Top Writing Conferences for Picture Book Writers

If you’re serious about writing picture books, there’s one thing that can truly supercharge your progress: attending a great conference.

Conferences are where inspiration meets strategy. They’re where you learn from people who’ve actually done the work, connect with kindred spirits, and sometimes even get that magical “yes” from an editor or agent.

In my experience, the best picture book conferences have two things in common: 

1️⃣ Practical, actionable sessions that help you grow your craft and navigate the publishing world. 

2️⃣ Credible, experienced founders and faculty who know this industry inside and out.

Below are five excellent writing conferences (including ours!) that picture book writers should keep on their radar—plus two kid lit writing organizations that are just too good to leave out. 👇

1. Big Sur Children’s Writers Workshop

Website:  bigsurchildrenswriters.com

If you’re looking for a small, hands-on, high-impact event, Big Sur might be exactly what you need. In 2026, this intimate workshop takes place in beautiful Big Sur, California and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and focuses on small critique groups and meaningful faculty interaction.

Instead of huge lecture halls, you’ll find yourself sitting in a cozy group with a published author, editor, or agent, digging deep into your manuscript. It’s focused, rigorous, and honestly… kind of magical.

Why it’s trustworthy: Big Sur was founded by Andrea Brown, the legendary founder of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Her agency has launched countless careers, and the workshop’s reputation for producing real publishing success stories is well earned. Andrea’s vision was to create a nurturing but professional environment where writers could get honest, actionable feedback—and it shows.

Good to know:

• Participants submit sample pages ahead of time, so it attracts serious writers.

• You’ll dine and mingle with faculty—many attendees make lasting mentor or agent connections this way.

• The 2026 California session is Feb 20–22; Cape Cod is set for Oct 30–Nov 1.

👉 If you’re ready for a deep-dive, revision-focused experience, this one’s hard to beat.

2. Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers (WIFYR)

Website: wifyr.com

WIFYR is one of those conferences people keep going back to year after year—and for good reason. Held each June in Utah, it offers an amazing blend of intensive workshops and craft sessions, all tailored to kidlit creators from board and picture books through young adult.

What sets it apart is the workshop model. Each participant works closely with faculty on their own manuscript, so you’re not just passively listening—you’re actively improving your work all week.

Why it’s trustworthy: WIFYR is organized by Carol Lynch Williams, an award-winning author of over 30 books. She’s beloved in the kidlit community for her sharp eye, deep understanding of story, and her dedication to nurturing new voices. Carol’s background as both a writer and teacher gives this conference a fantastic mix of rigor and warmth.

Good to know:

• Next conference is June 15–19, 2026.

• Best if you have a manuscript in progress and want thoughtful, in-depth feedback.

• Travel to Utah is required, but many attendees say it’s absolutely worth it.

👉 If you thrive in a collaborative, immersive environment, WIFYR should be on your list.

3. PB Summit

Website: picturebooksummit.com

If in-person travel isn’t in the cards this year, don’t worry—PB Summit has your back. This one-day virtual event packs a ton of value into a single day. It’s specifically geared toward picture book authors and features a mix of craft talks, publishing insights, and live Q&As with editors and agents.

You can tune in live or watch the recordings later, which is a huge bonus for busy creatives.

Why it’s trustworthy: PB Summit was founded by a group of picture book author friends who were tired of spending so much of their valuable time and money traveling to writing conferences. So…they decided to create their own conference entirely online so that any author anywhere could attend.

And if you’re wondering if they have the expertise to back it up, you needn’t worry! 

Emma Walton Hamilton is a best-selling and award winning author who, according to her website, “Together with her mother, Julie Andrews, she has co-authored over thirty-five books for children and adults, nine of which have been on the New York Times best-seller list…”  (Yes, THAT Julie Andrews!)

Julie Hedlund is also an award winning picture book author and founder of the well-known 12 x 12 Challenge - a community for hopeful picture book authors that challenges them to write 12 manuscripts in 12 months. 

Katie Davis is the author of over a dozen children’s books, as well as How to Write a Children’s Book and How to Promote Your Children’s Book, which have sold over 800,000 copies worldwide.

Basically…you’re in good hands!

Good to know:

• The PB Summit is always held the first Saturday in October.

