YALLWEST 2025
YALLWEST 2025 is a full day of panels + a Friday preview and a week of giveaways and special events!
FRIDAY PREVIEW EVENTS, May 3rd
sponsored by fierce reads
in cooperation with Santa Monica Public Library, Main Branch
Reserve Your Free Ticket Here
OFFICIAL YALLWEST PANELS
SATURDAY, May 4th
10 AM PDT
sponsored by fierce reads and sourcebooks fire
Purchase Tickets
11 AM PDT
Creating and navigating a world of words (and illustrations)
Moderated by Marisha Pessl with Kristen Ciccarelli, Tracy Deonn, Akwaeke Emezi, Hafsah Faizal, Laura Gao
Building Character Relationships Outside of Romance
Moderated by Amélie Wen Zhao with Crystal Maldonado, Racquel Marie, Lio Min, Gretchen Schreiber, and Alex Travis
Why YA Romance is Such a Mainstay
Sponsored by Simon Teen
Moderated by Eric Geron with Amalie Howard, Zakiya N. Jamal, Jackie Khalilieh, F. T. Lukens, Ali Novak
Authors Create a Story...with YOUR HELP!
Moderated by Raphael Simon with Nidhi Chanani, Johnnie Christmas, Carina Finn, Stuart Gibbs, Holly Goldberg Sloan, Lewis Peterson, and Betty C. Tang
The Graphic Novel That Won YA’s Biggest Award This Year
NOON PDT
Balancing Magic and Love in Romantasy and Romantic Fantasies
Sponsored by Pique
Moderated by Patrice Caldwell with Kristen Ciccarelli, C. B. Lee, Mary E. Pearson, Allison Saft, Amélie Wen Zhao
Knowing the End Before You Begin...or Making It Up as You Go
Sponsored by Tor Teen/ Flatiron Books/ Wednesday Books
Moderated by Ransom Riggs with Susan Dennard, Hafsah Faizal, Margaret Owen, Axie Oh, and Brittany N. Williams
It's like Family Feud...but with Authors!
Moderated by Sarah Mlynowski and Stuart Gibbs with Soman Chainani, Carina Finn, Holly Goldberg Sloan, Kiyash Monsef, Rex Ogle, Lewis Peterson, Raphael Simon, and Brittney Williams
Women in Comics, On and Off the Page
Moderated by Margaret Stohl with Kami Garcia, Maurene Goo, Sarah Kuhn, Jeanine Schaefer, and Judy Stephens
1 PM PDT
Building Worlds that Matter
Sponsored by Stone Kite
with Margaret Stohl, Ransom Riggs, Tracy Deonn, and special guests!
How Do You Plan Out a Graphic Novel?
Moderated by Soman Chainani with Johnnie Christmas, Kami Garcia, Robin Ha, Betty C. Tang, and Brittney Williams
Recreating Our World on the Page
Moderated by Gretchen Schreiber with Becky Albertalli, Auriane Desombre, Laura Gao, Jackie Khalilieh, and Crystal Maldonado
How Writing Changes When Someone's Writing With You
Sponsored by Penguin Teen
Moderated by Judy Stephens with Fonda Lee, Shannon Lee, Brad Riew, Julia Riew, and Jeanine Schaefer
2 PM PDT
sponsored by epic reads
Purchase Tickets
Creating Dynamic Characters, and Placing Them Together
Moderated by Randy Ribay with Mar Julia, Elba Luz, Rex Ogle, Axie Oh, and Samuel Teer
How Writing Changes Reading and How Fandom Changes Writing
Moderated by E. L. Starling with Becky Albertalli, Kayla Ancrum, Lily Braun-Arnold, Angela Montoya, and Ali Novak
3 PM PDT
Fantasy as Escapism and Fantasy as Metaphor
Sponsored by Underlined
Moderated by Angela Montoya with Tricia Levenseller, F. T. Lukens, Margaret Owen, Mary E. Pearson, and Brad Riew
How adjusting ingredients, settings, and preparation makes a perfect retelling or reimagining
Moderated by Fonda Lee with Shannon Lee, Morgan Matson, Danielle Paige, and Allison Saft
Monsters, Mysteries, and Why We Have to Know What Happens Next
Moderated by Kayla Ancrum with E. Lockhart, Racquel Marie, Marisha Pessl, Alex Travis, and Andrew Joseph White
Writing Historical Fiction and Fantasy in the Modern Day
Moderated by C. B. Lee with Hayley Dennings, Chloe Gong, Robin Ha, Amalie Howard, and Randy Ribay
4 PM PDT
Tuning into the Emotions of Tween and Teen Characters
Sponsored by Pique
Moderated by Brittany N. Williams with Nidhi Chanani, Auriane Desombre, Sarah Kuhn, Elba Luz, and Janae Marks
Spotlight on Careers in Writing and How They Evolve Over Time
Moderated by Adam Silvera with Patrice Caldwell, Susan Dennard, Zakiya N. Jamal, Scott Reintgen, and Julia Riew
Tropes We Love, Tropes We Hate, Tropes we Love to Hate or Hate to Love
Moderated by Morgan Matson with Eric Geron, Maurene Goo, E. Lockhart, Lio Min, and Danielle Paige
Insurmountable Odds and Teen Resilience in Sci-Fi and Dystopia
Sponsored by Entangled
Moderated by Jill Tew with Lily Braun-Arnold, Chloe Gong, Tahereh Mafi, E. L. Starling, and Andrew Joseph White
5 PM PDT
Hosted by Comedian Dani Lyle
Purchase Tickets
SIGNING GUIDELINES
Attendees may get three books signed per author.
