• Kindling Words East 2027 Application

  • 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 12:00am September 6 - 11:59pm September 13, 2026 for the KWE 2027 event taking place Thursday, January 21th-Sunday, January 24th, 2027. All entries received after September 13th will be automatically added to the waitlist for the 2027 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:*
  • I certify that I have written, illustrated or edited the following number of books (published or under contract) that meet all the above criteria:*

  • Biographical Information

  • Application

  • Have you attended Kindling Words East in the past?*
  • Which professional strand(s) describe you? (Please check all that apply)*
  • If you're an editor, you must have worked at some point in an editorial department of a traditional children's book publisher, but may currently work as a freelance or contracted editor. Please check the box that describes you.*
  • Would you like to donate to a 2027 auction to support the growth and scholarship fund of Kindling Words?*

  • Optional Information

    The following questions are optional, but can help Kindling Words East to be a diverse, balanced, and engaging community that reflects a range of identities and experiences.
  • (optional) Which of these categories would you use to describe yourself? Please select as many as apply to you.
  • (optional) Do you identify as any of these historically marginalized identities? Please select as many as apply to you.

  • 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:
  • Did you receive a scholarship (not related to volunteering) the last time you came to Kindling Words?
  • Have you ever received a volunteer position for a Kindling Words retreat?
  • Would you like to be considered for a volunteer position? Many of our volunteers receive partial or total compensation for the retreat.

  • Covid and Health Guidelines

  • Should be Empty: