Michigan

Michigan

  • Our SCBWI-MI fall conference will be in downtown Grand Rapids at the L.V. Eberhard Center. It will kick off Friday afternoon September 15th and run all day September 16th.  Novel and picture book intensives are in the works as well as well as many novel and picture book breakout sessions. The Keynote address will be presented by two-time Newbery Honor Award and Printz Award winning recipient Gary Schmidt. See below for our exciting line up and venue highlights. UPDATE! Registration for Fall Conference to open on July 22 at 8:00 AM EST. Click HERE to preview the event website including the schedule and critique information.   EARLY BIRD MEMBER RATES  $45 for Friday only includes a 2 hour intensive and dinner with the gang. (A particularly great deal!) $130 for Saturday only.  $170 for Friday and Saturday. (Add $30 to above for not-yet member rates or become a member!)   Our Fall Conference Speakers: Gary Schmidt: Gary Schmidt is a professor of English at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has written over 30 books, most of them for children and young adults. He received both a Newbery Honor and a Printz Honor for Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy and a Newbery Honor for The Wednesday Wars. He lives with his family on a 150-year-old farm in Alto, Michigan, where he splits wood, plants gardens, writes, and feeds the wild cats that drop by.   Denise Fleming: Denise Fleming won a Caldecott Honor for In the Small, Small Pond. She is the author and illustrator of over twenty picture books, including Buster, Lunch, Alphabet Under Construction, and Time to Sleep. Her newest books are Maggie and Michael Get Dressed and 5 Little Ducks.   Andrew Karre: Andrew Karre is the executive editor at Dutton Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House, focusing on YA and MG, fiction and nonfiction. He has published first novels by such noted authors as Maggie Stiefvater, A.S. King, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, Blythe Woolston, Carrie Mesrobian, and E.K. Johnston.   Minju Chang: Minju Chang is an agent with the BookStop Literary Agency. She is looking for young adult, middle-grade, and picture books in all genres. She’s drawn to magical realism, smart adventure/mystery novels, and literary fiction. Her weakness is for gutsy, clever, funny characters with big attitudes.   Kait Feldmann Kait Feldmann is a picture book editor at Arthur A. Levine Books which is an imprint of Scholastic, where her focus is on picture books and international publishing. She joined Scholastic in May of 2014 and gained editorial experience assisting Executive Editors Tracy Mack, Michael di Capua, Cheryl Klein, and Andrea Davis Pinkney. A few of the titles she worked on include Newbery Honor-winner Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan, The Marvels by Brian Selznick, and Ice Cream Summer by Peter Sís. Kait is a strong advocate for diverse representation and is always looking for meaningful, character-driven stories with humor and heart. Follow her on Twitter @kaitfeldmann.   A limited number of written critiques will be offered by Minju Chang, Kait Feldmann, Andrew Karre, and Leslie Helakoski. Denise Fleming will offer a limited number of onsite portfolio reviews. The deadline for critique submissions (PB and novels) is August 9.   SCBWI Fall Conference Venue Highlights: L.V. Eberhard Center (Grand Valley State University downtown campus). 301 West Fulton Street Grand Rapids, MI Our fall program will benefit from award-winning facilities, complimentary parking and a prime downtown location along the banks of the Grand River.  The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and Grand Rapids Public Museum are across the street from the hotel and one block from the Eberhard Center.   Downtown Grand Rapids has much to offer, from boutique shopping and exciting nightlife to fascinating cultural sites. With the world famous Grand Rapids Artprize just one week following our event most of the indoor and outdoor exhibits will already be on display throughout the town. We recommend exploring the city on foot, as many popular attractions are within walking distance. If you get in a day early, you might want to explore the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, just a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Hotel: Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown: 310 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 ▪ (616) 235-7611 We have rooms blocked for the SCBWI. Be sure to let them know who you are with when booking for a special rate.
  •     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.
  • Illustrator Mentorship 2017-2018   Prize: The grand prize is a one-year mentorship with acclaimed illustrator, Kirbi Fagan. Kirbi has illustrated the covers of more than 50 books, and illustrated the interiors of several series of illustrated chapter books. Kirbi won the Jack Gaughan Award for Best Emerging Artist in 2017 and the Muddy Colors Rising Star Award.   Check out our interview with Kirbi at The Mitten.http://scbwimithemitten.blogspot.com/2017/05/introducing-kirbi-fagen-scbwi-mi-2017.html   Eligibility: The competition is open to all SCBWI members who are Michigan residents unless they are Published and Listed (PAL) illustrators. (PAL writers may apply.) Please contact SCBWI-MI Mentorship Coordinator, Ann Finkelstein, if you have questions about eligibility.    The winner will be announced at the Fall Conference (September 15-16, 2017) You do not have to be present to win.   Submission: One entry per person. The non-refundable entry fee is $20. Each entry will consist of FOUR separate pieces of art that are suitable for picture book or chapter book illustrations, graphic novels or YA or MG book covers. Two of the illustrations should be a page-turn sequence from the same story. Do not sign artwork or put any identifying marks on illustrations. If you have already signed a piece, please block the signature before scanning. The four illustrations should be saved as a single pdf file that is between 1 MB and 3 MB in size. Art should fit on an 8.5 x 11 inch page, either vertically or horizontally. Art should be in full color, finished and ready for publication. Art should be appropriate for and targeted to children or teens. How to name your submission: Think of a brief descriptive title for the first illustration in your series and use it as the title for your saved pdf file. (For example: Girl with a Pearl Earring or The Child’s Bath.) Be kind to your mentorship coordinator and describe the picture. Seated Woman with a Fish Hat is more helpful than Son of Man. You will not be judged on your title. The titles are only used to help keep track of submissions. Do not mention your name in the title.   