Rx for Writers

Transcripts

Thursday, January 17, 2002

Moderator: is Kristi Holl, Web Editor for the Institute's web site. Kristi is author of 24 juvenile novels and 150+ articles and has taught writing at the Institute of Children's Literature for l5 years.

Connie is Connie Heckert, the Iowa Regional Advisor for SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators). Connie teaches writing at the college level, and is herself the author of two picture books, two books for teens, six corporate histories, and a cookbook.

Names color coded in blue are audience members who had questions.

Interviews are scheduled for Thursday evenings: 8 Eastern, 7 Central, 6 Mountain, and 5 Pacific.

Moderator: Good evening, everyone! I'm your moderator, Kristi Holl, and I'm here tonight with our guest speaker, Connie Heckert, who is the Iowa Regional Advisor for SCBWI. Connie has taught and been published at many levels in the juvenile field, from picture books to those for teens. She'll be sharing with us tonight about the advantages and benefits of belonging to this professional organization for children's writers. Welcome, Connie!

Connie: Hello, everyone. It's a thrill to talk with Kristi and all of you. I'm looking forward to a lively chat about SCBWI.

Moderator: First of all, Connie, what does SCBWI stand for?

Connie: The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. A few years ago, the SCBW added illustrators, and the organization has been enriched by the wealth of information and color illustrators have brought to the association.

Moderator: Can you describe the organization?

Connie: Yes, I'll do my best. The scope of this association, or organization, has expanded beyond the expectations of executive director Lin Oliver and president Stephen Mooser. More than 30 years ago, they created a small group--the late David R. Collins was one of the first five members to join. Since then the organization has grown to more than 50 regions all over the world, including Australia, the Philippines, Israel and Sweden. Many regions, like California and Texas, have multiple regions and regional advisors. In Iowa, we have one regional advisor and pull in members from bordering states. The former title of National has definitely become International!

Moderator: Does SCBWI have a web site where you can find contact information?

Connie: Yes, and it's so informative and helpful. I send people to it all the time. It can be found at www.scbwi.org. and there are pages for events, joining the registry as a full member or associate, and so much more. It's a fun site to explore.

Moderator: If someone wants to join SCBWI, but hasn't been published yet, can s/he still join?

Connie: Yes, that's where the associate memberships are helpful. The Bulletin lists associate members who move to full membership every issue it comes out. Selling a manuscript moves you from associate to full member.

Moderator: Can you give us the contact information for SCBWI?

Connie: Sure, it's SCBWI, 8271 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 USA. Voice mail is 323-782-1010. Fax is 323-782-1892 and e-mail is scbwi@scbwi.org.

Moderator: Can you tell us about some of the benefits of joining SCBWI? Let's start with the conferences, since we hear so much about them. What about national conferences?

Connie: The conferences are exciting, educational and inspirational. The Midwinter is coming up in February, the 16-17 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. The lineup is always outstanding. Familiar names in the children's literature field include Tracey Adams, Mary Cash, Paula Danziger, Amy Griffin, Lauri Hornik, Jodi Kreitzman (who starred at our last conference in the fall) Stephanie Owens Lurie, Louis May, and more. The networking and marketing is an added plus. It's worth the investment to attend. The international conference is in August in Los Angeles. It's August 2-5 at the Century Plaza Hotel, a classy hotel where presidents and dignitaries from all over the world have stayed, and been photographed for the halls.

The benefits of being a member of SCBWI are huge. SCBWI acts as a unified voice, representing the interests of writers and illustrators in the children's literature field. SCBWI has successfully lobbied for new copyright legislation, equitable treatment of authors and artists, and fair contract conditions. It also provides advice, information, and counsel. There is current marketing information offered on a bi-monthly basis in the Bulletin, the newsletter, and it's online before the print version is. SCBWI offers lower registration fees for members at conferences, but non-members can attend and enjoy all the conference sessions that members attend. Joan Broerman, a regional advisor of Southern Breeze, has said that "the old adage that you get out of something what you put into it is true of SCBWI, too. But I would say that you get more out of SCBWI than you put in. Active membership is like a gift that keeps giving."

Moderator: Besides the national ones, what about regional or state conferences or workshops?

