tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post6877870410556803711..comments2024-03-28T05:28:28.567-04:00Comments on Editorial Anonymous: Far From the Madding SlushEditorial Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06294247222893767117noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-13229587685959640362021-08-05T02:36:36.773-04:002021-08-05T02:36:36.773-04:00supreme shirt
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Complaining only causes life an...Banned complain !! Complaining only causes life and mind become more severe. Enjoy the rhythm of the problems faced. No matter ga life, not a problem not learn, so enjoy it :)<br /><br /><a href="http://goo.gl/a0zrzo" rel="nofollow">Obat Batu Ginjal Yang Aman</a> <br /><a href="http://goo.gl/29bw6O" rel="nofollow">Obat Penyakit Batu Empedu</a> <br /><a href="http://goo.gl/iC55of" rel="nofollow">Obat Batuk Darah Alami</a> <br /><a href="http://goo.gl/jTrRP9" rel="nofollow">Obat Bronkitis Yang Aman</a> <br /><a href="http://goo.gl/Fh5PCS" rel="nofollow">Obat Kanker Kelenjar Getah Bening Tradisional</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09825923265729201900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-61996033788195330122009-06-18T16:41:01.722-04:002009-06-18T16:41:01.722-04:00Well, that's not the most constructive strateg...Well, that's not the most constructive strategy. Complaining on an anonymous blog is hardly as effective as making a suggestion directly to the organizers of a conference you attended. <br /><br />As to male/female ratio of speakers; I'm not sure that a person's gender is the strongest measure of whether they are providing the best information, inspiration, etc. <br /><br />Even so, a casual look at the SCBWI Summer 2009 conference shows four male keynoters and nine female keynoters. <br /><br />Lastly, I would like to point out that "Editorial Anonymous" didn't say that belonging to the SCBWI was useless. It seems to me that she was only saying that mentioning it on a cover letter doesn't make her view the writer in a markedly more positive way. And she went on to note that it was what one LEARNED as a result of SCBWI that was much more important than the simple fact of SCBWI membership stated on a cover letter.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-20355663313010424772009-06-14T09:24:20.240-04:002009-06-14T09:24:20.240-04:00SCBWI needs to wake up. There are 3/4 women member...SCBWI needs to wake up. There are 3/4 women members and yet at the NYC conference they only had male keynoters. One RA told me that they help the men because there were so few. Stop washing their diapers. Talk about the ego that one meets at those conferences. If you are lesser known than that famous new author that walks over a back get turned towards you. And if Lin is reading, we were sitting in the back of the big hall last summer when the we asked for the speakers on the panel to talk louder and into the microphone. Your staff by the doors in the back were making fun of us, putting us down loud enough for those PAYING members to hear. First of all it's the responsiblitiy of the moderator to remind the panel to speak into the mics. And it's the responsibilty of the panel to know how to speak into the mics. And it's the responsiblity of the SCBWI staff to show respect to PAYING members. I was going to leave a suggestion in the box but saying this publicly feels better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-26023318260323325832009-06-14T00:26:09.392-04:002009-06-14T00:26:09.392-04:00I've found SCBWI invaluable for the connection...I've found SCBWI invaluable for the connections I've made over the years--my wonderful crit groups and supportive friends in many parts of the country. When I moved a few years ago, the first thing I did was sign up for a SCBWI retreat, and I immediately became part of an extended writing community in my new state.<br /><br />I've been to many SCBWI regional conferences and several national ones and do think most events are geared more to beginners than those of us who are published. But I continue to go because it often helps me get my foot in the door of publishing houses that are closed to unagented submissions.<br /><br />Some people mentioned Chautauqua and Rutgers, those are great opportunities too. Chautauqua is better for early in your career, but the Highlights Foundation workshops are excellent for more advanced skills. They are pricey, however. Rutgers is wonderful for intermediate writers who are struggling to get published. I'd also recommend the Institute of Children's Literature for those who are starting out in the field.<br /><br />Unfortunately, all of these cost money, so they aren't in reach of everyone. Harold Underdown www.underdown.org/ & Verla Kay have lots of resources for writers.