Frequently asked questions California: San Diego

Welcome! Hello and welcome to the San Diego chapter of SCBWI! Whether you’re a newbie, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, we’re here to inspire and support you as creators of children’s books. And we do that by offering opportunities for professional development, critique and promotion of your work designed to improve your craft, share industry practices and connect you with publishing professionals. SCBWI-San Diego is committed to breaking down barriers and opening doors for anyone with a story to tell — whether by pen, by mouse or by brush. Although you can find answers to most questions on the new members page of our website, to help you get the most out of your membership, here’s an overview of some of what we offer: A bit of housekeeping Please log in each time you access the SCBWI site as some features and resources are members-only. Also, be sure to create a member profile and keep it current for promotional opportunities. Finally, please add our email addresses to your “safe senders” list so they’re not marked as spam. Important contacts For questions about our SCBWI chapter or writer events, contact our co-regional advisors: Debra Schmidt at [email protected] Linda Gorsline at [email protected] For questions about illustrator events, contact our illustrator coordinator: Katrin Azimi Not available at this time Lisa Karmel at [email protected] For questions about links for events or to our newsletter, contact our co-assistant regional advisors: Deborah Snyder at [email protected] Jennifer Haymore at [email protected] Chapter events We host monthly chapter meetings from September to April plus a conference in May. We meet online currently but hope to be in-person again soon. Our events feature publishing professionals such as agents, editors and authors. We often have “intensives” — an experiential writing or illustrating workshop — prior to our meetings. And on the third Thursday of each month, we hold an illustrator meet-up. Sign up with Lisa Karmel at [email protected]. As a member, you’ll have discounts on all events. And if you buy a season ticket you’ll save even more money and receive some more membership perks. Critique groups Want feedback on your work? Our chapter offers critique groups for both writers and illustrators. For writers (all genres) please contact our writers critique group coordinators: Co-ARA Jennifer Haymore at [email protected] Susan Ranscht at [email protected] (for on-line meet-ups) For illustrators, please contact our illustrator critique coordinator: Katrin Azimi (is unavailable at this time) at [email protected] “Writing for Children 101” class We offer a monthly two-hour writing class for beginners. “Writing for Children 101” runs from October to April and covers plotting, writing and submitting kidlit. It also includes monthly critiques and by the end of the program, participants should have a publisher-ready submission. Already published? Published members (whether in book form or periodicals) may join our PAL group. “Published and Listed” members meet three times per year for professional development, networking or social events. The group communicates via an online forum where members can ask questions, share info and celebrate successes. To learn if you qualify as a PAL member, click here. And for more info contact PAL coordinator, Virginia Loh-Hagan at [email protected]. SandCastle Legends Keep an eye out for our monthly e-newsletter, SandCastle Legends. Published from September through May, it features publishing information, upcoming chapter events as well as members’ publishing achievements. And be sure to submit your own news — or even an article — by contacting Patricia Morris Buckley at [email protected] by the 20th of each month. Connecting online You may follow our chapter on Twitter and our member-only private Facebook group to connect with other members, be informed about SCBWI or industry events or share good news. Consider following national SCBWI too. And please keep your comments polite, positive and spam-free. Grants and awards Eligible members may apply for our chapter’s Equity and Inclusion (E&I) grants that encourage equity, inclusion, and diversity in the kidlit industry by supporting the careers of aspiring authors, illustrators, and translators who identify with a diverse group, or who write or illustrate diverse characters. To find out if you are eligible, or to join the E&I Networking Group, click here. And to apply for national SCBWI grants, check out the awards and grants calendar. Need help with promotion? There are several spots published members can promote their books and events free of charge including Members News, the SCBWI Bookstore and the Speaker’s Bureau. And for a low-cost option, check out the BookStop which attracts over 100,000 readers. Giving back San Diego is one of the most active SCBWI chapters in the world and it takes many volunteers to create the opportunities that help boost the careers of our members. Even our regional advisors are volunteers and volunteering your talents, time and effort is a great way to “give back” to SCBWI as well as enjoy extra perks. Contact XX to learn more. Beyond the chapter Explore the international site for more member benefits and resources such as access to SCBWI’s “THE BOOK” — a free publication on the children’s publishing industry including info on kidlit editors and agents. Or check out their blog, podcast and YouTube channel for conversations and events with industry professionals. For illustrators, find out how you can display your art at the Bologna Book Fair or on the SCBWI Illustrator Gallery. And be sure to check out the calendar of virtual workshops from other chapters around the world. Still have questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any of the SCBWI-San Diego team members if you have any questions. And just a reminder to please communicate with respect. SCBWI does not tolerate violence or harassment. Also, team members are not obligated to respond to unsolicited emails and use of their contact info for solicitations is prohibited. Violation of this policy may result in termination of your membership. For more info, see our policies and code of conduct. And please be on the lookout for an email from me inviting you to take part in a Zoom meet-up for new members in the near future. Thank you for your time, Wendy Kitts New Member Coordinator