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I have a quick question for the writers: do any of you belong to any professional organizations? I'm contemplating joining SCBWI, but I'm curious to see if any of you belong to it, or to any other organizations, and what your thoughts are about them.
I'd appreciate any insight, but specifically I'm looking for info about:
- Conferences-if the org has them, have you been? What were your thoughts?
- Value for the money-do the services match up with what you're paying?
- Camaraderie-have you connected with any of your fellow writers?
I came over to see what people said because I have the same questions.
ReplyDeleteI was a member of the Florida Writer's Association last year and was under-impressed so I'm not a member this year. At their conference, they had PAID pitch sessions for a self-pub. Pissed me off. (I didn't pay for one, but I felt it was misleading)
I've heard great things about SCBWI, but haven't yet tried it out. I can't make it to a conference in LA, but maybe next year.
Ugh, Sarah, I'm sorry to hear that! I'm considering going to SCBWI's winter conference in NYC in January. It's smaller than the LA conference, but closer to home.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I am glad you said something about the Florida Writer's Assoc. I was thinking of joining them, since I live in south Florida.
ReplyDeleteTara, I was also interested in seeing the responses because I am unsure of who to join as well. Good post.
Yes, absolutely join SCBWI.
ReplyDeleteFor several reasons:
1)Conferences. SCBWI conferences really are the best. You can attend them (at least the large ones) even without being a member, but will receive a discount if you are. I have only been to small, local conferences (my critique group--which formed through SCBWI contacts--has filled me in on the big ones) but even these are great opportunites to gain advice, insight, and encouragement, as well as network with other writers.
2) Critique groups. As meantioned...I have an online critique group of SCBWI members which has been incredible, both in helping me improve my writing and keeping me encouraged.
3) Newsletter/knowledge. The SCBWI Bulletin is a great magazine, with loads of relevant info. The org also sends you info on publishing, editors/agents, formatting, etc. when you first join.
4) It means something. Every agent and editor I've met says to include in your query letter that you are a member of SCBWI. It means you are taking writing seriously, that you have possibly had your work critiqued by other writers, and that you are in this for the long haul. Some agents and editors not open to unsolicited queries or mss will agree to receive them from SCBWI members.
4) Awards and grants. You can look them up on the site, but there are awards and grants that can be competed for by members only.
5) they are the nicest people in the world. Seriously. Everyone in the organization, from the president (yes, I've spoken with the president) to the local group leaders and members are very helpful, kind, and encouraging.
I hope this helps you decide! Best of luck!
@ Jen: No problem! :)Glad you were able to glean some good advice from Sarah!
ReplyDelete@ Faith: thanks for taking the time to write such an in-depth comment, this was just the sort of insight I was looking for. I am definitely going to join SCBWI now!
I joined SCBWI a few months ago and am going to the conference this weekend. It will be my first SCBWI event.
ReplyDeleteThere is a monthly meetup near me but it occurs when I am at work so I can't attend. There are supposed to be be other meetups for areas around me but they never actually happen - so some regions are very disorganized, and others are better. I'd check your region and see how often they have events.
I'm on my regional mailing list and the critique group list but haven't found either to be very helpful so far. No one uses the critique group list, and on the mailing list it seems like people are significantly older than I am and also more focused on picture books than YA.
So I haven't gotten anything out of my membership yet... but I am hopeful that will change with this conference. I'll let you know!
Liz-thanks for your honest input. I have checked out my region's site, they do host most of their events in northern Virginia, which is about an hour's drive away, but they seem to have something going on every month, so hopefully they're more organized.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you have a good experience at the conference this weekend.
I'd echo the positive comments about SCBWI--I've been really happy w/ the New England regions conferences. Great sessions, awesome agents and authors, and wonderful members. It's been a great experience--and I even got my crit group out of it last year! I say definitely join!
ReplyDelete