All ticketed signings will be candid photos only (ie, a volunteer will take photos with your device while you are getting your books signed) in an effort to allow as many attendees to meet these authors as possible. Some other signing lines may also be candid photos only. For all types of lines, please make sure to remain in front of the table while taking your photo.
Some authors may have limitations to personalizations.(Personalizations are when you get the book signed to your name rather than just signed).
Some signings will be ticketed in advance, these are noted by each author — This is to prioritize attendee, staff, and author safety.
Click here to read full signing guidelines including more information about ticketed signings
Lining up can start 30 minutes before signing time for non-ticketed signings
Attendees needing accommodations for signing lines can fill out the form on this page or email accessibility@yallwest.com and amanda@yallwest.com
SIGNING SCHEDULE
11 AM SIGNINGS
THIS SIGNING IS TICKETED
Reserve free ticket here starting 4/19 at Noon
NOON SIGNINGS
1 PM SIGNINGS
THIS SIGNING IS TICKETED
Reserve free ticket here starting 4/19 at 1 pm
THIS SIGNING IS TICKETED
Reserve free ticket here starting 4/19 at 2 pm
THIS SIGNING IS TICKETED
Reserve free ticket here starting 4/19 at 1:30 PM
THIS SIGNING IS TICKETED
Reserve free ticket here starting 4/19 at 12:30 PM
2 PM SIGNINGS
THIS SIGNING IS TICKETED
Reserve free ticket here starting 4/19 at 12:30 PM
THIS SIGNING IS TICKETED
Reserve free ticket here starting 4/19 at 2:00 PM
3 PM SIGNINGS
THIS SIGNING IS TICKETED
Reserve free ticket here starting 4/19 at 1:30 PM
THIS SIGNING IS TICKETED
Reserve free ticket here starting 4/19 at 1:00 PM
THIS SIGNING IS TICKETED
Reserve free ticket here starting 4/19 at Noon
4 PM SIGNINGS
SPECIAL EVENTS
These events are generously put on by our amazing sponsors. Some events may be limited, so make sure you follow the sponsor on social media for information on how to get a wristband/ticket if required.
sponsored by fierce reads
in cooperation with Santa Monica Public Library, Main Branch
Reserve Your Free Ticket Here
Join Penguin Teen for a magical hour of bookish crafts, delicious treats, and a meet and greet with JULIA RIEW and BRAD RIEW, authors of the upcoming romantic fantasy The Last Tiger.
this is a sponsor-run event and space may be limited, we suggest following the sponsor on social media as sponsors usually share how to get tickets the week of the festival.
Come build your own book bouquet with select ARCs alongside Underlined authors!
this is a sponsor-run event and space may be limited, we suggest following the sponsor on social media as sponsors usually share how to get tickets the week of the festival.
Come make bag charms and play trivia with your favorite Fire authors! Light refreshments will be provided. Limited to 30 attendees.
this is a sponsor-run event and space may be limited, we suggest following the sponsor on social media as sponsors usually share how to get tickets the week of the festival.
Come make friendship bracelets with debut author E.L. Starling, plus grab a signed copy of Bound by Stars - Presented by Entangled.
this is a sponsor-run event and space may be limited, we suggest following the sponsor on social media as sponsors usually share how to get tickets the week of the festival.
Treat yourself to a FREE slushie and a stack of the hottest ARCs from Tor Teen, Wednesday Books, and Flatiron Books. Ticketed event only.
Please note this event was originally listed on the website as 1-2pm, it is in fact 2-3pm and has been corrected!
this is a sponsor-run event and space may be limited, we suggest following the sponsor on social media as sponsors usually share how to get tickets the week of the festival.
If you love JEOPARDY!, join Penguin Random House Audio and Listening Library for GUESS WHO? Audiobook Edition, a special gameshow featuring classics, as well as brand new listens. Get ready to show off your best trivia skills and discover your next favorite audiobook! Hosted by actor and narrator Oscar Emmanuel Fabela.
this is a sponsor-run event and space may be limited, we suggest following the sponsor on social media as sponsors usually share how to get tickets the week of the festival.
It's never too early for Epic Pride! Stop by the Multipurpose Room for a fun queer time of Epic Pride Bingo and prizes, and receive an early copy of Becky Albertalli's next book, AMELIA, IF ONLY!
this is a sponsor-run event and space may be limited, we suggest following the sponsor on social media as sponsors usually share how to get tickets the week of the festival.
DIGITAL GIVEAWAYS
provided by our generous sponsors | coming soon
Enter for the chance to win the new book from New York Times bestselling author Dustin Thao!
Five winners will receive a physical ARC of YOU'VE FOUND OLIVER by Dustin Thao. Winners will be selected randomly and will receive their physical ARC six to eight weeks after May 4, 2025.
Sponsored by Disney
Enter to win a copy of an ARC of The Sacred & the Divine, Past, Present, Future. What do the cards say? Only the Wolfson sisters know.
