About SCBWI

Background

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators was formed in 1968 by a group of Los Angeles-based writers for children. It is the only international organization to offer a variety of services to people who write, illustrate, or share a vital interest in children's literature.

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. There are currently more than 19,000 members worldwide, in over 70 regions, making us the largest children's writing organization in the world.

The SCBWI, British Isles region offers members support, information and education at a local level. International membership automatically grants you membership to the British Isles Region or any other region local to you.

You can go directly to the international SCBWI website to join.

A professional guild, the SCBWI serves as a consolidated voice for professional writers and illustrators internationally. As a unified body, SCBWI acts as a powerful force to effect 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.

Advisory functions

The SCBWI serves an advisory function for all of its members. Individual advice, information and counsel are gladly provided. The SCBWI prides itself on taking a personal interest in the careers of its professional membership.

Publications

The SCBWI Bulletin is a bi-monthly publication containing comprehensive and current information in the field of children's literature. Features include the latest market reports, articles on issues in writing, illustrating, and publishing, information on contests and awards, reports of events in the field, news of SCBWI members, as well as information about ongoing SCBWI activities in its regions across the globe. The Bulletin is an invaluable source of information and inspiration to writers and illustrators of children's literature.

Several different publications, designed to aid both published and unpublished writers and illustrators, are available on SCBWI.org to SCBWI members as downloadable pdfs or for the cost of US postage only.

SCBWI British Isles produces its own quarterly newsletter Words & Pictures (edited by Eileen Ramchandran)  which can be downloaded free to members at the British SCBWI message boar 

(About our Message Board. All new members are automatically added to the British SCBWI message board and begin receiving emails from the board. The newsletter is distributed this way. Members who don't want to participate in the message board can change their settings on the board accordingly however they will be responsible for logging in to download the newsletter.)

Conferences

Each year the SCBWI sponsors two international conferences devoted entirely to writing and illustrating for children. Luminaries in the field provide lectures, workshops, and individual manuscript and art consultations. SCBWI members receive a considerable discount on conference tuition.

Regional events

Regional Advisors coordinate SCBWI events and activities for members in 70 regions across the United States and abroad. Local members benefit from conferences, workshops, and speaker events featuring well-known writers, illustrators, and others involved in literature for young people; regional newsletters containing regional information of interest to writers and illustrators; critique groups; social events that enable members to share experiences and make friendships and valuable contacts. Members receive substantial discounts on admission to regional events.

Market Survey

The SCBWI publishes a yearly guide to publishers in the United States, British Isles, and Europe with up-to-date contact information and submission guidelines.