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Anyone can attend any Network,
anywhere at anytime!
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Live, in-person, and online meetings are free and open to all! Networks focus on craft and industry programming and are our first point of outreach with the wider creative community.
Scroll down to see the complete list
of networks and offerings!
Network Representatives are valued SCBWI-IL volunteers.
Contact them with your questions about attending any of our programs.
Interested in starting a NETWORKS group?
Email Sheila Path-McMahon, co-RA
All Network times are CST
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Want to stay connected and never miss out on exciting opportunities, resources, and community happenings? For the latest updates and event information for SCBWI members, join our Google Listserve by emailing Alan Woodrow.
You can also find our latest information on the SCBWI Illinois website here.
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SEPTEMBER 2025
For more information on the networks, scroll down
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OCTOBER 2025
For more information on the networks, scroll down
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NOVEMBER 2025
For more information on the networks, scroll down
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SCBWI-IL Members: You can also join in the fun at our SCBWI Illinois Illustrators Network Group on Facebook – request to join here.
SCBWI member illustrators please make sure you are on the illustrator Google Group! To be added please email Allan Woodrow
| | Illinois Illustrators’ Network | | |
Illinois Illustrators' Network will meet at 7 PM on the second Thursday of the month. Come ready to chat, draw, and be inspired!
Mark your calendar for:
Thursday, September 11 at 7 PM
Thursday, October 16 at 7 PM
Thursday, November 13 at 7 PM
| | Equity & Inclusion Network | |
Diversity Network Meetings create a space where writers and illustrators who’ve traditionally been left at the margins in children’s publishing can get together. At these meetings we’ll build community, share stories of hurdles and successes, work to dismantle barriers, improve diversity and inclusion in children’s literature and SCBWI-IL, work on our craft and improve our writing and/or illustrating careers.
Our focus on diversity springs from the #WeNeedDiverseBooks movement: We recognize all diverse experiences, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA, Native, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities. Because of the breadth of this focus, we will be particularly conscious of the intersectionality of oppressions and identities. Allies are welcome. (An ally is a person who supports, empowers, or stands up for another person or a group of people.)
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Email Network Representative Donna Beasley for more information:
Donna Beasley
| | Chicago Southside Network | | Chicago Northside Network | |
Email Chicago Northside Network Representative Mary Jo Gugliemo for more information.
| | Chicago's Southland Network | | Join us for our Fantasy Fall Series for a deep dive into the genre! Our September and November events are co-hosted with the Near West Suburban Network. | | |
Fantasy in Kidlit: A Conversation with Librarian Jen Clemons
Set the tone for Fantasy Fall with an exploration of the current state of fantasy in youth literature, including themes, trends, and current titles with Jen Clemons, Curator of the Butler Children’s Literature Center at Dominican University and Sarah Hammond, author and SCBWI Near West Suburban Network Rep.
Jennifer Clemons is the curator of the Butler Children’s Literature Center and adjunct faculty in youth services at Dominican University. Jen joined the Dominican community in 2010 when she earned her MLIS from the School of Information Studies. Her professional experience includes LIS work in public, special, and academic library settings.
When: Thursday, September 11th
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Zoom
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Join other creatives for exercises and craft discussions. RSVP to Jim Danielson for Zoom links.
When: Thursday October 9
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Zoom
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Creating a Fantasy Trilogy - Egyptian Based with Michelle Jabes Corpora
Michelle Jabes Corpora will speak to us of her writer's journey to creating her current, Ancient Egyptian inspired trilogy. Michelle is an author of middle grade and YA books. Her latest book HIS FACE IS THE SUN was released last May and spent five weeks on the NY Times best seller list. Learn more about Michelle at michellejcorpora.com
When: Thursday, November 13th
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Zoom
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September Planning
Join the North Suburban Network for September Planning.
When: Wednesday, September 10th
Time: 7 PM
Where: Zoom
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How to Use Query Tracker with Creator Patrick McDonald
Ever wonder about all the ways you can use Query Tracker to reach agents and kickstart your writing career? Patrick McDonald, creator of Query Tracker, shares his experience with our members. Patrick will show us how to use the site and how to engage with all the new features.
Patrick McDonald calls himself just a boring guy who spends way too much time in front of a computer. That’s a huge understatement. He’s also the founder of QueryTracker, which has helped thousands of authors find agents for their books. Patrick enjoys reading, writing, and programming, and QueryTracker rolls all of that into one nice bundle.
When: Wednesday, October 8th
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Zoom
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How to Build an Audience (Without Burning Out) with Vicky Weber
Struggling to find readers? In this no-fluff session, Literary Agent & Author Coach Vicky Weber will show you how to pinpoint your ideal audience and reach them effectively—no matter your budget or schedule. Walk away with practical, sustainable strategies to grow your readership without wasting time, money, or energy on tactics that don’t work.
