SCBWI Pennsylvania: West

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Welcome to 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.

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SCBWI PA West Presents: Summer Critique Series

SCBWI PA West presents a Summer Critique Series featuring a full lineup of extraordinary authors and illustrators! Our Faculty: authors Andrea Wang, Molly Beth Griffin, Kelly Starling Lyons, and illustrators Riley Samels, Jared Cullum, and Ebony Glenn! Register to submit your manuscripts and portfolios soon! Critiques available for $65 each per critique for members and non-members. They are limited, so act fast! Submit manuscripts/portfolios (see event info for details by author/illustrator) via multi-page PDF (Maximum 10 illustrations) to [email protected]. Submissions due July 6 • Critiques returned mid-August

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SCBWI PA West Presents: Kidlit Art Show 2026!

Celebrate our region's children's book illustrators! Art opening is at 6PM - 9PM, August 7 at Spinning Plate Gallery! Admittance is free for all, and you can submit up to 5 pieces into the show.

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Sketchy Characters

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!

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Virtual Book Club

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!

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Our Team

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Events

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Member Meetups

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Critique Groups

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Our Published Members

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Virtual Book Club

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Find an Illustrator

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Join our regional Slack!

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Fight Censorship!

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Open Volunteer Positions

Membership

Find out why membership matters.

Becoming a translator

Translation: Some Frequently Asked Questions, by Avery Udagawa

Virtual Summer Conference 2026 FAQ

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