Episode 5: How to Build Your Author-Illustrator Community, Find Publishing Conference, and Discover Go-To Experts in Publishing

About This Episide

Why Author-Illustrator Communities Are Essential for Your Publishing Career

Breaking into publishing can feel lonely. Whether you’re a writer or an illustrator, working from home means you often face challenges in isolation. That’s why building the right community is one of the most powerful things
you can do for your publishing career.

In Episode 5 of Publishing Cousins, hosts Melissa LaShure and Nikki Boetger dive deep into the world of informal and formal publishing education. They cover three key topics: author-illustrator communities, go-to publishing experts, and writing and illustration conferences.

How to Find the Right Author-Illustrator Community for You

Not all communities are created equal. Nikki Boetger shares her personal experience trying — and leaving —several groups before finding the right fit.

The biggest lesson? Balance matters. You don’t want to be the only expert in a group where you give everything and get nothing back. But you also don’t want to be so far behind the group that you feel lost.

The solution Nikki found was simple: she started her own group. She hand-selected illustrators at the same career stage — people who felt stagnant and were ready to level up. Just three meetings in, the group was already pushing, motivating, and inspiring each member toward their next goal.

Here are a few ways to find or create your community:

• Join large Facebook groups for your niche, then connect with 3-5 members to form a smaller inner circle.
• Look for local chapters of SCBWI or ACFW. Start your own group if nothing else fits — even two people can be a powerful community.
• Meet via Zoom if geography is a barrier.

The Best Publishing Conferences for Writers and Illustrators

Conferences are where you network, discover peers, and find mentors you didn’t even know you needed. Both in-person and online conferences offer real value.
Highlights Foundation — They run writer and illustrator retreats at a camp-style facility with cabins, a chef, and scholarships available for applicants. They offer several specialized camps for children’s book creators
throughout the year. (This now called Boyds Mills instead of Highlights.)

SCBWI Conferences — An excellent resource for illustrators and writers who are newer to the industry or in their first several years. They offer critique groups, community, and learning at multiple levels.

ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) — A nationwide organization with state chapters that holds regular conferences for Christian fiction authors.
Pro tip: Once you reach a certain level, you can apply to teach at conferences. This often gets you in at a discounted rate — or even free, with only travel to cover.

Melissa also notes that her Literary Escape newsletter, sent every Friday, includes a running list of writing conferences and contests. Sign up at literaryscape.com and get the first nine chapters of her book for free.

Go-To Publishing Experts Every Author Should Know

Becky Kopitzke — Business expert and founder of the Inspired Business Co. A great resource for authors navigating the business side of publishing.

Thomas Umstattd Jr. — Runs the Novel Marketing Podcast and the Christian Writers Podcast, plus courses including a free one on building your author website and the popular ‘Obscure No More’ course.

Misty M. Beller — An author and publisher with deep expertise in building your author platform. Her site offers extensive resources, especially for authors.

For illustrators, Nikki’s best resource has become her handpicked peer group — people she can message when she’s stuck on a sketch or brainstorming a new idea.

Formal Education for Writers:

The Authors Conservatory
If you’re looking for structured, formal education in writing, Melissa highly recommends the Authors Conservatory. It’s reasonably priced and covers not just the craft of writing, but also the marketing and business side of being an author.

Embrace the Slow Growth in Publishing

One of the most honest moments in this episode is when Melissa talks about learning to love the slow growth of a publishing career. Slow growth gives you room to try things, change course, and find what truly fits your
brand. Once you’re well known, pivoting becomes much harder. The early, unknown years are actually a gift.

The takeaway from Episode 5 is clear: continuously learn, get plugged into communities, attend conferences, and find your go-to experts. Your path in publishing is your own — but you don’t have to walk it alone.