SCBWI Metro NY PO Box 1475 New York, NY 10276-1475 212 545-3719 scbwi_metrony@yahoo.com

These are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about SCBWI. Who runs SCBWI chapters? SCBWI chapters are run by a host of dedicated volunteers working behind the scenes, writing, editing and posting newsletters, greeting new members, and organizing events. Am I a member of your chapter? Once you have joined SCBWI, you are a member world wide, and are welcome to attend any SCBWI event, assuming it hasn't sold out. You are automatically a member of your local chapter and automatically a member of the Metro NY chapter if your zip code starts with 10 or 11. How can I get involved? There are many volunteer opportunities. Whether it is contributing illustrations for the Newsletter or helping set up for the Professional Series, we welcome you to lend a hand. If you're interested in volunteering for the chapter, please email scbwi_metrony@yahoo.com. Can I reserve a place at an upcoming talk? The only way to reserve a place is to mail us a check, which we must receive at least 4 days before the talk. Details of how to do this are on the Professional Series page. Most people pay at the door, although we do occasionally sell out. Is there a way I can advertise the fact that I can be hired to speak? Check out the information on our Speakers Database page. Can SCBWI help me find a publisher, or give me advice on where to send my book? SCBWI produces a marketing survey that details what each publishing house is looking for. This lists almost all the publishers, and gives editors' names and addresses, and a description of what each company is looking for as well, as their submissions policies. Look for it in the SCBWI Publications Sections of the Members Only area of the main SCBWI web site: http://www/scbwi.org/members.htm Can SCBWI help me find an agent? SCBWI produces an agent list that lists agents, with their names and addresses, and a description of what each is looking for as well, as their submissions policies. Look for it in the SCBWI Publications Sections of the Members Only area of the main SCBWI web site: http://www/scbwi.org/members.htm Do I need an agent? This is well covered on the main SCBWI website at http://www/scbwi.org/members.htm Where can I find an illustrator for my manuscript? Almost all editors want to choose the illustrator that they feel best suits your story. Therefore you do not need to find an illustrator, and it often works against your story to team up with an illustrator. Barnes & Noble sell many books with guidelines on basic submission policies like this. You can also see www.scbwi.org for general information. What if I don't see what I'm looking for? If we aren’t offering what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us and suggest possible speakers, or topics that have not been covered recently. Etiquette at Talks Should I bring my manuscript with me? It is considered very bad form to bring a manuscript to a talk unless it specifically says that editors will be critiquing manuscripts. Shoving your manuscript at the editors is very irritating, and will NOT ingratiate you to them. However, you can introduce yourself to the speaker afterwards, and ask if you can mail them a manuscript. Should I bring my portfolio with me? Do not bring your portfolio with you unless an event specifically says portfolio critiques. However if you have a business card with a picture or website on it, that can be a good way to introduce yourself and let the speaker see what you do without them feeling harassed. Cellphones Please keep all cellphones turned off during a meeting. If you accidentally leave your cellphone on and it rings during the meeting, please do not answer it. I would like to advertise an event relevant to children's book writers -- can you post it on your website? We are developing a way to post notifications on our web site. In the meantime, send it to scbwi_metrony@yahoo.com and we will try to add it to our Course and Conference listing. If you have flyers we're happy to put them out at our professional series meetings. Mail them to the chapter's P.O. Box and send an e-mail so we'll know to check for them at the post office.