Vicky Weber is an Associate Literary Agent at Creative Media Agency, a bestselling children’s book author, and a publishing industry expert with years of experience helping authors navigate both traditional and self-publishing. As the founder of At Home Author, she has guided countless writers through the process of crafting, publishing, and marketing successful books. With a background in education, Vicky is passionate about breaking down complex industry concepts into actionable steps. Whether securing book deals for her clients or sharing insights on the ever-evolving publishing market, she is dedicated to helping authors turn their creative dreams into reality.
This event is co-hosted with Bolingbrook-Naperville Network.
When: Wednesday, November 12th
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Zoom
| | Far North Suburban Network | | |
Far North Suburban Network will meet at 7 PM on the first Wednesday of the month. If you would like to receive feedback on your work, please submit a picture book manuscript or no more than five double spaced pages of a novel excerpt.
Instructions on how to submit will be given in the reminder email.
Contact Kim to get on the email list.
Mark your calendar for 7 PM on:
Wednesday, September 3
Wednesday, October 1
Wednesday, November 5
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Email Far North Suburban Network Representatives, Kim Oclon and Nicole Hewitt for more information:
| | Far Northwest Suburban Network | | |
OPEN CRITIQUE
Far Northwest Suburban Network will meet at 6:30 PM on the third Wednesday of the month, from January to November, at the Café in Barnes and Noble, 1470B E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173.. If you would like to share your work and receive feedback, please prepare a picture book manuscript or no more than five double-spaced pages of a novel excerpt.
Instructions on how to submit will be sent with the meeting reminder.
Mark your calendar for 6:30 PM on:
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
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OPEN CRITIQUE
Dundee Area Network will meet at 7:00 PM on the second Wednesday of the month. Bring up to 1,000 words of your picture book, middle grade or young adult to share for feedback and camaraderie.
Mark your calendar for 6:30 PM on:
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
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Email Dundee Area Network Rep & Co-Regional Advisor Jennifer Wagh if you are a first-time attendee.
Jennifer Wagh
| | Near West Suburban Network | | Join us for our Fantasy Fall Series for a deep dive into the genre! Our September and November events are co-hosted with Chicago's Southlands Network. | | |
Fantasy in Kidlit: A Conversation with Librarian Jen Clemons
Set the tone for Fantasy Fall with an exploration of the current state of fantasy in youth literature, including themes, trends, and current titles with Jen Clemons, Curator of the Butler Children’s Literature Center at Dominican University and Sarah Hammond, author and SCBWI Near West Suburban Network Rep. Jennifer Clemons is the curator of the Butler Children’s Literature Center and adjunct faculty in youth services at Dominican University. Jen joined the Dominican community in 2010 when she earned her MLIS from the School of Information Studies. Her professional experience includes LIS work in public, special, and academic library settings.
When: Thursday, September 11th
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Zoom
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Fantasy Crash Course: Design Your World and Populate It!
We will explore how to discover, design and develop your world. We will cover topics like rules, geography, culture and timelines. Then we will dive deep into creating your main character, be it a hero or villain. We’ll end our discussion on how to create your hook. Come prepared to write!
When: Thursday, October 9th
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Dandelion Bookshop, 139 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park.
Parking/transport links: https://dandelionbookshop.com/visit
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Creating a Fantasy Trilogy - Egyptian Based with Michelle Jabes Corpora
Michelle Jabes Corpora will speak to us of her writer's journey to creating her current, Ancient Egyptian inspired trilogy. Michelle is an author of middle grade and YA books. Her latest book HIS FACE IS THE SUN was released last May and spent five weeks on the NY Times best seller list. Learn more about Michelle at michellejcorpora.com
When: Thursday, November 13th
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Zoom
| | Bolingbrook-Naperville Network | | |
How to Build an Audience (Without Burning Out) with Vicky Weber
Struggling to find readers? In this no-fluff session, Literary Agent & Author Coach Vicky Weber will show you how to pinpoint your ideal audience and reach them effectively—no matter your budget or schedule. Walk away with practical, sustainable strategies to grow your readership without wasting time, money, or energy on tactics that don’t work.
Vicky Weber is an Associate Literary Agent at Creative Media Agency, a bestselling children’s book author, and a publishing industry expert with years of experience helping authors navigate both traditional and self-publishing. As the founder of At Home Author, she has guided countless writers through the process of crafting, publishing, and marketing successful books. With a background in education, Vicky is passionate about breaking down complex industry concepts into actionable steps. Whether securing book deals for her clients or sharing insights on the ever-evolving publishing market, she is dedicated to helping authors turn their creative dreams into reality.
