Join us March 31 - April 2, 2023 for an incredible weekend with top editors, agents, authors and illustrators in the children's book publishing world. Our spring conference is an excellent opportunity for BIPOC writers and illustrators to learn, get inspired and network with others in the industry. Newbery award winner Jerry Craft met New Kid’s future editor, Andrew Eliopulos, at our #Kweli16 conference, and Printz Award winner Angeline Boulley met Tiffany Liao, the future editor of Firekeeper's Daughter, at #Kweli19. You might meet your future editor at #Kweli23!
Our #Kweli23 conference features a stellar lineup of authors and illustrators, including award-winning and New York Times bestselling authors and illustrators Fatimah Asghar, Angeline Boulley, Cozbi A. Cabrera, Safia Elhillo, Michaela Goade, Donna Barba Higuera, Amber McBride and Marilyn Nelson.
Inspiring keynotes and keynote conversations with Leah Henderson, Malinda Lo, Andrea L. Rogers and Jacqueline Woodson will bookend a day of panels on Saturday, April 1. On the last day of the conference, Sunday, April 2, we will host a closing keynote conversation between award winning authors Edwidge Danticat and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi.
The program runs in four tracks:
Publishing, Community & Culture—with panels on solidarity among creators of color, developing an authorial platform, and submissions.
Novels & Memoir —including workshops on the crafts of character, plotting, contemporary world-building and fantasy world-building.
Picture Books & Nonfiction—where experts will offer insights into picture books, chapter books, graphic novels and nonfiction.
Intensives—with in-depth sessions on craft and form for picture book authors and YA novelists.
Throughout the day, writers and artists will have the opportunity to get their work seen, considered, and critiqued by the many agents and editors attending the conference — a useful step for creators who want to develop their craft and make connections within the industry. Join us in lifting up underrepresented voices.
In the weeks leading up to #Kweli23, we will have a pre-conference event with award winning author Lissette Norman.
In the weeks following #Kweli23, we will have a series of post-conference events with award winning and debut authors: Autumn Allen, Federico Erebia, Brandon Hobson, J.E. Thomas, Ari Tison, AND MORE.
Contact Sarah Hilligoss for information about student tickets and volunteering opportunities.
COVER ART: MAGALY MORALES from THE COURAGE OF THE LITTLE HUMMINGBIRD by LEAH HENDERSON.