To help you get the most out of your SCBWI membership, we have provided the following information about how to get involved in our chapter while taking advantage of our numerous member offerings.
Meet the team! The Nebraska chapter is led by a team of dedicated volunteers:
Jennie Gollehon – Regional Advisor (RA)
Katie Martens – Assistant Regional Advisor (ARA)
Tim Hantula – Illustrator Coordinator (IC)
We also have many other wonderful volunteers who help keep our chapter running, listed on our Volunteer page.
Benefits of Membership in SCBWI Nebraska SCBWI has many benefits for writers and illustrators from the newest beginner to the published veteran. Below is a quick overview of what the Nebraska chapter offers local members:
Kidlit Tips and Tidbits New to the Kidlit scene? Finished a manuscript and wondering what to do next? Stop by Kidlit Tips and Tidbits to check out member-exclusive videos to help navigate the next steps. We discuss a variety of topics, from Kidlit basics to Self-Promotion 101.
Creative Connections These hour-long webinars feature experts in their field presenting on topics of specialty. Creative Connections webinars are open to all SCBWI members and non-members for a small fee and will be posted on the EVENTS page, but are free for SCBWI-Nebraska premium members. Check out our Creative Connections page for more information.
Facebook page and Private Facebook group SCBWI Nebraska has a Facebook page, and we hope you will follow us! Our chapter also hosts a private Facebook group for members only. Here you can connect with other members, share good news, and keep up-to-date on chapter and industry happenings. To join, visit the Group Page and request to be added. If your Facebook name is different than your membership name (i.e. membership is “Robert” but you use “Bob” for Facebook) please contact our Social Media Coordinator.
Social Media Connect with us to stay informed on local and regional gatherings, educational opportunities, member promotional opportunities, and other SCBWI news and events. Follow @SCBWINebraska and send us a message letting us know you are a new member, and we’ll follow back. Tag us @SCBWI_Nebraska for Instagram or @SCBWINeb for Facebook in your writing or illustration posts, and we will share eligible posts with our followers!
Prairie Song bi-monthly newsletter Enjoy our online newsletter filled with messages from the regional team, announcements, event details, and so much more. This is a great way to stay informed about goings-on in our region!
Published Member Benefits SCBWI recognizes two paths to publication: PAL means "published and listed,” and members can gain PAL status when they publish with one of the traditional publishers listed by SCBWI. PAL status automatically goes into effect when you add your book or magazine story to your SCBWI profile publications list. Self-published authors similarly achieve Full membership status when they add their self- or hybrid-published book to their profiles.
Events Our region offers a variety of virtual webinars and in-person events throughout the year to help you hone your craft. SCBWI members enjoy discounted rates on all these events--including those offered by other regions!
Critique Groups Would you like to improve your craft while spending time with like-minded people? Join a critique group! You can contact Judith Snyder (listed on the Volunteers page) and she will help you find the perfect home.
The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children resource guide: Have a draft of a story and don't know what to do next? Check out The Essential Guide (located under Member Home >> My Resources) for tons of information for writers and illustrators at all stages of their careers.
E-News Help us stay connected! Keep an eye out for emails and newsletters. We communicate with our members largely through an email service that pulls from the most up-to-date member information. As long as your membership is active and you haven’t opted out, you should receive these emails. That said, follow the guidelines below to ensure our emails don’t get lost somewhere in cyber-space:
Make sure the email address listed in your scbwi.org profile is the address you wish to receive our correspondence from, and one that you check regularly. This way you’ll receive updates on events and chapter happenings on a timely basis. Our events can fill up fast, and it’s a bummer to miss out on registration because you missed an email.
Set your inbox filters to receive email from [email protected]. Otherwise, our emails could go directly to spam or get deleted altogether.
Keep your membership up-to-date! Your membership is good for a year, but if it lapses you will automatically stop receiving communication from us. Never fear, SCBWI headquarters has made it easy to renew. Visit scbwi.org for more information on renewing.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need any assistance. We’re so happy to have you here, and we look forward to joining you on your writing and/or illustrating path!