SCBWI

Society of
Children's Book Writers
and Illustrators

Illinois

Illinois

  • The Laura Crawford Memorial Mentorship was established in memory of picture book author Laura Crawford, an active and enthusiastic member of our Illinois chapter, who made it her mission to help other writers on their publishing journeys. Funny and determined, she was a mentor herself—as an educator and as a writer.   Now entering its fourth cycle in celebration of the NOVEL, SCBWI-IL is proud to announce that the 2019 Mentor is PAL author, KATE HANNIGAN. Kate’s forthcoming historical fantasy for middle-grade, CAPE (Simon & Schuster/Aladdin), includes graphic novel elements and draws upon the earliest comic book heroines of the Golden Age of Comic Books. It is part of a three-book series titled THE LEAGUE OF SECRET HEROES that blends superheroes and real-life women from World War II — original computer programmers, brilliant code-crackers, courageous spies, and daring pilots. CAPE hits shelves in August! Visit Kate online at KateHannigan.com, on Instagram @KateHanniganBooks, and on Twitter @KateChicago. Kate will work with her mentee on one element of a novel manuscript over a six-month period.  The two goals of the mentorship are to (1) help the writer ready his/her manuscript for editorial submission and publication and (2) help the writer grow professionally. Together, the participants will decide upon one aspect of the novel manuscript upon which to focus for further development. Only SCBWI members residing in Illinois who have never traditionally published a novel may apply for this FREE member opportunity.   Online application begins 01 June! For more about the mentorship, mentor Kate Hannigan, and how YOU might be the 2019 LCMM recipient, visit the SCBWI-IL Laura Crawford Memorial Mentorship webpage!
  • We are excited to announce the return of the Prairie Writer’s and Illustrator’s Day Masthead Illustration Contest for 2019. This is an SCBWI-IL member only illustration contest for the masthead image that will be used in all marketing and promotion of the upcoming event. The theme for this year is GAME ON! The winning illustrator (as voted on by fellow SCBWI-IL Members) will be credited wherever the image is used and they will be awarded the Prairie Prize. which includes paid admission to the 2019 Prairie Writer’s and Illustrator’s Day along including one portfolio review and one manuscript critique. (Scholarship valued at $260). You have between now and July 1st 2019 to submit your entry. Voting will begin on July 6th and the contest winner will be announced on/before August 1st. Questions?: Email illinois-ic@scbwi.org Good luck and GAME ON!
  • Join your SCBWI- IL Chicago and SCBWI- IL  Hyde Park Network co-hosts on July 27. The event will include a panel discussion, small group ask-me-anything sessions with the authors and experts, and Ignite Talks presented by interns engaged in research at Argonne National Laboratory. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Please RSVP!
  • Put your next event on SCBWInvite! SCBWInvite will allow you to list any book-related event or appearance as long as it is free of charge, related to children’s literature, and held in a public place.  Once a listing has been approved by SCBWI staff, it will be uploaded to the SCBWInvite page for everyone to browse and enjoy. Log into your Member Profile now to create your listing.  Just click SCBWInvite on the left-hand column and follow the prompts to fill in the information; SCBWI will take it from there.  For those of you looking for events to attend, you’ll find SCBWInvite under the Events tab on the SCBWI website’s main menu.   Check out SCBWInvite now! Traveling this summer?  Look up SCBWInvite events at your destination!
  • Listen to SCBWI podcasts by logging in now.
  •   Look for updates on how to join your fellow PALs for 2019-2020 Read Local the week of July 15, 2019    
  • Read the current issue of the Prairie Wind, the newsletter of SCBWI-Illinois.
  • Enjoy international SCBWI programming from the comfort of your own home with SCBWI Webinars
  • SCBWI-IL Networks provide free, drop-in programming monthly in a city or town near you.  Writing, illustrating and diversity netwotks arr open to both members and non-members. They focus on the craft and business of children's storytelling. Come and see what our creative community is all about!
RA Photo
Welcome!!

Are you interested in writing and/or illustrating for children?

Are you a published author/illustrator, wondering what SCBWI can do for you?

Are you looking for a speaker for your bookstore, school or library? 

Learn more about SCBWI via THESE VIDEOS.

EVENTS CALENDAR
SCBWI Anti-Harassment Policy Update                   SCBWI Book Bounty Header

Click HERE for our Spring/Summer 2019 Book Bounty!

Click HERE to sign up for our SCBWI-IL Book Bounty E-Bulletin.

 
SCBWInvite
SCBWI Regions
Join SCBWI!