Conference Overview
June 14–18, 2027 · Draper, UT
As Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers grows into a year-long conference filled with monthly activities, one thing stays the same: our five-day June conference, featuring intensive, week-long classes and daily breakout sessions.
The heart of Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers is the morning classes. Here, attendees workshop their manuscripts with an industry professional, spending 20 hours together.
During afternoon workshops, registrants attend plenary and breakout sessions to learn more about the craft of writing and the publishing industry.
WIFYR is like a mini-MFA (Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing)—at a fraction of the cost. Our faculty, which includes traditionally published authors and illustrators, publishers, agents, and editors, is here at WIFYR to help you succeed. Our monthly events support that learning.
8:30am - 12:30pm
Morning Workshop
Spend four hours each morning with your faculty member and a classroom of people who want what you want: to learn how to be the best writer you can be.
12:30pm - 2:00pm
Lunch Break
Lunch is a great opportunity to go out with writing friends—or browse the bookstore, rework your manuscript, or relax.
2:00pm - 6:00pm
Afternoon Sessions
Afternoons include two plenaries and craft-related breakout classes. You can also register for afternoon sessions only.
Registration opens January 1