Since 1997, Andrea Brown has been running the Big Sur Children's Writers Workshop on the Central California coast every winter, with occasional offshoot conference locations. ​She has brought in outstanding editors from the top publishing houses, both large and small, and successful authors to make up an experienced and giving faculty. This workshop has an excellent faculty-to-attendee ratio and is a weekend that provides ample opportunities for faculty/attendee interactions, both formal and informal. It has been the source of many successful author/agent relationships and many publishing deals, including one for more than half a million dollars.

These workshops are designed for serious writers of children's books, from Picture Books through Young Adult, whose works are nearly ready for publication. Therefore, to be accepted for a workshop, writers are required to submit a sample of their writing. Hands-on editorial work is the focus of these workshops, and there are breakout sessions on various important aspects of the publishing industry. Faculty and attendees take all meals together and socialize in an intimate and inspirational setting. Important alliances have come out of these workshops—many successful publishing deals, lasting writer/agent relationships, ongoing critique groups, and industry friendships and connections.

The Big Sur Children's Writers Workshop is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. Conference participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the conference organizers. Click here for our full anti-harassment policy.