A letter from the Editor

Dear Friends:
Many of you have expressed an interest in illustrating for children’s book. In an answer to your call for information on how to pursue this venue, I have quoted from the website of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Formed in 1971 by a group of Los Angeles based writers for children, the SCBWI offers a variety of services to people who write, illustrate, or share a vital interest in children’s literature.

“The SCBWI acts as a network for the exchange of knowledge between writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people. There are currently more than 12,000 members worldwide, in over 70 regions, making it the largest children's writing organization in the world.

The benefits of membership in SCBWI are many. The SCBWI sponsors an annual International Conference on Writing and Illustrating Books as well as dozens of regional conferences and events throughout the world. It also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, awards, grants for works in progress, and provides many informational publications on the art and business of writing and selling written, illustrated and electronic material. The SCBWI also presents the annual Golden Kite Award for the best fiction and non-fiction books.”

In their latest newsletter a student asks, “Which is more profitable – marketing children’s literature through the Internet or marketing it in more traditional ways?” The Editor replies, “Children’s books benefit from being sold effectively through multiple sales channels: to schools, libraries, retailers, the Internet, and special sales channels all contribute to the success of a book.” This sounds like a recipe for art marketing in general. So even if you’re not interested in book illustrating, but would like to sell more of your art a broad area of exposure is often a good way to get your artist name out there.

This year is shaping up as the year we persevere to get things done. Much success in all of your endeavors! God bless. OM

BACK TO TOP