SCBWI Illinois

Our Summer Series + Critique offers 10 weekly programs from industry insiders and practicing professionals to take your dummy, manuscript or graphic novel script to the next level. A written critique from our senior editor or agent is included in the $190 fee! Add an optional written critique from a practicing professional for $55. Attendees are encouraged to voice their own questions in online events. Register anytime through May 24 and watch recordings of missed programs.

Check out the GOOD NEWS complete with Regional Calendar of free programs and opportunities!

Anyone can attend any Network, anywhere at anytime! Live, in-person and online meetings are FREE + OPEN TO ALL! Networks focus on craft and industry programming and are our first point of outreach with the wider creative community. See if we're the "write" #kidlit community for you.

Our Illinois Region gratefully remembers Leone Anderson, our SCBWI-Illinois’ "chapter originator" and longtime Network Representative. Her family has sent word of her April 11th passing. From Esther Hershenhorn. "Lucky us that Lee stepped up almost 40 years ago so WE could become – a singular SCBWI Chapter, a vital community, indeed children’s book creators, growing ourselves and our stories."

Building on a rich tradition, our Illinois Region anticipates what the next generation of volunteers will contribute to our #kidlit community—will you be among them? Volunteering in Illinois means agency, benefits, an opportunity to contribute, and lifelong connections.

Take advantage of this prize, celebrating the best work from members of underrepresented communities within our own. Application closes March 1, free to all Illinois members!

Tracie Renee is the 2024 Becky Mabry GO FOR IT Scholarship winner! She enjoys our all-inclusive, 10-week intensive + overnight in-person retreat to take Tracie her middle grade novel in verse, SUMMER VS. ROBBIE RINALDI to the next level.

We are proud to announce the winner of the 2024 mentorship , open to all Illinois members.

Gifting books this season? You can support BOTH SCBWI-Illinois & independent booksellers by making your purchases through our online bookstore at Bookshop.org! Buy books and gift cards through the SCBWI-Illinois bookstore on Bookship.org As an affiliate of Bookshop.org, SCBWI-IL will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Select Illinois as your Region as you complete the instructions to receive valuable information sent directly to members from your Illinois region.