Welcome to Day 4 of The Storytellers Summit! What did you think of yesterday’s classes? Did you feel motivated? Did you join KidLit411 or start a new newsletter? We invite you to continue the conversation beyond the session by connecting with fellow attendees inside our community spaces. You’re welcome to join our Facebook group, and for real-time discussion, we’re also hosting a live Discord channel throughout the summit.
We encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay connected with future content and updates.
As a reminder, this session is part of a paid summit experience. Please respect our community by not sharing this page or the video link publicly. Thank you for helping us preserve the integrity of this exclusive event.
How Do Authors and Illustrators Work? with David Perry: David is a freelance comic illustrator, character designer, and screenwriter, specializing in pitch material for animated series, and he is the lecturer of 2D Animation, Character Design, and Comics at Indiana University – Indianapolis. He is an award-winning writer, and has had illustrations and writing published at Butler University’s ‘Manuscripts,’ Indiana University’s ‘Genesis,” and California State University – Northridge’s ‘Northridge Review,’ as well as Flora Fiction and New York’s Hudson Valley ‘Chronogram.’ He is the illustrator for Emmy-winning Nickelodeon writer Max Beaudry’s ‘Aw, Nuts!’ middle grade graphic novel, Netflix producer Max Botkin’s ‘Jen, Glen, and the Line Between Them’ children’s early reader book, and he is the creator of ‘Mallory Bash’ (web comic and animated series concept) and ‘Pie Girl’ (graphic novel and animated short concept).
Support David’s work here!
Collaboration Resources for Illustrators and Authors
If you’re an author looking to connect with professional illustrators, or an illustrator interested in working with authors, these resources are places where serious creatives display their work, network, and find collaboration opportunities. These sites are widely respected in design and publishing communities and tend to attract professionals building long-term careers.
Portfolio Platforms and Creative Showcases
Behance
A major portfolio platform where illustrators, designers, and visual artists share high-quality work. Projects are organized by tags and styles, making it easy to search for children’s book art or specific illustration styles.
https://www.behance.net
Dribbble
A curated community of illustrators and designers. Many illustrators post samples of book art, character design, and visual development work. Paid membership unlocks hiring access tools.
https://dribbble.com
ArtStation
A professional showcase platform especially popular with character artists, concept artists, and illustrators. Good for finding illustrators with a strong visual storytelling focus.
https://www.artstation.com
Portfolio Websites via Squarespace / Wix / Format
Many professional illustrators use personal portfolio sites hosted on platforms like Squarespace, Wix, or Format. Searching Google with terms like “children’s book illustrator portfolio” + these platforms often surfaces high-quality portfolios.
Illustrator & Author Communities
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
The premier professional organization for authors and artists working in children’s books. Members can access directories, regional events, critique groups, and networking opportunities.
https://www.scbwi.org
Illustration Friday
A weekly creative prompt community where illustrators post work. While not a direct job board, following regular contributors can lead to collaboration opportunities.
https://illustrationfriday.com
KidLit Artists (Instagram / Hashtags)
A broad community of children’s book illustrators connected via Instagram. Searching hashtags like #kidlitart, #childrensbookillustration, and #picturebookartists surfaces many portfolios and leads.
https://www.instagram.com
Creative Communities & Collaboration Platforms
The Creative Independent
Articles, interviews, and advice on creative practice, collaboration, and sustaining creative work. Not a hiring platform but great for learning how artists and authors can work together ethically and professionally.
https://thecreativeindependent.com
Creative Boom
Features creative portfolios, interviews, and collaboration stories. Useful for finding illustrators and understanding their process.
https://www.creativeboom.com
Twitter (X) for Kidlit Networking
Kidlit Twitter remains one of the most active spaces for author–illustrator networking, pitch events, and community building. Following hashtags like #KidlitArtShare, #MSWL (Manuscript Wishlist), and #StArt can connect you with illustrators who are open to projects.
https://twitter.com
Directories and Marketplaces for Professional Illustrators
Children’s Illustrators (Da Vinci Art Alliance)
An online gallery and directory featuring professional children’s book illustrators. A strong resource for finding artists focused on children’s literature.
https://davinciartalliance.org/childrens-illustrators
Illustrators’ Lounge (IL Lounge)
An online professional community for illustrators with resources, networking, and discussion spaces.
