PAL stands for "Published and Listed.” This level of membership is open to those whose books, articles, poems, stories, illustrations, photographs, films, television or electronic media for children have been traditionally published by one of the organizations listed in the SCBWI Market Surveys. PAL books are eligible for the Crystal Kite and Golden Kite Awards and may be sold at SCBWI events. To check the list of publishers that qualify for PAL status, please click here.
On this page, we will list resources and opportunities for our PAL members and Independently Published Creators (IPC). If you have other suggestions of what to include or programming to bring to our region, please email us at [email protected].
How do I change my membership once I achieve PAL status?
When an SCBWI member's work for children or young adults is published by an SCBWI-recognized PAL publisher, a member may change their membership category to PAL by taking the following steps:
- Click “Member Home” in the upper right corner to go to your member profile page.
- Click “Share your Work” underneath your profile picture.
- Click “Add a Book" or "Add Illustration". You’ll be prompted to fill in the information about your book and/or illustration.
- Select your publisher from the dropdown list. If your publisher is not listed as a PAL publisher, you can submit a request to the SCBWI to have your publisher evaluated for PAL status.
- Click the green “Save” button at the bottom of the page.
Independently Published Creators (IPC)
SCBWI membership provides authors and illustrators access to member-only publications chocked full of information on the business of independent publishing, up-to-date information on the technical tools used by authors who self-publish, guidebooks on how to self-publish a children’s book, awards & grants to offset the cost of publishing and launching your book, and much more. The Spark Award is an annual award that recognizes excellence in a children’s book published through a non-traditional publishing route. Click HERE for a list of full benefits.
Meet Our SCBWI KSMO PAL Coordinator
Resources
Promoting Your Book(s)
BookStop is an annual event for published authors and illustrators to promote their books at our online SCBWI BookStop event. Members can create a special sales page on the SCBWI website every October through November for a newly published book. SCBWI BookStop pages are available online for six weeks. Visitors can browse, purchase, and enjoy learning about you and your book.
SCBWI awards are a great way to get noticed! SCBWI presents several annual awards to recognize works by SCBWI members that exhibit excellence in writing or illustration, and genuinely appeal to the interests and concerns of children. Grants are awarded throughout the year and provide financial assistance to members to finish works-in-progress, polish portfolios, attend conferences, market published books, and more.
Social Media: KS/MO is active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have book releases, launch events, and other book-related news to share, please fill out the Social Media Form at least 4 weeks prior to your 'good news'. Or feel free to tag us on social media and we will do our best to share the love.
Featured Authors: We love celebrating the talented authors in our region! If you’d like to be considered as a Featured Author, please complete this form with your information. Selected authors may be highlighted in our newsletters, social media, or other regional promotions. This is a great opportunity to share your work with the SCBWI Kansas/Missouri community!
Illustrator Gallery: Illustrators can feature their online portfolios in our Illustrator Gallery, which is visited by art directors and others looking to hire illustrators.
Industry Knowledge
PRO-INSIDER: The PRO-INSIDER is a digital publication for PAL (Published and Listed) members. This quarterly newsletter is filled with information on building and maintaining a successful career as a professional writer or illustrator. The PRO-INSIDER features articles about contracts, royalties, marketing, school visits, taxes, and everything a professional writer or illustrator might need to know.
The Book: As a SCBWI member, you have instant access to The Book: The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children. The Book is filled with up-to-the-minute market surveys as well as information on maximizing social media, creating book trailers, enhancing your career through school visits, best practices in independent publishing, grassroots promotion, and much more. Members can also order a hard copy of The Book for the cost of printing and shipping.
INSIGHT is a monthly digital publication featuring current children’s book news, hot topics, helpful hints, exclusive interviews, and monthly contests. Members receive the SCBWI INSIGHT in their inbox on the first of every month as a supplement to our quarterly Bulletin.
Connect with Us!
Twitter/X: @scbwi_ksmo
Instagram: ksmo_scbwi
Facebook: Kansas/Missouri SCBWI
Meet the Kansas PAL Members!
Meet the Missouri PAL Members!