8:30am CDT: Welcome to the Kidlit Breakthrough Summit!

We’re kicking things off with the writing sessions that have helped hundreds of authors craft books kids—and publishers—love. Whether you're just starting out or revising a draft, today's lineup will give you the clarity and momentum to finally move forward. Join the welcome session first to grab your free workbook and set yourself up for success before we dive in!

8:30am CDT: 3 Keys to Writing an Engaging Children’s Book That Readers (and Publishers) Can’t Put Down

What makes a children’s book truly stand out to readers—and to publishers? In this practical, behind-the-scenes session, bestselling author and publisher Brooke Van Sickle shares the three essential techniques every children’s book needs to keep readers turning the page. You’ll learn how to cut the fluff, tighten your story, and inject just the right amount of personality and polish to capture your reader’s attention from page one.

📌 Bring a rough draft or story-in-progress—you’ll have the chance to implement edits in real time and walk away with a stronger, more marketable manuscript.

9:30am CDT: 4 Easy Edits That Instantly Improve Your Story

Editing your children’s book can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be! In this hands-on workshop, award-winning author and editor Brooke Van Sickle breaks down four easy edits you can make right now to instantly improve your manuscript. Whether you’re writing a picture book, chapter book, or middle grade novel, you’ll learn how to identify filler words, strengthen your verbs, and replace passive voice with powerful, reader-grabbing prose. Bring your rough draft and follow along in real time to sharpen your story with confidence!

 📌 This is an implementation-style session. Attendees are encouraged to bring a rough draft with them to follow along and apply the edits in real time.

10:30am CDT: The 3 Biggest Mistakes Children's Book Writers Make—and How to Avoid Them

Aspiring children's book authors often pour their hearts into a story—only to be met with rejection, confusion, or silence. In this powerful session, award-winning author and publisher Brooke Van Sickle shares the three most common mistakes that hold writers back from getting published and how to fix them. You'll walk away with clarity on who you're writing for, when to bring in an illustrator (spoiler: not yet!), and how to know when your book is actually ready to publish. Whether you're brand new or stuck in revisions, this is the dose of tough love and expert insight you didn’t know you needed.

11:30am CDT: What an Editor Sees on Page One (And How to Make Yours Stand Out)

Ever wonder what an editor really thinks when they read your manuscript? In this live critique session, HarperCollins editor Sara Schonfeld reads and reacts to first pages submitted by real writers just like you. You’ll hear what stands out, what raises red flags, and how to instantly improve your story’s chances—whether you submitted or not.

12:30pm CDT: Your Most Productive Year: 3 Keys to Reaching Your Writing Goals

Want to finally finish your children’s book this year? In this empowering workshop, award-winning author and publisher Brooke Van Sickle shares the exact method she used to go from constant procrastination to a full-time writing career. You’ll learn the three keys to finding time to write—no matter how busy your schedule is—and how to build writing habits that last. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a personalized writing plan, clear goals for the months ahead, and the tools to finally make meaningful progress.

8:30am CDT: Welcome to Day 2 of the Kidlit Breakthrough Summit

Today is all about pulling back the curtain on publishing—so you can confidently take your next step toward getting your book into readers’ hands. You’ll discover real-world strategies for both traditional and self-publishing, plus insights to help you choose the best path for your book. Be sure to tune into the welcome session to grab your free workbook before diving into the day’s powerful workshops!

8:30am CDT: Which Publishing Path Is Right for You? A Clear Breakdown of Traditional, Self, & Hybrid Options

Feeling overwhelmed by your publishing options? In this session, bestselling author and publishing expert Brooke Van Sickle walks you through the three main publishing paths available to children's book authors—traditional, self-publishing, and hybrid. You’ll get a clear breakdown of the pros and cons of each route, real-world examples, and a key question to help you decide which option is right for your goals. If you're ready to finally see your book in print, this is the session to watch.

9:30am CDT: How I Went From Teacher to 20+ Published Books: Real Talk on Rejection, Small Presses & Work-for-Hire

In this inspiring and refreshingly honest session, award-winning author Shannon Anderson shares the full behind-the-scenes journey of how she went from a classroom teacher with a dream to a full-time children’s book author with over 20 published books.

Learn how she got started without an agent, the surprising path that led to her breakout book, and why small presses and work-for-hire gigs helped her build a sustainable writing career. Discover tips for dealing with rejection, finding the right publishing partners, and navigating author visits and marketing opportunities. A must-watch if you’ve ever wondered, "Is this really possible for me?"

10:30am CDT: Inside the Mind of a Literary Agent: How to Pitch, Query, and Get Signed

What makes an agent say “yes” to a submission—and how can you make sure your book stands out in today’s market? In this candid conversation with senior literary agent Adria Goetz, you’ll get an inside look at what agents are really looking for, how to navigate tricky formats like rhyme and chapter books, and what it actually takes to build a long-term publishing career. If you're getting ready to query or have ever wondered how to get an agent's attention, this is a must-watch.

