Grants for Writers, from the SCBWI!

Are you a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators? If you're not, and you're writing for children or teens, I highly recommend joining! The SCBWI is the international professional organization for writers and illustrators of children's fiction and nonfiction. They advocate for us professionally, connect us with other writers for help and commeraderie, and even offer links to help you join writer's/illustrators group health insurance. The SCBWI offers professional writers/illustrators' conferences all over the U.S. and the world each year. These are great for both professional writers and newby's. The first person to join SCBWI over 40 years ago was the late, great Sue Alexander. The second was the amazing Jane Yolen. Droves of other great names in writing and art have followed after that.

The SCBWI also offers Grants for Writers and Illustrators --tidbits of financial support so that we can keep doing what we're doing. But of course, you have to apply.

There are quite a few. Here's info. on several of them:

1.) The Jane Yolen Grant for Mid-list Authors - helps an author raise awareness about their current work in progress. (Nominations Due Sept 1st.)

.
2.) The Martha Weston Grant - is for published book authors who want to work in a new genre. (Applications due between May 1st and June 1st).

.

3.) The Don Freeman Grant - is for illustrators (*Applications must be received no later than March 15th).

.
4.) The Amber Brown Grant - helps a school to bring an author to visit and speak. (Applications due by April 1st).

.
5.) The Work in Progress Grants - are for new, unpublished authors in various genres. (Applications due by March 15th).
.

And the Barbara Karlin Grant - supports a picture book author. (Applications due by March 15th.)

.
So, if you're a member of the SCBWI don't forget that Spring is the time to apply for many of these grants. And if you're not a member, check out the website, and consider joining.

Best of luck to all the applicants this year. May wonderful books, authors, and illustrators "win."