The Journey of a Children’s Book: From Sketches to Shelves

The first-of-its kind event dedicated to the business and creative sides of children’s books. A journey from acquisitions to the shelves!

About this Event

Join us in the heart of New York City for a two-day deep dive into the art, craft, and industry of children’s book publishing. This immersive event brings together author-illustrators, editors, booksellers, agents, publishers and other industry professionals for a dynamic program of masterclasses, portfolio reviews, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

Attendees will be taken on a behind-the-scenes journey through the lifecycle of a children’s book — from acquisitions to illustration and concept development to sales — with plenty of opportunities to connect with peers and potential collaborators along the way.

Whether you’re an aspiring or experienced illustrator, publishing professional, or seasoned storyteller, this event will offer valuable insights into the evolving world of children’s publishing.

Event Highlights

• Masterclasses & Panels with top industry voices
• *Live Portfolio Reviews with editors, agents, art directors and award winning, acclaimed author/illustrators
• Networking Opportunities to connect with peers and collaborators
• Insights from Experts on market trends, submission strategies, and craft
• Learning Non-stop with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and gain insights
• Key Colors Competition learn about Clavis Publishing’s competition to discover new talent!
• Lunch Included so you won’t miss a moment of it.

Be Energized and Inspired! Be part of the first of this event and be inspired by the magnificent people that make children’s books possible!

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We’re thrilled to welcome an inspiring lineup of award-winning creatives and industry leaders:

Creators & Author-Illustrators

• Doug Salati – 2023 Caldecott Medal Winner
• Isabel Roxas – Acclaimed Author-Illustrator
• Azadeh Westergaard – Star-Reviewed Author-Illustrator
• Yevgeniya Yeretskaya – Pop-up book designer and paper engineer
• C. G. Esperanza - 2025 Caldecott Honor Illustrator
• Hanna Cha - 2024 Caldecott Honor Illustrator
• Clare Pernice - Event Organizer and Author-Illustrator

*Monica Wellington – Moderator; Acclaimed Author-Illustrator and Educator

Editors & Industry Experts

• Emma Kantor – Senior Children’s Editor, Publishers Weekly
• Mahnaz Dar – Children’s Review Editor, Kirkus Reviews
• Susan Marston – Editorial Director, Albatros Books; Former head at Junior Library Guild
• Philippe Werck – Publisher and Owner of Clavis Publishing
• Jill Davis – Editor-in-Chief at Hippo Park
• Polly Buxton – Bookseller and Owner of Buxton Books
• Chad Beckerman – Agent at The CatAgency
• David Hatfield – Owner at Hatfield Solutions
• Mina Chung – Associate Art Director at Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
• Joana Costa Knufinke – Editor in Chief at Scholastic
• Carolina Schwarz - Event Organizer and Founder of We the Content
• Arabelle Liepold - Executive Director at The Society of Illustrators

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Tickets:

• Two-Day Ticket: $299----Early bird through September 25th then $329 (students $149)
• One-Day Ticket: $175----Early bird through September 25th then $199 (students $99)

Add-on Portfolio Reviews:

• Digital Portfolio Review - Live on Stage - Monday, October 27th: $50 (limit to the first 6 registrants)

Submit your digital portfolio in advance for a rare opportunity to have it reviewed by a top industry professional live in front of the conference audience. Selected portfolios will be projected on screen for constructive, actionable feedback—highlighting strengths, identifying opportunities for growth, and sharing insider tips on what makes work stand out in today’s market. Priority given in order of submission. Grab your spot early! Guidelines and instructions will be sent upon registration.

• Speed Round Portfolio Review on Tuesday, October 28th: $65 (limit to the first 16 registrants)

Register for professional feedback with 9 seasoned industry professionals ready to give you their best advice ~ In a small panel format rotate through quick-fire review rounds, getting concise, targeted critiques of your work from each expert. This is your chance to showcase your portfolio and/ or book dummy, ask focused questions and gain multiple perspectives on your strengths, style, and marketability—all in a single session. Whether you’re refining your portfolio for an illustration career, pitching a book idea or exploring new markets, you’ll leave with fresh ideas, actionable insights and a clearer path forward. Guidelines and instructions will be sent upon registration.

Groups of 10 or more? Contact us for group discounts!

If you purchase a student ticket, please also bring your Student ID to show at check-in.

Lunch, coffee and snacks will be provided!

Lunch will include vegetarian options and will be nut-free.

Refund Policy

Full refund through October 1st; Fifty percent (50%) refund through October 5th. No refunds after October 5th.

Questions? Contact us at bWFya2V0aW5nIHwgd2V0aGVjb250ZW50ICEgY29t.

Monday, October 27th


🕑: 09:00 AM
Doors Open

🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome!
Host: Carolina Schwarz

🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Beyond the Spine: What Makes a Book Worth Acquiring?
Host: Jill Davis

Info: A Deep Dive into the Creative, Commercial, and Editorial Decisions Behind Every Acquisition

🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Break & Networking

🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Which Books Go Where: Mapping the Sales Channels
Host: Carolina Schwarz

Info: From trade to schools or libraries, the industry spans a complex web of sales channels. This panel offers a strategic look at which formats, price points, and content types perform best in each space—and how to align books for the unique demands of each.

🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch & Networking

🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM
Curating Quality: Identifying Unique Content & Providing Critical Insights
Host: Susan Marston

Info: Exploring The Art and Strategy of Selecting Exceptional Content and Elevating It Through Expert Feedback

🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Break & Networking

🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
How Books Find Their Readers: Inside the U.S. Sales Maze
Host: Polly Buxton

Info: From algorithms to in-person selling, discover how children’s books connect with readers across digital and physical spaces.

🕑: 03:15 PM - 03:45 PM
Q&A: Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know but Didn’t Know Who to Ask!

🕑: 03:45 PM - 05:00 PM
Networking & Exhibition Viewing

Tuesday, October 28th


🕑: 09:00 AM
Doors Open

🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
Welcome!
Host: Carolina Schwarz

🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:45 AM
What a Nice Cat We Have: From Thousands of Submissions to One Published Book
Host: Philippe Werck

Info: Keynote Speaker Philippe Werck, Clavis Publisher, shares deep industry insight and announces the new edition of the international KeyColors Competition.

🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Break

🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
How Unique Picture Illustrators Bring Stories to Life
Host: Yevgeniya Yeretskaya

Info: Behind the scenes with a paper engineer, a hand-print collage artist, and a graphic novel illustrator for young readers.

🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch & Networking

🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM
Picture Book Artistry, Creating Characters & Stories
Host: Doug Salati

Info: Three Caldecott Medalists Share their Art and Inspiration / Moderators: Mina Chung and Clare Pernice

🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Conference Wrap Up, Q&A's and KeyColors Competition Review

🕑: 03:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Speed Round Portfolio Reviews / Networking & View Art Exhibition

🕑: 05:00 PM
Doors Close

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