Picture Book Support

Do you write or illustrate picture books? Find support for your writing and illustrating 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 opportunities available each month. Click the name of a month to go directly to that month’s listings. Watch for more-detailed posts each month.

Page last updated June 26, 2025

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 picture book writers or illustrators? Is it available online (not an in-person conference or event)? Is it always available, or does it happen on a monthly or yearly schedule? Please send a message through the Contact Form on the About Us page. Note that we no longer list one-time courses and events (although you’ll still see a few posted here). Thanks.

Available all year:

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.

At Home Author ($) (free)
The At-Home author team offers self-paced courses and customized coaching for traditional and self-published children’s book authors. Check out their free writing and publishing advice on their blog and YouTube channel.

Blue Elephant Storyshaping ($)
Expert Picture Book Editor and published author Natascha Biebow offers 1-1 coaching and mentoring, online webinars and courses, small-group coaching, and Detailed Editorial feedback on picture book manuscripts.

PB Retreat Community ($)
A virtual, ongoing KidLit retreat with instant, unlimited, on-demand access to 110+ one-of-a-kind video lessons on craft, live publishing chats, Q&As, & monthly bonus videos. Pay monthly or annually. Hosted by author Ebony Lynn Mudd.

Children’s Book Academy ($)
On-demand self-paced courses from industry professionals on a variety of topics. CBA also offers scheduled mentorships with faculty support; see monthly listings. Hosted by Mira Reisburg.

Children’s Book Insider ($)
Monthly newsletter, online resources & courses, Writers’ Secret Sauce coaching, and more. Sign up for newsletters here, and get a free ebook: The Ultimate Children’s Writing Cheat Sheet.

Color Collective ($)
Six-week course on understanding color. From Laura Wager.

The Complete Picture Book Submissions System ($)
Takes you through each and every step of the submission process. No more fear. No more guesswork. Online course created by children’s authors Emma Walton Hamilton and Julie Hedlund.

Highlights Foundation ($)
Offers in-person, online, and online on-demand workshops throughout the year for children’s writers and illustrators of all experience levels.

Institute of Children’s Literature ($)
Offers multipart course Writing for Children and Teens, with one-on-one mentorship by an industry professional.

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.

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

#KidLitChat (free)
Happens every Tuesday night on BlueSky 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.

The Loft ($)
Minnesota-based writing community for writers of all genres, including children’s. Check site for online versus in-person courses. Scholarships available.

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 Course ($)
NOT only for those writing rhyming texts, this online course teaches children’s writers the poetic techniques to apply to any genre. Hosted by children’s poet and author Renee LaTulippe.

Make Your Marks & Splashes! ($)
Self-paced online course on how to be a children’s book illustrator, hosted by children’s author/illustrator Mark Mitchell.

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.

Master Course on Picture Book Writing and Editing ($)
An intensive self-guided workshop on the eight Core Principles of picture book writing and editing. Taught and hosted by children’s author Karla Arenas Valenti.

Monthly 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.

Naps and Notebooks Masterclasses ($)
It’s not easy to make space for creative work when you’re raising young kids. These on-demand writing masterclasses are designed to make the moments you have with your notebook count. From children’s author and writing coach Heidi Fiedler.

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.

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.

Picture Book University (free)
Series of lessons by picture book author Pam Calvert, on her blog.

Rate Your Story ($)
Annual membership fee includes manuscript critiques from professionals in the field, among other benefits. Look for more info at the link. Nonmembers may purchase a Speed Pass for a single critique.

Rhyme Made Easy(er) ($)
A skills-based resource for authors of children’s rhyming picture books, poetry collections and standalone poems. Participate in workshops, get personalized feedback, and join a supportive poetry community for writing children’s rhyming poetry. Monthly subscription with discount for multiple months. Hosted by writer/editor/coach Lou Piccolo.

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.

SCBWI Regional Webinars ($)
Low-cost webinars hosted by SCBWI regional chapters, available everywhere. List continually updated, with upcoming webinars at top.

SCBWI Draw This! Challenge (See note*)
Monthly challenge for illustrators with a new theme each month. Submit by the date listed on the website page for next month’s gallery. *No application fee, but must be a dues-paying member of SCBWI.

SCBWI: YouTube Channel, The Vault (free)
SCBWI has over forty years of video archives featuring speakers at their annual conference–authors, illustrators, editors, agents, and publishers, now available on the YouTube channel, The Vault.