<br /><br />But if you can afford it, I think SCBWI is a worthwhile investment. I spend more time now helping SCBWI newbies learn their craft, but I consider it payback for all the times others helped me. Multi-published RAs wherever I've lived have always generous with their time and advice. And I wouldn't be able to support myself with my writing if it weren't for all the SCBWI contacts I've made. Every writing job I've gotten has come about because of a friend I've made at SCBWI. For that alone, the dues are worth it. Because of SCBWI, I'm living my dream.<br /><br />Laurie Edwards<br />http://lje1.wordpress.com/<br />Author of <i>Rihanna (People in the News)</i><br /><i>Summer Lovin'</i> (The Wild Rose Press)Laurie J. Edwardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09108412827598288909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-18616888286317314392009-06-13T21:06:33.526-04:002009-06-13T21:06:33.526-04:00ON BENEFITS: Like with most things, what you get ...ON BENEFITS: Like with most things, what you get out of SCBWI will be in direct proportion to what you put in. I was a Regional Advisor for the organization. It was a lot of work, but I now personally know many great editors, agents, writers and illustrators. (As I am writing this, I am at a retreat with 4 other people at the house of NYT Bestseller Ellen Hopkins--also an RA for SCBWI) And people who volunteered also got a chance to make great connections, as did those who came to conferences.<br />Over 30 books were published as a result of connections made at the local conference I used to run. Of course, you need to be a good writer or connections won't help, and SCBWI can play a small role in making you one, if you are willing to put in the work. You can meet experienced local authors who will help you hone your craft and develop your stories. <br />ON COSTS: We did everything we could to keep prices down, but the fact is that conferences are expensive to run. We offered need-based scholarships to our big annual conference and ran a variety of smaller affordable events. Being a member of SCBWI is around $60 a year, and that is more than worth it when you consider that they hand you marketing information wrapped in a bow. The time spent trying to find where to send your manuscript (and you are doing that-right?) would cost far more than the membership fee. I suspect that people who feel the cost/benefit ratio is out of whack don't understand what a huge amount of resources come with membership. Oh- BTW my first book won a Zolotow Honor, and I have 3 more books coming out- 2 of which S&S acquired in an auction preempt. And all the editors/agents/publishers involved in that success I met through SCBWI.Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03170947961350935535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-16172465280555754382009-06-13T13:13:52.711-04:002009-06-13T13:13:52.711-04:00Anonymous 11:06,
If that were the case, then why w...Anonymous 11:06,<br />If that were the case, then why would those of us who have been published multiple times be such huge SCBWI fans? <br /><br />Yes, there are people in SCBWI who will never get published—but there are many more wannabes and non SCBWI members who think their first clumsy MS is a bestseller waiting to happen who will never get published. But good for SCBWI members for at least trying to learn more about the industry. And good for SCWBI for being there for them. <br /><br />And good for the all the editors and agents who take their time to come to these events—I can’t imagine they make a lot of money out of it—and before you start telling me how much speakers get paid, think of the countless unpaid hours of going through conference attendees’ submissions after the conference, and in some cases before, and do the math. But perhaps it is worth it for them, because every now and then they do find something that they want to see more of. I have just had a full MS requested because of one of these recent contacts. <br /><br />Better to aim your disillusionment at the many scam agents and publishers out there—they are the real predators. SCBWI's aims are high-minded and despite the fact that I am published, I will continue to support them wholeheartedly, and continue to send newbies to them—I know that with SCBWI behind them many of them (for all the reasons outlined by a couple of other posters) have a much higher chance of achieving success. At very least along the way, they’ll be able to enjoy the ride with their SCBWI companions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-47527535609980087972009-06-13T12:52:04.359-04:002009-06-13T12:52:04.359-04:00Kate-- I believe the 1000 figure is closer to the ...Kate-- I believe the 1000 figure is closer to the mark for those of us who DON'T live in CA... Remember, for most people it's not just the conference cost--it's also hotel, food and airfare each way--- If SCBWI held the conference in the midwest some years (Chicago, or St. Louis or Indianapolis) I'd be more likely to go, as it would be DRIVEABLE, and I'd be able to stay with family or friends. But for those of us w/o NY or CA connections the two big conferences are out of reach...