https://www.illustratorslounge.com
Picturebox (Illustration Showcase)
A curated platform featuring illustration projects across genres, including children’s book work. Browsing portfolios can help authors identify artists with relevant style.
https://www.picturebox.co
Professional Organizations & Resources for Skill Building
AIGA – The Professional Association for Design
A major design organization with a directory of designers and illustrators. Not strictly children’s book focused, but a good source for high-quality visual artists.
https://www.aiga.org
Graphic Artists Guild
Offers resources on contracts, rates, and professional standards — valuable for authors who want to understand fair illustrator compensation and collaboration ethics.
https://graphicartistsguild.org
Writing and Illustration Trade Events / Conferences
KidLitCon
A conference focused on children’s book creators that gathers authors, illustrators, agents, and editors. Excellent for networking and collaboration.
https://kidlitcon.com
BookExpo / BookCon Creator Events
Industry events with illustrator and author programming. Good opportunities to meet collaborators and publishers.
https://www.bookexpoamerica.com
Publishing Education & Best Practices
Picturebook Builders
A collaborative resource focusing on picture book craft with articles and interviews featuring authors and illustrators. Not a hiring site, but a strong learning hub for how partnerships thrive.
https://picturebookbuilders.com
The Children’s Book Academy
Online courses and resources on picture book creation, including modules on author–illustrator dynamics and visual storytelling.
https://childrensbookacademy.com
Contracts, Rights, and Professional Agreements
Illustration Contract Templates (Graphic Artists Guild)
Professional standard contracts and guidance on rights, usage, and compensation. Important for author–illustrator agreements.
https://graphicartistsguild.org/guild-member-resources
Docracy – Creative Contracts Library
A community-sourced library of contracts and legal templates, including creative work agreements. Not a substitute for legal advice, but useful reference language.
https://www.docracy.com
Using These Resources Effectively
The platforms above are best used with an intentional process rather than quick scrolling. Ideas for authors and illustrators:
- Identify your preferred art style first, then search portfolios by tags or keywords.
- Follow illustrators whose work resonates with your project and engage respectfully; don’t cold-pitch without context.
- Join communities and events where collaborations happen organically (Twitter, SCBWI, KidLitCon).
- Learn professional standards (contracts, rights, compensation) before formalizing agreements.
- Respect creative authorship and artistic voice — collaboration works best when both parties have clarity and mutual respect.
We encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay connected with future content and updates.
As a reminder, this session is part of a paid summit experience. Please respect our community by not sharing this page or the video link publicly. Thank you for helping us preserve the integrity of this exclusive event.
To Podcast or Not to Podcast: What you need to decide before starting a podcast! with Valerie Fentress: Valerie Fentress is a mom of three boys with a passion for growing a love for faith and books in young kids. Whether that is in the books and articles she writes or on Sunday morning as a preschool storyteller. Her book An Easter Bunny’s Tale was an AWSA Christian Picture Book finalist. In 2024, her book Beneath the Hood won the Illuminations Award-Enduring Light Gold Medal. Valerie considers books a love language and loves talking about children’s books on her BookWorthy Podcast.
Podcasting Resources for Authors
If you’re an author starting a podcast, this list will help you with every step of the process — from recording and editing to hosting, distribution, and learning the craft. These tools and guides are widely used by creators and are suitable for beginners as well as more advanced podcasters.
Podcast Hosting Platforms
Buzzsprout (Free & Paid Plans)
A popular and beginner-friendly podcast hosting platform with built-in distribution to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.
https://www.buzzsprout.com
Libsyn (Paid Plans)
One of the oldest and most reliable podcast hosting services with advanced analytics and monetization options.
https://libsyn.com
Anchor by Spotify (Free)
Free hosting platform with built-in recording, editing, and distribution tools. Owned by Spotify, making distribution easy.
https://anchor.fm
Podbean (Free & Paid Plans)
Offers podcast hosting with monetization, patron support, and customizable podcast sites.
https://www.podbean.com
Transistor (Paid Plans)
Professional podcast hosting with private podcasting, team accounts, and advanced analytics.
https://www.transistor.fm
Captivate (Paid Plans)
Podcast hosting for creators who want strong analytics, marketing tools, and easy RSS management.