11:30am CDT: From One Book to a Global Breakthrough: How to Expand Your Story’s Reach Through Translation and Foreign Rights

When UK author Sarah Surgey wrote her first children’s book during the pandemic, she had no idea it would go on to be translated into 16 languages and picked up by publishers across the globe. In this inspiring session, Sarah shares her journey from self-publishing to traditional publishing, how she navigated translation rights, and the business mindset that helped her book reach international readers. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on foreign rights, pitching globally, and how to position your book for long-term success.

12:30pm CDT: From Teacher to Bestseller: How Holly Turned Her Educational Passion into a Winning Book Series

In this session, bestselling author and former educator Holly DiBella-McCarthy walks us through how she blended her decades of teaching experience with creative storytelling to launch the award-winning Dilly Duck series. From choosing the right publishing path for each book to building a powerful launch team and leveraging Amazon tools like A+ content and Publisher Rocket, Holly reveals the step-by-step marketing strategies that helped her hit #1 bestseller status. You’ll learn what truly moves the needle when launching a book—and how to build a long-lasting author brand through lead magnets, school partnerships, and supporting other authors.

8:30am CDT: Welcome to Day 3 of the Kidlit Breakthrough Summit

You made it to the final day! Today we’re tackling marketing—and how to do it without the overwhelm. These sessions are packed with real strategies to help you sell more books and grow your author brand. Don’t forget to join the welcome to download your free workbook so you’re ready to take notes and make the most of these final sessions!

8:30am CDT: From Author to Rockstar: How to Run Unforgettable School Visits That Actually Sell Books

Want to sell hundreds—or even thousands—of books in a single day? Coach Sloth has done it over 1300 times. In this lively session, you'll get his exact framework for designing high-energy author visits that kids (and schools) rave about.

He shares how to plan your first visit, what materials you’ll need, how to structure your talk, and the secrets to turning school visits into consistent book sales. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, you'll walk away with proven tips that can turn your story into a stage-worthy experience.

9:30am CDT: How to Stand Out & Get Booked as a Children's Author—Online and In Schools

Ever wondered how to land podcast interviews or get booked for school visits as a children’s book author? In this energizing and heart-filled conversation, Jed Doherty—aka “Jedlie,” host of the award-winning Reading With Your Kids Podcast—shares the story behind his podcast’s growth, what makes a pitch stand out (and what gets instantly deleted), and how authors can build authentic relationships that lead to lasting visibility. He also gives insider tips on booking school visits—even if you're just starting out—and creating a program that’s both engaging and profitable.

10:30am CDT: 5 Ways to Use AI to Market Your Book (Without the Burnout)

Feel like you're spending more time marketing your book than writing it? In this free workshop, you'll learn 5 practical (and surprisingly simple) ways to use AI to streamline your marketing—without sounding like a robot or losing your voice. Whether you're stuck staring at a blank caption, overwhelmed by what to post, or just tired of the content hustle, this training will show you how to reclaim your time, reach your readers, and grow your platform with ease.

11:30am CDT: Beyond the Bookstore: How to Make Money as a Children’s Author (Even Without Thousands of Sales)

Think you need to sell thousands of books to earn back your investment? Think again. Award-winning author and business professor Jill Friestad-Tate shares the marketing strategies that helped her turn a hybrid publishing deal into a profitable author career—without relying on Amazon ads or bestseller lists.

In this candid session, Jill walks through how she uses school visits, niche marketing, and educational resources to connect with readers and build lasting income streams. Whether you're just starting your draft or preparing for launch, this session will help you see the real opportunities available to every author—especially when you lean into your story and market with intention.

12:30pm CDT: How to Thrive as a Self-Published Author: Writing, Marketing & Selling with Reesa Shayne

Author Reesa Shayne has self-published six children’s books, including international bestsellers like Unstoppable Zee and I Breathe for Me. In this candid conversation, Reesa shares her journey from rejection to building a growing publishing brand—plus the marketing strategies, email list-building tips, and advertising insights that keep her book sales strong year-round. Whether you're just starting or already published, you’ll walk away inspired and equipped to succeed as a self-published author.

1:30pm CDT: Closing Remarks: How to Keep the Momentum Going

You made it to the end of the summit—but this doesn’t have to be the end of your journey. In this final session, we’ll celebrate everything you’ve learned and show you how to keep your momentum going. Plus, how to get access to exclusive author tools, critique discounts, and a full database of publishers and agents. Join us to find out more to keep growing, submitting, and finally publishing the book you came here to write!