Events, Opportunities, and Resources happening now and coming soon for the Tri-Regions and beyond

Check out more resources at the end of the post!

OPEN NOW
Register for the Virtual SCBWI Summer Conference 2026 today! “Dive into every aspect of the children’s book world, from writing and illustrating to translating, marketing, and self-publishing. Put your art in front of industry pros in the career-launching Portfolio Showcase. And get inspired by sessions tailored for illustrators, picture book authors, nonfiction writers, graphic novel creators, and more—no matter your path or publishing background. Best of all? You’ll have access to all sessions through September 13th, so you can learn and grow at your own pace. Join us and invest in your passion. It’s time to bring your stories to life!” The annual conference will take place online over Zoom from July 30, 2026, to August 2, 2026.

SAVE THE DATE—AUGUST 23
Add the annual SCBWI-LA Critique Day to your calendar on August 23, 2026! Critique Day is a free event on Zoom where you can “share your words or illustrations with a supportive small group who will give you feedback on your efforts.” Once the event page is listed, make sure to register so that we can send you the free Zoom link! “PLEASE NOTE: You are not registered until you press the green BOOK A SEAT button at the bottom of the registration page. You may need to scroll to the bottom or reduce the size of your screen if you haven’t found it.”

OPEN NOW
Registration for the 2026 SCBWI SoCal Fall Harvest Writers and Illustrators Day is now open! “Writers and illustrators are invited to a full day of speaker presentations, critiques, pitches and mingling with fellow creatives! We’ll have agents, an editor, an art director, published authors and an illustrator. This hybrid event is both in-person and via zoom. Attendees will have access to the videos for 30 days following the event and receive submission guidelines from all our faculty.” This annual hybrid event will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We hope to see you there!

JULY 11
Save the date for the Festival of AAPI Books (FAB) Long Beach! This event, co-hosted by Bel Canto Books and the Long Beach Public Library, will return to the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. “The event showcases renowned local adult, teen and children’s authors from across the Asian diaspora with interactive author talks, book readings, and signings. The day also includes children’s activities, cultural performances, and AAPI small business pop-ups.”

JULY 17
Send in your final votes for the SCBWI Crystal Kite Member Choice Awards by July 17, 2026, midnight PST! The Crystal Kite awards are a “peer-given award to recognize great books from fifteen SCBWI regional divisions around the world . . . Winners are announced in July in a press release and on the SCBWI website/social media. Winners receive a crystal, engraved kite award, a silver sticker for their winning book, and one winner will be chosen to present at the SCBWI Summer Conference.”

JULY 31
Calling all SCBWI Translators! Perfect your pitch today for the SCBWI Pitch-Perfect Translation Grant! “The SCBWI Pitch-Perfect Translation Grant assists children’s book translators in the development of a specific translation project into English, which is not currently under contract. Up to two winners will be selected annually. Entrants will submit a written pitch of up to 500 words and a short translation sample of up to 500 words from the work being pitched. Each winner will receive $500 and the opportunity to craft a longer sample of up to 4,000 words, which will be presented to agents, editors, and other industry professionals.” Submissions will be accepted until July 31, 2026.

JULY 31
Submit your manuscripts for the SCBWI Emerging Voices Award, “established with funding from Martin and Sue Schmitt of the 455 Foundation to foster the emergence of diverse voices in children’s books.” Writers or writer/illustrators from a marginalized identity that is traditionally underrepresented in children’s literature in America are welcome to submit the first 10 pages of their manuscript, along with an autobiographical statement and career summary. To learn more, click the link here! All applications will be due through the SCBWI online submission portal by July 31, 2026.

AUGUST 23
Grab your free ticket today for the 4th Annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at West Hollywood Park! As “LA’s largest event celebrating early education, bilingualism, and multiculturalism,” there will be lots of opportunities to meet fans, sign books, and do giveaways in a lively, family-friendly setting! For folks who are interested in registering as a vendor, click the link here to learn more about pricing and logistics. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 26
Save the date for a fun day of bilingual storytelling at the Los Angeles Libros Festival! This free event will take place on September 26, 2026, at the Los Angeles Public Library Central Library and will feature a multitude of “Spanish-language and bilingual storytelling, musical performances, authors, workshops, books, and community” for the whole family.

CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES!

“Become part of a global community united by a shared passion for children’s literature” and join an SCBWI Critique Group! Getting started is very simple. “Whether you’re a picture book author-illustrator or a middle grade or YA novelist, our search and filtering tools are designed to connect you with members who truly get what you’re working on.” Click the link here and find your group today!

Learn how to write a children’s book and master essential storytelling skills through free articles provided by Write for Kids! These articles, advice, and guides “cover the most important techniques used by successful children’s authors. Whether you’re starting with a new idea or revising a completed manuscript, these guides will help you strengthen your story and improve your craft.”

SCBWI-LA wants YOU to join our fabulous team of volunteers! Please email losangeles@scbwi.org to ask about applying for any opportunities. Click the link here to learn more about the SCBWI-LA team and scroll to the bottom of the page to see what positions are currently open. You must be an SCBWI member residing within the Los Angeles Region to be an SCBWI-LA volunteer.

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For more fantastic content, community, events, and other professional development opportunities, become a member today! Not sure if there is a chapter in your area? Check here.