Judging: Our three super-secret, superstar judges will evaluate artwork for: Vibrancy (understands vibratory quality of chosen palette and the uses of combining/contrasting complimentary colors and varying warm and cool temperatures) Handling of Medium (understands transparency/opacity, patterns, brushwork, use of movement and line quality in design.) Design (composition of the image and design of the page turn). Concept (is there an idea - visual metaphor, conceptual depth; image successful in telling story without text; secondary ideas woven into design) Overall impression (includes originality, suitability for the target audience, and design of the characters, including anatomical consistency)   The mentor will make the final winning selection.                                               All applicants will receive feedback on their artwork from the judges.   Special thanks to Matt Faulkner, Ruth McNally Barshaw and Leslie Helakoski for the judging criteria.   Registration and Submission: The submission window opens at 9:00 am on June 5, 2017. Click here to register. The submission window closes at 5:00 pm on June 26, 2017.   To register, click here https://www.regonline.com/scbwimiillustratormentorship2017competition   In the subject line of the email write: Submission: Title (For example, Submission: Ram’s Head with Hollyhock) In the body of the email, write: Your full name The title of your submission Your email address Your phone number. Attach your pdf to the email. The mentorship coordinator will acknowledge the receipt of your artwork.   Mentorship applicants are welcome to apply for illustrator critiques at the fall conference (September 15 – 16, 2017) and display competition samples at the portfolio showcase.   FAQs Can I enter the competition if I live in MI only during the warmer months? Yes. We don’t discriminate against snowbirds. We’d all escape from Michigan’s winters if we could. Why can’t I sign my artwork? Judging is anonymous. The judges do not know who the contestants are and the contestants do not know who the judges are. Why do I need to submit my art as a pdf? It’s easier for the mentorship coordinator and the judges to keep track of unsigned artwork if the submissions are grouped into one file per applicant. How do I make a pdf file? Acrobat Writer, Corel Draw, Illustrator, Photoshop and other programs save files as pdfs. FedEx will scan four illustrations and save them as single pdf for $8. Why do I have to title my first illustration? The mentorship coordinator and the judges need a way to make sure the scores and the comments are assigned to the correct artwork. See point 3. What if two or more submissions have the same name? The mentorship coordinator will also assign every submission with a submission number. I can’t think of a good title for my first illustration. You will not be evaluated on the name. The purpose of the title is to maintain the sanity of the mentorship coordinator. If I change my mind, can I get the entry fee back? Sorry. Entry fees are non-refundable. Can I register first and upload my art later? Yes, as long as it’s during the submission window. After you register, click on the link to upload your submission. Nothing bad will happen. You’ll find yourself looking at a blank email. Copy and save the address to use when your art is ready. Why do I have to register and upload my art during the submission window? Because I said so. Is it okay to tweet about entering this contest? No. Judging is anonymous. Promoting the contest on social media is great, but please do not mention that you’ve entered. What if I receive a contract for my artwork during the contest? Please contact Mentorship Coordinator, Ann Finkelstein, to receive congratulations and discuss the situation.
  • To Market, To Market: An interactive, at-a-glance resource of book selling events, SCBWI member book launches and signings, and writer/illustrator contests and awards.   These databases are an easily accessed resource-sharing tool for our members that can be added to, viewed, and downloaded and sorted. SCBWI-MI hopes members will find this information useful in their search for local book festivals, fairs and conferences, as well as member signings and launches, and various awards and contests available to writers and illustrators.   All the information on the spreadsheets is supplied by members. Share relevant information by entering the information in the correct column on the spreadsheet.      SCBWI-MI members have access to the following databases: SCBWI Book Signings and Launches Michigan Book Festivals, Fairs and Conferences Awards and Contests   For questions or help contact Dawne Webber at dawne.webber@gmail.com ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  Here's the link to the Awards and Contests sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tNzBE7-EZsZdC5bwr4JLIzWdSCvMljSGuhCb8EOzRGU/edit?usp=sharing   SCBWI Book Signing and Launches sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xDBsR1sGIzEd-Y2Vh1zClRS9O6V1Ni560A5OBsqk5to/edit?usp=sharing   Michigan Book Festivals, Fairs and Conferences sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iZv_WttXUQtEmk-yLRUsUGbGbOnmsbNkeR8S_d2LXtk/edit?usp=sharing
  • 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.)  
  • The Reading List Program includes books of all genres from our PAL authors and illustrators, both front list and backlist titles. This is an opportunity to find that book that a kid or teen will enjoy and can engage with the fun and adventure of reading. Authors and illustrators from close to your hometown to those around the world are featured on the List. The Lists will be published bi-annually, in the Summer and Winter. Access list by clicking HERE!!!!!!  
  • 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
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

