We are often asked what is the best way to get the attention of an agent or a publisher by writers looking to get published. Our best answer is to attend conferences. There is a tremendous amount of information to be gained from the sessions conducted by published authors, agents and editors. You can have your manuscript critiqued (for a fee) and often the agents and editors who present at the conference will accept unsolicited manuscripts for several weeks after the conference.
This year several Midwest Regional Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) chapters are joining together to host a huge multi-region conference in Fort Wayne, IN on May 3-5, 2013. Wild, Wild Midwest is the theme of the conference and the logo was designed by Sharon Vargo, an illustrator who lives just a few miles away from us. We hope to work with Sharon on future projects.
Registration opens February 8th for SCBWI members and February 15th for non-members. Register early to sign up for intensive sessions and manuscript critiques. We’ll see you there!
Luminis Books 
This sounds like a fantastic opportunity.
It’s a great opportunity to network and learn and get ideas from other people who love books and writing. Lots of fun, too!