https://www.captivate.fm
Recording & Editing Tools
Audacity (Free)
Free, open-source audio recording and editing software for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Great for beginners.
https://www.audacityteam.org
GarageBand (Free on Mac)
Apple’s free audio editing app, suitable for basic recording and editing.
https://www.apple.com/mac/garageband
Adobe Audition (Paid)
Professional audio editing software with advanced tools and noise reduction. Part of Adobe Creative Cloud.
https://www.adobe.com/products/audition
Hindenburg Journalist (Paid)
Designed specifically for storytellers and journalists, making it ideal for narrative podcasters.
https://hindenburg.com
Descript (Free & Paid Plans)
A powerful all-in-one audio/video editing tool with transcriptions and AI features. Excellent for editing by text.
https://www.descript.com
Recording & Remote Interview Tools
Zencastr (Free & Paid Plans)
Browser-based tool for recording remote interviews in high quality.
https://zencastr.com
SquadCast (Paid Plans)
Remote interview recording platform used by professional podcasters, offering separate tracks for each speaker.
https://squadcast.fm
Riverside.fm (Paid Plans)
High-quality remote recording for audio and video with separate tracks and automatic backups.
https://riverside.fm
Cleanfeed (Free & Paid Plans)
Browser-based tool for live, high-quality audio recording and remote interviews.
https://cleanfeed.net
Microphone and Recording Accessories
Blue Yeti USB Microphone (Recommended)
A popular USB mic for creators looking for quality without complexity.
https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/yeti
Audio-Technica ATR2100x USB/XLR Microphone (Recommended)
A versatile mic with USB and XLR options, great for podcasters.
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/atr2100x
Headphones for Podcasting (Various)
Good monitoring headphones help with editing and recording. Popular models include Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or Sony MDR-7506.
Podcast Directories & Distribution
Apple Podcasts Connect
Submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts (required to appear in the Apple directory).
https://podcastsconnect.apple.com
Spotify for Podcasters
Submit and manage your podcast on Spotify with analytics.
https://podcasters.spotify.com
Google Podcasts Manager
Submit and track performance on Google Podcasts.
https://podcastsmanager.google.com
Stitcher for Podcasters
Submit to Stitcher’s directory and manage visibility.
https://www.stitcher.com/content/providers
Podcast Education, Guides & Communities
Transom
Free articles and tutorials on storytelling, audio production, and craft.
https://transom.org
Podcast Movement (Conference & Resources)
One of the largest podcasting communities with articles, events, training, and community.
https://podcastmovement.com
The Audacity to Podcast (Free Guides)
Comprehensive beginner guides to podcasting from Ray Ortega.
https://theaudacitytopodcast.com
NPR Podcasting Tutorials
Guides from NPR on production values, planning, and audio techniques.
https://training.npr.org
School of Podcasting (Paid Courses)
Structured courses and coaching specifically for podcasters.
https://schoolofpodcasting.com
Podcast Launch Planner (Free PDF)
Templates and planning worksheets designed to support a successful launch.
https://www.thepodcasthost.com/planner
Monetization & Marketing
Patreon (Paid for Creators)
Membership platform that integrates with podcasts for exclusive bonus content.
https://www.patreon.com
Supercast (Paid)
Podcast subscription platform that enables paid subscriber access to content.
https://getsupercast.com
Acast (Paid Hosting & Monetization)
Podcast hosting and monetization with ad insertion and premium content options.
https://www.acast.com
Podcast Analytics & Tracking
Chartable
Podcast analytics, charts, and attribution tracking.
https://chartable.com
Podtrac
Podcast measurement and audience analytics services.
https://analytics.podtrac.com
Supporting Tools & Services
Canva (Free & Paid)
Design tool for cover art, social media graphics, audiograms, and branding.
https://www.canva.com
Headliner (Free & Paid)
Create shareable audiograms and video clips for social promotion.
https://www.headliner.app
Auphonic (Free & Paid)
Audio mastering and leveling tool that improves sound quality.
https://auphonic.com
RSS and Feed Validators
CastFeedValidator
Check your feed for errors before submitting to directories.
https://castfeedvalidator.com
Feedburner (Free)
Feed management tool for syndication.
https://feedburner.google.com