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Membership Benefits
The following benefits apply to all members, regardless of membership level.
Information & Support
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.
Networking
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 Critique Groups; Publishing Tips, Techniques & Questions; Portfolios, Contracts, Art Submissions & Other Biz; Public Speaking Resources; Classifieds; and many more.
Publications
Essential Publishing Information
Our new publication is THE BOOK: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PUBLISHING FOR CHILDREN. Formerly known as the SCBWI Publications Guide, the new book is a completely revamped and updated edition, with a new look, new name and a full complement of current, essential articles on all aspects of the children’s book publishing industry. New and relevant articles feature such topics as maximizing social media, creating book trailers, best practices in independent publishing, and grassroots promotion. A highlight of THE BOOK is the up-to-the-minute Market Survey, which includes a comprehensive house by house listing of editors, art directors and key personnel. Other useful surveys are The International Market Survey, The Book Reviewers Directory, The Agents Directory, and a unique feature called Edited By, in which editors have been personally surveyed to provide a history of their recent acquisitions. Other key resources include an annotated bibliography of essential reference books for any aspiring children’s book author or illustrator, as well as a current listing of bloggers, reviewers, grants and awards.The 300 page comprehensive, hands-on tool is designed to guide children’s book writers and illustrators through their publishing careers. THE BOOK is available in hard copy (for the cost of shipping-$6.00 domestically and $20 internationally) and is free online to SCBWI members.
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.
Awards
The SCBWI presents many annual awards (among them, The Golden Kite Award in 4 categories, and the Sid Fleischman Award for humor) 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.
Grants
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.
Conferences
Award-winning authors, esteemed illustrators, editors, agents, and publishers present lectures, conduct workshops, and give individual manuscript and art consultations at the Annual Summer and Winter 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.
Discounts & Services
Some SCBWI members are eligible to receive health insurance through The Entertainment Industry Group Insurance Trust (TEIGIT). Please visit their website at www.teigit.com. All members also have access to a discounts on a variety of goods and services including office supplies, computers, and rental cars.
Members click here for discount codes and printable discount cards (you must be logged in to view).
Join SCBWI
Membership 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$85 for the first year and US$70 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.
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