should I renew my SCBWI membership?

goodnplenty · Jan 3, 2008

I, a-nooo-bee here;
hi everyone!

I have belonged to the SCBWI for 3 years and though the local chapter is active and near where i live, I work evenings & weekends and can't attend them.

Since just about anyone can become an associate member of SCBWI (which I am), I do not think I get much out of it. And now that i am developing/producing children's edu-tainment programs, I think I'd rather use that
$60/yr renewal fee to join a filmmakers association, not unless the SCBWI has the 503c capabilities whereby i can get grants through them for writing/producing videos and other writing.

Does joining SCBWI reflect upon one's seriousness on being a children's book writer/illustrator? As I have an agent already and I don't need SCBWI to help me acquire one.

Any suggestions before I expend what little money I have on a membership that seems to do nothing for me?

Thanks.

Dreamer3702 · Jan 4, 2008

Uhhhh... what's the SCBWI?

brainstrains · Jan 4, 2008

Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators.

I just joined this year after selling my book, to give it a try. I am not sure it will be worthwhile but I'm planning on attending more conferences and figured I'd save money paying the member-fee instead of the non-member fee.

MsJudy · Jan 4, 2008

I'm wondering the same thing myself. I joined this year, but I'm at the south end of my region and none of the activities seem to be in my area. So I dunno....

brittanimae · Jan 4, 2008

I'm with brainstrains--join when you can get something from it, expiration of membership won't kill anyone. It's a good thing to have, but only if you can use it.

Saundra Mitchell · Jan 4, 2008

Just be aware that if you have a membership, drop it, and want to renew it later, it will cost you an extra fee. I found that out the hard way, and the usual $60.00 fee turned into $80.00 something, plus I had to fill out a special form and fax it to a special number to get my membership back.

should I renew my SCBWI membership?

goodnplenty

Dreamer3702

a real life cupcake

brainstrains

4-8-8-4

MsJudy

brittanimae

making a fresh start.

Saundra Mitchell