Welcome to SCBWI New Mexico!
TELL Your Story to SELL Your Story: 5 Ways to Use Your Storytelling Skills to Sell Your Books to Editors and Readers Alike --with Caroline Leech
Stories can, and do, change lives. But talking about our books, and even worse, selling our books, can be daunting. However, YA author and coach, Caroline Leech, will give you a deceptively simple five-point plan to use as you prepare to meet any audience, online or in person. Whether you’re pitching a new story to your agent or editor or preparing to launch a new book to the public, Caroline will make sure that you know how to face any event, speech, presentation, workshop, or media interview – as well as your social media content – as the confident and professional storyteller you are.
Welcome to Our Community!
We are here to support one another on the arduous but joyful journey of creating children's books. Click through this carousel to see what's happening in the region, or scroll down the page to catch up on the latest news and resources.
Write Here, Write Now
Are you struggling to find dedicated time to write? Looking for like-minded folks and accountability? Our monthly writing group meets the last Wednesday of the month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mountain Time at the North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center in Albuquerque and spends two hours writing. No prompts, required sharing, or critiquing– just writing.
Kidlit Community
Tackling the Imposter Phenomenon
The subjectivity of art and the low to non-existent financial rewards many kidlit creators reap creates a perfect breeding ground for professional fears. Does what I do matter? Will I ever get published? Am I good enough? For those who do achieve publication--and even financial and critical success--the fear lingers. This had to be a mistake. How long before people find realize I'm a fraud? Systemic barriers to people from marginalized communities amplify these emotions in creators who are already underrepresented in our profession, along with feelings of isolation. A frequently cited antidote to feelings of being an imposter is embracing community. Former literary agent Nathan Bransford writes, "If you find people who truly believe in you and your work: cherish these people like the articles of pure magic they are. Just as importantly: believe them." These may be people who create the same genre or style of art as you. They may be people facing similar publishing challenges due to life circumstances or identity. Connecting with people on a similar publishing journey can help you redefine your success as a creator.
Member News
Cover Reveal: Susan Metallo
The cover for Susan Metallo's debut YA contemporary novel was announced in April! Reasons to Hate Me is slated for release on September 2nd. You can learn more about it here: susanmetallo.com/books.
Book Launch!: Daniela Ramirez
Daniela Ramirez invites you to celebrate the launch of her debut picture book Welcome Home, Esmerelda at Books on the Bosque on Saturday, May 17th at 3:00 p.m. Congratulations on your debut, Daniela!
Book Launch!: Caroline Starr Rose
Please join Caroline Starr Rose in celebrating her newest middle grade verse novel, The Burning Season, set in New Mexico's Gila Wilderness. ❖ Saturday, May 24 at 1pm ❖ Bookworks, 4022 Rio Grande Blvd. ABQ, NM 87107 ❖ What reviewers are saying: "A girl-versus-nature story that shines with evocative verse, a compelling protagonist, and a brisk plotline." —Kirkus, starred review | "Excellent pacing, an engrossing plot, and an endearing main character make this impossible to put down. A riveting survival story with emotional growth." — Booklist, starred review
Two Book Launch Events for Kit Rosewater!
Kit Rosewater invites you to two launch events for her YA Debut All's Fair in Love and Field Hockey. The first will be at Books on the Bosque on Friday, May 9 at 6:00 p.m. She will also be signing books on Saturday, May 10th at 10 a.m. at Page 1 Books.
Congratulations to Khadijah VanBrakle!
Her sophomore novel MY PERFECT FAMILY received its first STARRED review from Publishers Weekly! The novel's new release date is August 26, 2025.
Keep in touch
To inquire about local events, awards, or opportunities, please email { [email protected] }