Regional virtual events

April 29-July 9, 2024 (registration closes May 24): Summer Series is 10-weeks of online programs + written critique on a dummy, graphic novel or manuscript from an agent or editor, all for $190. There's something for all creatives in this series. Register as late as May 24th. Receive recordings of all previous programs when you register and join us live when you can!

May 19, 2024 (if you are booking from outside New Zealand, check the day and time for your local time zone) Can you tell a book by its cover? Book covers are hugely important in the making of a book. Sometimes shortcuts are taken and images are used from within the book for the cover - this often falls flat, and is a lost opportunity in visually beginning the story before the first page. In this event you will learn what works and what doesn't in making book covers that are not only engaging but stand out on booksellers shelves. With Lisa you will explore; iconic book covers, the element of colour, our crazy brains and how we visually read images & text, typography: finding the perfect font, names – author or illustrator: who comes first? plus many other topics to do with book cover design. Ideal for authors, illustrators and those looking to self-publish.

May 20, 2024 (registration closes May 19): Not all settings are characters, no matter how brilliantly portrayed, and they don’t have to be, but what gives some settings that sense of ‘personhood’ where it becomes an actor in the story? This workshop will look at examples where settings are so interwoven with every aspect of the story, that they become a character themselves, establishing the tone for their fellow characters and for the plot. Aimed at writers of all levels and includes an opportunity to apply/discuss tips and techniques.

June 6: While everyone approaches revision a little differently, you can learn a lot from hearing how writers--from picture book to nonfiction to YA--have attacked specific challenges. In this webinar, Editor Elizabeth Law will be including examples from books she's worked on and quoting from interviews she's done with writers on their process. Included in the talk will be a few tips for getting unstuck as well.

June 8, 2024 (registration closes May 31): Artists’ agent and RISD professor Judy Sue Goodwin Sturges will provide a 20-minute Zoom critique of each participating illustrator’s portfolio. Focus will be hands-on with pointers on playing to your strengths as a visual storyteller for children’s publishing. As a follow up to the critique, Judy Sue will offer each illustrator an assignment prompt for further feedback.

June 15, 2024 (registration closes June 14): Join us for a virtual day especially for PALs. From promo videos to book launch parties, we'll talk all things marketing in the morning. Come back in the afternoon for a deep dive into school visits. Half day and full day tickets available. A variety of marketing and school visit consultations are also available at an additional cost.

June 15, 2024 (registration closes June 12): Dive into our exclusive workshop where Lian Cho unveils the secrets behind her process of creating picture book PIG TOWN PARTY. Learn how Lian was discovered as an illustrator and gain insights into her artistic evolution, all her wins and hiccups! Get an inside look at the making of PIG TOWN PARTY, from idea creation and storytelling to final artwork and cover design. In this hands-on dynamic workshop session, you’ll sketch thumbnails for covers and have a chance to receive personalized feedback from Lian.

July 6, 2024: Join Nanette McGuinness, award-winning translator of the much-loved Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novels and many more, as she discusses the nuts & bolts of translating kidlit. The workshop will discuss paths to becoming a children's book translator, pitching translations to publishers, and the art/craft of translating books for young readers. It will appeal to translators and prospective translators as well as authors and author-illustrators who may wonder what goes into translating their works.

July 9. 2024: Nancy Churnin will share craft techniques that will show you how to make stories about true events compelling and emotion-filled.

July 12, 2024: Pagination, pacing, page-turns—these are some key elements that can make or break a picture book. In this workshop, you’ll learn the mechanics of picture book pagination. Such as, what’s a signature? And how do those lovely endpapers factor into the page count? Then, we’ll look at pagination from a craft perspective, exploring examples of how careful pagination can keep the reader engaged by building tension, orchestrating surprises, encouraging pauses, and making them want to reread time and again.

August 17, 2024 (registration closes August 15): In this presentation, Deb Gonzales will unveil the transformative power of Pinterest in book marketing, highlighting its evergreen appeal across genres. Tailored to elevate an author or illustrator's connection with their intended audiences on the platform, participants will discover that Pinterest is the perfect place for all book creators no matter what their stage in the publishing journey may be.

August 27 (registration closes August 26): Join us for this webinar with acclaimed author Donna Gephart and Learn techniques and tips to create funny children’s books, from picture books through young adult novels. Discover which types of humor work best for various age groups. Tap into your inner child with lively examples, fun exercises and practical advice that will inspire you to write side-splitting humor for the younger set. A limited number of critiques is also available.