Kindling Words East 2026 Application

Kindling Words East 2026 Application
Please note, the application window has closed. Applications are still accepted and will be automatically placed on the waitlist.

Kindling Words welcomes all published creators to our community of children’s book professionals. We continuously strive to intentionally create a safe, diverse and welcoming place for children’s book creatives. We expect all to listen with respect, criticize with kindness, and amplify with energy. We will not tolerate any form of hate, discrimination, bullying or belittling either physically, mentally, or socially. To further our commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion, we encourage BIPOC creatives and members of other traditionally marginalized communities to apply.

Please note that the initial application period will be open September 10 - September 17, 2025 for the KWE 2026 event taking place Thursday, February 19th-Sunday, February 22nd 2026. All entries received after September 17th will be automatically added to the waitlist for the 2026 event.

Each year, we typically receive more applicants for Kindling Words East than we have space to accommodate. We strive to thoughtfully create a diverse and multifaceted community for this retreat, and to do this, we take into account your whole application.
To be eligible for Kindling Words East, the publisher for at least one of your works (or for editors, your employer) must meet the following criteria. Please select all that apply to the publisher of one or more of your works:*

Pays authors and illustrators an advance against royaltiesPublishes books in print formatHas editorial, marketing, and distribution staffHas at least one prior list in printHas multiple authors/illustrators
If you are an author or illustrator, you must have at least one book published or under contract that meets ALL of the criteria above. Please list the title and publisher of at least one of your titles. Editors, please list the name of publisher for whom you work.*
I certify that I have written, illustrated or edited the following number of books (published or under contract) that meet all the above criteria:

1-56-1011+

Biographical Information
First Name(s)*
Last Name*
Email Address*
Email
example@example.com
Please write your name phonetically, so we know how to pronounce it*
Pronouns*
Phone number*
Mailing address*
City*
State*
ZIP code*
Country*
If you'd like to append additional contact information to your file, add it below:

Financial Assistance and Volunteer Options
We have a limited number of scholarships available for both tuition-only and also for tuition + hotel fees. For any scholarships, attendees will be responsible for all transportation costs. Please check all that apply below:

I anticipate being able to attend regardless of scholarshipI would like to be considered for a partial scholarship (up to $300) as the full cost would significantly impact my ability to attendI would like to be considered for a full scholarship (covering tuition, meals and hotel fees, $1100 value) but I might be able to attend with partial scholarshipI can ONLY attend KWE with a full scholarship (covering tuition, meals and hotel fees, $1100 value)
Would you like to be considered for a volunteer position? Many of our volunteers receive partial or total compensation for the retreat.

I'd love to be considered for the media coordinator, which includes designing the Bio Book and Welcome Slide Show and is a fully compensated roleI'd love to be considered for a general retreat volunteer with general duties as assigned including registration, spark space and hospitality space management and others, and is a partially compensated roleI'm not sure but I'd like to hear more
Covid and Health Guidelines
Agreement*

Kindling Words is determined to share ideas, not Covid or other diseases. We will make the full determination of if or how many steps we will need to take to be safe closer to the date. However, all in-person attendees must be willing to take Covid precautions, which may include showing proof of vaccinations & boosters, masking indoors, showing proof of negative rapid tests, or any other CDC-recommended precautions at the time of the event.
Should be Empty:

Kindling Words East 2026 Application

Biographical Information

Application

Optional Information

Financial Assistance and Volunteer Options

Covid and Health Guidelines