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!

REGISTRATION CLOSES OCTOBER 2, 6:00 p.m. PST
Register today for the SCBWI-LA Working Writers Retreat at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino from October 16–18, 2026! “Give yourself the gift of dedicated writing time. Spend a quiet weekend immersed in your children’s book, surrounded by other writers devoted to theirs. Bring a manuscript, an idea, or simply the desire to get work done. We’ll give you time to think, wander, write, and reconnect with your creativity. Meals and snacks included!” For more information about the annual retreat, the cost to stay on-site, or the cost to commute, click the link here.

OPEN NOW
Sign up now for Craft, Creativity, & Community at SCBWI CenCal’s 2026 Writers & Illustrators Day! Join us for a day to connect with your fellow writers and illustrators, all while enjoying morning coffee, catered lunch, prizes, contests, and more! “In addition, we will be having a Pitchfest on Saturday, October 31, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In addition, all conference attendees are invited to a pre-conference webinar on Wednesday, October 21, at 5:30 p.m., featuring Bookstr’s Scott Richmond’s Stress-Free Guide to Social Media and Press…PLUS ONE live Pitch at the Pitchfest online on Saturday, 10/31/26. Critiques and pitches offered while supply lasts.” See you all in October!

SEPTEMBER 30
Submit your portfolio pieces today for the SCBWI Bologna Illustrator Scholarship! “Each year, a panel of judges will review submissions to this grant online. One winner will each receive a ticket to the Bologna Book Fair, travel fare, and a stipend for accommodations. The winner will have an opportunity to show their portfolios to publishing professionals, display their portfolio at our industry party in Bologna, and attend the prestigious fair.” Submissions will be open from September 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026.

SEPTEMBER 30
In honor of renowned and highly prolific children’s book author Jane Yolen, the SCBWI Jane Yolen Mid-List Grant “is awarded to a mid-career traditionally published author. The winner will receive $1500, plus free tuition to the In-Person New York Winter Conference, where they will be presented with their award by Yolen’s daughter, Heidi Stemple.” Submissions will be open from September 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026.

OCTOBER 3
Registration for the 2026 SCBWI SoCal Fall Harvest is now closed. Whether you will be attending via Zoom or in-person at California State University Fullerton, we look forward to seeing you there! If you are not attending this year, we hope to see you at more SCBWI meetups throughout the area.

OCTOBER 3
Stop by the Buena Vista Branch Library on Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the Burbank Book Festival! The Burbank Book Festival is a “free, community-focused event featuring local and visiting authors, book signings, panels, vendors, and opportunities for readers of all ages to discover new stories and connect with the people who create them.”

OCTOBER 3–4
“Rare Books LA returns to Los Angeles Union Station on October 3–4, 2026, with a stunning selection of antiquarian books, maps, fine prints, book arts, and more that you sink your teeth into. This year’s fair is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Anne Rice’s iconic novel Interview with the Vampire. A special 50th anniversary edition of the book published by Alfred A. Knopf will be available at the book fair bundled with a fundraiser ticket benefiting the Library Foundation of Los Angeles.”

SEPTEMBER 1–OCTOBER 31
Take a look at this free SCBWI Kidlit Series made possible by SCBWI and the Authors Coalition of America! SCBWI Kidlit Series: From Concept to Career, “presented by the Inland Northwest, Los Angeles, Midsouth, Southwest Texas, Nebraska, Illinois, and Wisconsin Regions,” is a great way to connect, learn, and move forward as we celebrate World Kidlit Month! For more information on how to access these presentations, click the link here.

NOVEMBER 1–30
The SCBWI Independently Published Pre-Publication Grant will be open to submissions from November 1 to November 30, 2026! This $2,500 grant provides financial assistance to offset the costs of self-publishing. For more information on how the grant money can be used and how to apply, click the link here.

NOVEMBER 14
Save the date and support your fellow SCBWI members at the OC Book Fair on Saturday, November 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Old Town Tustin! “The OC Book Fair is a literary extravaganza bringing you talented local writers alongside internationally acclaimed authors for an unforgettable celebration of the written word. Centered in the heart of Old Town Tustin, this event will combine the collective forces of indie bookstores across Southern California, offering unique finds sure to suit every reader’s taste.”

CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES!

Stay up to date with more SCBWI news on The Official SCBWI Blog with Justin Campbell and Mike Lowery! This blog has a plethora of information for storytellers around the world.

Want to know how to write early reader books, easy chapter books, and chapter books? Take a look at this blog post from Kidlit.com about how to start writing your stories and make your books stand out!

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.