Lin Oliver is the co-founder, along with Stephen Mooser, of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She serves as its Executive Director. Working from its headquarters in Los Angeles, Lin guides the organization through all the changes and challenges of the contemporary publishing field and is proud to help launch new careers that will change the face of children’s books. If you are interested in learning more about the SCBWI, or in becoming active in children’s books, visit the SCBWI at scbwi.org.
About SCBWI
Founded in 1971 by a group of Los Angeles-based children’s writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is a non-profit, 501 (c)3 organization which is one of the largest existing organizations for writers and illustrators. It is the only professional organization specifically for those individuals writing and illustrating for children and young adults in the fields of children’s literature, magazines, film, television, digital and multimedia. Many of the most prestigious children’s literature professionals sit on the SCBWI Board of Advisors.
The SCBWI acts as a network for the exchange of knowledge between writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people. It serves as a consolidated voice for professional writers and illustrators the world over. There are currently more than 22,000 members worldwide, in over 70 regional chapters writing and illustrating in all genres for young readers from board books to young adult (YA) novels, making it the largest children’s writing organization in the world.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support the creation and availability of quality and diverse children’s books around the world. We accomplish this by fostering a vibrant community of individuals who bring books for young readers to the public including writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers, bloggers, enthusiasts, and others. We provide education and support for these individuals through our awards, grants, programs, and events. We strive to increase the quality and quantity of children’s books in the marketplace and act as a consolidated voice for professional writers and illustrators worldwide.
Membership in the SCBWI is open to anyone with an active interest in children’s literature. We welcome aspiring and published writers and illustrators, librarians, educators, artists, students, dramatists, musicians, filmmakers, and others.
A passion for children’s literature is our #1 criterion.
Visit scbwi.org to join or learn more.