England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

We are a vibrant community of professional authors, illustrators and translators passionate about books for young people. Whether you are published, self-published or new to your craft, SCBWI British Isles has something for you! We offer Networking and Marketing Opportunities with Industry Professionals, Booksellers and Librarians • 1-1 Portfolio and Manuscript Reviews • Debut Author Training • Masterclasses • Agents' Party • Annual Conference • Picture Book and Writer Retreats • Webinars • Undiscovered Voices Competition • Words & Pictures Online Magazine • SPARK for Indie Authors • PULSE for published members • Scholarships and more. Join us!

The Picture Book Retreat is held annually in July at Holland House, in the Worcestershire countryside. A four-day long luxurious weekend of play, exploration, personal work time, group critiques and fun for picture book writers and illustrators. This year's mentors include Caryl Hart and Chris Haughton. It has been the inspiration for many ideas that have gone on to reach publication.

The UV 2024 Competition opens on 15th June – 20th July 2023. The Anthology celebrates a diverse range of unagented and unpublished children’s fiction by SCBWI BI and Europe members, and is judged by a panel of top literary agents and editors. Selected finalists will be published in the anthology, circulated widely to agents and publishers, given mentoring and attend an industry networking party in London. Finalists from the seven previous anthologies have received publishing contracts for more than 400 books and been nominated for or won numerous prestigious literary prizes.

Get involved in one of our ten vibrant Local Networks communities around the British Isles. Find Socials, Critique Groups, Skill Shares, Festival Events and more! Keep an eye on our events calendar and contact your local Networks Coordinator to find out more.

Join the SCBWI British Isles Illustrator's Ring, a vibrant and exclusive space for illustrator members to connect. Join community-based events such as masterclasses, skill sharing, sketch crawls, drink&draws, critique groups, book launches, socials, and more!

Check out our weekly digital magazine! Packed with all the information, tools and news a children's book writer, illustrator and/or translator needs to develop their craft and take it to the next level. Stay current with articles, interviews, top tips and insights into the industry. Don't miss our get-off-the slushpile competition and feature in our exclusive articles. While we are rooted in the British Isles, we aim to be relevant to readers around the globe.

Every month a SCBWI member illustrator is chosen to be featured at Words&Pictures. All SCBWI members can apply for Featured Illustrator. Simply send an email to illustrators@britishscbwi.org saying that you wish to be featured.

The SCBWI BI conference is a fabulous welcoming and fun opportunity to develop your craft, network with fellow creatives, get 1-1 feedback, connect with industry professionals, and find out what's hot in the publishing world. and it is FUN! Join us for seminars and hands-on sessions that will give you the tools and knowledge you need to succeed as a writer, illustrator or translator of children's books.

Every year we celebrate SCBWI British Isles authors and illustrators' new books with a Mass Book Launch at our annual conference. We even make a special book cake with characters and mini-books and record song about it! This is a fantastic opportunity to bask in your achievements and support each other's marvellous books.

Planning for the BCBF is very important, so it's always a good idea to consult fellow illustrators. Words&Pictures had its own team of illustrators covering the Bologna Children's Book Fair last year. Watch Tita Berredo, Paul Morton, and Gary Fabbri showing everything that goes around this fantastic event!