<br /><br />Other professional organizations (ALA, for example) move their conference every year, so that even if memebrs can't afford to go one year, they may be able to make it the next.<br /><br />Also, even if they only moved the conference to Vegas it would probably be cheaper--air and hotel are more affordable to Vegas than to CA.....<br /><br />Like I said-- if at some point I start making enough money to cover conferences, I'd probably join and attend... but for most people, Especially those with spouses and children, even the $500 is a bit hard to justify. <br /><br />(Sorry, the whole "x isn't a whole lot of money" thing always boggles the mind. There is no amount that will be "not a lot" to everyone you talk to! But I think that the emphasis on pricey conferences just reaffirms the idea that writing is a rich white lady's game......)Deirdre Mundyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14357363160387734552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-24308715923936332472009-06-13T11:06:17.754-04:002009-06-13T11:06:17.754-04:00I'm a SCBWI member and have been to two nation...I'm a SCBWI member and have been to two national conferences. I don't mean to sound harsh but my impression is that this organization is cashing in big time on the hopes and dreams of thousands of aspiring writers who will never get published. But that is my humble opinion.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-73812722259516297132009-06-13T09:37:18.497-04:002009-06-13T09:37:18.497-04:00I often recommend SCBWI to newly aspiring children...I often recommend SCBWI to newly aspiring children's book writers, and this post made me think about why. I also attend the annual conference here in L.A., and this year I asked myself if I really wanted to go. A few thoughts:<br /><br />--I tell people there are no guarantees of connecting with editors at the conference; this usually happens, not on a personal level, but with an announcement like "We don't usually accept unagented manuscripts, but we'll accept them from conference attendees for the next few months." This is how I found my first publisher, in fact.<br /><br />--While SCBWI can't screen for talent directly, I suspect it tends to winnow out people who aren't intent on a long-term career in this field. Those who are more dedicated probably practice more and study more, so OVERALL, I'm guessing the quality of writing of SCBWI members is a bit higher. Like American Idol, it does a little screening for publishers.<br /><br />--SCBWI is really about having a community. Writing can be a very isolated effort. That's not always a bad thing, but the feeling that you're part of a group of like-minded individuals, mostly people who love children's books, can be heartening.<br /><br />--As I considered attending the conference this year, I read over the list of presenters and realized that just because I'm published and know the ropes doesn't mean I don't want to go. I find that the conferences, get my creative juices flowing, especially thanks to the speakers.<br /><br />--Conferences in any professional organization, whether for-profit or not-for-profit, cost money. I believe the going rate is a little over $100 a day. I attended the California Teachers of English conference a few months ago, and it was three days for $350. The SCBWI conference this summer is $450 for four days, not $1000, as has been reported. You can bet the American Medical Association charges at least this much for its conferences--it simply takes money to rent a space and hire speakers. And no one has to stay on-site at the expensive hotel; you can stay at Motel 6 and take the bus. But some people can't afford conferences, and that's just life, unfortunately. I suppose the tax write-off helps. Regional events are usually more affordable, some of them free.<br /><br />--I met someone at the last SCBWI Conference who's now a key member of my new local writing group.<br /><br />--SCBWI gives newbies an excellent introduction to the world of children's publishing. If they're listening, it can also help them hone their craft. Not everyone's equally teachable (able OR willing), but the knowledge is offered.<br /><br />--I've talked to people who are offended to find out that SCBWI is for-profit. I don't believe for one minute that the organization is making a huge profit, and when I hear the leadership speak, it's always about their passion for children's books. I've never seen dollar signs in their eyes. If a for-profit provides a valuable service, great!<br /><br />To state the obvious, some people are going to find benefits from SCBWI, and others aren't. But I'm glad it's available.Kate Coombshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10138566291199003171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-88753713494990933632009-06-11T16:36:49.278-04:002009-06-11T16:36:49.278-04:00With all the resources on the Internet, you don...With all the resources on the Internet, you don't need an SCBWI membership to educate yourself about the industry. But I am still a member. Some of the members-only web resources are useful to me, and my region (mid-Atlantic) puts on a couple of good annual events close to my home.