About SCBWI

Founded in 1971 by a group of Los Angeles-based children's writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is one of the largest existing organizations for writers and illustrators. It is the only professional organization specifically for those individuals writing and illustrating for children and young adults in the fields of children’s literature, magazines, film, television, and multimedia. Several of the most prestigious children’s literature professionals sit on the SCBWI Board of Advisors. (Read more...)


Types of SCBWI Memberships

Membership in SCBWI is open to anyone with an active interest in children’s literature or media. We welcome aspiring and published writers and illustrators, librarians, educators, artists, students, dramatists, musicians, filmmakers, and others. A passion for children’s literature is our #1 criterion. Dues may be tax deductible.

P.A.L. Membership
P.A.L. stands for "Published and Listed. This level of membership is open to those whose books, articles, poems, stories, illustrations, photographs, films, television or electronic media for children have been commercially published by one of the organizations listed in the SCBWI Market Surveys. P.A.L. members may have a speaker's listing in the "Find A Speaker" area of the site. They are also able to sell books at certain regional events where such sales are organized and sponsored by the regional chapter.

When registering, if you don't see your publisher listed on the drop-down menus, simply choose "Other" and enter the name of your publisher. By choosing "Other" you will be listed as a "FULL" member. Click here to file a PAL Inquiry with SCBWI to have your publisher added to our Market Surveys.Once you have submitted the PAL Inquiry form, the SCBWI PAL Inquiry committee will verify your publisher for possible inclusion in our market surveys. There is no guarantee that the publisher will be included. Please note that review may take up to 10 business days to receive a response.

Full Membership
Open to those whose books, articles, poems, stories, illustrations, photographs, films, television or electronic media for children have been published or produced.

Associate Membership
Open to unpublished writers and illustrators of children’s literature or media, and those with a general enthusiasm for the field. Writers or illustrators who have been published in markets other than children's literature (but not in children's literature), as well as journalists, bloggers, educators, teachers and librarians would be considered Associate Members.


How to Join SCBWI

It's easy to join:

For Information about the SCBWI Member Benefits and general information, please visit the International SCBWI.