Up for a Little Spring Mingling?

For kid lit authors who live in the Georgia area (and nearby states), there's a great conference coming up. Southern Breeze's Springmingle. I've been a member of this group for several years now, and they're a great and supportive bunch. The Springingle is a perfect opportunity to get to know some of them and attend a wonderful conference at a fairly reasonable price. I hear the intensives are especially helpful, and everyone I know who's taken one has raved about them.

One thing I like about these conferences, is that the agents and editors who present usually give a special "freebie pass" to submit to them if you attended the conference. (you get a code in your welcome kit, so you can't just say "I went to X") You can submit directly to folks who aren't always open to unsolicited submissions. I thought that was pretty cool.

Anyway, here's all the info...

If you’re serious about the children’s book market, you'll want to attend Springmingle 2012, Feb. 24-26, 2012 at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center.

Springmingle is presented by the Southern Breeze Region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the world’s largest professional organization for authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults.

At Springmingle, you’ll learn how to raise the level of your work and improve your chances of getting published. You’ll meet editors and agents who are looking for new talent. And you’ll connect with other authors and illustrators of children’s literature. You can also receive critiques from professionals and peers.

The conference faculty includes:

• Kirby Larson, author of 10 books for young readers, including the 2007 Newbery Honor winner, Hattie Big Sky
• Greg Ferguson, editor and art director at Egmont USA
• Kristin Daly Rens, senior editor at Balzer & Bray / HarperCollins
• Mary Kole, associate agent with Andrea Brown Literary Agency
• Andy Runton, creator of OWLY graphic novels

The conference begins on Friday with an intensive workshop on novel writing with author Kirby Larson. (An additional fee applies.)

Conference tuition is $190 for SCBWI members, $220 for non-members, or $200 for students. Advance registration is required and spaces are limited. Register by Jan. 21 and receive a $5 discount.

For more information and to register for Springmingle 2012, visit https://southern-breeze.net/

See you there if you go!