Aims of SCBWI

To create opportunities for writers & illustrators of children’s books to learn and become well-informed about the industry we work in, locally and internationally.

To provide opportunities for writers & illustrators to communicate regularly with peers, to compare notes and not only to work in creative isolation. To share with and to learn from each other. In a sense, to create a community of children’s book writers and illustrators.

To stress and strategise with members around the importance of managing the workload in order to set aside time and energy specifically to pursue creative stimulation and to develop creativity and personal development.

To provide opportunities for members to compare notes about career planning and management (also to balance a contribution to educational work with freely creative work (trade books) without losing the creative spark).

To provide opportunities for members to make contact and to interact with established and successful children’s book writers and illustrators, local and foreign.