What children’s book writers and illustrators get from a SCBWI membership, and whether it makes sense to join
If you’ve spent any time in the children’s writing community online, you’ve almost certainly encountered the acronym. SCBWI – the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators – comes up constantly in writing forums, social media groups, and craft advice articles. It’s spoken of with varying degrees of enthusiasm, and the question of whether it’s worth joining is one that aspiring children’s authors ask regularly. Here’s an attempt at giving the full picture.
What SCBWI is
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is a professional organisation dedicated to supporting writers, illustrators, and translators who create books for children and young adults. It was founded in Los Angeles in 1971 with a small group of writers and has grown into one of the largest writers’ organisations in the world, with members in over 70 countries.
When you become an SCBWI member you automatically become part of one of 82 regional chapters worldwide, which means your experience of SCBWI is shaped significantly by where you are. A well-run, active regional chapter with regular events and a strong community is a meaningfully different thing from a dormant chapter with no programming. This is probably the most important variable in determining whether SCBWI is worth it for any individual writer.
What membership costs
Membership costs $95 to join and $80 per year to renew, with a reduced student rate of $65 and $55 respectively. This is denominated in US dollars regardless of where you are based, so for UK members, the cost fluctuates with the exchange rate. At current rates, annual renewal costs approximately £63.
Some local events may carry an additional fee, discounted for members, and the conferences are not inexpensive. The major SCBWI conferences, the annual Summer and Winter conferences in New York and Los Angeles, are significant additional costs that most UK members won’t attend. Regional conferences and events vary considerably in cost.
What you get
SCBWI members receive access to conferences and events ranging from large international conferences to small intimate retreats, featuring award-winning authors, editors, agents, and publishers who give lectures, workshops, and individual manuscript and portfolio consultations.
Members also receive INSIGHT, a monthly digital publication covering children’s book news, interviews, and industry updates, and access to SCBWI’s discussion boards and online community.
Published members – those with PAL (Published and Listed) status – additionally receive the PRO-INSIDER, a newsletter covering contracts, royalties, marketing, school visits, and the professional side of a writing career.
Members also receive discounts on a range of services including Scrivener software, Squarespace, and Publishers Weekly subscriptions.
The case for joining
The most compelling reason to join SCBWI is access to industry professionals, like agents, editors, and publishers, in a structured environment where they are there specifically to engage with writers. Manuscript consultations at SCBWI events can provide direct feedback from people who acquire children’s books, which is difficult to access any other way.
The community aspect can also be useful. Critique groups coordinated through SCBWI chapters connect you with other writers who have made a similar commitment to the craft, which is a meaningful filter compared to finding critique partners through general writing forums.
For illustrators specifically, SCBWI has historically been particularly strong; portfolio reviews at SCBWI events have led to real commissions and representation for illustrators who might otherwise have struggled to get their work in front of art directors.
When it might not make sense
The value of SCBWI is heavily dependent on your regional chapter, and chapters vary enormously. Some members rave about their chapter while the next chapter over is largely dormant. Before joining, research your regional chapter specifically – look at their event calendar, check how recently events have been held, and if possible attend a free or low-cost event as a non-member before committing.
It’s good to know that the organisation’s centre of gravity is American. The major conferences, the most prominent events, and much of the programming are US-based. UK members have access to good regional events through SCBWI British Isles, which runs its own conferences and retreats, but the experience is not equivalent to being based in a major US chapter.
There are also no clear distinctions between the benefits available to different membership tiers, the tiered structure exists but the practical difference between tiers is minimal, which can feel frustrating if you’re paying the same membership fee regardless of career stage.
How to Find a Children’s Book Agent in the UK
Should you join?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for and where you are. If you’re actively writing and submitting, want access to manuscript consultations with industry professionals, and have an active regional chapter nearby, joining might be worth it. The annual cost is modest relative to other professional development expenditure, and one useful manuscript consultation or meaningful industry connection pays for several years of membership.
But if you’re earlier in your writing journey, don’t yet have a manuscript ready for professional feedback, and your regional chapter has limited programming, the value is less clear. The community aspect has value, but much of it is available informally through online writing groups at no cost.
The most useful thing you can do before joining is check out your local chapter’s website, review their upcoming events, and if possible attend something as a non-member first. The organisation is significant enough that it’s worth the small effort to evaluate your specific chapter rather than deciding based on its general reputation.
If you have any experience with SCBWI that you’d like to join, give us a shout at hello@onceuponadraft.co.uk.