Current SCBWI-MI Events:

Fall Conference: Gathering on the Grand – Sept. 15 & 16, 2017  REGISTRATION OPENS July 22 at 8:00 AM EST.

 

Illustrator Mentorship  2017-2018

 

The P.A.L. Newsletter

 

Shop Talks – no charge, regular events at locations around Michigan

 

To Market, To Market - An Interactive, at-a-glance resource of book selling events

 

Talent Showcase: Let us help promote your work on the chapter's website!

 

Webinar Library: Register and view our affordable webinar from the comfort of your home or office.

 

Information regarding Adding Promotional Links to Member and Speaker Profiles

 

Other Industry-Related Events Around the Great State of Michigan:

 

 

The MAZZA is coming to Saline District Library, Saline, Michigan. The MAZZA Museum houses "the world’s first and most diverse collection of original artwork by children’s book illustrators. Through these select pieces you will encounter the creative processes behind picture book art — cover work, color separations, editorial notes on preliminaries, character development sketches, preparatory storyboards, and much more."
June 3rd through Aug. 26th. Make it a destination this summer! More info at: http://www.salinelibrary.org/event/summer-art-show/ .

 

Got news to share? A new release to celebrate? Contact Debbie HERE 

 

For events happening around the world, navigate to the Events Calendar. 
 

Other SCBWI Regions

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