<br /><br />Any event attracts lots of newbies, but I also hooked up with my critique group at an SCBWI event. I could not ask for a better group -- insightful critics and supportive friends. Several of them have had books published, so they can offer useful advice on dealing with editors. <br /><br />Last year I helped out with the annual fall conference, mainly to support and connect with other writers. I'd begun to think there was nothing new to learn at conferences. But a couple of the speakers actually said stuff I hadn't heard before. I paid $35 extra for a manuscript critique from an editor I respect, and everything she said to me was useful. <br /><br />The chance to submit to editors from closed houses is another nice perk of attending a conference. Not that I've had anything published that way.<br /><br />I also have heard editors say they're more interested in a manuscript if the author is an SCBWI member. Maybe they feel that when speaking at an SCBWI conference, it would be rude to say membership makes no difference? It's hard for me to imagine someone accepting or rejecting a ms based on the author's SCBWI membership status.ABHnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-48548165772225095352009-06-11T09:27:17.386-04:002009-06-11T09:27:17.386-04:00As a long time member, volunteer, presenter at con...As a long time member, volunteer, presenter at conferences and illustrator of 45 or so published works, I can say that I still get a lot out of being an SCBWI member. On a regional level, I think you basically get out of it what you (and other volunteers) put into it. If you want a more professional track, volunteer to organize an event that would meet those needs. My own region has grown tremendously in the last ten years, due to the hard work of a wonderful regional adviser and numerous volunteers. We offer programs for all levels of experience. Being able to meet and network with editors, agents, and top industry professionals outside of the immediate NYC area is a big plus. Having your manuscript/artwork critiqued by these professionals is probably one of the most important benefits.<br />I agree the national conferences are quite cost prohibitive, and I wish that they were more affordable, but there never seems to be a lack of people attending despite the high costs. Taking advantage of what is offered locally is often a much more affordable option, and volunteering to organize an event may even allow you to participate for free (depending on how your region is run).If you live in a more remote part of the country, contact your regional adviser and perhaps you can organize and event closer to to home, provided there are enough local members to make it worthwhile and cost effective.<br /><br />Back to the original question...just being an SCBWI member doesn't really mean all that much as anyone can join, but it does let the person you are submitting to know you have made the initial steps to educate yourself about the business and what it takes to get published.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-61445328864699740942009-06-10T19:30:44.142-04:002009-06-10T19:30:44.142-04:00I think SCBWI is useful the way this blog is usefu...I think SCBWI is useful the way this blog is useful, which, for me, is (a) to provide a sense of community in a field that means something to me and with which I would otherwise have very little contact, and (b) maybe to pick up a few stray tips and leads about the industry. Is it a credential to boast about? Of course not. I don't think any editor would be impressed if I wrote in my cover letter than I am a SCBWI member or regularly read Editorial Anonymous (unless, of course, I happened to pick the eponymous Anonymous herself -- hmm, but can you be both eponymous and anonymous at the same time? That's a toughie).Bob Schechterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10672054246806238472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-52077266181684652832009-06-10T16:32:41.516-04:002009-06-10T16:32:41.516-04:00My experience might be different from many peoples...My experience might be different from many peoples' here, as I'm a member of the British SCBWI chapter. It's been professionally useful to me over several years.