The SCBWI

Allie · Nov 20, 2006

I was wondering if the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators , SCBWI is worth joining. I have a picture book that I'm trying to decide what to do with - find an agent, pitch it directly to publishers, send it into Cricket magazine - I've run across this society a few times and was wondering if it was worth the $75 fee to join.

Any thoughts?

Christine N. · Nov 20, 2006

I've been a member for two years. I haven't been able to attend any of the conferences due to lack of money. If you live in an area where there are a lot of things to attend, I'd say it was worth it.

They also have a nice message board. I don't go there as often as I used to, but there are a lot of nice people.

Rane · Nov 20, 2006

I think it's worth it. I just renewed my membership, this will be my second year. I went to our local SCBWI conference this year and loved it. Lots of good information. But if i remember right, you don't have to be a member to go to the conference, you just pay more for it.

When I joined I also got alot of useful information sent to me as well. I check the message boards there often because it contains even more info.

RhinoMom · Nov 21, 2006

I think it's worth it, too.
I joined a few months ago and have found the discussion boards invaluable. I found an online critique group via the boards and it's been such a great tool to help my writing.
The boards are also a great place to share info, get inspiration, locate resources and get/receive advice (kind of like this Board

although the SCBWI boards are solely devoted to children's writing (obviously).

You do also received the SCBWI Bulletin (I think it's monthly) and a variety of resource materials when you join.

Jimmer · Nov 21, 2006

I've been a member for 10 years. I think it's something you do as a commitment to yourself and the business. If you are serious about learning the craft, developing your skills, and getting established as a published children's writer, then the $75 is a very small price to pay.

I put "Member SCBWI" beneath my signature lines on my correspondences. It tells editors/agents that I'm a serious writer. A professional. This is not a hobby for me.

Beyond all the perks membership offers (check them out at www.scbwi.org), it's the organization all serious children's writers belong to.

Success in this business doesn't just happen. It takes effort and commitment. SCBWI membership is a great place to start.

Soccer Mom · Nov 21, 2006

Add me to the list of YES it is worth it

yelena · Nov 22, 2006

I'm agree with Jimmer and everyone who said "Yes".
I'm a member of SCBWI just for 2 years. Victoria Strauss had advice me to do it.They are the big professionals. I found at the website a lot of good information for me, the $75 is not a big price for that. And I was surprised when President of SCBWI Mr. Mooser sent me e-mail to help, he is so kind. Latter, I had a phone conversation with him a couple times and took an interview for the Russian kid's magazine. He sent me his picture and one chapter of his book and I translated it. I hope soon it will be published in Moscow and the Russian children will know this big american writer.
I'm serious about learning the write' craft. I'm finding a lot of an invaluable information in the SCBWI Bulletin, which I receive as the electronic version each 3 months. I like to visit someday the SCBWI conference, I'm sure this will be very helpful for me.

Allie · Nov 22, 2006

Hmm... Thanks for all the input. I see that it is a beneficial group for serious children's writers. Now all I have to decide is if I'm a serious children's writer.

Thank you all.

peevy · Dec 9, 2006

A Slightly Different View

I was a memeber for a year and went to the big LA conferece, which was pretty awesome. I think the message boards are really similar to what you get on this site for free, and I can't say the membership did a whole lot more for me than giving me a discount on the conference rate.

I'd say join if you are going to attend one of their conferences very soon or are looking for a critique group and can't find one at this site.

I have to say that I've heard people in the industry say they are not terribly impressed when they see that a writer who's looking to be published is a member of SCBWI, so I wouldn't join if you're only joining for that reason (which I'm sure most people don't. I'm definately not implying that that's why Jimmer might have joined, so no offense meant).

Also, if you are already published in the children's literature genre or will be very soon, you might want to join so you can be eligible for SCBWI's Golden Kite Award.

verbie · Dec 10, 2006

Thanks for the info

I've just joined the boards today, and children's writing is one of my main interests. I've always wondered whether some of these writing organizations are really worth the money. It's good to see both sides of the question. Thanks. Verbie

myscribe · Mar 26, 2007

I'm a SCBWI member. I've found that you get out of your membership what you want from it.

One of the best things that I've found is the local chapter. Mine is small, but with dedicated members. Many chapters offer conferences and events in addition to the national conferences in LA and New York. I found my critique group through it, and a ton of friends. I also was asked to plan our conference this year (fingers crossed) coming up this April.

I've actually heard many in the industry say that they are impressed if they see you are a member. Some closed houses will look at your work if you are in SCBWI. They see you are taking yourself and your writing seriously.

spike · Mar 28, 2007

FWIW, I've heard 3 different agents say that belonging to a professional writer's organization (SCBWI, RWA, Sisters in Crime, etc) is seen as a plus when they evaluate queries/subs. Each said that it shows that the writer is working to improve their craft and wants to learn.

Of course, the real advantage of belonging is that you can meet agents/editors face to face. I believe the best opening paragraph to a query is :

"You may not remember, but I had the pleasure of meeting you at the East Bohunk Writer's Conference in June of 2006..."

Just my thoughts.

yelena · Mar 28, 2007

I agree with...

I agree with this statement,

yelena

myscribe said:
I've actually heard many in the industry say that they are impressed if they see you are a member. Some closed houses will look at your work if you are in SCBWI. They see you are taking yourself and your writing seriously.

bookin4me · Mar 28, 2007

I also think it's worth it. It is $75 the first year and $60 after that. Check out any neighboring states near you also. Neighboring states to me make it worth my time and gas to drive over. And just like writing, it is what you put into it.

Button · Mar 28, 2007

I've been thinking about joining, and I still might. I haven't planned on going to conferences and it's one more newsletter to read and another message board to hang around. I'd rather spend my time writing and submitting at the moment.

I don't think every 'serious' writer has to get it, but I do think for the price you pay would be worth it if you are considering. I've spent money on other message boards and newsletters and haven't been disappointed yet.

If you're going to spend the money, try the Children's Writer newsletter. That I did sign up for, and I think it's only $20 a year. I really like that one.

Christine N. · Mar 28, 2007

Honestly, I'm thinking of not re-upping this year. I can't afford to go to most of the conferences, and the state one is far from me. There's no...comaradarie between members here. I rarely hear from my chapter.

I've joined EPIC (electronically published internet connection)which is $30/year and my new publisher's yahoo group, and I hang out here and the Yellow board and sometimes on Verla Kay's board. I used to do the SCBWI board, but found it didn't draw me there much.

I've been a member for two years, but don't see much value in keeping it.

Nester · Apr 1, 2007

Member for maybe a decade. I don't know if I'd be published without them. Not only were the people in the local chapter extremely helpful and supportive, but the written material, market guides, etc. were better than what I found elsewhere. And when I was just getting started, I found my critique group through them. Some closed houses do accept unsolicited submissions from members, and at conferences editors from closed houses routinely invite submission. And the conferences are generally excellent. Join!

PrettySpecialGal · Apr 1, 2007

I've enjoyed the conferences I've attended, although I'm not an official member yet-- I went to the conferences in the big city where I used to live, and now in the little town I live in, the conferences are way too far away for me to go on a regular basis. It's worth looking into, though.

The SCBWI

Allie

Christine N.

haz a shiny new book cover

Rane

Duh. #winning

RhinoMom

Jimmer

Soccer Mom

Crypto-fascist

yelena

Allie

peevy

keeping my head

verbie

myscribe

Who's the ninja now?!?

spike

Mostly Ignored

yelena

bookin4me

Button

Resident in Question

Christine N.

haz a shiny new book cover

Nester

PrettySpecialGal

roll, roll, roll in ze hay