Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Conference

 

June 15-17, 2018
Corte Madera, CA (Just north of San Francisco)

Learn the tips and tricks for writing and illustrating amazing books for children!

 

 

 

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Gennifer Choldenko discusses Book Passage's
Children's Writers and Illustrators Conference

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Learn More About Private Consultations

Thinking of traveling from afar to learn the craft of writing or illustrating for children? No problem! We have some great recommendations for places nearby where you can rest and relax.

Accommodations 

Still have questions? We have answers!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Success Stories

"I cannot recommend Andrea Alban’s RE-Vision process highly enough. Without question, my current picture book would not be where it is without the instruction and feedback I received at a RE-Vision retreat and at Andrea’s Tribe sessions at Book Passage. She is the best! Conference attendees will benefit tremendously from her master class. Once I have a solid draft of my next picture book, one of Andrea’s venues is the first place I will take it for critique."
Sarah Pate

"I participated in dozens of children's book conferences, workshops and events in the two years prior to attending my first Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference at Book Passage in 2016. What is remarkable about this conference is the extraordinary access to editors and agents it provides.

My goal was to receive detailed critiques during my 30-minute 1:1 sessions. Instead, I was surprised and delighted that multiple editors requested that I submit my work. One of my books was acquired by a top publisher one month after the conference ended. In addition, all three editors who provided feedback on my manuscript helped me strengthen it considerably.

Prior to getting the offer on my book, I queried agents and received seven offers of representation. The  Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference at Book Passage was a career-changing event for me. I highly recommend it."

– Jasmine Stirling

Read more conference success stories

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A Look Back at 2017

The 2017 Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Conference faculty is an outstanding group of writers, illustrators, editors, agents, and teachers. Together, they will show you how to refine your work and help guide you through the publishing process.

2017 Faculty

There are many conferences where you can meet great writers, and you can certainly do a lot of that at the Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Confernece, but here you'll also do something more. The emphasis of this three-day conference is to show you what you need to do to become a successful children's book writer or illustrator yourself.

2017 Schedule

Want to meet with a member of our faculty one-on-one? Optional 30-minute private consultations are available for $95. You may use that time to discuss a concept or proposal, or to have a faculty member review and provide feedback on a portion of a manuscript you have submitted. A list of faculty members available for consultations will also be made available prior to the conference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018 Faculty

Click here for the current list!

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2018 Schedule

Click here for the current schedule!

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2018 Master Classes

Manuscript Workshop with Andrea Alban

Morning Session 10am-12pm

https://www.bookpassage.com/event/class-cwc-conference-participants-only-andrea-alban-manuscript-workshop-morningcorte-madera

Afternoon Session 1 pm - 3 pm

https://www.bookpassage.com/event/class-cwc-conference-participants-only-andrea-alban-manuscript-workshop-morningcorte-madera

"The art of fiction is crafted in the revision,” according to author and editor, Andrea Alban, founder of The Writer’s Tribe™. In this dynamic workshop, children's writers will learn how to revise with a focus on quintessential characters, page-turning plots, and the exact right word and elegant sentence. This session guides writers to practice self-editing mastery.

Manuscript Workshop with Natasha Yim

https://www.bookpassage.com/event/class-registration-natasha-yim-manuscript-workshop

Whether you write picture books or middle-grade works, narrative non-fiction has fast become a popular genre! With expanded Core Curriculum standards integrating children’s literary works into the classroom, narrative nonfiction is an expanding market. Natasha’s own works have taken biographies and mythology into the classroom and she will share her techniques for writing the stories of real people and items of historical interest into accessible works that keep children, teachers and librarians, turning the pages.

**Bring a nonfiction manuscript and 5 copies for group critique**

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Paint a Cheshire Cat smile across your face at Book Passage’s 2018 Children’s Writers Conference! Join us for a weekend down the rabbit hole of storytelling from nonfiction and fiction masters for picture-book through young adult literature. There’s a joy in children’s books that can be found nowhere else!

With children more aware than ever before about the big riddles affecting their future, this is also the year to tackle the tough topics and learn how writers can present them to children of all ages. From tricky mythology, gender, and sexuality questions to civil rights and war, our faculty members have written with compassion on challenging issues without taking the enjoyment out of reading. Learn how to create great stories in complex times from outstanding authors, illustrators, agents, publishers and educators in an intimate and collegial setting.

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Faculty Publishing News

Gennifer Choldenko
Al Capone Throws Me a Curve
Published: 05/08/18

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Christine Bronstein
Stewie Boom! and Princess Penelope: Handprints, Snowflakes and Playdates
Published: 04/03/2018

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Andy Weiner
Down By the River
Published: 03/06/18

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Ying Chang Compestine
Emperor's New Clothes
Published: 12/26/17
View the trailer for Ying's newest book here!

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Expect to Write, Create & Learn! 

For over ten years, Book Passage’s Children’s Writers & Illustrators’ Conferences have provided participants an intimate setting to learn, connect and exchange ideas. Students and faculty mingle among the bookshelves of our nation’s most prominent indepen-dent bookstore. With expert faculty leading their students from concept development to finding a publisher, this unique confer-ence links its attendees to their goals.

Our multi-award winning faculty in the children’s and young adult literary world include agents, editors, writers, illustrators, publishers and business representatives. During the conference, participants have multiple opportunities to learn as well as interact during meals, at our special evening events & in workshops.

Panel discussions on Publishing Trends, What Makes a Book Memorable and Promoting Your Work cover information for both new and established writers. With Q&A time, your questions will be answered!

This intensive weekend offers an added opportunity to workshop your writing in small groups up to 5 facilitated by an editor. You must register for the conference & submit your work by July 10th to participate. An additional fee applies. Networking & Private Consultations with Faculty Not only will you have the opportunity to share meals with our faculty in our brick-lined patio, you also have the opportunity to consult with them one-on-one about your work. For an additional $120, a 30-minute private consultation can be scheduled with participating faculty.

Open to new, established and aspiring writers and illustrators, the conference takes place in beautiful Marin County, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco and adjacent to Northern California’s wine country.