My thanks to everyone who helped with our recent conference. It was a great success. The evaluations were overwhelmingly positive in every category. The editor and agent both mentioned they were pleased at the quality of writing they saw in the critiques and requested a record number of manuscripts from regional members. Planning is underway for next year. The conference date is September 29, 2012. Put it on your calendar and please get in touch if you’d like to help. We need people to help with food and hospitality, facility set-up, publicity and more.

Next up, imagine you had a gold mine in your back yard, but you never even went out to take a look. Recently, the Eastern New York region held a workshop on how to use the SCBWI International Website. Members were amazed at the resources right at their fingertips. If you haven’t checked out the site lately, I recommend it.

You’ll find resources for executing your ideas, specifics about preparing and submitting your work, key information about agents, contact info for publishers, basics for photographers and artists on breaking into the business and answers to common legal questions.

Ever wish you could pick an editor's brain about what she's looking for, or what she might suggest? You're in luck. Beverly Horowitz, VP & Publisher at Bantam Delacorte Dell Books for Young Readers answers your questions in a special feature From the Editor’s Desk.

And that’s not all. You’ll find one-on-one interviews with editors, agents, authors and illustrators in the industry PROfiles section. A list of awards and grants open to all members. Everything you need to know about getting freelance work with book producers. You can peruse a directory of book festivals where you can promote your published work, including how to apply to participate, what it will cost and what are the perks and the responsibilities.

If you call in the next five minutes, you’ll win a new car and free gumdrops for life. Just kidding. But you really might be surprised at what you’ll find. There’s a new section on self-publishing, and a soon-to-be spotlight on success stories. The old standby, The SCBWI Publication Guide is updated annually in August and you can order a hard copy as well as read the online version.  If you have trouble navigating the site, drop me an e-mail, I’ll be glad to help.

My Best,

Mary