SCBWI

Society of
Children's Book Writers
and Illustrators

Iowa

Iowa

  • At SCBWI IA/MN, we recognize that publicly committing to equity and inclusion is crucial to our membership and the readers we serve. As authors, illustrators, and translators, we believe that words, stories, and images are powerful: They define who we are for ourselves and for others.    We accept the challenge and responsibility of becoming agents of change by affirming the need for increased representation in every facet of the children’s and YA book industry, including but not limited to race/ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity (including gender expression), socioeconomic status, citizenship, body size, veteran status, and religion.    To fulfill our mission of supporting the creation and availability of quality books for every young reader in all regions of the world, we commit to championing equity and inclusion throughout our organization by offering the following : Five (5) SCBWI memberships for 2021 valued at $80.00 Five (5) SCBWI IA/MN 2021 Spring Conference entry fees valued at $75.00.   Qualifications: Must be an Iowa or Minnesota resident, at least 18 years of age, belong to an underrepresented facet in SCBWI, and is a writer and/or illustrator of children’s literature.   Deadline:  Applications are due by 5:00 PM (Central Time) February 10, 2021.   To Apply: Email your name, your email address, and your identity that has traditionally been underrepresented by the publishing industry to Eileen Boggess at iowa-ra@scbwi.org    All qualified entries will be drawn at random and notified on February 11, 2021.
  • We'd love for you to participate in the January 20 critique session. Please complete the following form by January 18 at 8p.m. CST. Here's a reminder of the format and guidelines: Join IMOCC 4 PB: Iowa-Minnesota Online Critique Club for Picture Book Writers and Illustrators! Who: Members of Iowa-Minnesota SCBWI What: Provide and procure helpful feedback on writing and artwork Where: Zoom meeting When: 7:30-9:00 pm on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, beginning January 20th, 2021 How: Follow these easy-peasy steps 1. Fill out the Google form here by the Monday before each meeting 2. Be prepared with a copy of the manuscript/dummy to read to a group of 4-5 others. 3. Watch your email for a Zoom link and join the meeting
  •   Save the Date for the 2022 Marvelous Midwest SCBWI Conference! This multi-region conference is designed to give you a large SCBWI NYC or LA conference experience closer to home.  Featuring over 35 faculty members sharing content for writers and illustrators that will move your Works In Progress -- and your career -- forward. Make industry connections. Get a portfolio review or critique. Gain access to acquiring editors, agents, and art directors. Find your people and make lasting relationships.  Start your planning now to join in! Much more information to come. Stay tuned.
  • Let the Wild Rumpus Start! - Spring Online Conference April 23-25th on Zoom Registration open Saturday, February 13th @ 9AM CST   Visit the event page here for more information!
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Welcome to Iowa/Minnesota

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Writing can seem like an individual sport, but it truly takes a team. Our region offers state-wide conferences and local events that feature lessons on craft; industry advice; and connections to great agents, art directors, editors, and authors. Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to (Read More)

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EVENTS CALENDAR

We are now the Iowa/Minnesota Region! Check out our list of 2021 Updates & News Here

Iowa/Minnesota Writers - Read about the Latest Regional Information

 
Critiques Galore! Critiques, critiques, and MORE critiques! If you have a story that's ready to publish, get it critiqued by a professional. Agents and editors from all of the children's book industry will be there to help. More information to come! Friday, January 1st, 2021 @ 5pm CST Cost: $50/critique REGISTRATION - SOLD OUT!  
Are you unsure about the best way to publish your children's book? Author, Brigitte Brulz, is sharing the three different publishing options for children's book writers and what to expect from each. This is a Zoom Webinar you won't want to miss!
Tuesday, January 26th, 2021 @ 7pm CST Registration open December 5th @ 9:00am  
SCBWI-IA/MN Spring Conference on Zoom
More information to come
The weekend of April 23-25, 2021
Registration open Saturday, February 13th @ 9:00am
Faculty:
  • Jessica Anderson, Associate Editor at Christy Ottaviano Books, an imprint of Macmillan
  • Kirk Benshoff, Art Director First Second Books
  • Luana Horry, Editor at HarperCollins Publishers
  • Aneeka Kalia, Editor at Viking Children’s Books (Penguin Random House)
  • Joe Hox, Illustrator
  • Jenny Moyer, Author
  • Bao Phi, Author
  • Melissa Richeson, Agent at Storm Literary Agency
  • Kristen Schroeder, Author
Future Events:
  • September 18th: Non-Fiction Day Online
  • October 22-24, 2021: Fall Retreat at  Prairiewoods in Hiawatha
  • April 1-3, 2022: Marvelous Midwest in Davenport, IA
 
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