SCBWI Maryland Delaware West Virginia
About Us
We are a three-state region with a diverse membership of published and pre-published kidlit creators. We host in-person and online events throughout the year, including retreats, workshops, member meetups, sketch crawls, field trips, and webinars. Scroll through our Upcoming Events carousel, or click on the links below to learn more about other opportunities to help you grow and connect.
This site is a work in progress, so check back often for updates!
Upcoming Events
Research Hacks to Level Up Your Writing or Illustration with Melissa Mwai
July 17th, 2025 No matter your story’s genre, research can save you time when writing or illustrating and bring your work to life! Join nonfiction author-illustrator Melissa H. Mwai as she shares her research tips and experiences from working with publishers like National Geographic, DK, and Paw Prints. Along with a Q&A, there will be an interactive research challenge!
Summer Springboard - No Agent, No Problem: Publishing On Your Own with Matt Forrest Esenwine
July 14th, 6.30-8pm ET Although every creator's path to publication is different, there are some insights to be gleaned from Matt's particular journey. In this presentation, Matt will share how he first approached the prospect of getting traditionally published, how critique groups and networking helped him develop his skills and grow his career, and why he remains unagented after publishing for ten years. (Hint: the answer to that last question is surprisingly simple!)
November 3, 2025, 7PM
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
Fall Zoom Social Series
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.
Squaring Up for School Visits
School visits offer a great way for authors and/or illustrators to connect with children, and they can also provide an opportunity to sell your books. This webinar is designed to address all the FAQ’s related to such events. Panelists will address keys to successful school visits while providing valuable information designed to help you get new or increased opportunities.
Delaware Network
Artwork by: Kaleaha Kaba
For opportunities and events for kidlit creators in the greater Delaware area
