SCBWI will be hosting its annual conference, themed In Search of Wonder, in Manchester on 4th and 5th November 2023. The conference offers writers and illustrators of all levels talks and workshops to hone their craft, as well as 1-1 industry critiques and multiple opportunities to network and gain insight into the children’s publishing industry.

We are delighted to announce that this year we are offering six scholarships and potentially more, depending on our members’ generosity.

Types of scholarships

An Attendance Scholarship covers the cost of attending the conference plus a 1-1 manuscript/portfolio critique.

A Full Scholarship covers the cost of attending the conference, travel contribution (£50), hotel accommodation and a 1-1 manuscript/portfolio critique.

Alice Williams Literary Attendance Scholarship: Alice Williams Literary will sponsor an underrepresented writer and/or illustrator, who is financially unable to attend the conference.

Lindsay Literary Agency Attendance Scholarship: Lindsay Literary Agency will sponsor an underrepresented writer or writer/illustrator, who is financially unable to attend the conference.

SCBWI-BI Margaret Carey Full Scholarships: Four Full Scholarships (two for fiction writers of CB, MG, YA X2 --- two for PB writers, writers/illustrators or illustrators) for people who are financially unable to attend the conference will be awarded in memory of Margaret Carey.

Eligibility Criteria

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 Agencies Scholarships you don't have to be a SCBWI BI member. For the SCBWI scholarships you have to be an active SCBWI BI member. You can apply for as many scholarships as you're eligible for.

Find out more here

Deadline: 25 September 2023