Benefits of Membership

Increase paid bookings for school and library presentations by opting to be featured on our CWILL BC SPEAKERS' LIST a customizable, searchable database for speakers' on our website (www.cwill.bc.ca), which teacher-librarians across British Columbia browse regularly. We vigorously promote it to schools and libraries through ads and other means.

Your own page on the CWILL BC website

Your books featured in a catalog of books by BC authors and illustrators that will be sent to bookstores and librarians across the province, and available for download from the CWILL BC website starting spring of 2009.

The friendship, inspiration and support of colleagues in the field of children's writing and illustrating.

Communication with other members via CWILL BC's listserv (online newsletter/forum).

Regular press releases promoting CWILL BC and its talented members

Distribution of CWILL BC flyers, members' flyers and bookmarks, and the CWILL BC catalog of members' books to various literary, teacher and librarian conferences across the province on a regular basis.

Occasional masters' writing/illustration workshops for CWILL BC members only (subsidized to ensure affordability, and a wonderful networking opportunity).

Enjoy camaraderie and guest speakers at our six to eight meetings per year in Vancouver and Victoria (and hopefully more communities in the future). These are always summarized on our listserv to benefit those who can't attend.

A regional coordinator disperses funds to subsidize the travel expenses of members wishing to attend Vancouver-based events, and to encourage regional events and meetings for members outside the Vancouver Lower Mainland.

Participate in any or all of the five fast-growing annual events that CWILL BC runs exclusively for CWILL BC members:

The Word on the Street in September (Vancouver Public Library downtown), which draws large crowds of book buyers.
Fall Book Harvest Fall Book Harvest in October (Vancouver Public Library downtown), in which more than thirty CWILL BC members man activity tables and pitch their newest books to several hundred parents, children and teacher-librarians. Meanwhile, a bookseller sells participants' books at the event. We're looking into ways of ensuring that members who can't get into Vancouver for this event can still pitch their latest books during the program, either electronically or through a "buddy system."
Hycroft Event in November (Hycroft Center in Vancouver, co-sponsored by the Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable). Every year, more than 100 teacher-librarians attend to hear short presentations by CWILL BC members who have a new book out (usually between 30 and 45 members). This elegant event includes coffee, tea and refreshments, a chance to pass out flyers and bookmarks, great networking opportunities and a bookseller that sells participants' books. It's a great place to showcase your speaking skills so that teacher-librarians will be inspired to book you for presentations. We also provide free optional presentation evaluations in conjunction with Toastmasters International volunteers, to help members improve their speaking skills.
Panel on Children's Book Writing and Illustrating in February (Vancouver Public Library downtown), in which a panel of CWILL BC members gives short presentations and answers questions from individuals aspiring to be children?s writers or illustrators.
Spring Book Hatching in May (Vancouver Public Library downtown). The spring version of our Fall Book Harvest (see above).
Book Harvests & Hatchings events outside of the Vancouver Lower Mainland: We are currently working to get some happening on a rotating basis around the province, starting with Victoria. These will be pitched both at teacher-librarians and at parents, children and book buyers in general.

dowload the membership application form here (pdf)

for more information contact membership@cwill.bc.ca

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