School of Visual Storytelling ($)
Online courses for illustrators. Hosted by illustrators Will Terry, Lee White, and Jake Parker.

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.

Whale Rock Writing Workshops ($)
Whale Rock Workshops is a community of kidlit authors (aspiring and published) that facilitates writing through workshops, retreats, and online resources. Hosts online events throughout the year.

Write and Revise Poetry for Rhyming Picture Books ($)
Self-paced course teaching the rules of rhyme schemes, meter, scansion, and how it all works in a picture book. Learn about rhyme crimes, types of problems to look out for, and how to fix them. From kidlit editor Lou Piccolo.

The Writing Barn (free and $)
Texas-based writing community offering low-cost webinars, free virtual book launches and literary events, one-session and 6-session online classes.

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.

The Writers’ Loft (free and $)
Massachusetts-based writing community offering online events available to anyone with an internet connection.

Writers.com ($)
Offers online courses for writers in all genres, including children’s (sometimes).

Month by Month Listings

Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards

12×12 Picture Book Challenge ($)
Write 12 picture books in 12 months. Annual membership includes critique opportunities, monthly live webinars, and the support of the entire 12×12 community. Register in January and February for a full-year membership. Hosted by children’s author Julie Hedlund.

NFFest Registration for February event usually happens in January. (see February listing)

Storystorm (free)
Come up with 30 story ideas in 31 days! Fun and inspirational guest posts. Raffle of prizes for those who succeed. Registration usually open late December through first week of January. See this page for general information. Hosted by children’s author Tara Lazar.

#QueerKidlitMentorships (free)
This program partners unpublished and unagented LGBTQIA+ children’s literature creators who are seeking to be traditionally published with experienced mentors for a three month mentorship program. The 2025 Queer Kidlit Mentorship program will take place from March – May 2025. Check the website and follow Queer Kidlit Mentorship Program on bluesky for updates about mentors and applications.

PB Rising Stars Mentor Applications
Want to give back to the KidLit community as a PB Rising Stars Picture Book Mentor? For more about mentor eligibility, FAQs, requirements, commitments, and important dates, please check out the information at the link above. Applications usually open in January, check website. Hosted by PB Rising Stars.

Rate Your Story ($)
Registration open for 2025. Annual membership fee includes manuscript critiques from professionals in the field, among other benefits. Nonmembers may purchase a Speed Pass for a single critique. Also watch the site for events and free critique opportunities. Look for more info at the link.

Purrfect Page-Turner Award (PPTA) (free)
The Purrfect Page-Turner Award© (PPTA) will be given annually to an outstanding, cat-themed children’s book. The deadline for nominating a book is usually in January for books published in the previous year. Sponsored by Paws to Read Month and author Lee Wardlaw.

Webinars & Conferences

Events lasting from an hour to a few days.

SCBWI Regional Virtual Events (Fee and Free)
Clink link to see what’s happening this month and in months to come. Tons of fabulous, low-cost webinars available!.

February

Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards

Las Hermanas Mentorship Program (free)
Selection-based mentorship program for traditionally unpublished Latinx kidlit writers and illustrators. It will connect unpublished creatives with current Madrinas. The 6-month Hermanas Mentorship program takes place every April 1 – September 30, with applications usually due in February. See full information at link above.

March On With Mentor Texts! (free)
The successor to ReFoReMo: improve your writing by completing a challenge to read mentor texts throughout the month of March. Register in February for March event. Hosted by the Rate Your Story Blog.

NonFiction Fest (free) (@NFFest)
NF Fest turns February into a crash course in writing nonfiction for children. Read at least 20 of the posts and complete 20 of the suggested activities. Prizes will be awarded in a random drawing of those completing the challenge. Hosted by the NonFiction Chicks: Lisa Amstutz, Stephanie Bearce, Nancy Churnin, Susie Kralovansky, Linda Skeers, and Peggy Thomas.

Valentiny Writing Contest (free)
Write a Valentines’ story no longer than 214 words, appropriate for ages 12 and under, including a character with a specified emotion (changes each year). Happens the second week of February. Check Susanna’s blog for this year’s announcement. Hosted by children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill.

PBParty Annual Contest (free)
The annual PBParty contest is for unagented writers and author / illustrators with finished and polished picture book manuscripts. You submit an entry, contest coordinators forward entries to participating agents/editors to read. Happened in February 2024; check website for 2025 details. Hosted by author Mindy Alyse Weiss.

