We are delighted to announce that this year we are offering 5 scholarships and potentially more, depending on our members’ generosity. SCBWI is very grateful for the generous support of Alice Williams Literary, Lindsay Literary Agency and Skylark Literary Agency in making the SCBWI conference accessible to underrepresented creators.
Key dates
Entries OPEN for Submissions: Monday 8 October 2024
Entries CLOSE for Submissions: Sunday 13 October 2024
Scholarships Announcement: Monday 21 October 2024
What the scholarship covers
A Scholarship covers the cost of attending the conference (£170).
Agency Scholarships
There are three Agency Scholarships, offered to three underrepresented creators who are financially unable to attend the conference. The list below shows the categories and book genre the different agencies will be supporting for submissions.
- Agency Alice Williams Literary - Category Writer, Illustrator, Writer/Illustrator - Genre PB, CB, MG, YA
- Agency Lindsay Literary Agency - Category Writer, Writer/Illustrator - Genre PB, CB, MG, YA
- Agency Skylark Literary Agency - Category Writer, Writer/Illustrator - Genre CB, MG, YA
SCBWI-BI Margaret Carey Scholarships
In addition, two scholarships as per list below for people who are financially unable to attend the conference will be awarded in memory of Margaret Carey.
- Category Writer, Illustrator, Writer/Illustrator - Genre PB
- Category Writer, Writer/Illustrator - Genre CB, MG, YA
About Margaret Carey
For many years, Margaret organised events for both writers and illustrators in SCBWI British Isles with verve and passion. Her volunteering and amazingly generous spirit were recognized in 2010 when she received the inaugural SCBWI British Isles Outstanding Contribution Award. She was a talented writer and illustrator and was a winner in the Undiscovered Voices anthology competition in 2008.
What does "underrepresented" mean?
The SCBWI recognises all diverse experiences, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA+, gender diversity, neurodiversity, socio-economical marginalisation, disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities. We subscribe to a broad definition of disability, which includes but is not limited to physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities, chronic conditions, and mental health conditions (this may also include addiction). Furthermore, we subscribe to a social model of disability, which presents disability as created by barriers in the social environment, due to lack of equal access, stereotyping, and other forms of marginalisation.
What does "financially unable to attend" mean?
Your household should earn less than the UK’s Minimum Income Standard, which varies according to your situation – please use www.minimumincome.org.uk to check what this is for you. Please be guided by the household amount rather than the individual amount and if you live in Inner/Outer London, make sure you choose this on the results page. For example, a person living on their own with no children outside London should earn less than £20,383, and a person living with their partner and two primary-age children in outer London should earn less than £51,794 as a household. You should also have less than £16,000 in savings. We rely on your honesty and will not be asking for proof.
How to prepare your submission
Young Fiction, Middle-Grade and Young Adult writers: The first 1000 words of your novel plus your synopsis in one document.
Picture Book Writers: Submit your entire manuscript (maximum word count: 1000 words).
Picture Book Writer/Illustrators: Submit a rough picture book dummy, including at least two finished illustrations.
Illustrators: Submit one promotional or marketing sheet which you might send to an art director that includes a minimum of four illustrations (it can run to more than one A4 page).
Terms and conditions
YOU MAY NOT APPLY IF YOU HAVE WON A SCHOLARSHIP BEFORE.
One application per applicant. Work should be the applicant’s own. AI generated work is not eligible. Applicants must not be under contract with a publisher (although they can be previously published). Applicants must be un-agented. Applicants must reside in the British Isles. For the Agency Scholarships you don't have to be a SCBWI member. For the SCBWI Margaret Carey scholarships you must be a paid-up PREMIUM SCBWI BI member. You can apply for as many scholarships as you're eligible for. You may submit work that has previously been self-published.
How to Apply
Please use the following form to apply: https://forms.gle/Doc8acMKfQrpg4yf7
Entries OPEN for Submissions: Monday 8 October 2024
Entries CLOSE for Submissions: Sunday 13 October 2024
Statements
Alice Williams of Alice Williams Literary said, “I’m delighted to be offering this scholarship for the third year running. It’s always exciting to see the samples submitted, and to know that many of these writers and illustrators are on the road to success.”
Becky Bagnell of Lindsay Literary Agency said, “Great storytelling begins with unique voices and so I can’t wait to read submissions from all the talented new writers. Lindsay Literary Agency has been funding a scholarship for under-represented authors since 2018 and I am delighted to be partnering with SCBWI again in 2024.”
Amber Caraveo of Skylark Literary Agency said, “It’s such a pleasure to be able to offer this scholarship. The SCBWI conference is a wonderful opportunity for writers to network and make connections. It’s an honour to support that and encourage new talent.”
Natascha Biebow and Alison Gardiner, Co-Chairs of the SCBWI British Isles, said, “We are thrilled to be hosting the 2024 conference in-person in London, where children’s book creatives can network with industry professionals and dream up and hone their books. The scholarships provide access and uplift voices that deserve to be heard by everyone. We can’t wait to meet and welcome the scholarship winners.”
About SCBWI
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support the creation and availability of quality children’s books in every region of the world. It promotes the exchange of knowledge among writers, illustrators, translators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people. SCBWI boasts more than 25,000 members worldwide in more than 70 regions, making it the largest international professional organization for writers and illustrators of books for children and young adults. SCBWI British Isles is a dynamic and welcoming chapter, which aims to support aspiring and published writers, illustrators and translators, providing opportunities for professional development, networking, and craft development. To join and find out more visit www.scbwi.org
About Alice Williams Literary
Alice set up her agency in 2018 and is passionate about working with new and established children’s book writers and illustrators across all ages and genres. She offers personal editorial support combined with industry expertise, giving her clients the confidence to concentrate on their creative work. Alice lives and works in London and attends book fairs and writers’ conferences throughout the year. https://www.alicewilliamsliterary.co.uk/
About Lindsay Literary Agency
Lindsay Literary Agency was founded by Becky Bagnell in 2008. Specialising in writing for children the agency represents multi-award winning authors who have been published across the world. Great storytelling is a key to our success and so as well as looking after our current authors we are always on the look out for new talent. Lindsay Literary Agency offers a bespoke and personal relationship to each author, supporting their publishing journey as well as celebrating their successes. http://www.lindsayliteraryagency.co.uk
About Skylark Literary Agency
Skylark Literary was founded by Amber Caravéo and Joanna Moult in 2014. With our background in editing and acquiring for several major publishers, Skylark was born from our expertise in the Children’s and YA publishing industry. We offer tailored support to all our authors, using our editorial skills and industry knowledge to help them develop their manuscripts and give them the best chance of success. Great writing is fundamental to our business, and we are passionate about finding talented new authors and enabling them to fly. http://www.skylark-literary.com