This event is co-hosted with North Suburban Network.
When: Wednesday, November 12th
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Zoom
| | CRITIQUE TIME - GET FEEDBACK | | |
Geneva Network meets at 7 PM on the first Wednesday of the month and at 7 PM on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The Geneva Network will be over Zoom for Fall Programming. Bring up to 1,000 words of your picture book, middle grade or young adult to share for feedback and camaraderie.
Mark your calendars for 7 PM on:
Wednesday, September 3
Wednesday, October 1
Wednesday, November 5
Tuesday, September 23
Tuesday, October 28
Tuesday, November 25
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Email Geneva Network Co-Reps Janet Riehecky, Cheryl App, and Sarah Quinn for more information:
Janet Riehecky
Cheryl App
| | Galena-Freeport Area Network | | FREE CRITIQUE OR SHARE TIME | | |
Galena-Freeport meets at 7 PM on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
Each participant gets fifteen minutes to share their WIP, query or synopsis and get feedback, or ask questions about the writing process.
Mark your calendar for 7:00 to 9:00 PM:
Wednesday, September 24
Wednesday, October 22
Wednesday, November 26
Please contact Jamie for the Zoom link.
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Email Galena-Freeport Network Rep Jamie Petras for more information:
Jamie Petras
| | East Central / Champaign-Urbana Network | | |
Mini Retreat on the Farm
It’s back – the Mini Writing Retreat on the Farm! We had a great time last year and our hosts have graciously agreed to host again on their farmstead in Northeast Urbana. We'll gather in this relaxed setting for conversation, connection, and reflection. Bring your favorite unplugged writing tools, a book that has had meaning to you this year, and your willingness to try new things. Bring a snack to share if you wish. We’ll be outdoors unless inclement weather sends us inside. Please rsvp to central.illinois.scbwi@gmail.com by Sunday, October 5th so we can plan for you! Driving directions will be shared the week before the program.
When: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Where: Northeast Urbana
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First Pages
Calling all children's and young adult writers! Bring part of your manuscript - beginning, middle, or end -for peer feedback. Looking for a creative community this fall? Need a fresh set of eyes and ears to give feedback on a story? Have you started writing for children or young adults and don't know where to go next? Share part of your manuscript - beginning, middle, or end. You will have the opportunity to receive peer feedback in a supportive and constructive environment. Bring up to three pages double-spaced. The time you have to share will be based on the total number of participants. This program is a great way to meet others who are passionate about writing for youth and learn about resources that can assist you on your writing journey. This program is presented in collaboration with The Urbana Free Library.
When: Sunday, November 9, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM
Where: The Urbana Free Library, 210 West Green Street, Urbana, IL
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Email Champaign-Urbana Network Rep Elaine Bearden for more information:
Elaine Bearden
| | Near Normal Kidlit Network | | |
Near Normal Kidlit Network meets at 6:30 PM on the fourth Thursday of the month in person at the Bloomington Public Library in the 2nd floor Conference room. Up to 5 pages of a Chapter Book, Middle Grade, Young Adult, or entire Picture Book may be emailed in advance of the meeting for critique.
Mark your calendar for 6:30 PM on:
Thursday, September 25
Thursday, October 23
| | Springfield Area Scribes Network | | |
Springfield Area Scribes meets at 6 PM on the first Tuesday of the month on Zoom. Have 5 pages of Middle Grade, Young Adult or entire Picture Book ready to critique.
Mark your calendar for 6 PM on:
Tuesday, September 2
Tuesday, October 7
Tuesday, November 4
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Email Springfield Scribes Network Rep Debra Daugherty for more info.
Debra Daugherty
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The Network meets from 6 to 8 PM on the third Wednesday of the month at Books-A-Million, 6601 Edwardsville Crossing Drive in Edwardsville. Bring 5 pages to critique! We do in-person critiques but have traditionally asked that writers new to the group wait until their second meeting to submit work for critique. New writers welcome!
Mark your calendar for 6 PM on:
Wednesday, September 17
Wednesday, October 15
Wednesday, November 19
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Email Edwardsville Network Rep Juli Caveny for more information:
Juli Caveny
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Join Published Author Srividhya Venkat for POWER HOUR.
Working in community, quietly crafting a query, brainstorming with breakfast, or perfecting your prose.
This is an opportunity to work in silence with other creators virtually for two 30-minute periods with five-minute breaks to discuss what you accomplished. Power Hours take place on Tuesdays.
September 9 & 23 at 9 AM
October 7 & 21 at 9 AM
November 4 & 18 at 9 AM
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