Frequently Asked Questions

1) Is this conference for someone like me?
Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers is for anyone who is seriously interested in publishing books for children and teens. If this is a passing interest, you may not want to invest the 40 + hours this conference takes. But if you really want to publish, there will be people here who will be able to help you get the best work possible in the time allotted.
Many people find this conference to be a life-changing experience as far as their career as writers or illustrators. It's a long, hard week that attendees love. In fact, we have many return attendees--almost 50 % of the people who come have been here more than once.

2) Are the morning classes different than the afternoon ones?
Yes. If you sign up for a morning class, you will find yourself with several other writers just like you--ready to improve their writing and illustrating. You spend 20 hours in the same class room with the same people going over your predetermined amount of work. Afternoon sessions are sessions on craft or marketing or on what major publishing houses are looking for etc. Morning sessions are to develop your craft, make your work as strong as possible. Those who are signed up for the morning sessions get the afternoon sessions at no extra charge. Those who are interested, can take the afternoon classes only. Both are tremendous experiences.

3) What goes on in the morning classes?
See our description of the morning class here on the website.

4) Can I get college credit?
No, but you can now earn teacher's accreditation credits. Click here for more information.

5) Is the conference still associated with BYU?
We are still supported by the English Department at BYU.

6) Are there classes just for illustrators?
There is the morning class and then several afternoon illustrator classes, too. As well, it would be a good idea for an illustrator to sit in on a picture book class or two.

7) Who will be teaching in the afternoon?
Afternoon sessions start with the plenary--the address from our New York guests. During the week, all the morning faculty will speak twice. We will have a few guest lecturers as well, including Brandon Mull, Emily Wing Smith, Randall Wright, Anne Bowen, Elissa Cruz, and Lisa Mangum, just to name a few. Click here for a full list of the Afternoon Sessions.

8) Will I have a chance to meet the authors and illustrators?
Sure. Our faculty is here to chat with you and answer your burning questions, too!

9) I've been to other conferences before. How is this one different?
This isn't your typical two-day conference. It really is hands-on. You're going to be working . . . hard! If you want to have a chance to make your writing the best possible, then this is the conference for you. Look over the website. Read what people have said about the week. Look closely at what your goals as a writer or illustrator are. Do you have the time? Is publishing for children something you really want to do? This conference is a true investment that has an incredible pay off--If you work hard, you will walk away a stronger writer or illustrator.

10) Where is the conference located?
Our new location is in Sandy, Utah, at Waterford School (1480 East 9400 South, Sandy, UT 84093)

11) How do I get into a morning class?
Go to the registration page and sign up. Please note that Writer's Boot Camp is by invitation only and that you must have attended three years of this conference to get into an advanced class.

12) If I sign up for a morning class, do I get to attend the afternoon sessions?
Yes, but not vice-versa.

13) Can I submit my manuscript to the editors or agents at the conference?
You cannot hand any manuscript over to anyone who will be attending this conference. However, this is an opportunity for you to be able to submit to what is typically a closed house. For example, this year we have an editor from S©ott Treimel NY. Typically, they do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. But our editor will look at work that comes from this conference for a certain amount of time after the conference. Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers is kind of like a get-out-of-jail free card. The attendee is now able to open doors he or she was unable to open before. For more information, check out Getting the Most Out of the Conference: Etiquette on this website.

14) Can I come if I'm still in high school?
Ages 16 and up are invited to the conference.

15) How much does it cost?

Registration Type	Early Bird Price	Regular Price
Morning Workshop	$495	$545
Illustrator Class (Tue-Thur)	$295	$345
Afternoon Sessions	$105	$130
Writer's Boot Camp	$695	$745
Full Novel	$995	$1045
Mini Workshops	$95	$100

16) If I sign up and something happens, can I get a refund?
We cannot offer refunds, so be very careful when you sign up, and think about it for a good long while (but not too long as the class you are interested in may fill up). We also cannot trade classes for you this year, so make sure you sign up where you want to. If, for some reason, you cannot make the conference, you can sell your spot to someone else.

17) I want to write a book but I don't know where to start. Is there something at this conference for me?
The perfect class for you would be Introduction to Writing for Children and Young Adults by A.E. Cannon, who will discuss all the different kinds of writing for children, from non-fiction to picture book to young adult novel.

18) What should I bring with me to the conference?
An open mind, the willingness to learn and take critique, something to take notes with, and snacks if you need them during the day.

19) Will I have access to food and water on the campus?
There are plenty of places to eat nearby, and water fountains on campus. If you have a medical need, please don't be afraid to bring food on campus. There's a large, sunny room with places to sit and a few tables, too. As well, there is plenty of wonderful outdoor space.