SCBWI

Society of
Children's Book Writers
and Illustrators

Michigan

Michigan

  • Do you wonder how you can get on an art director’s or editor’s radar? Mailing a promotional postcard on a regular basis is the simplest self-promotion an illustrator can do! Maybe you have good intentions to send several postcards a year, but end up falling short. Wouldn’t it be easier if you were pleasantly prodded and cheered on by your peers? Join SCBWI Michigan illustrators in sending quarterly mailings on Feb. 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and Nov. 1st.   NEXT STEPS To participate, e-mail us at fouroutthedoor@gmail.com saying you are up for the challenge. Once you sign up, you will receive a welcome e-packet about the basics of promotional mailings and next steps, along with a digital badge you can use to share the news of our challenge. Check the MichKids listserv, social media, and The Mitten blog because SCBWI-MI illustrators Kirbi Fagan, Kara Marsee and Deb Pilutti will share printing resources, production tips, encouragement and success stories over the coming weeks. (BE SURE TO CONNECT ON THESE PLATFORMS! For more information on how, click HERE.) You can share your postcards on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag: #4outthedoor. We look forward to seeing what you create! Special shout-out to Kirbi Fagan for creating the 4 Out the Door logo and illustration.
  • Here is a sneak peek at the (almost complete) Faculty Lineup!
  • It's time for our 3rd annual Merry Mitten Holiday! What better gift to give than a book from a local author or illustrator? We are proud to work with some of our favorite independent book stores again this year and hope to support them with these events as much as they support us all year round. So, bring the family out to any of these events and pick up a signed book or two! November 10th from 12:00-3:00 at Kazoo Books: Meet Leslie Helakoski and Buffy Silverman. December 1st from 1:00-3:00 at Nicola's: Meet Lisa Wheeler, Maria Dismondy, Lisa Rose, and Supriya Kelkar. December 2nd from 12:00-5:00 at Bookbeat (as part of their GESU fundraiser): Meet Herbert Wong Lee, Patrick Flores-Scott, Gin Price, Jodi McKay, Kristin Lenz, and Jean Alicia Elster. December 8th from 12:00-1:30 at Pages: Meet Janet Ruth Heller and Jodi McKay Hope to see you there!
  • In 2019-2020, SCBWI-MI will offer two mentorships for picture book text. The mentorship competition with Lisa Wheeler is open to Full and Associate members. The mentorship with Kelly DiPucchio is open to Published And Listed (PAL) members. If you really want to be impressed, check out Lisa’s and Kelly’s websites. http://www.lisawheelerbooks.com/home.html http://www.kellydipucchio.com/books.html Click here for SCBWI-MI Mentorship Submission Information The mentorships include six exchanges of manuscripts and critiques. Each entry should be a complete picture book text of no more than 600 words. The nonrefundable registration fee is $20. A panel of three super-secret, superstar judges will score the entries on: Appropriateness of style and language Interpretation and development of concept Development of plot Development of characters Illustratable text ​Overall impression and originality The submission window for the PAL mentorship with Kelly DiPucchio is April 1-22, 2019. The submission window for the non-PAL mentorship with Lisa Wheeler is June 3-24, 2019. For questions, contact Ann Finkelstein (annf1234@gmail.com).
  •  Whether you are an established author/illustrator or you're releasing your debut book, marketing is essential to your books’ success. This reference was designed for SCBWI members only to provide you with information on how and where you can market your work.   Click here to access our members-only book promotion page. Click here to access a list of indie bookstores in Michigan. Please frequent these great venues often.   Good luck and know that we are very proud of YOU! Slider art credit: M. Cody Wiley  
  • The mission of the PAL Newsletter is to provide SCBWI-MI's traditionally published authors and illustrators with resources that meet their needs. This will include: 1: An article written by a Michigan PAL author or illustrator on craft or experience. 2: Information regarding marketing opportunities. Let's sell those books! 3: Helpful blogs, websites, or articles for continuing education. SCBWI-MI wants its PAL authors and illustrators to feel supported and connected to each other and it is our hope that this newsletter helps contribute to that. If you are a PAL member and are not receiving the newsletter, please contact PAL Coordinator, Jodi McKay.
  • The Mitten is the official blog for the Michigan chapter of SCBWI. Please spread the word and share with anyone interested in reading, writing, and creating quality literature for children and young adults.  http://scbwimithemitten.blogspot.com/ SCBWI-MI members are encouraged to submit blog posts.  What are we looking for? Success stories tips on any aspect of the publishing process - writing, illustrating, promotion, time management, etc. agent/editor interviews photos, personal impressions, and brief overviews of events, such as conferences, meet-ups, book signings, book clubs, festivals, etc. reviews of books on craft We’re also looking for contributions for our ongoing features: Ask Frida Pennabook: Sometimes it's helpful to tap into the expertise of a fellow writer or artist. Got a question? Need advice? Just ask Frida. Hugs and Hurrahs: We want to trumpet your good news! Send 1-3 sentences about your accomplishment. We love to include photos and art, too. Do you have an idea for a blog post or a new feature?  We’d love to hear it! Submission guidelines: Please query Kristin Lenz at kristinbartleylenz@gmail.com. Include a 1-3 sentence bio and any links, art, book covers, or photos to accompany your blog post. (All images must be your personal property or fair use/public domain.)  
  • Wouldn't you love to attend a children's book conference without traveling? No airports, hotels, gas stations, or expense reports? No work time lost? Register and view our affordable webinar from the comfort of your home or office — wherever and whenever you have access to a computer. Or join your friends and colleagues who have registered and watch together. "You guided me from ignorantly-intimidated to old-dog-learned-new-trick! Well done! This internet thing might not be so bad."   CLICK HERE TO REGISTER  Children’s Book Industry 101: Terms, Conventions, and How It Works lead by Carrie Pearson and moderated by Leslie Helakoski. Description: A nuts and bolts session for writers and writer/s including standards for traditional publishing (formatting, word counts for categories, conventions, what’s pushy, what’s polite), how the industry works (role of agent vs. editor, publishing houses and what they offer, large house vs. small vs. regional), and how we get paid (advance, royalties).   "You guys absolutely ROCK at putting together great presentations and making them really work! Thank you so much!"   – author, Elizabeth McBride  Illustration credit: Nina Goebel
RA Photo
Welcome!

The strength of SCBWI lies in its individual members. Whether you are a creator, publisher, reviewer, librarian, bookseller, educator, or simply someone with a love of literature and a desire to see the best in the hands of children, we invite you to get to know us better.

 

EVENTS CALENDAR
       
  • Shop Talks - no charge, regular events at locations around Michigan
   
  • Webinar Library: Register and view our affordable webinar from the comfort of your home or office.
   
  • Other Industry-Related Events Around the Great State of Michigan:
 
  • Got news to share? A new release to celebrate? Contact Debbie HERE
 

Other SCBWI Regions

image description
Join SCBWI!