• There’s a “Summit + Submissions” tier if you want to send your work to agents or editors afterward.

• You’ll leave with tangible strategies you can put to use right away.

👉 If you love learning from home and want a concentrated shot of inspiration and strategy, PB Summit is perfect.

4. Children's Book Mastery Summit

Website: https://childrensbookmastery.com/

The Children's Book Mastery Summit is a multiday virtual event held each summer with 25 guest speakers. In addition to purchasing admission to the annual event, you also have the ability to purchase lifetime access to past and future recordings.

Why it’s trustworthy: Karen Ferreira is a professional book illustrator, bestselling author, award-winning creative director and founder and CEO of GetYourBookIllustrations and Children’s Book Mastery. Her experience working with hundreds of self-published authors makes her the perfect guide on your self-publishing journey.

Good to know:

• It’s a multi-day event with multiple modules and 25 guest speakers.

• The 2026 event is scheduled for July 20-24.

• You don't have to attend live to watch and benefit from the recordings.

👉 It’s a great pick if you’re certain that self-publishing is the right path for you.

5. Picture Book Creator Conference

Website: picturebookcreatorconference.com

And finally, our very own Picture Book Creator Conference is another fantastic virtual option—especially if you want a high-quality experience and information about both traditional and self-publishing routes. This 100% virtual event is in its 2nd year, and is designed for writers at all stages, with sessions that cover everything from storytelling fundamentals to marketing and career building.

Why it’s trustworthy: The conference is organized and run by literary agent and children’s book author, Vicky Weber, right here at At Home Author!  Vicky started out as a successful self-published author of more than a dozen children’s books, eventually transitioned to traditional publishing, and is now also a successful literary agent.  Her unique expertise in both traditional and self-publishing means this event provides a truly well-rounded approach to publishing for authors on all publishing paths. 

And because Vicky and and I are both former teachers, you can expect this event to be well-organized and FUN! (if we do say so ourselves!)

Good to know:

• It’s a one-day event with six sessions, plus Q&As, and replay access is included.

• The 2026 event is scheduled for Friday,  January 30th.

• Optional critique or pitch add-ons with agents and editors are available if you want personalized feedback.

👉 It’s a great pick if you’re looking for a manageable, focused, and motivating virtual conference, or if you’re not sure if you want to pursue traditional of self-publishing. 

✨ Bonus: SCBWI Regional & National Events

Website: scbwi.org

SCBWI (the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) is the preeminent professional organization for kidlit writers all over the world. While SCBWI doesn’t have just one flagship picture book conference, it hosts dozens of amazing events year-round, both regionally and nationally.

These can range from intimate local workshops to big national conferences in places like New York and Los Angeles. Faculty often includes editors, agents, and big-name authors—and many writers find their critique groups or agents through SCBWI connections.

Good to know:

• You’ll get high-quality craft sessions without necessarily needing to travel far.

• Events are often more affordable than large conferences.

• Membership gives you year-round access to resources, mentorship, and community.

👉 Check your regional SCBWI chapter for upcoming events—it’s one of the best ways to stay connected and keep learning between major conferences.

✨ Bonus: Highlights Foundation Events

Website: https://www.highlightsfoundation.org

I can’t wrap up this list without mentioning Highlights!  Run by the creators of Highlights Magazine, the Highlights Foundation hosts various online and in-person events for all genres of kidlit.  

They’re most famous for their in-person retreats hosted at their beautiful, rural campus in Pennsylvania.

Good to know:

• You’ll get high-quality craft sessions and meet fellow authors.

• The picturesque setting and delicious farm-to-table food (included in the cost of the retreat) make these events pricey…but they feel like part conference and part vacation.

• Their online events are more affordable and just as informative.

So which writing conference is right for you?

Attending a writing conference is an investment in your writing career, so it's important to do your research and think about your learning style, goals, and experience level before you register for one.

• Do you prefer to attend virtually? Or will your pesky family make it hard to concentrate?

• Does travel stress you out? Or would you be inspired by a change of scenery?

• Do you prefer to sit back and quietly soak in expertise? Or would you rather dig in to a workshop style writing session?

Whatever decision you make, dive in and have fun! You are right where you're meant to be!