Webinars & Conferences

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

SCBWI Virtual Winter Conference ($)
Can’t make it to the In-Person Winter Conference in New York City? Join SCBWI at an online event featuring the recorded keynotes and panels from the New York Conference (earlier in the month). Link goes to main SCBWI landing page; info and registration for virtual conference will be displayed when available. From SCBWI.

SCBWI Regional Virtual Events (Fee and Free)
Clink link to see what’s happening this month and in months to come. Tons of fabulous, low-cost webinars available!

March

Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards

#50PreciousWords Writing Challenge (free)
Write a story appropriate for kids ages 12 or under, using only 50 words. Usually the first weekend in March (timed to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday!), check website for info. Awesome prizes! See link for this year’s details. Hosted by author Vivian Kirkfield.

PBParty Contest (free)
Annual event in March hosted by Mindy Alyse Weiss.

PB Rising Stars Mentorship (*See note)
PB Rising Stars pairs knowledgeable picture book creators with the next generation of children’s book authors and illustrators. Check website for details and info about cost. Hosted by writers Kailei Pew and Ebony Lynne Mudd, aka PB Rising Stars.

SCBWI Don Freeman Grants (See note*)
Annual awards given to illustrators of children’s books in support of a work in progress that is not already under contract. Submissions usually open in March, check website for details. *No application fee, but applicant must be a member of SCBWI, which requires dues.

SCBWI Karen and Philip Cushman Late Bloomer Grant (See note*)
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). Submissions usually open in March, check website for details. *No application fee, but applicant must be a member of SCBWI, which requires dues.

The Ann Whitford Paul—Writer’s Digest Manuscript Award (See note*)
Annual monetary award given for a Most Promising Picture Book manuscript. Submissions usually open in March, check website for details. *No application fee, but must be a dues-paying member of SCBWI.

SCBWI Work-in-Progress Awards (See note*)
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. Submissions usually open in March, check website for details. *No application fee, but applicant must be a member of SCBWI, which requires dues.

SCBWI Regional Virtual Events (Fee and Free)
Clink link to see what’s happening this month and in months to come. Tons of fabulous, low-cost webinars available!

Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards

Spring Fling Writing Contest (free)
Challenge for writers, find a springtime-themed gif and write 150 words. Check out this year’s prizes. Hosted by Ciara O’Neal and Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez. Check out Fall Writing Frenzy, too.

Webinars & Conferences

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

SCBWI Regional Virtual Events (Fee and Free)
Clink link to see what’s happening this month and in months to come. Tons of fabulous, low-cost webinars available!

Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards

#KidLitPit (free)
Twitter pitching event for KidLit authors to pitch to agents and publishers. Happens twice a year, check link for details.

Webinars & Conferences

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

SCBWI Regional Virtual Events (Fee and Free)
Clink link to see what’s happening this month and in months to come. Tons of fabulous, low-cost webinars available!

.June

Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards

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. Sponsored by Free Spirit Publishing and Strive Publishing.

#KidLitPit (free)
Twitter pitching event for KidLit authors to pitch to agents and publishers. Happens twice a year, check site for updates.

Webinars & Conferences

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

SCBWI Regional Virtual Events (Fee and Free)
Clink link to see what’s happening this month and in months to come. Tons of fabulous, low-cost webinars available!

.July

Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards

#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 this year’s dates and submission details.

SCBWI Emerging Voices Award (free)
A grant to foster the emergence of diverse voices in children’s books. Applications usually open in the month of July. Check link.

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 this year’s 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 this year’s submission details.

Webinars & Conferences

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

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! Usually happens in July, check link for info. Hosted by School Library Journal (SLJ).

SCBWI Regional Virtual Events (Fee and Free)
Clink link to see what’s happening this month and in months to come. Tons of fabulous, low-cost webinars available!

.Augu

Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards

We Need Diverse Books Mentorships (free)
Pairs writers and illustrators who belong to underrepresented groups with experienced children’s book creators for year-long mentorships. Applications usually open in August or September, check link for details.

Webinars & Conferences

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

SCBWI Virtual Summer Conference ($)
Join SCBWI for the annual virtual Summer Conference! Keynotes, panels, breakout sessions, tracks for illustrators, self-publishing authors, traditionally published authors, and nonfiction authors, online socials, and opportunities to pitch to acquiring agents and editors. Attendees have access to content of all 50 sessions for up to one month after conference concludes. See link for this year’s information.