<br /><br />I'm not that much of a socialite but I like the feeling of community, bolstered by the very lively Yahoo group and a good website. <br /><br />As I live in London I sometimes get together with other members in "real life", and we've had very reasonably priced meetings in pubs where agents and publishers have come along to speak. I've learned a LOT from these meetings. <br /><br />There's also a blog critique group which has been very useful. <br /><br />I have published a couple of (adult) books and have a third coming out here and in the US (St Martin's Press) next March. I also do professional travel writing and journalism. At present I have a children's book waiting to go into an acquisitions meeting at a major publisher, (although with the market as it is now I wonder if anyone's buying anything, so I'm not too optimistic at this time.) <br /><br />So I have had some success but I don't believe I'm likely to be more successful long term than the people in my SCBWI group who have not so far got published. <br /><br />Everyone is learning and many people have skills which they are willing to share with those like me who lack them - skills that help their work get noticed. Good blogging or internet communication skills, or marketing and self promotion skills, for instance. I've been intrigued lately to see how a vanity press book has garnered much more attention than you'd expect, because of the author's exceptional flair for promotion. <br /><br />As in all groups, SO much depends on the people who volunteer their time, and I am sure that if there were power struggles and squabbles, the chapter would be awful instead of inclusive and fun. <br /><br />It follows from that that our group seems inclusive. Someone here said their experience is that SCBWI holds conferences in ritzy hotels. Is that a status thing, aimed to make professionals take them more seriously? If so, I bet it doesn't. If the history of literature shows anything, it's that literary talent is definitely not confined to affluent people from well groomed suburbia who like to stay in the Ritz- Carlton!... publishers with a living to earn are surely smart enough to realise that too.<br /><br />Oh well, that's my 2 pennies worth. It's been interesting to me to read the different takes on SCBWI and I hope my comments have been interesting for other people to read.Jenny Woolfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16881781466502273314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-23252185059829792982009-06-10T11:01:46.115-04:002009-06-10T11:01:46.115-04:00I've been published 5 times, and I remain a ve...I've been published 5 times, and I remain a very proud SCBWI member. <br /><br />I don't know about 'outgrowing' it. I don't think one ever stops learning. Yes there are many newbies in SCBWI (and good for them!), but at all conferences/events I've been to there are still sessions for intermediate and advanced writers and illustrators. I still take great and varied things away from each one. <br /><br />I found my wonderful (and also several times published) critique partner through my local branch's listserve. I have also found writing jobs, fruitful connections, and worthwile events this way. <br /><br />Because I've met and hung out with highly successful, award winning authors who inspire me, and editors willing and kind enough to share their time.<br /><br />I have met many wonderful people (published and pre-published) through SCBWI and it's important for those of us in this industry to have a support network who understand our passion/obsession. <br /><br />Also, the fact that one has the chance to submit to editors one meets at conferences (whose houses are closed to unsolicited subs) is incredible. I have a MS under consideration right now because of one of these one-on-one personalised contacts. <br /><br />I have also seen essentially 'closed' publishers' submission guidlines which say they will accept unsolicited subs from SCBWI members.<br /><br />Do I send newbies to SCBWI? Absolutely, because I believe in SCBWI. Do I put that I am a member on my queries and covers. Of course! I've heard (firsthand) a number of editors say that they do take notice of that. Do I think it's the big thing that gets my work noticed? Of course not, but I consider it mentionable and in it's own way very worthy. <br /><br />I could go on! But I, too, can't say enough great things about SCBWI. <br /><br />*Proud Active Published SCBWI Member*Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-34617760638657747002009-06-10T08:35:02.552-04:002009-06-10T08:35:02.552-04:00The strength of SCBWI is in the regional chapters,...The strength of SCBWI is in the regional chapters, and I'm blessed with a terrific one (Carolinas)which has an active message board where published authors and illustrators regularly check in to offer support, advice on tips (new agents accepting submissions, etc.).<br /><br />I got my first publishing credit by following up on an item in the Bulletin, so I'm happy to repay the favor by helping to organize local events.<br /><br />Regional conferences are a great alternative to the national shindigs, which ARE prohibitively expensive for me. Our region also sponsors retreats and workshops that are very reasonably priced and frequently feature one-on-one attention from editors at closed houses.