Alternatives to SCBWI: Resources for New and Experienced Writers and Illustrators

SCBWI is a nonprofit that brings together writers, illustrators, agents, and editors to collaborate and learn from each other. People join SCBWI because want to find an agent or a critique group. They want to study their craft and grow as writers. But in recent years, there have been serious allegations of racism, antisemitism, sexual harassment, and more against the group. And even before these more public issues, I've always been uneasy about how hierarchical and chummy SCBWI feels. There's an insular, top-down vibe that's old fashioned and off putting. It often felt like the unspoken message was, "We know how to get published, and you don't, but if you do everything we say, then maybe you can be like us."

I've heard from many writers who felt icky about SCBWI, but didn’t feel like they could say anything because they aren't published yet, don't have an agent, or don’t want to get a reputation as being difficult. It can feel hard to say "This doesn't feel right" or "I'm not sure this is for me," when SCBWI has positioned itself as an unofficial gatekeeper in the publishing process. But that doesn't make it right. At the same time, more experienced writers and illustrators often want to make connections, get inspired, and grow, and SCBWI doesn’t feel relevant or supportive to them at this stage in their writing careers.

The good news is that many writers and illustrators are envisioning a warmer, more open, collaborative, creative world. If you want to learn and connect to the kidlit community beyond SCBWI, the organizations and classes below are a good place to start. I haven’t worked with all of them personally, but I’ve heard promising things about each of them. And if you know of something that should be on this list, please let me know!

Milkwood

Open to everyone in the children’s book community, including booksellers and librarians, Milkwood is the passion project of Caldecott medalist Sophie Blackall. This beautiful farm hosts workshops, retreats, and residencies. Guests are welcome to settle in and study the farm’s collection of over 5,000 picture books! Registration is run through a lottery, and there’s a real effort to include people from marginalized communities and anyone who might need financial support.

Inked Voices

Inked Voices is an app that brings together communities for writers of all different genres, including children’s books. They work with critique groups and MFA programs to improve the quality of feedback and make workshopping a more productive, inclusive process. They also help writers connect directly with each other in online groups. Inked Voices is easy to navigate and welcomes new writers, but I’ve heard it tends to attract more experienced writers who are serious about their craft.

The Highlights Foundation

There’s a strong emphasis on craft at the Highlights Foundation, and writers at any level can learn and grow at the retreats, workshops, and online events. The teachers are diverse and experienced. There’s also an option to do a personal retreat, where you stay in the Poconos without taking any formal classes. Experienced writers find it’s a good way to prioritize their writing, get inspired, and connect with other talented writers and illustrators, without the hubbub and fluff of a conference.

The KidLit Hive

Run by author Justin Colón, The KidLitHive strives to offer high-quality, affordable resources for writers. Online classes cover the business of publishing as well as craft, and the instructors are well-known, popular authors and editors. This is a new organization, so I’m curious to watch as it grows.

The Writing Barn

Located in Texas, this retreat also offers a wide selection of online classes. Beyond craft, there also seems to be an emphasis on developing a healthy mindset and sustainable writing lifestyle. Classes are offered over several weeks, so there’s an opportunity to meet other writers and build a sense of community, even online.

CANSCAIP

The Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers looks like a robust alternative to SCBWI, and it comes recommended. My sense is that it’s more peer to peer than teacher to student. There’s also an annual conference. Tell me if you go!

KidLitCon

Connected to the CYBIL Awards, this in-person conference has a very different feel than SCBWI’s events. It’s listed as an annual event, although I believe the history is more irregular, because it’s organized by different people each year and COVID has made everything harder. When I went a few years ago, it felt both looser and more professional. There wasn’t lots of breathless talk about how to get published, because most people there were already published or involved in publishing in some way. And it was a really interesting mix of academics, librarians, bloggers, writers, editors, and illustrators. It felt like a place to meet new people, learn, and have new thoughts, and I left feeling inspired.

Making Art that Sells

Art agent Lilla Rogers offers a series of high-quality, lively classes that attract talented, successful illustrators. If you’re an illustrator who wants to illustrator covers or even publish your own picture book, these classes will teach you everything you need to know about the craft and business of children’s books. And if you’re looking for representation, taking a class with Lilla is also a great way to get your work seen by her and other agents.

12x12

Founded by writer Julie Hedlund, 12 x 12 is part writing challenge, part community, and people who have gone through the program gush about it. Over the course of a year, members study together and write 12 picture books. There’s a nice mix of teachers and styles, and the books that have come out of this program have gone on to win some impressive awards. Joining 12 x 12 looks like a solid way to commit to your craft.

The Naps and Notebooks Masterclasses

I can’t NOT mention the classes I’ve developed! The Naps and Notebooks masterclasses were designed to make the moments you have with your notebook count. Every masterclass comes with a workbook and video that’s totally watchable during nap time, or bedtime or quiet time, whatever time you have! You can pick and choose and go at your own pace as you learn about everything from book mapping to character development. There are also classes on mindset and lifestyle, so new and experienced writers will all find something that feels relevant. With the on-demand format, you can easily take a class and immediately apply it to your manuscripts.

Matchmaking

Looking for someone to cheer you on, offer insights on your work, and share the highs and lows of living a creative life? If you’re reading this blog, you’re already part of a community of kind, wise, creative souls who are writing amazing books. One of my favorite things in the world is introducing people who should know each other. Matchmaking for Writers is totally free yet invaluable! Simply fill out the form, and when I have a match, I’ll introduce you. Then you can swap manuscripts, get to know each other, and celebrate together every time you make book magic.

PS
It’s not particularly kidlit-oriented, but if you’re looking for legal advice, the Author’s Guild comes recommended!