November 19, 2023. Led by Anastasia Suen, author (and ghostwriter) of 400+ books for children, teens, and adults.
NaNoWriMo (free) Take on this creative writing challenge to write a novel (50,000 word first draft). Receive support in the form of articles, join writing groups (online or in person), and inspiration from published authors. November 1 – November30, 2022.
The Caledonia Novel Award ($) An international award for unpublished and self-published novelists for adult and YA novels of at least 50,000 words. Entries May 1st- November 1, 2022.
A Woman’s Write ($) an annual international novel contest. Enter an unpublished novel! Every submission receives critique. Deadline November 30, 2022.
Holiday Writing Contest (free)
Write a holiday story between 300 – 400 words, appropriate for ages 12 and under, following prompt for the current year. Prize for the winner! Hosted by children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill.
Rate Your Story ($) (see January listing)
Registration open through mid-January. Annual membership fee includes manuscript critiques from professionals in the field, among other benefits.
Thanks to EVERYONE who contributed, including members of Writers’ Rumpus and the Facebook groups for 12×12, Children’s Book Academy, KidLit 411, and Picture Book Summitteers. Special thanks to Silvia Liu of KidLit411 and to authors Anna Maledon and Rachel Funez, whose extensive lists included several unique additions.
Months of a Year Banner Illustrations by Lexi Donahue Featured Image Line Art by Valenty, Can Stock Photos
WRITERS' RUMPUS 
I’m bookmarking this page for sure! What an awesome resource!
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Great listings! And…what? Josh Funk has THREE new books coming out soon????
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