Connie: There are so many regional and state conferences to choose from. In another week, I'm going to a conference in Chicago on Agents. We hold two a year in Iowa, if all goes well. One is scheduled for June 22 at the Marion Public Library. We have a novel revision retreat scheduled in the fall. We have a web site, as most regions do. It's at www.kimn.net/scbwi.about.htm or www.kimn.net/scbwi/contact.htm. The best thing to do is to go to the International web site, and connect to the events page, where all the dates with events are on a calendar. There are usually connecting links that will send you to the region. You can also learn about regional and state events through the newsletters. Ours is available for $10 for nonmembers, and $7 for members. Newsletters offer event and marketing information as well as success stories that are so inspirational. In the children's field, there are lots of cheerleaders cheering on their friends. We're a nurturing and helpful group of people.

Moderator: So there's a cost for these workshops and conferences, even if you're a member?

Connie: Yes, since it costs money to fly in editors from New York and the west coast. We usually need the money so we can pay hotel charges, if applicable, and meals. But members pay lower registration costs than non-members, an added benefit.

Moderator: Do editors and agents always come to the conferences you described? If so, how do you go about meeting them?

Connie: Some of the conferences are small and it's easy to meet the editors. On the other hand, the International conferences, and some for the regionals--I've heard of a few that have as many as 14 speakers--can be more competitive for an editor's time and attention. The best way to meet an editor is to pay for a critique, and meet one-on-one in a conference about your manuscript. It has been extremely beneficial to some writers and illustrators. My children's book Dribbles (Clarion Books) was published directly based on the experience I had at a Missouri SCBWI conference.

evelyne: Do you think that being a member is a plus when submitting a manuscript? Does it show more professionalism? Does it make a difference to editors whether or not you are a member of SCBWI?

Connie: I love these questions! If you read your Children's Writers and Illustrators Market Guide or some of the other resources, you'll see that houses are closed to unsolicited submissions. SCBWI members, however, are permitted to submit. Yes, it makes a big difference to be a member. You are granted entre' where otherwise you might not be, but at the same time, you're expected, as a member of SCBWI, to be submitting more professional work. It's a two-edged sword, I guess. Personally, I'm proud of the membership I have in SCBWI, and it makes me work harder, and expect more from myself. The fact that you're a member of SCBWI also adds to the marketing potential for a book that you sell. Editors and publishers respect the organization, and they're more open to reading work from us.

amrodrig: Did you belong to SCBWI before you published your first book?

Connie: Yes, and I think it helped me. Judith Mathews, formerly of Albert Whitman (Chicago) was the editor at the Missouri conference, and she told me the manuscript I submitted was ready to go out, but she didn't like the title. I asked her what to call it. She suggested the old cat's name, Dribbles. SCBWI has helped more people than I should start naming, because I couldn't name them all.

qhlove: What is the difference between full and associate memberships?

Connie: Full members have been published as authors or illustrators in the children's literature field. Associate members are interested, working, and hope to be. The information and marketing savvy helps make the move from associate to full membership. Full members can vote for Board of Directors nominees, and are eligible for top awards and honors. Being an associate member gives a good reason to work hard to become a full member. It's an excellent goal to strive for.

christine collier: In a cover letter when you mention you are a SCBWI member, should you state that you're a full member, or does it matter?

Connie: No, I would simply say member of SCBWI.

Ridley: I thought I'd try getting published in magazines before attempting to get a book published. Would I benefit from SCBWI yet?

Connie: Absolutely. SCBWI offers Merit awards for Magazine writers. It's prestigious to be published in a magazine in the children's field, very competitive, and the presentations are outstanding. I'm on the Board of Directors for the Moline Schools/David R. Collins Children's Literature Festival, and Highlights is giving us 400 copies of the April issue containing Jill Esbaum's feature, "Tackling the Trash," about Chad Pegracke who is cleaning up the rivers. Magazines in the children's literature field are so cool. Look at the Carus bug magazines. They are so quality. Yes, go for magazines, especially while you're waiting to hear from a book editor. It's worth the effort!

SusanDH: Can you instruct us how to become a member? How do you apply and how much does it cost?

Connie: Well, there's a one-time initiation fee of $10 and annual dues are $50 for associate or full membership. The easiest way to join is to go to www.scbwi.org and go to membership. Or you can call for a brochure, or call your regional advisor. If you attend a conference, we usually have brochures there, but it's smarter to become a member before, if you intend to, so you can take advantage of reduced registration fees available to members.