SCBWI Regional Virtual Events (Fee and Free)
Clink link to see what’s happening this month and in months to come.

September

Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards

ReVISIONweek (free)
Revise your PB manuscripts that you wrote for challenges earlier in the year! A week of support, inspiration, and revision magic. OH, and prizes! Always prizes! Usually happens in September, check site linked above for details. Hosted by children’s authors Lauren H. Kerstein, Joana Pastro, Katie Frawley, Lynne Marie, Shannon Stocker, and Michal BaBay.

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. Happened in 2024; check site for this year’s info. Sponsored by Free Spirit Publishing and Con Todo Press.

#Pitchdis (free)
A Twitter pitch event for disabled authors. See hashtags, rules & guidelines here. Usually happens in September; check site for more info. Moderated by Despina Karras.

Russell Freedman Award For Nonfiction For A Better World (free)
In honor of the late Russell Freedman, Newbery Award winner and one of the modern masters of narrative nonfiction, a prize to a traditionally published nonfiction book for children or young adults, released during this calendar year. Submissions usually open in Summer and Fall, check site for info. From the SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund.

Pitch Event for Graphic Novels (free)
A graphic novel pitch event in the month of October. Check link for specific times of submission window, and for more details. Presented by KidLit GN.

Webinars & Conferences

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

SCBWI Regional Virtual Events (Fee and Free)
Clink link to see what’s happening this month and in months to come. Tons of fabulous, low-cost webinars available!

October

Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards

#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 happens in October, check site for details. From #SeasonsOfKidLit, Heather Macht, Lynne Marie, and Rate Your Story.

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

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.

Webinars & Conferences

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

Picture Book Summit ($)
In its 10th year! Full-day writing conference live-streamed to your computer. Usually the first Saturday in October, check site for this year’s info. Founded and hosted by various kidlit luminaries.

SCBWI Regional Virtual Events (Fee and Free)
Clink link to see what’s happening this month and in months to come. Tons of fabulous, low-cost webinars available!

.November

Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards

SCBWI Independently Published Pre-publication Grant (*See note)
Provides $2,500 to help offset the price of self-publishing. Submissions usually open in November, check site for this year’s info. *Open to dues-paying members of SCBWI.

SCBWI Spark Award (*See note)
Recognizes excellence in a children’s book published through a non-traditional publishing route, including self-published and published through an established self-publishing enterprise. Submissions usually open in November, check site for this year’s info. *Free to apply for dues-paying members of SCBWI.

Purrfect Page-Turner Award (PPTA) (free)
The Purrfect Page-Turner Award© (PPTA) will be given annually to an outstanding, cat-themed children’s book. The deadline for nominating a book published this year is usually mid-January of the following year; check site for info. Sponsored by Paws to Read Month and author Lee Wardlaw.

Webinars & Conferences

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

Handsprings Hybrid Conference ($)
Virtual and in-person conference hosted by SCBWI New Mexico. Usually in November. Check SCBWI New Mexico Events for details.

Kansas/Missouri SCBWI Virtual Middle of the Map Conference ($)
Full day of online events that will be recorded and available for viewing for 60 days. Usually in November; check SCBWI Kansas / Missouri chapter page for details. From SCBWI Kansas / Missouri.

SCBWI Regional Virtual Events (Fee and Free)
Clink link to see what’s happening this month and in months to come. Tons of fabulous, low-cost webinars available.

.December

Challenges, Contests, Mentorships, & Awards

Purrfect Page-Turner Award (PPTA) (free)
The Purrfect Page-Turner Award© (PPTA) will be given annually to an outstanding, cat-themed children’s book. The deadline for nominating a book published this year is usually mid-January of the following year; check site for info. Sponsored by Paws to Read Month and author Lee Wardlaw.

Annual Holiday Writing Contest! (free)
Write a maximum 250 word children’s holiday story (children here defined as age 12 and under) following this year’s theme. Link goes to 2024 information on Susanna’s blog. Usually happens in December, check link for details. Hosted by children’s author Susanna Leonard Hill.

Webinars & Conferences

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

SCBWI Regional Virtual Events (Fee and Free)
Clink link to see what’s happening this month and in months to come. Tons of fabulous, low-cost webinars available!

Rate Your Story ($)
Registration usually open in December for the following year. Annual membership fee includes manuscript critiques from professionals in the field, among other benefits. Look for more info at the link.

Click here to see what usually happens in January!

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 Blue Ring Media, Shutterstock