How many of you are members of the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for my non- writerly pals)? I think it's quite a fair amount of you, at least it seems that way with all my blog hopping.
I'm trying to decide if I should join up. Wait, let me correct that. I'm trying to decide if I should join up ASAP or if it's OK to wait a little longer.
I like the idea of being able to add that tidbit to my queries, and the MN chapter seems pretty cool. (I also love how SCBWI lets pretty much anyone join, whereas Science Fiction and Fantasy only allow you in if you have a legit sale. Sigh. It's not like I'm not trying...)
If it was cheaper to join, I'd do it right now. But it's right at that price point that makes me hesitate. I'm not exactly rolling in the dough right now (having to fix Yvie's tooth and pay off a new window for the house).
I guess I'm just looking for opinions. Do you think it's something I should jump into RIGHT NOW, or do you think it's OK for me to wait until maybe I'm a bit more financially stable (which, to be fair, may be never...)
Thoughts?
17 comments:
Don't join if it's just to add it to your query. Agents care about the work first. What organization you belong to might sweeten the query but it's not substantial enough to sway a vote.
On the other hand, it SCBWI can give you some hard, tangible resources you can use, that would be a good reason to join.
Like you, I've been wanting to join the RWA for the last three years but just don't have the funds. I don't think it's critical to have it on your query. Like Maria said, it's nice to have, but agents are looking at your work first.
Have you hit 'send' yet?
I have no idea. Sorry.
Maria - well i would definitely use the resources. The adding to the query is only the reason to do it asap
Anne - huh. I thought you already were a member. Well that makes me feel better. And no, not yet. Soon though, very soon
Matt - what? No idea at all? *headsplosion*!
I have to go with Stina on this one. It probably won't swing vote in the query and if your financially strapped then maybe pass for the moment. But if the group will provide solid advice and help you further down the road then it's worth looking into but maybe just not ASAP?
I meant Maria, I was just at Stina's blog. Thought I would clarify any phantom ghost post or mental status :P
Ericka - LOL i was like, where did this comment from Stina disappear to? Yeah that's a very good point
I know nothing official on the matter, but I think you'd be okay waiting. I doubt it would tip the balance of your query between "like" and "not like", and I don't think you're going to have that much of a problem with it anyway.
Beyond that, is there anything they can offer you that you can't do yourself with your time bending skills? ;)
SCBWI is great--the conferences are always awesome. That being said? I think you can very easily hold off on joining until your more financially able. Plus, you don't HAVE to be a member to go to the conferences. (Though non-members pay a higher fee to attend.)
OMG, DO IT RIGHT NOW!!
How's that for decisive? I sort of let my being more decisive this year fall behind. I'm making up for it right now.
In all seriousness, I have no idea. It's not like you can't wait. AND don't forget we have a conference to pay for this year! Stoopid monies.
Teebore - hardy har har. Aren't we clever? I think it would open a door to meet other cool, local writers
Sara - omg, i didn't even THINK about the conferences! dur!
Hannah - hmm, have i paid for that conference yet? I don't think so...i shoulds really get on that so i don't forget and the price goes up again
I think it would open a door to meet other cool, local writers
Um, you've already met me and Hannah. What more could you want? ;)
Teebore - love that comment.
Sarah - wait. Why? Tight money, tight times, hold off. As far as queries and meeting more writers I don’t know maybe that would be helpful. But then so is eating, just saying.
Are you a mind reader? I can't decide if I should join either (totally just saw that rhymes. lol.) The conferences are supposed to be great, and I've heard there is a lot of info for members. I say if it benefits you, do it! :)
Sorry, not a member!
Teebore - oh you know. So i can impress other people with my Time-Bending skilz
Holly - oh eating is more than just helpful. It's mother-effing delicious!
Lindsay - mind reader, timebender. It's all the same thing ;). If it wasn't for the money thing, i would have done it already
Alex - yeah, Casastar isn't exactly for kids. BUT are you a member of SFWA?
I'm probably not one to ask because I don't belong to ANY associations. I'd love to change that though :)
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