Conferences and Classes
Where I Am Speaking/Teaching in 2026
This page lists online conferences, workshops, and other events where I will be speaking, presenting, critiquing, or otherwise playing a role as faculty, with links to websites for registration if available. I am open to bookings in 2026 and beyond. I am currently booking online events only.
I can address a variety of subjects, from practical (submission strategies, what publishers do, trends in the business, among other topics) to craft-related (revision, how editors read, etc.).
June 3 to August 5 2026, 8-9 PM Eastern (online): The Crash Course in Children's Book Publishing Registration is closed--this was the only time it's offered in 2026. If interested, contact Boyds Mills about 2027 and get on their mailing list. I've led this course for over a decade, going back to when it was an intense in-person 3-day workshop at the Highlights Foundation campus. It's now a 10-week online course, covering the same ground but with added content, a mix of live presentations, videos, and handouts. Topics include an introduction to the many kinds of children's books, getting started as a writer, writing basics (with published author Leah Henderson), researching publishers and agents, querying (with agent Sera Rivers), the acquisitions process and contracts, and the illustration and publishing processes. There is a class discussion board and a live weekly drop-in time, where students can ask questions and discuss topics from the course with me and author Pam Courtney. All live presentations are recorded and posted. $399
July 30, 8-930 PM Eastern (online): Read Like an Editor--and a Child--with Reader Response In this first workshop with KBR+, my partnership with Eileen Robinson and Emma Dryden, I will introduce reader response theory and how to use it in writing and revision. We'll try it out, and there will a free optional practice session. Click the title to go to EventBrite, learn more about the workshop, and register. $39.79. Limit of 50 participants.
October 27 and 29, 7 PM Eastern (online): Publishing Trends, Market Shifts, and Opportunities: Save the date! Registration will open soon. I'm excited to be offering this revamped two-night mini workshop on change in children's publishing--what's changing and how to deal with it, from fleeting events through longer-term trends to gradual change in formats and markets. I've seen trends emerge and fade, and answered many questions about them in my three decades in the business. Yes, I'll be covering current trends, but more importantly I'll also show you how to keep track of trends and other changes for yourself, and how best to respond to them. This will be valuable for writers from beginners to experienced. Recording available for 30 days. $59
Other events, including workshops and conferences, to come.
Cross reference: Kid's Book Revisions Plus workshops. KBR Plus is building on Kid's Book Revisions and recently announced our second series of free "Hangouts."