A Professional Guild
The SCBWI speaks as a consolidated global voice for professional writers
and illustrators. As a unified body, the SCBWI is a powerful force
that effects important changes within the field of children’s
literature. In recent years, the SCBWI has successfully lobbied
for such issues as new copyright legislation, equitable treatment
of
authors and artists, and fair contract terms.
Advisory Functions
The SCBWI serves an advisory function for its members. We gladly provide
advice, information, and counsel. The SCBWI prides itself in taking a
personal interest in the careers of its professional membership.
Regional Chapters
SCBWI is represented in over 70 regions, within the United States and throughout
the world. When you join through the SCBWI Executive Office, you automatically
become a member of your local chapter.
Regional Advisors coordinate local SCBWI events and activities
for members in chapters all over the world. Critique groups,
"shoptalk" groups,
newsletters containing information of regional interest to writers and
illustrators, and social events enable members to share experiences and
cultivate friendships. Members receive substantial discounts on admission
to regional events.
To find the chapter nearest you, visit the Regional
Chapters section
of our website.
Online Discussion Boards
The SCBWI Members Only Discussion Boards are a great way to
keep up-to-date on current marketing information, upcoming events, and
the goings-on
of your fellow members. Posting forums include Ruminations on Creating
Children’s Literature; Critique Groups; Publishing Tips, Techniques & Questions;
Portfolios, Contracts, Art Submissions & Other Biz; Public Speaking
Resources; Classifieds; and many more.
Manuscript/Illustration Exchange
The SCBWI sponsors a free manuscript and illustration exchange. Following a pen
pal format, the exchange encourages members to obtain feedback and criticism
on their works-in-progress. This especially benefits members who live in remote
areas or members who cannot participate in regional or international events.
Some SCBWI members are eligible to receive health insurance though The Entertainment
Industry Group Insurance Trust (TEIGIT). Please visit their website at www.teigit.com.
All members also have access to a credit union, and discounts on a variety of
goods
and services including office supplies, computers, and rental cars.
Essential Publishing Information
Several different publications, designed to aid both published and unpublished
writers and illustrators, are available to SCBWI members. New members receive
a packet of all SCBWI publications upon joining. Publications include specific
information on publishers, agents, markets, educational programs, contracts,
critique groups, editorial services, and more. Our publications, presenting current
marketing information in a compact, easy-to-read format, save you hours of tedious
research.
The
Bulletin
The SCBWI Bulletin is a bi-monthly publication containing
the most current, comprehensive information about the field of children’s
literature. Features include the latest marketing reports; articles
on writing, illustrating,
and publishing; contests and awards announcements; SCBWI member news;
and ongoing SCBWI activities throughout the world. The Bulletin is
an invaluable source of information for writers and illustrators
of children’s
literature.
Membership Roster
New members receive a bound roster which includes the names and addresses of
members and regional advisors. SCBWI membership information is FOR MEMBERS ONLY.
The membership list is never sold, nor used for non-SCBWI purposes.
The SCBWI presents five awards annually to works by SCBWI members
that exhibit excellence in writing or illustration, and genuinely
appeal
to the interests and concerns of children. For more information
on specific awards, please visit the Awards
& Grants section
of our website.
To encourage continuing excellence in the creation of children’s
literature, the SCBWI has instituted grant programs. An important function
of the SCBWI is to provide assistance and support to those working in
the children’s book field. For more information on the grants available,
please visit the Awards & Grants section
of our website.
Award-winning authors, esteemed illustrators, editors, agents, and publishers
present lectures, conduct workshops, and give individual manuscript and
art consultations at the Annual Conferences organized by the SCBWI Executive
Office. These
conferences are excellent networking opportunities for those already
established
in children’s literature, as well as for those new
to the fantastic, demanding world of children’s book writing and
illustrating. SCBWI members receive substantial discounts on conference
tuition and hotel accomodations.
Join SCBWIMembership in the SCBWI is open to anyone with an active interest in children’s literature or media. We welcome aspiring and published writers and illustrators, librarians, educators, artists, students, dramatists, musicians, filmmakers, and others. A passion for children’s literature is our #1 criterion. Dues are US$75 for the first year and US$60 each renewing year.
CLICK HERE to become a member of the SCBWI. Or, to receive a membership brochure which includes an application, please send an email request to membership@scbwi.org with your name and mailing address.
Full Membership
Open to those whose books, articles, poems, stories, illustrations, photographs, films, television or electronic media for children have been commercially published or produced. Professional editors, agents, and publishers are also included in this category.
Associate Membership
Open to unpublished writers and illustrators of children’s literature or media, and those with a general enthusiasm for the field. Writers or illustrators who have been published in markets other than children's literature (but not in children's literature) would be considered Associate Members.
Home
©2003 Society of Children's Book
Writers & Illustrators
all rights reserved