Dear Mark Whittaker: Watch the Events page on this Website for upcoming events in Tucson and around the state. Az events are also posted on Arizona Regional Page on the International SCBWI site at . Best, Michelle Parker-Rock Regional Advisor SCBWI AZ Author of Books for Young Readers Freelance Writing and Editorial Services

Dear Barbara Petite: Thanks for your interest in SCBWI. For membership information, go to http://www.scbwi.org Also stay tuned to SCBWI and SCBWI AZ to find out about upcoming local, state, and international events. Best, Michelle Parker-Rock Regional Advisor SCBWI AZ Author of Books for Young Readers Freelance Writing and Editorial Services

Hi Sue Klein: Agents and artist's reps are a very important part of today's children's book industry. On behalf of their clients, they submit manuscripts and art work to publishers, negotiate contracts, handle payments, and manage careers. They are particularly important in a marketplace where houses are not accepting submissions directly from writers or illustrators. But just like publishers, editors, and art directors who choose their projects carefully, agents and artist's reps are very selective about who they take on as clients. The audition process is every bit as competitive as the rest of the industry. Therefore, getting an agent or artist's rep these days may be just as difficult as getting a contract from a publishing house on your own. None of this is said to discourage you from trying. It is simply informational. To learn more, stay active in SCBWI and do your homework. You will know when you are ready. Hope this helps. Best, Michelle Parker-Rock Regional Advisor SCBWI AZ Author of Books for Young Readers Freelance Writing and Editorial Services

Hi, Jennifer Sloniger: Here are the answers to your two questions. RE: Member Forum You found it. Welcome to the SCBWI AZ Forum on our Website. RE: Picture Book Submissions If you are a writer with a picture book manuscript, the general rule of thumb for a traditional submission is to send the manuscript without any illustrations or art direction. In just about every case, this is what publishers prefer. In fact, picture book manuscripts that are submitted with illustrations may be at more of a disadvantage. Your vision for the artwork may not be the publisher's vision, and if a publisher is interested in your story and wants to publish it, they will be in charge of choosing the illustrator and overseeing the art work and book design. It is also important to point out that editors are experienced at reading picture book manuscripts without the aid of a writer's art instructions. Of course without seeing your manuscript, it is hard to tell just how sparse the words are and whether or not you might need a strategically placed word or two in parentheses at the end a line or two to clarify. And if you still think that you need to provide more information, perhaps a very brief description in your cover letter would go a long way to express your intentions. If an editor sees merit in your work, he or she can always ask for more details. Of course, there are exceptions to these guidelines, particularly if you are a highly skilled, professional trained or naturally gifted illustrator yourself. In that case, the artist may submit samples of his or work with a manuscript or submit a book dummy. Hope this helps. Michelle Parker-Rock Regional Advisor SCBWI AZ Author of Books for Young Readers Freelance Writing & Editorial Services

Do you have representation (meetings) in Tucson or are you only in Scottsdale? I'd like to join but the 2 hour drive to a meeting is a bit much for me.