SCBWI Maryland Delaware West Virginia

Who wants to celebrate getting through another year of taxes? We’re having the first (of hopefully many) get-togethers in and around the Olney, MD area. It’s another opportunity for writers and illustrators to meet and share successes - or commiserate!

Join Author Lola Schaefer, who has authored more than 200 books to examine the key components of an easy reader in recently published books. It will be helpful for you to have two early readers that have been published in the past 3 years. You will begin a characterization to create a unique personality that is relevant and relatable for today's 4-7 year old. Then we'll analyze, discuss, and look to the future for the craft features that make these books sweet, sassy, quirky, or hilarious. I look forward to questions about writing or marketing an early reader.

In this informative, eye opening, and interactive webinar, author and early childhood educator Katrina Moore will take audience through an in-depth look into creating board books for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. She will break down their format, key features, target audience, and elements that make them stand out in a crowded marketplace, as well as give a behind-the-scenes look at the making of her Big Jobs For Little Babies board book series, from crafting through production. A Q&A will follow her presentation.

Join us for a lively discussion with three published authors as they discuss their pathways to publication and share their tips from along the eyars. We’ll have a full 30 minutes for Q&A after their talks, so this is a great time to bring your publishing related questions to the table. The panel will be moderated by our chapter regional advisor Mirka Hokkanen.

Join MD/DE/WV SCBWI to hear self publishing secrets from author Angie Natale. Angie started writing in 2022, after a 37-year detour. She launched 5 books in under 6 months in the first year and has launched a new book every year since! Angie will share how she put her creative team together, how and where she promotes her books, and marketing, advertising and branding ideas. She'll also talk about why she made some of the choices she made (self publish vs traditional; POD vs offset printing; wholesale vs retail), and what she would change if she could start over again.

Come and listen to PAL authors and illustrators read their published book, and discuss their creative process. After reading, members are asked to share an online review of the story and/or request the book at their local library. This is a great time to come and ask questions from PAL members and give something in return.

A FREE online social for SCBWI Members hosted by MD/DE/WV Regional Advisor Mirka Hokkanen. Geared mostly for illustrators, but authors welcome to jump in too. Hop on zoom to build community with fellow kidlit creators. Ask questions, share wins, ask for feedback on a piece you are working on. These sessions will not be recorded.

Launch your query this summer! Over the course of three sessions on Saturday, July 11, book coach Sam Cameron will help you draft your query, synopsis, and start your agent research. You’ll finish the day with everything you need to stop stalling and start submitting. Limited Spots for Critiques