Calling kids' book authors! Join the Kids Book Conference at Writers Guild Theater. Learn, connect, and grow in children's writing—from ideation to marketing. Focus on pre-K to 2nd grade, picture books, and diverse stories. Note: Times, talent, and panels are subject to change 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM - Check-in 9:45 AM - 10:00 AM - Opening remarks 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM - Getting Started: From idea to the page 10:50 AM - 11:35 AM - Between Cultures: Multicultural Voices in Kids' Book 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM - Picture Book Mania 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch 1:30 PM - 2:15 PM - To DIY or Not to DIY: Publishing & Distribution 2:20 PM - 3:05 PM - Grow Your Brand: Marketing, Content, Influencers 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM - Franchise Building: A special panel about IP adaptation ANNOUNCED SPEAKERS (more to come!) 📚 Andrea J. Loney, Author (DOUBLE BASS BLUES, BUNNYBEAR) 🎨 Annelouise Mahoney, Author/Illustrator (Julius and Macy: A Very Brave Night (Two Lions), and Little Purple Tractor) 🏆 Bethany Barton, Award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books for Penguin Random House. 🌍 Bonnie Hyde, Bilingual picture book author (I Love Speaking Chinese) ✍️ Christine Van Zandt, Editor (Write for Success Editing Services) 📖 Karen Chan, Founder of Gloo Books 🌐 Melanie Romero, Trilingual Writer (Representing Lil' Libros, a bilingual publisher) ✨ R.S. Melette, Author (MAGIC WAND series), Retired board member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators 🌟 Sarah Maizes, Best-selling and award-winning author (Penguin/Berkley Books and Candlewick Press), Senior creative executive in the kids and family space (Ex-Amazon, Jim Henson Company, and Mattel). ☕ Shira Sergant, Children’s Events Coordinator at Village Well Books & Coffee in Culver City FAQ Are there breaks? There will be 5-10-minute breaks between each panel. Is there assigned seating? No. This event occurs in a theater—desired seating on a first-come, first-serve basis. How long is lunch? 1-hour Is lunch provided? Lunch must be purchased separately when you check out. Will I be able to meet the speakers? Some speakers may do meet-and-greets and sell their books in the lobby throughout the day. Can I write off this event? Yes. Kids Book Conference is part of the American Born Chinese Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and public charity dedicated to bringing free educational resources to American-born Chinese and AAPI children and their families. EIN #88-3522881