What Is SCBWI?

Question: What Is SCBWI?

Answer: SCBWI is the acronym for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. As its name suggests, the SCBWI is a professional organization for writers and illustrators of children's books. It is an international organization, with more than 19,000 members. The SCBWI has two membership categories, full membership, which is open to writers and illustrators whose work for children has been published or produced commercially and associate membership, which is for "unpublished writers and illustrators of children’s literature or media, and those with a general enthusiasm for the field."

According to its Web site, "The SCBWI acts as a network for the exchange of knowledge between writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people." It does this through its International Conferences on Writing and Illustrating for Children, newsletters and other publications, regional events, and more. SCBWI members are welcome at any of the meetings of the regional SCBWI chapters. The SCBWI's Web site includes writing exercises and discussion boards.

I have been to two events sponsored by the KS SCBWI chapter. The first was a workshop on writing and illustrating children's books, which featured a panel discussion by published authors and an illustrator. The second, held in collaboration with our local public library, was an informal discussion with Lois Ruby, author of Steal Away Home and other novels for middle school age and older. Both events were excellent.