About SCBWI and the Eastern Canada Chapter

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, formed in 1971 by a group of Los Angeles–based writers for children, 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 provides a network for 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 it the largest children's writing organization in the world.

SCBWI has had a presence in Canada since 1997. SCBWI Canada split into two regional chapters in 2004. The Eastern Canada Chapter now serves members from Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Nunavut, Quebec and Ontario, while the Western Canada Chapter serves members in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories, and the Yukon. While there are no local dues, fees may be charged for chapter-sponsored activities.

Regional Advisors coordinate SCBWI events and activities for members in chapters all over the world. Meetings and workshops feature well-known writers, illustrators, and others involved in literature for young people. Chapters also offer access to critique groups, shoptalk groups, regional information of interest to writers and illustrators, and social events. Members receive discounts on admission.

Membership benefits

The benefits of membership in SCBWI are many. The SCBWI sponsors two annual International Conferences on Writing and Illustrating for Children, as well as dozens of regional conferences and events throughout the world. It also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, offers awards and grants for works in progress, and provides many publications on the art and business of writing and selling written, illustrated, and electronic material. The SCBWI also presents the annual Golden Kite Award for the best fiction and nonfiction books, as well as the Sid Fleischman Humor Award.

A new member kit includes:

• The SCBWI Publications Guide to Writing and Illustrating for Children.
• A member roster
• Your membership card entitling you to receive reduced fees to SCBWI events, as well as other discounts and services
• The current issue of the SCBWI Bulletin
• Other periodic coupons or brochures as available.
  

Additionally, our chapter provides these benefits to Eastern Canada Chapter members:

• A free subscription to the SCBWI Canada listserv, where members from the Eastern and Western Canada chapters network and exchange news, views and experiences.
• Priority registration and reduced rates to our events. Our spring conference offers attendees the opportunity to meet and talk with editors and others in the field. Our fall retreats offer small workshops with an author or editor who is well established in the field. Members are given prioity for one-on-one editor critiques and other networking possibilities.
• Assistance in finding or starting a local critique group.
• Membership mailings throughout the year.
  

How do I become a member?

Membership is handled by the SCBWI head office. When you join, you automatically become a member of your regional chapter, at one of three levels of membership, depending upon your publication credits. You cannot join only your local chapter, and there are no separate or additional regional dues. You can apply to join SCBWI online, or you can download an application from the central SCBWI website. You can apply to join SCBWI online, or you can download an application from the central SCBWI website.

Staying up to date

For almost three decades, SCBWI has offered much to professional and aspiring authors and illustrators. Active participation reaps great benefits and networking possibilities.

We are building our programs in Canada to enhance the opportunities for our members, so keep apprised of our progress by visiting our web site throughout the year. Better yet, join SCBWI, and automatically become a member of our SCBWI Canada listserv. We look forward to meeting you!