SCBWI is a Powerful Writer's Organization
SCBWI's Place in the Culture of Children's Publishing
Sep 15, 2009
Dealing with The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators isn’t child’s play. According to their website, “The SCBWI speaks as a consolidated global voice for professional writers and illustrators. As a unified body the SCBWI is a powerful force that effects important changes within the field of children’s literature. In recent years, the SCBWI has successfully lobbied for such issues as new copyright legislation, equitable treatment of authors and artists and fair contract terms. "
Stephen Mooser, President and Lin Oliver, Executive Director, founded SCBWI in 1971. The organization began with only a few members and the goal of organizing a conference to train budding writers. SCBWI now boasts chapters in all 50 states and in many countries worldwide, making it the largest organization devoted to children's writing in the world. In an interview with Anna Olswanger, Oliver was asked what she would do differently if she was starting SCBWI today. She said, “We began as an organization of writers. But when you work in the children's book field, illustrators are half the equation. So now I would set out to include artists, along with people who create for children in other media. We are known as book writers, but in fact, many of our members work in television, film, live theater, on the internet, and in all kinds of electronic publishing. The organization is for everybody who creates literary material for children.” In the same interview, Oliver looked to the future of the organization when she said that one of its goals is to create a museum devoted to the creation of children’s literature.
What are the Benefits of Joining SCBWI?
Writers and illustrators of all levels from aspiring to award winning can benefit from membership in the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Some advantages of joining this organization include:
- Networking: Word of mouth, email, phone calls, newsletters, message boards; in other words, contact with like minded individuals. SCBWI affords writers and illustrators opportunities to communicate with each other through live and online critique groups, chapter meetings, conferences, newsletters and the members only discussion boards on its website.
- Valuable Information: When a writer, illustrator, literary agent, editor, publisher or anyone else connected with the world of children’s publishing joins SCBWI they receive a packet of publications containing a myriad of information from articles on their craft to information about contests and awards.
- The Opportunity to Apply for Grants and Attend Conferences: Along with various regional conferences throughout the year, SCBWI organizes two national conferences open to all members – one in Los Angeles in August and the other in New York City in February. SCBWI also has a grant program to help writers and illustrators financially.
While SCBWI is not the only organization devoted to those working in the area of children's literature it is arguably the most powerful. With that in mind, the annual dues of $85 for the first year and $70 for each renewal could be considered a bargain.
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