SCBWI Illinois

Welcome to SCBWI Illinois!

The SCBWI Illinois region welcomes children’s book writers, illustrators, and translators living all across Illinois. Our regional community offers inspiration, education, and community. Join us for opportunities designed to help you grow your career in children’s literature and network with others as passionate about it as you!

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2026 Spring Thaw Writing Contest

Submissions open January 12-25!

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2026 Spring Thaw - IN PERSON

Registration opens February 9th!

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2026 Spring Thaw - ONLINE

Registration opens on February 9th!

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Illinois Lit Live

Join us on Saturday, October 25th at 7 PM to hear readings from Illinois members!

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Regional Calendar and Good News

Check out the GOOD NEWS complete with Regional Calendar of free programs and opportunities!

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Free Programming: IL Networks

Anyone can attend any Network, anywhere at anytime! Live, in-person and online meetings are FREE + OPEN TO ALL! Networks focus on craft and industry programming and are our first point of outreach with the wider creative community. See if we're the "write" #kidlit community for you.

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#ReadLOCALIllinois Directory

Our new directory will be shared at AISLE and with Illinois booksellers to drive teachers and librarians from their websites to our directory to find presenters for school visits and literacy nights!

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Activate Your SCBWI Membership!

Select Illinois as your Region as you complete the instructions to receive valuable information sent directly to members from your Illinois region.

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Regional Good News

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Free Networks

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Illinois Regional Events

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Regional Virtual Events

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Illinois Lit Live

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Prairie Wind

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2026 Spring Thaw Writing Contest

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2026 Spring Thaw - IN PERSON

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2026 Spring Thaw - ONLINE

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2026 Many Voices Prize

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New to SCBWI-IL?

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#ReadLOCALIllinois Directory

Membership

Find out why membership matters.

Becoming a translator

Translation: Some Frequently Asked Questions, by Avery Udagawa

Meet Our Leadership Team

Pamela Morgan
Co-Regional Advisor
Sheila Path-McMahon
Co-Regional Advisor
Stacey Previn
Illustrator Coordinator

Keep in touch

To inquire about local events, awards, or opportunities, please email [email protected]

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