SaraJ: Can you subscribe to the Bulletin without being a member?

Connie: I don't think so. There's no subscription fee; it goes to all members as part of your membership dues.

Moderator: Years ago, I got a work-in-progress grant to work on a fiction book. Do they still give grants?

Connie: Congratulations, Kristi. It's exciting and wonderful to win a grant. The competition is stiff and it's quite a feather in your cap. Grants are a popular offering from SCBWI. They available to associate and full members. Work-in-progress grants include four categories: General, Contemporary Novel, Nonfiction Research, and Previously Unpublished Author. The Don Freeman Memorial Grant-in-Aid is a stipend for artists working in the picture book field. The Barbara Kerlin Grant encourages the work of aspiring picture book writers. The Sue Alexander Grant is awarded annually for an outstanding manuscript, and now hear this, the winner receives an expense paid trip to New York and private meetings with three editors, and all for an outstanding manuscript. There is stiff competition, but to win one of these honors means you have potential, promise, and the judges really like your work.

Moderator: As part of your membership dues, you can order publications from SCBWI very inexpensively. What kinds of publications are available to members?

Connie: The publications are so helpful. And they're available for (usually) just a request and a self-addressed stamped envelope. There are lists of magazine markets, publishing houses, literary agents, educational publishers, small presses, the list (pun intended) goes on and on. It's an amazing service and worth the price of your dues.

SaraJ: How often are the publications updated? Like every year so they're current?

Connie: I think they're updated annually, perhaps oftener, depending on the market. If you want the most current news, the online market updates and the Bulletin is updated bi-monthly. That's pretty good.

Moderator: If someone has written a children's story (or several children's stories) and wants to know how to get published, how can SCBWI help?

Connie: This is the number one question I receive as a regional advisor, and it's common for others, too. "I've written a children's story, so where do I send it?" Connie Epstein reports market changes, editorial wish lists, anything current in the Bulletin, and she does a great job. But we as writers and illustrators still need to do our research and our homework. The first place to go is the bookstore where you might find a book similar to one you've written. A library also offers a reference desk where you can find out about markets. Several publications help with marketing tips. The Children's Writer's and Illustrators Market is popular. It helps with vital information: what the house or market is looking for, whether they accept simultaneous submissions, and much more. There's a lot to study, but it's a good place to start. Another best thing to do is attend the conferences, meet the editors, find out what they want, don't want, like to see in cover letters, and so forth. I have seen writers and illustrators walk away from conferences with contract offers.

Moderator: Full members of SCBWI who have web sites can add their URL to the link page. Does SCBWI design web sites for its members too?

Connie: I'm not sure, but there are other ways to get a web site. Community colleges offer classes. There was a point that a representative of SCBWI was designing web sites like crazy. I'm not sure where that service is at, now, to be honest. But an e-mail to www.scbwi@scbwi.org would clear it up.

Moderator: Can you get a contact list of members and e-mail addresses if you a member (either associate or full member)?

Connie: Yes, these bound copies come with registration and dues. They're helpful, but not all e-mail addresses are listed, and far too often, e-mail addresses change.

Moderator: How do you find the SCBWI group in your region so you can join them?

Connie: Again, go to www.scbwi.org and go to the events, where the contact persons are listed. Otherwise, call the office and ask for the name and telephone number of the regional advisor in your area.

SaraJ: What if your area doesn't have such a group? Can you get permission to start one?

Connie: I would guess it's possible, but you'd need to start with Steve or Lin and find out where your nearest region is based, and how it serves your area. Some of us cover the whole state, and it's a challenge.

MBVoelker: Being located in the extreme NW corner of North Carolina I suspect that I am at the border of 3 different regions. Can you go cross region for regional conferences and such events? I am as close to Johnson City, TN and Bristol, VA as I am to Raleigh, NC.

Connie: Absolutely, I've attended conferences in Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, California, Iowa and New York. You can go to any conference anywhere. I'm hoping for the one in Hawaii, or Australia. The regional advisor in Australia is on the Board of Directors and she's absolutely great.

Moderator: If you're not published yet, can you be very involved in your local or regional group? If so, how?

