SCBWI Pennsylvania: West

SCBWI Pennsylvania: West is an enthusiastic group of people who write and illustrate stories for children, ranging from picture books to novels for young adults. We welcome folks from all regions, whether published, pre-published or self-published, providing webinars, in-person events, critique groups, a book club and more. Our region's territory stretches as far east as Potter, Clinton, Centre, Huntingdon and Franklin Counties.

In the world of children's book marketing, there is the challenge of appealing to two audiences—kids and the adults who buy for them. This interactive workshop will focus on the dual approach necessary to build a marketing plan that understands and reaches both audiences. Plus, we’ll explore how our play and creativity muscles can be a valuable tool in refining our marketing approach. Tuesday, Oct 28 at 7 PM EST 45 Minute Presentation / 15 Minute Q&A $15 for Members, $20 for Non-Members $60 for add-on personal consultation with Sarah ​

Come walk and tell spooky stories with us! Bring your favorite kidlit short stories with spooky themes and we will share them . We'll meet at D's Six Packs & Dogs (1118 S Braddock Ave, Swissvale, PA 15218) at 6:00PM, walk to Frick Park and tell some stories, then walk back around 8:30PM for dinner at D's. See you there! Oct 27 at 6PM EST.

As an award-winning author of three children’s picture books, Leslie Eva Tayloe has queried publishers directly for the past five years without an agent. In this presentation, she'll share helpful tips onpreparing submissions, finding publishers, keeping records, submitting work, and query letters. Thursday, Nov 6 at 7PM EST 45 Minute Presentation / 15 Minute Q&A $15 for Members / $20 for Non-Members

Do you have a dream of being a published children’s creator? Do you enjoy writing or drawing but sometimes lack inspiration or motivation? Are you a published creator in need of new ideas and/or opportunities? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this presentation is for you. Valerie will share tips about: - What to do if you’re getting started as a creator - How to stay motivated whether you're getting started or have been creating for a while - What opportunities exist for creators at all levels There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation and a handout. Nov 19, 2025 7 PM EST Presentation will be 45 minutes long followed by a 15 minute Q&A

Join Kathy MacMillan, author of more than two dozen books for children, teens, and adults, for an overview of the children’s publishing world. We’ll cover age categories, genres, and best practices for submission, in addition to breaking down the differences between large and small publishers, educational markets, and book packagers. Learn how to focus your craft to fit your publishing goals, when you do and don’t need an agent, and the resources you need to know to get your kidlit career going. Wednesday, Dec 10 at 7PM EST 45 Minute Presentation / 15 Minute Q&A $15 for Members / $20 for Non-Members

Sketchy Characters is a group of Picture Book writers and artists. We meet in person monthly for writing and sketching and exercises, coffee and casual conversations. Our illustrators work in both digital and traditional mediums. We also talk about upcoming event ideas. This is a supportive community of artists committed to the Kid Lit craft – join us!

Come mix and mingle with us at Margaux in East Liberty, 5947 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Cocktails, food, chatter and cheer will be in abundance! All members are welcome. Bring cash for the bar and for food! See you there!

The best way to get inspired to write is to read, and to read lots of different kinds of books! SCBWI PA West is launching a book club with a monthly online zoom meeting to discuss our reading. We would love to have you join us!