<br /><br />And yes, anyone can join at the associate level, but there are three professional levels beyond that, open only to industry people and to published authors and illustrators.<br /><br />I'm with Emily--I can't recommend SCBWI enough. But I also agree with EA: paying dues to an organization is no guarantee that your work will be judged on anything but its merits. <br /><br />I list SCBWI on my website to demonstrate that I know something of the shape of the industry and that I'm trying to pay attention.BonnieAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07033605628106047385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-3498336865648976152009-06-10T08:27:58.189-04:002009-06-10T08:27:58.189-04:00For folks in the NY/NJ area (or those willing to t...For folks in the NY/NJ area (or those willing to travel there), check out the Rutgers One on One Conference. I went twice as an alternative to the SCBWI conferences and found it very helpful and inspiring (although the first time was better than the second). You have to apply and be accepted to attend so it's slightly less newbie-ish than the SCBWI's.<br /><br />Here's the link:<br />http://www.ruccl.orgAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-28432587644835296322009-06-10T07:21:29.046-04:002009-06-10T07:21:29.046-04:00Joelle, are you sure the SCBWI still offers a yea...Joelle, are you sure the SCBWI still offers a year's membership along with payment? I had a piece in there not long ago about a school visit I did in Jamaica, and it seems to me they told me they had dropped the free membership thing. Has it been reinstated?Get Real: What Kind of World Are You Buying?https://www.blogger.com/profile/13972992422693808393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-83184489639372035432009-06-09T18:48:45.777-04:002009-06-09T18:48:45.777-04:00I found SCBWI helpful when I was getting my feet w...I found SCBWI helpful when I was getting my feet wet on how the industry works. I indirectly found my crit group that way, too. And I like the Bulletin. <br /><br />However, I've never been able to afford going to a national conference, and when I've lived close enough to somewhere where I could attend a regional one, I had varied results. I recently didn't renew my membership because I felt that now I know the basics, it just wasn't offering me anything for the fees I was paying. I found very little for the intermediate writer--the one who is well-versed in all the newbie stuff, yet doesn't yet have a contract of their own. The message boards seemed populated by the same old questions, and anything useful to me that I might find there I had already found somewhere else on line--for free--quite a bit earlier. I felt frustrated and didn't renew.<br /><br />I do think, though, that having a great local group makes a difference. I hear wonderful things about other places, from advanced writers, even...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-80598038349254927722009-06-09T16:55:15.879-04:002009-06-09T16:55:15.879-04:00Of course everyone has to make their own cost-bene...Of course everyone has to make their own cost-benefit analysis for them and their families, but I will say that I have found SCBWI immensely helpful and supportive, and I do recommend it to writers and illustartors all the time.<br /><br />As a caveat, I am unpublished, as are many of the members in my regional chapter. But from my observations, at least in my chapter, the more experienced and published members have formed a very strong support and informatin network for each other, and seem to get enough out of the membership and experience to continue year after year. :}<br /><br />I have been to regional and national SCBWI conferences, and have found tracks at both for the experienced/published writers and the less experience/unpublished writers. Both have been terrific experiences for me. <br /><br />And as an unpublished writer who no longer considers herself a newbie, I still find SCBWI membership to be a good choice for me.<br /><br />Is it the golden ticket to an agent or an editor? Of course not.<br /><br />Are there a lot of unpublished members, and maybe even a fair amount who will never achieve a published book? certainly.<br /><br />Do I rely on SCBWI for writing news and research? Not primarily, no.<br /><br />But I find that, like many, many things in life, SCBWI is very much a you-get-out-what-you-put-in experience. Crit groups, contacts, peer-support, information, etc...in addition to conferences that may or may not appeal to you or meet your budget.