SCBWI California: San Francisco North and East Bay
Welcome to SCBWI California: San Francisco North and East Bay!
This region of SCBWI serves Marin, Sonoma, Solano, Napa, Contra Costa, Mendocino, and Alameda counties. We are a vibrant community of ideas, events, and creativity to help you improve your craft and knowledge of children’s writing and illustration. Click below to sign up for our regional newsletter!
What's On
Exploring the Novel-in-Verse with Mae Respicio
Join us at Book Passage in Corte Madera where we’ll explore some of the key craft elements that shape a verse novel—voice, structure, image systems, and the balance between poetry and plot—and you’ll leave with new sparks to bring your own verse novel to life.
From Sketch to Success: Thriving as a Freelance Illustrator with Anoosha Syed
Put on your entrepreneur’s hat, let’s have a fun, no-nonsense deep dive into building a freelance illustrator career—bumps, breakthroughs, and all! Whether you’re starting fresh or leveling up as an illustrator or author-illustrator, Anoosha Syed is here to offer an open, honest chat about freelancing, time management, and making art that pays.
A Screening of Celebrated Documentary "Story & Pictures By"
STORY & PICTURES BY is the first documentary to take audiences behind the scenes to meet three literary stars of children’s picture books. The film follows Christian Robinson, Yuyi Morales, and Mac Barnett as they create experimental work that reflects the mysteries of childhood, champions the marginalized, and provides children with windows and mirrors. Registration grants you access to watch the film as many times as you want between April 5 and April 12. Also join us virtually on April 5 for an informal Q & A with one of the author/illustrators featured in the film, Yuyi Morales! (Registration also grants access to the Q&A recording to 30 days.) REGISTRATION CLOSES APRIL 4!
Submit A Proposal for OKTOBERFEST 2025!
The conference theme is "Recharge Your Creative Life". We are currently seeking deep-dive, submissions for 50 minute breakout sessions and panel discussions around the following topics: writing, illustrating, traditional publishing, self-publishing, school visits, etc. Your sessions should be craft focused with strong takeaways for members of all levels in kidlit. Submissions open to both SCBWI members and non-members. For IN-PERSON submissions - unless you're an editor, Agent, Art Director - preference will be given to local, Bay Area and California submissions. We are also looking for proposals for VIRTUAL SESSIONS leading up to the day of the conference. We will review submissions from ALL regions. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Monday, May 19, 2025. Announcements will be made by or before June 1. Submit your proposal by clicking the link below!
School Visit Networking Group Sign-Up
If you’re an author who does school visits or are interested in doing school visits, fill out this form to join our networking group to share resources, experiences, and discuss the business and logistics of setting up school visits.
Keep in touch
To inquire about local events, awards, or opportunities, please email {[email protected] }