Conferences and Classes
Where I Am Speaking/Teaching in 2026 and 2027
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 2027 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.).
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 introduced reader response theory and how to use it in writing and revision. We put it into practice during the workshop and in a free optional practice session.
October 27 and 29, 7 PM Eastern (online): Publishing Trends, Market Shifts, and Opportunities is now open for signups! 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 kinds of 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
December 3 and 8, 8-9:15 PM Eastern (online): Save the date! Revision for Submission will be the first workshop featuring all three of us from Kids Book Revisions Plus--me, Emma Dryden, and Eileen Robinson. To help you get ready to go out on submission in the new year, we will show you methods for final-stage revision of your manuscript, without hiring a copyeditor. We'll also share a query letter template and model revision changes on three different query letters. More details and registration link to come. For a companion workshop, consider "Successful Strategies..." below.
January 11 and 13 2027, 7-8:15 PM Eastern (online): Save the date! Successful Strategies for Submitting Your Manuscript to Agents and Editors, revised and updated for 2027. An overview to help you get out on submission or adjust your approach. Covers everything from the basics of the submissions process to what works and what doesn't. Expect some surprises, some myth-busting, and perhaps some reminders of things you knew but had forgotten. Online via Boyds Mills (formerly the Highlights Foundation). Recording will be available if you can't attend live, or want to watch again. $59, webinar format, with handouts and time for questions.
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."