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!

NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 17
CALLING ALL ILLUSTRATORS: Unleash your whimsy and enter the contest to design the art for the next SCBWI-L.A. Writers & Illustrators Day! Submit one 800×480-pixel JPEG inspired by the conference theme, “The Playful Page.” The winner’s artwork will be used on the SCBWI-L.A. website, social media, and other event materials. (We’re looking for art only—please do not include text on your submission.) Fire up your creative engines, and fast—the deadline for illustrators is November 17. The winner will receive free admission to Writers & Illustrators Day, along with recognition at the event and in Kite Tales. Find specs and guidelines here.

OPEN NOW
Registration for the 2027 SCBWI New York Conference opens on October 29, 2026! The in-person conference takes place on March 5–7, 2027, at the Marriott Marquis Times Square. “This event features deep-dive creative labs, keynote addresses from kidlit icons, industry panels, one-on-one manuscript and portfolio consultations, and an in-person Portfolio Showcase.” The early bird ticket rates will be available until December 15, 2026, so be sure to register early!

SEPTEMBER 1–OCTOBER 31
Watch these free recordings from the 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 opening shortly for 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 13
Submissions for the We Need Diverse Books Walter Awards will be accepted until November 13, 2026! “As of 2026, there are new guidelines for the submission deadline. To allow our judges ample time to read and consider each book carefully, there are two submission deadlines. Books with publication dates between June 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026: books need to ship by November 13, 2026. Books that are not submitted by these deadlines will not be considered by the committee. We also request that you submit the books as close to the publish date as possible.” For more information, click the link here.

NOVEMBER 14
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.”

NOVEMBER 14
Come celebrate the winners at the 2026 Children’s Literature Council of Southern California (CLCSC) Awards Ceremony on November 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Lodge at Sierra Madre! “You’ll have a chance to see acceptance speeches from the award winners, get books signed by those in attendance, and connect with others in our Southern California book loving community.” Register here for your seat at the awards ceremony!

NOVEMBER 16
Submissions for the SCBWI Russell Freedman Award will reopen on November 16, 2026. The Russell Freedman Award for Nonfiction for a Better World will consider “any nonfiction book published for children or young adults, released between January 1 and December 31, 2026. … The winner will receive a prize of $2500, recognition in all SCBWI publications, and a virtual forum to give a speech before the entire children’s book community.” Click here to learn more!

SAVE THE DATE
SCBWI-Los Angeles Writers & Illustrators Day will take place on February 6, 2027. “We’re putting together a fabulous day of fun and inspiration for you. Stay tuned for more details!”

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.