Connie: You don't have to be published. To become involved in the local or regional group, you can connect through the web site, contact your regional advisor, and subscribe to a newsletter so you get the mailings. For local groups, attend conferences and meet people in classes. Then you can form critique groups that are so helpful to publication. Another tip is to contact the reference desk or your children's librarian for the names of other writers and illustrators for children in your area. There are so many ways to become connected and stay in the loop.

Moderator: Connie, how did you come to be so involved in SCBWI yourself?

Connie: I was active for several years before becoming regional advisor. About two plus years ago, Dori Butler needed a replacement, and I decided I couldn't afford all the conferences I was attending, and the dues, so one of the great things about SCBWI is that for volunteer service, there are wonderful perks. So I became even more involved to help pay for my passion for writing for children.

Moderator: Are there any "perks" for being a regional adviser?

Connie: I'm typing on one of the most recent perks. Steve Mooser and Lin Oliver gifted the regional advisors with a choice of laptop computers or copiers as a one time windfall, to show their appreciation for how hard we work. We also receive benefits from the fantastic networking, socializing with editors and literary agents, the experts in the field at international conferences, and we receive membership free, a big help, too.

Ridley: If you join the national organization, are you automatically a member of the regional group?

onnie: Yes, and we receive membership updates. One of our responsibilities is to write letters to new members, welcoming them, and to remind those with expiring memberships that they should renew, if they wish.

MBVoelker: Are there scholarships to conferences?

Connie: Yes, there's one being offered now for the New York conference. There's also one for LA. Steve Mooser offered us one in Iowa as a memorial for David R. Collins. It's up to $100 and will be offered either for the spring or fall conference.

qhlove: The web page mentioned critique groups. How can you find one if the ones around you are full? What are the benefits of joining and can you attend a group if you do not have a manuscript ready for critique?

Connie: You can consult the list in the back of the roster for persons you might like to critique through the mail with. Write for permission to send a manuscript first. Also, there are members who critique for online members as well. That works especially well for people in rural or remote areas. Another option is to attend a class like the one I teach, "Writing for Children," where classmates agree to get together to exchange manuscripts, or read to each other for feedback. It's very helpful. Some of us, in our cover letters, share that we belong to one or two critique groups. Also, no, I don't think you have to have a manuscript to attend a critique group, but it's the best way to benefit the most from the process. So bolster your courage, and go read!

Moderator: I'm sorry to interrupt here, but we're out of time. This has been such a helpful discussion tonight. Thank you for coming and sharing, Connie. I imagine many of our viewers will head directly to the SCBWI site online as soon as we're finished.

Connie: I hope so. I hope we've answer most of the questions and stimulated lots of interest in SCBWI. It's such a great organization, and there are so many great people in it. Come into the fold.

Moderator: I couldn't agree more! Do come back in two weeks on January 31 when Jill Esbaum will speak on "Poetry That Pops Off the Page." Have you ever read a poem that made you laugh out loud? Roll your eyes? Cry? Find out how to write poetry that pops off the page--and straight into a busy editor's heart. Jill Esbaum has successfully marketed poems to Cricket, Cicada, Ladybug, Babybug, Humpty Dumpty, and Turtle. Join us January 31 as Jill discusses common problems of beginning poetry, plus how to revise and polish your poems until they shine! And now, good night, everyone!

Return to Transcripts

93 Long Ridge Road, West Redding, CT 06896 Phone: (203) 792-8600 (800) 243-9645 Fax: (203) 792-8406 E-Mail: WebEditor@institutechildrenslit.com

Home | Writing Course | Short Story  | Full Story | Aptitude Test 
 Send Me Info | Enroll | Our Instructors | Our Credentials | Sample Lesson
College Credits | Tax Deductibility | From Overseas | Writer's Bookstore 
Newsletter | Writing Contests | Write for Adults | Free Writer's News
 Rx for Writers | Chat Room | Open Forum | Writing Tips  | Scheduled Events | Transcripts
Writer's Retreat | Writer's Support  | Student  Center |  Privacy Policy | Web Editor | Comments

Copyright © The Institute, Inc., 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
No part of the electronic transmission to which this notice is appended may be reproduced or redistributed in any form or manner without the express written permission of The Institute, Inc.