FAQ - Kindling Words

Frequently Asked Questions

Kindling Words is a retreat designed for published children’s book professionals. We cultivate a warm, supportive, non-competitive environment, where everyone feels part of the group. The village of Kindling Words is working hard to welcome all published creators to our intentionally diverse community of children’s book professionals. Below are some answers to questions that have been asked by prior attendees.

How do I know if I am eligible to attend Kindling Words?

Kindling Words is a retreat for professional writers, editors, and illustrators in the children’s book industry. As the publishing world changes, we’ve found that we need to be more specific about what we define as the “industry.”

If you are an author or illustrator you must have at least one book (YA, MG, early reader, or picture book) published or under contract with a publisher that meets all of these criteria (check list below). If you are an editor you must currently work for a publishing house that meets ALL of these criteria, or if you are currently an editor whose prior work history matches these criteria, you are also eligible (and please check all five boxes on the email signup form).

The publisher pays authors/ illustrators an advance against royalties
The publisher’s books are published in print format (not only on demand or digital)
The publisher has editorial, marketing and distributing processes in place
The publisher must have at least one prior list in print
The publisher must publish multiple authors / illustrators each season

Where am I on the waiting list?

Our registrar has so many details to keep track of throughout our process that we are unable to update people as to their status on the waiting list. In the initial email, we let you know if you have a strong chance of getting in. Then as time goes on, if you are within the next 3 or 4 slots that might open up, we will alert you.

No, Kindling Words has a strict no-pitch policy. Editors are there to retreat, too. One of the great things about KW is the familial environment in which everyone, editors included, can relax and enjoy each other without being ‘on’.

Will attending the retreat give me a ‘get out of jail free’ card to submit to editors after the event?

No., see answer to question #4. 😉

What are the compensations to participants if the faculty on hand differs from that which was advertised?

None. Rosters of speakers are published in good faith, and courtesies are extended to faculty who may at the last minute be unable to meet their obligations.

That said, the workshops are only 90 minutes out of each day. The real wonder of attending Kindling Words is the deep intimate time we have getting to know each other and joining in spark-space discussions. The workshops are the wrapping on the package, but the gift is being there, with your colleagues, for the whole weekend.

How do I get a ride, find someone to carpool with, or get a roommate?

We have a Google Doc for that! You will receive access to the Google Doc upon acceptance. Please note: We don’t have the capacity to match up roommates or carpool buddies, nor do we monitor the Google Doc. It is your responsibility to check the document.

If I have food allergies, what should I do?

We work very diligently with hotel staff to accommodate your allergies and ensure everyone is able to safely and comfortably eat their meals at KWE. Please indicate your allergies on your registration and we will follow up with you in advance of the retreat. If you forgot to list something, please email kwe@kindlingwords.org.

If I have food allergies, what should I do?

Kindling Words makes every reasonable effort to meet participants’ dietary needs by working with retreat center chefs. Chefs cater to dietary restrictions and allergies, so please make sure to list all dietary needs on your registration. If you have needs that you worry might prove difficult for the catering staff to meet, please don’t hesitate to bring additional food to keep in your room. While KW staff members try their best to accommodate all needs, we are ultimately dependent on the retreat center food staff.

What is Spark Space?

Spark Space is a true Kindling Words tradition. We have a board available throughout the weekend, on which people post ideas for afternoon sessions. Some topics have been: a picture book critique session, discuss agents or contracts, brainstorm effective book promotion techniques… really, it can be any subject you like, as long as it isn’t self promotion. Post your idea and list a time and place to gather and voila: an impromptu break-out session is born.

What is the library display and what should I bring?

We set up a library space at Kindling Words for everyone to share their newest (or favorite) work. Please feel free to bring a copy of your latest book to share. Editors should also bring a book they have recently worked on (and please remember to add a note including your name, so we know who edited it)!

You are welcome to take your book back home with you at the end of the weekend, but if you would rather leave it behind, it will be donated to a local library or literature organization.

Please do not bring promotional materials.

I need to drop out; can I have a refund?

For Kindling Words East, tuition refunds are unavailable after December 1. After that point, they will be deposited into the scholarship fund.

For Kindling Words West, the tuition, room and board deposits are not refundable, but can be transferred to another person, and they can reimburse you.

I have an emergency and have to drop out. Can I reserve a spot for next year?

We understand that last minute crises can arise. Unfortunately we are unable to reserve spots for future years when someone needs to cancel.