Kweli's annual Color of Children's Literature Conference is designed to help emerging writers hone their craft, introduce them to established authors willing to share their experiences and expertise, and connect them with editors, agents and publishers who can introduce their art to the world.
Over the years, dozens of writers—including Angeline Boulley, Jerry Craft, Emeline Lee, Laura Obuobi, Andrea L. Rogers, J.E. Thomas and Brian Lee Young—met their agents or editors at Kweli. #KWELI23 may be your opportunity to do the same.
Our 2023 conference will offer day-long, in-person sessions for the first time since the pandemic began, and we couldn't be more delighted.
Our Friday, March 31 in-person masterclasses are in picture books, graphic novels, middle grade revision, YA revision and poetry/non-fiction. Please note: Writing and Illustrating Picture Books is at capacity.
Saturday, April 1 in-person sessions provide in-depth craft workshops on humor, plot points, partnering with publishers on marketing, romcoms, and more.
Keynotes will be delivered by the incomparable Jacqueline Woodson (winner of the MacArthur "Genius" Award, Hans Christian Anderson Award, Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, Newbery Award, National Book Award and Coretta Scott King Book Award among many others), multi-award winner Malinda Lo (recipient of the National Book Award, Stonewall Book Award, Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, Michael L. Printz Honor, and LA Times Book Prize finalist), the amazing Leah Henderson (SCBWI Golden Kite Award finalist, Bank Street Best Book notable and Children’s Africana Book Award notable), and breakout debut author Andrea L. Rogers (NPR Best Book and Walter Award recipient).
Sunday, April 2's virtual program includes workshops and discussions on the business of publishing, graphic novels, novels in verse, DIY marketing, fantasy—and a not-to-be-missed conversation with Edwidge Danticat and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi.
Ms. Danticat is a National Book Award finalist, National Book Critics Circle Awards winner, MacArthur "Genius" Fellow, Ford Foundation Fellow, United States Artists Fellow, two-time winner of The Story Prize, Neustadt International Prize recipient, and more. In addition to authoring multiple NYT bestsellers, Dr. Kendi is a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow, the recipient of the National Book Award, and W.E.B. Du Bois Book Prize, among many other distinctions.
How To Register
For your convenience, you may register for both Saturday and Sunday's programs or for either Saturday or Sunday separately. Optional in-person masterclasses and manuscript critiques are available to those who register for Saturday and/or Sunday programs.
FAQs
Are there specific protocols for the in-person sessions I should know about?
Yes. To safeguard the health of all attendees, including those with compromised immune systems, masks are required during all in-person sessions. Additionally, badges must be worn and clearly visible while in the conference area. You will receive your badge, event program and more when you check in.
When does registration for the conference close?
The last day to register for the conference is Friday, March 17, 2023.
Will you offer late registration for an additional fee?
That will depend on the number of attendees registered by March 17. We want all attendees to have a positive experience with many opportunities to speak with faculty. We encourage you to register early as registration will close when we reach capacity for our in-person events.
How many pages should I submit for the manuscript review?
You should submit the first 10 pages of your novel, novel in verse or chapter book. If you are submitting a picture book, you should submit the entire manuscript.
What is the manuscript review deadline?
February 28, 2023
What if I miss the deadline?
Due to the significant interest in our program, we are not able to accept late submissions. We will refund your manuscript submission promptly.
How do I submit a picture book?
You should submit the manuscript as a text file. Do not include illustrations.
May I submit multiple manuscripts?
No. In consideration of our reviewers' busy schedules, we are limiting submissions to one per registrant.
What if I write in different genres?
Select the manuscript that you feel is the strongest and most ready for review. You will have opportunities to apply for a genre-specific retreat later in the year or to submit a different manuscript for #KWELI24.
Will you proof and correct my manuscript before passing it on to a reviewer?
No. Kweli takes pride in nurturing writers throughout their publishing career. As with all submissions, Kweli staff will read manuscript critiques carefully. Please note: in some cases, we recommend corrections or revisions before submission. Should that occur, we will refund your manuscript review fee promptly.
Am I guaranteed my first choice of reviewer?
We will make every effort to match you with your first choice. However depending on the date and time you complete your manuscript and the readiness of your submission for review, we cannot guarantee your first choice. Manuscript reviews will be done by phone or Zoom within two weeks of the conference, at the discretion of the reviewer.
What happens if you tell me my manuscript needs more work before I submit it for review?
We will refund your manuscript review fee promptly. If time allows, we will provide suggestions or match you with a Kweli editor for support to ready your submission for another time. If you are a Kweli Sing the Truth! Mentee, we will continue to work with you throughout the year on your manuscript.
