SCBWI Maryland Delaware West Virginia

Typography Can Make or Break Your Picture Book Dummy with Brian LaRossa Creating a picture-book-dummy is the first step toward publishing a book that could have a profound impact on a child’s life. Picture-book-dummies are reviewed in-house by professional editors and art directors who have deep experience with the craft of constructing books. Don’t let your heartfelt storytelling and art be upstaged by novice typography and book design. In this talk we’ll go deep, but not too deep. After all, you’re aiming to become published, not to become a professional book designer. Instead, a carefully curated selection of just-right best-practices and pro-tips have been packaged specifically with author/illustrators in mind. Learn to make your picture-book-dummies shine! Registration page coming soon

Come join us for an end-of-the-year PAL social. We will meet in person at Panera Bread in Olney, MD, on Nov 14th at 6:30 pm. We'd love to see our region PAL members, but if you're not published yet, you're still welcome to join. Come as you are; this event is free.

Join author-illustrator Maple Lam for a lively hour of real-talk about the ups and downs of traditional publishing. From studying story structures to pitching ideas, finding your people, and surviving the long wait between “maybe” and “yes,” Maple shares seven honest lessons she’s learned along the way. Expect practical tips, gentle encouragement, and a few laughs about the myths (and realities!) of “success” in our creative world. This event is free for premium members.

A FREE online social for SCBWI Members hosted by MD/DE/WV Illustrator Coordinator 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.

In this far reaching, inspiring talk, Rachel Bright, much-loved, multi-award-winning and internationally multi-million-copy, best-selling author and illustrator delves into the magical world of books for families and the very particular ingredients that make them special.