Resources for KidLit Writers
Places to get started:
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
If you're interested in writing children's books, SCBWI is a great place to start. They hold conferences and workshops throughout the year, often with submission opportunities. They also offer numerous resources to its members, including publishing guides, marketing & promotion opportunities, and awards and grants. There are regional chapters around the world with local and virtual events that are a great way to learn and connect with others in your area.
An excellent free resource with informative blog posts, including interviews with authors, illustrators, agents and editors, tips for querying and submitting, and links to lots of great KidLit resources. They maintain very comprehensive lists of monthly and year-round KidLit classes, events, and contests, with one for picture books and one for MG/YA.
An invaluable free resource for KidLit creators, run by Elaine Kiely Kearns & Sylvia Liu. Their website offers a multitude of resources covering just about anything you can think of related to KidLit, with weekly updates. They also moderate a Facebook group where you can become part of a supportive community of KidLit creators who share tips and resources.
Harold Underdown's The Purple Crayon
Another indispensable free resource for all things KidLit, created by children's book editor Harold Underdown. There is a ton of helpful information here. If you've got a question about writing and publishing children's books, Harold probably has an answer.
Author and illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi is a wonderful and generous resource to the kidlit community . Check out her website for lots of great templates for kidlit creators as well as tips and links to other resources.
Where I've taken writing classes: