So, you have a dream of writing a children’s book? Not simply writing it, of course; you want to be published. Oh, I know: your children and grandchildren love your stories. Your parents love your stories. But are they good enough to be published? And how do you even begin the publishing process?

Good news! I know where you can find answers to all your writing and publishing questions!

Run–do not walk–to join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Here’s the SCBWI link where you will discover all the benefits of membership. You are welcome to attend the Spring Conference even as a non-member; I didn’t join until after my first conference because I wanted to see what it was all about. But I’m telling you: you want to join. You need to join. All the cool kids are joining! Here’s a bonus: if you join now, you will receive a discount on the Spring Conference. Woo hoo!

Now, without further fanfare, we will delve into…

Six Good Reasons to Attend the SCBWI Spring Conference

1. Learn Your Craft from Professionals

Do you see the above roster of speakers? Publishers, editors, agents, Creative Directors, Marketing Managers, our very own professional artist Jerry Bennett! This is a golden opportunity to hear from successful creatives and hone your skills.

2. Understand Current Trends & Industry Standards

What are agents, editors, and publishers looking for in today’s market? How many words should you have in your picture book manuscript? If Dr. Seuss did it successfully, can I still get away with it? What about rhyming manuscripts? Should I find my own illustrator for my manuscript? What’s the difference between middle-grade and Young Adult literature?

These are good questions. Join us, and you’ll receive the answers.

3. Be Encouraged and Fired Up

I can guarantee that every conference attendee will leave with resolve, determination, and encouragement to continue the work.

4. Meet Great People Who Share Your Interests

I remember how nervous I was to step into the meeting room at my first conference. Allow me to calm your nerves: children’s writers and illustrators are friendly, kind, and fun people. I don’t know if this is true all over the world, but I know it’s true here in Oklahoma.

It’s fun to find other people who are excited about word counts, finding just the right word or title, and exciting illustrations. It’s eye-opening to hear just how many revisions an author made on their latest manuscript. And the first time you hear someone get excited about a personalized rejection letter? It will completely change your understanding of the writer life.

And I love hearing writers speaking with great excitement about the latest picture book or middle grade novel they’ve read. Oh, look! Other people who love to read children’s literature!!

5. The Person Sitting Next to You Could Be the Next Big Name in Children’s Books

It is thrilling to watch someone’s dreams come true. To build relationships, to sit in meetings beside someone, and then watch them get an agent, be published, win awards…it is a privilege. I have attended several book signings in the last year for people I know from our local SCBWI chapter. I’ll post a couple of book signing photos after I share the sixth reason you should attend the SCBWI Spring Conference…

Are you ready?

You should attend the SCBWI Spring Conference because…

6. YOU Could Be the Next Big Name in Children’s Books!

Join SCBWI. Come to the Spring Conference and the monthly Connect Meetings. Study. Read children’s literature. Write. Write. Write. Rewrite. Rewrite. Rewrite. Revise. Write. Learn your craft. Do the work. And you (and I) could one day see our names on the cover of a book.