SCBWI is for Children’s Writers
Resources at The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators
If you want to write children’s books and haven’t yet joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, now is the time! SCBWI has great benefits for members, and portions of the website are open to non-members.
For Non-Members
- “Getting to Know You” interviews with editors.
- Basic how-to articles, including an overview of types of publishers, how to write a picture book query, and an editor’s list of the most common questions by children’s writers.
- Links to outside websites on children’s writing and publishing, research websites on a variety of topics, and websites of SCBWI members. (You can probably find your favorite author here!)
- News and contact information for regional chapters and their newsletters.
- Archives of Bulletin, the SCBWI magazine.
Articles on Writing for Children
Additional topics for members include:
- setting up a critique group.
- writing query letters.
- copyright rules.
- sample book contracts.
- making author visits to schools, and more.
Children’s Writing Markets
The SCBWI market listings are vital for children’s writers. Open to members only, they include:
- book and magazine publishers and what they’re looking for.
- lists of editors and their representative books.
- tips and market information for educational publishers.
- a directory of agents.
Writing Discussion Boards
This online forum lets members post questions and receive answers on topics such as creativity, technique and structure, critique groups, market information, legal questions and more.
Manuscript Critiques
Members may receive a critique on their manuscript in two ways. The Manuscript Exchange list connects writers willing to do written critiques by postal mail, and a portion of the Discussion Boards is dedicated to online critiques. Even if you don’t post your own story, you’ll learn a lot by reading critiques of other writers’ work.
Writing Awards & Grants
SCBWI awards and grants are given for both published work and for works-in-progress. Categories range from excellence in children’s literature to humor, historical, and new authors.
SCBWI Writers Conferences
SCBWI holds two international writers conferences each year, where children’s writers can hone their skills and meet editors, agents and respected authors. The summer conference is in Los Angeles, and winter is in New York. In addition, regional chapters sponsor smaller conferences lasting 1-3 days. Conferences are open to the public, but SCBWI members receive discounts.
SCBWI Membership
Membership is open to anyone interested in children’s literature. The cost is $75 for the first year, and $60 for renewing members. Visit the SCBWI website for more information.
