Kweli's annual Color of Children's Literature Conference is designed to help emerging writers of color hone their craft, introduce them to established authors and educators 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, Cozbi A. Cabrera, Jerry Craft, Anna Lapera, Emeline Lee, Andrea L. Rogers, and Brian Lee Young—met their agents or editors at Kweli. #KWELI26 may be your opportunity to do the same.

Our 2026 conference has been reimagined as a multi-week event.

Opening weekend of #Kweli26 will include two-day long in-person sessions with New York Law School (NYLS) providing a space for the events.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 in-person sessions provide in-depth craft workshops on novel revision, voice, writing history, picture book making, the anatomy of a strong hook, as well as real talk on publishing, collaborating with an agent or editor, and more.

SUNDAY, APRIL 12 in-person programing includes the anatomy of a scene, workshops on adaptation, writing Black girlhood, Queer Romantasy, creating a compelling narrative, and more.

Keynotes will be delivered on Saturday and Sunday by the incomparable Carole Boston Weatherford (2021 Newbery Medalist, multiple Coretta Scott King and Caldecott Honoree), author extraordinaire Derrick Barnes (2026 Coretta Scott King Book Award and Caldecott Medalist), the brilliant Joshua Bennett (2021 Guggenheim Fellowship, 2021 Whiting Award for Poetry and Nonfiction) and standout author Patricia Park (Gotham Prize Finalist).

We will offer a series of virtual masterclasses from APRIL 13 - MAY 30, including, but not limited to:

The ABC’s and 1, 2, 3’s of Publishing Picture Books with Carole Boston Weatherford;

Art of Pacing in Picture Books with Aya Ghanameh;

A Sea of Lemon Trees: The Power of Setting in Novels in Verse with Arely Guzman;

Trusting Your Writing Instincts in Crafting a Novel with Shifa Saltagi Safadi;

AND MORE

Please note: The masterclasses are purchased separately from the conference weekend ticket.

In celebration of Kweli’s 16th anniversary, we’re also planning a series of special events at Akwaaba Mansion in June.

On Tuesday, June 9, we will gather at Akwaaba to celebrate the genius and generosity of Edwidge Danticat (MacArthur Fellow and winner of National Book Critics Circle Award).

On Tuesday, June 23, we will gather at Akwaaba to celebrate brilliant, multi-hyphenate, award-winning author, Renée Watson (2026 Newbery Medalist, Coretta Scott King Book Award Winner). 2026 is Renée’s 16th publishing anniversary!

Donna Barba Higuera and Andrea L. Rogers will also be joining us at Akwaaba for a special gathering. Confirmed date is forthcoming. Stay tuned for details.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION (Closes on Friday, March 27th)

To see the current list of conference faculty, click here.

To see the weekend program schedule, click here.

To see the current list of masterclass faculty, click here.

To see the program PDF, click here.

Have questions about registration, scholarships, refund policy, etc.? Check our Frequently Asked Questions

How To Register

Registration closes on Thursday, April 9th at 11:59pm EST

Please note: Our refund policy has changed from last year. See our FAQ page prior to registering.

Manuscript / portfolio critique

This year, manuscript / portfolio submissions will be due on Sunday, March 29, 2026 by 3pm EST. Therefore, we can only accept submissions until March 29th. Submitted manuscripts / portfolios should be complete (i.e., NOT first drafts). Once you purchase your critique, you will receive access to our submission form with guidelines for uploading your materials.

MANUSCRIPT/PORTFOLIO FAQs

Where do I go to submit my manuscript or portfolio?

Once you purchase the Conference Weekend ticket with the Manucript Critique Add-on, you will be emailed a manuscript submission form.

Will you offer late registration for an additional fee?

That will depend on the number of attendees registered by March 30. 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.

What are the manuscript/portfolio guidelines?

MANUSCRIPT FORMATTING GUIDELINES:

1. You may upload the first 5-10 pages ONLY of your novel or full picture-book manuscript.

2. Include a one-page synopsis for middle grade or young adult novels.

3. Manuscripts should be in PDF or Word format, double-spaced with 1" margins and in 12 pt Arial or Times New Roman typeface. Your full name and title should be on the first page. Each subsequent page should include your last name, story title and page number in the header or footer.

4. Please upload your manuscript with the appropriate title "YourLastName-YourFirstName-ManuscriptTitle" (e.g. "Park-Hannah-TheDressIWore")

ILLUSTRATION PORTFOLIO/DUMMY FORMATTING GUIDELINES:

1. You may upload a total of 5 images (files). The maximum file size is 10MB.

2. Please upload your portfolio with the appropriate title "YourLastName-YourFirstName-Portfolio" (e.g. "Jones-Brittany-Portfolio")

How do I submit a picture book?

You should submit the manuscript as a PDF or Word document 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 #KWELI26.

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 either in-person during the conference or remotely during the conference or the week after.

How will I know if my critique is in-person or remote?

Our Manuscript Critique Faculty Page specifies whether a faculty member is attending in-person or remotely. Please note, if you are assigned a faculty member that is working remotely, your critique could happen during conference weekend or during the following week.