The Global Community for Children’s Book Creators

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators provides the resources, professional networking, and community-building opportunities that support writers, illustrators, and translators throughout their careers.

Registration for the Virtual Summer Conference Opens May 13th!

Ready to take your children’s book career to the next level? Wherever you are in your publishing journey, the Virtual Summer Conference provides an opportunity for growth, creativity, and connection. Dive into every aspect of the children’s book world, from writing and illustrating to translating, marketing, and self-publishing.

Happening Now

SCBWI University

SCBWI University is your gateway to mastering the latest industry trends. Enroll and take your creative journey to the next level. Registration is still open for our Picture Book series (which you can watch on video replay) and the Artists' series which starts May 6th.

Drawn to the Story: Unlock the Power of Visual Narrative - The Next Series in SCBWI University is Open!

This 3-part online course is designed for children's book illustrators ready to refine their work with an eye toward publication.

SCBWI Crystal Kite Award is Open for Submission!

The Crystal Kite Awards are open for submission. Watch videos about member benefits, including the Crystal Kite Awards, that are available when you join. These exclusive videos will show you how to unlock powerful SCBWI resources and level up your craft. The Welcome video is free to watch on YouTube. All others are accessible to members only.

Community news

SCBWI University Artist Series Contest Winner

Congratulations to the SCBWI University Artist Series Contest Winner April Muschara Harris! We were blown away by all of the member artwork submitted for review at #scbwiuniversity. We look forward to seeing you all in the series beginning May 6, 2025!

Congratulations DrawThis Winners! APRIL Prompt: ASTRONOMY

Congratulations to our #SCBWIDrawThis winners! Practice your craft and build you portfolio by participating in monthly art prompts. Member Illustrators can post their DrawThis! entries on Twitter and Instagram with the tag #SCBWIDrawThis to enter and have your art seen by industry pros. The MAY 2025 prompt is JUST DANCE!

Big Moments, Bold Stories: SCBWI Shines at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair

Remembering Uri Shulevitz

The SCBWI is deeply saddened to report the passing at 90 of the renowned author/illustrator Uri Shulevitz. He was one of the earliest members of our organization and a lifelong friend.

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Announces Logo Reimagination to Reflect Its Future

Renowned Illustrator John Hendrix Created The Design

SCBWI at NCTE

SCBWI hosted the panel Teaching with Books that Open Hearts, Offer Hope, and Provide Connection around Mental Health, with speakers Ann Jacobus, Nancy Bo Flood, SD Nelson, and Torrey Maldonado. Premium members check your news feed for information on how to apply to NCTE through SCBWI.

Free Digital Workshop Available to Premium Members

Veteran editor and author Deborah Halverson presents a rich snapshot of the children’s publishing industry and marketplace, including book sales and acquisition trends, imprint launches and closures, developments in AI and book banning, and the latest on the middle grade market. This video will be available in your MEMBER HOME under the MY RESOURCES Library for the next six months.

This month's featured illustrator - Ashley Belote

Get to know this month’s illustrator – their techniques, how they got started, and how they navigate the publishing industry.

Laurent Linn Joins Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Board of Directors

SCBWI is thrilled to announce the election of Laurent Linn as president of its board of directors. Linn assumes this role effective immediately. He has been involved with SCBWI for over 22 years as faculty at global and regional conferences, a member of the SCBWI Advisory Council, and a committee member responsible for planning illustrator programming at global conferences.

Explore opportunities

Member benefits

Discover curated resources and expert guidance to help you navigate the world of children’s book publishing. Writers, translators, or illustrators will find inspiration and practical tips to elevate their craft.

Global Regional Chapters

Find your community close to home. Connect with local members for critiques, networking and more.

Awards and grants

Let your talent shine or enter for some financial and skills-related support.

Stay Connected

The Official SCBWI Blog

Hosted by Lee Wind and monthly guest-bloggers, the SCBWI Blog contains industry news, interviews, and in-depth posts addressing everything from book promotion, to school visits, timely issues and more! Two new posts each week!

SCBWI Podcast

Catch up on our weekly podcast, featuring interviews with publishing professionals as well as award-winning writers, illustrators, and translators. New episodes every Thursday!

SCBWI YouTube

Our YouTube channel features everything, from how-to guides to help you navigate SCBWI.org to archival footage of the greatest kid lit creators of all time. Check in monthly for our interviews with SCBWI Featured Illustrators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Membership

Find out why membership matters.

Common questions

Questions you’re probably asking yourself right now.

Awards & Grants

Learn how to submit to awards, grants, and scholarships.

The Haunted States of America

SCBWI has teamed up with Godwin Books to bring you a spine-chilling anthology of ghost and folk stories, one for each of the Haunted States of America. Featuring 52 SCBWI writers, including Ellen Hopkins, Rae Rose, Daniel Barlekamp, TeMika Grooms, Aixa Perez- Prado, Paul Lubaczewski, Jan Eldredge, and many more.