<br /><br />I can't recommend it enough, if the cost is not prohibitive for your budget. <br /><br />EmilyE.M. Kokiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00453541159643901257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-69031447606675320802009-06-09T12:43:59.974-04:002009-06-09T12:43:59.974-04:00I have to agree with Dierdre. "Not expensive&...I have to agree with Dierdre. "Not expensive" is relative. Honestly, I can't afford to keep myself in printer cartridges lately, and if I've got a spare fifty bucks I'd love to buy a few nice new shiny books from an actual bookstore rather than having to put my name on the reservations list at the library. <br /><br />I do sometimes envy those that get to go to BEA, and all the SCBWI events, soak up the atmosphere and grab those ARCs, but that's life. The real leveler, of course, is your WIP, which doesn't care how much money you have/don't have.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-67316048288414716702009-06-09T08:55:41.418-04:002009-06-09T08:55:41.418-04:00I've heard June is a great month for graduatio...I've heard June is a great month for graduations and weddings. Oh, and proms too. :)<br /><br /><br /><br />The word verification is matiotor...kinda like a bull fighter.<br /><br /><br />(You've got great word verifications here. That is another reason I read your blog.)aenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-60393268822404284152009-06-09T08:47:11.825-04:002009-06-09T08:47:11.825-04:00I think maybe the SCBWI thing feeds into the discu...I think maybe the SCBWI thing feeds into the discussion earlier on CSK about how most writers/editors are upper-middle-class.<br /><br />If conferences are a great way to break in, you immediately exclude all the people who can't afford 1000 for a three day weekend. (Heck, a lot of us couldn't even justify 1000 for a week-long family vacation!)<br /><br />SCBWI membership may be "A few dinners out", but when your family only eats out maybe once a year, it's both out of the budget AND an unfair sacrifice to expect from your spouse and children.<br /><br />And if you live in the vast middle of the country, even the gas money to your 'local' events can become prohibitive, if you happen to live in the wrong town.....<br /><br />60$ a year for a magazine subscription still seems high, IMO. And if you're internet savvy, most of the info is available elsewhere. <br /><br />I've nothing against SCBWI, but personally, the cost/benefit analysis is WAY out of whack.<br /><br />(And really, if I DID have enough money to attend the LA conference, I'd probably hit Chataqua instead...those highlights workshops sound AWESOME.)Deirdre Mundyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14357363160387734552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-32199650658230238072009-06-08T23:32:46.004-04:002009-06-08T23:32:46.004-04:00I read the comments with interest. I have been a m...I read the comments with interest. I have been a member of SCBWI for years and I have never gone to any of the big conferences (went to one or two local ones). I am not a member for the conferences, but for the bulletin and the online resources. <br /><br />Might I suggest to people who have outgrown it that you write an article for the bulletin? You get $50 and a year's membership. I have been writing for them for years and have "credit" towards dues until 2011. Also, The Writer magazine picked up one of my stories after reading it in SCBWI. Many, many, many of my blog readers (and now friends) have come as results of articles I've written for them too. When I was under consideration with an agent, she saw the latest bulletin and my article and sent me an email just to say she liked it, so the industry is paying attention to SCBWI somewhat too. Now that I have an agent, I'm not too concerned about that aspect, but my editor saw my last piece and dropped me an email too...people are reading it.<br /><br />I actually am not as PRO SCBWI as this might sound. I do think the national conferences are EXTREMELY expensive and the fact that they're only in two places in the whole country has never made sense to me at all. Why not move them around, especially to less expensive cities?<br /><br />All in all, the dues don't seem that bad for what you get...a couple of dinners out or your time writing an article. And I can say this because I DON'T have an article in this bulletin, but I've been reading the latest one and I'm struck by how much more useful the articles have become lately. I'm in the third round of edits for my book that will come out next year from Putnam and I found a bunch of stuff in this bulletin that was great info, both on editing and marketing. And a great tech book review.joellehttp://www.joelleanthony.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7986595816238301046.post-82664187251980053442009-06-08T22:17:13.545-04:002009-06-08T22:17:13.545-04:00Jennifer Mann said: "I am very lucky to live ...Jennifer Mann said: <i>"I am very lucky to live in the Seattle area, and this chapter of SCBWI has grown to be a world class operation, in my book.</i><br /><br /><br />A good friend of mine moved out to Seattle a while back and everything she's told me supports what you're saying. It sounds like you've got a great group out there.working illustratornoreply@blogger.com