Looking for a Writer and Illustrator Conference? Take a Peek at Springmingle

I'm fortunate to belong to Southern Breeze, a wonder chapter of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators). Their annual spring conference is coming up and it's a fantastic conference for writers and illustrators of juvenile fiction and non-fiction from picture books to young adult novels. Not a SCBWI member? No problem. Non-members are welcome and encouraged to attend. In fact, it's a great way to meet the members and see if it's a group you'd like to join.

For those who'd like to help get the word out about this event, please tweet or share, or even copy this information right off the site and post it to your own site. The more who hear about it the better, and I appreciate any and all efforts made to spread the word.

Springmingle Writers and Illustrators Conference

Springmingle offers writing workshops and sessions with agents, authors, and editors to help writers and illustrators learn the skills they need to get published. Meet editors, art directors, and agents who are looking for new talent. Connect with a friendly, supportive group of authors and illustrators.

The conference faculty includes: Lucy Ruth Cummins, Art Director Simon & Schuster; Cheryl Willis Hudson, Creative Director Just Us Books; Ruth Sanderson, Author/Illustrator; Cheryl Klein, Editor, Arthur Levine Books; Ammi-Joan Paquette, Agent, Erin Murphy Literary Agency; and Jo S. Kittinger, Award-Winning Author.

Looking for Feedback?

Both formal and informal critiques are available. Formal critiques are $40, informal are free. Deadline to submit is February 23, so act fast if you'd like to take advantage of this opportunity.

For a peek at how agents and editors think, there's the Image/Eight panel. Attendees can submit the first eight lines of their manuscript or an opening illustration for a free review by a panel of conference faculty.

For more personal attention, there's the Agent One-on-One. Just $45 for a personal consult with Ammi-Joan Paquette. Bring your queries, first pages, some recent blogs/tweets, royalty statements, or rejection letters, and get advice from one of the best!

In addition to the main conference, SCBWI offers two, one-day programs on March 28:

The Writer’s Intensive

Learn methods for analyzing your own plot and identifying its strengths and weaknesses with editor Cheryl Klein. Register for just this one-day program, or combine with Springmingle for a full weekend of learning and networking. Member Cost: $65.

Illustrators’ Day

Learn more about the art and business of illustration, and have your portfolio reviewed by experts. Register for just this one-day program, or combine with Springmingle. Member Cost: $65. Deadline to submit is February 23, so again, act fast if you'd like to take advantage of this opportunity.

Springmingle takes place on March 28-30, 2014 at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center.

Conference tuition is $195 for SCBWI members, $225 for non-members, or $205 for students.

Advance registration is required and spaces are limited for some activities.

For more information please visit southern-breeze.scbwi.org

We look forward to seeing you at Springmingle 2014!