One of the biggest resources a children’s book writer or illustrator can have is a great critique group, but often it can be difficult to connect with folks in your area if you don’t know where to look. Even in a town with a large population of writers it can be a struggle to find those focusing solely on children’s literature. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones who happened upon a great critique group your next stumbling block may be finding just the right agent and/or editor, knowing how and what to pitch as well as that often daunting task of marketing once your publication has a print date. Fortunately there’s a marvelous resource for children’s writers and illustrators, the SCBWI.
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is an organization that’s been around since 1971 when a group in LA decided it would be a great idea to collaborate and provide this invaluable service to fellow writers and illustrators. From the SCBWI site:
The SCBWI acts as a network for the exchange of knowledge between writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people. It serves as a consolidated voice for professional writers and illustrators the world over. As a unified body, the SCBWI acts as a powerful force to effect important changes within the field of children’s literature, promoting new copyright legislation, equitable treatment of authors and artists, and fair contract terms. There are currently more than 22,000 members worldwide, in over 70 regional chapters writing and illustrating in all genres for young readers from board books to young adult (YA) novels, making it the largest children’s writing organization in the world.
There are a number of resources for SCBWI members and it’s nearly impossible to cover all of them in one single post, but a few of my favorites are these:
– Conferences – Local, Regional and International/Annual
– Local and Online Critique Groups – Quickly get in touch with a regional critique group coordinator to put you in touch with great local children’s writers who can help you to hone your craft.
– Online Discussion Boards – Available to members providing great networking tools as well as a place to find quick answers to questions.
– Professional Recognition – Immediately recognized by agents and editors alike, this is a membership you can easily add to your bio knowing that it adds value to your author platform & skills.
– The Book – Yes, the book pictured below is mailed to all SCBWI members after joining and it’s full to the brim with info about agents, editors, pitching your books, legal questions, marketing tips, school visit info and more. This alone is an invaluable tool that you could easily spend hours reading.
In the upcoming months I’ll be attending a number of SCBWI conferences, including the Summer Annual conference where I’ll be doing critiques. During these critiques at the conference in LA this August writers will be provided a thorough written critique along with a face to face meeting to discuss their writing. Not only do agents do the critiques, but award winning authors, editors, illustrators and more. These conferences are not only a great way to network, but also an invaluable source of education and feedback. Something you certainly wouldn’t want to miss if you have the chance.
From conferences to critique group resources to potential writing grants and more there is so much to be gained by being a member of the SCBWI. As an agent searching for new children’s literature clients finding a promising writer that isn’t a member of the SCBWI is by no means a dis-qualifier. Finding one that is both talented and a member of the SCBWI though is certainly a positive. I’m not pushing for everyone to run out and join today, but it’s something to consider. In my own experience the connections I’ve made through the SCBWI as well as the education that’s available has proven to be an invaluable resource, one that I’d highly recommend to all children’s writers and illustrators.
