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JWKC Membership FAQ
Who can join?
Membership is open to published and unpublished childrens book or magazine
writers over the age of 18. Rare exceptions can be made to the minimum age on a case-to-case basis.
What is the purpose of JWKC?
JWKC is a member-driven organization that supports authors writing for
the childrens book and/or magazine market and helps writers develop their professional skills. Adult writing projects will
be covered only if time permits and with the consent of those present.
What are the annual dues?
Annual chapter dues is $25 renewable each January. Membership in JWKC
requires an application.
Note: JWKC is open to both published and unpublished authors who are serious about pursuing
publication in children's literature. Membership in Missouri Writers Guild is encouraged but not required. Published members
wishing to join the state Guild (MWG), must meet publication requirements. See MWG's website for specific details.
What are the benefits of joining JWKC?
JWKC is a network of writers sharing similar goals. Its a great way
to form lasting friendships and meet like-minded peers.
Dues covers chapter meetings, a bio on the JWKC website, email
alerts for market news and upcoming events, a private listserv/discussion board and reduced rates to chapter workshops and
locally sponsored conferences.
How often do you meet?
JWKC offers periodic chapter events - some featuring guest speakers,
others devoted to manuscript critiques and feedback. See our Calendar of Events for specific dates, locations and times.
Due to the wide distribution of our members, meeting locations will rotate
around the KC metro area and will be announced in advance. Critique groups are formed by members and are not guaranteed.
But if there are no openings in existing groups, we'll help you start one.
JWKC reserves the right to bar entrance
to any one whose conduct is deemed disruptive or demeaning to other members or to faculty and guest speakers.
Can I attend events without being a member?
Yes! We would love to have you join us! Admission to regular Chapter
events is free to members in good-standing. Non-members pay $5 per session. Where possible, please contact JWKC so we can
insure adequate seating and refreshments for all who attend.
On rare occasions business meetings and special events
may be open to members only. Those will be clearly listed on the Calendar of events page.
Conferences, workshops and
retreats involving outside speakers and larger conference facilities are often open to the public and will be individually
priced at a member and non-member rate.
Do I have to be a member to join a critique group or be on the listserv?
Yes. JWKC is developing a national reputation. We have been fortunate to
have several publishers open submissions to members only. In one case an editor from a closed house established an exclusive
email address for our members to submit.
In the above cases, the publishers have insisted that any member submitting
through an exclusive network be verifiable members who are actively writing and have been critiqued within the JWKC structure.
In order to insure continued support from publishers and to insure our writers are actively participating in some
regular feedback process with consistent standards, we request that those critique groups under the JWKC banner consist of
registered members in good standing.
Please see our Critique Group Admission Rules for more information.
What if I don't have time to attend regular meetings but need feedback or
critiques on my work?
The purpose of JWKC is to help writers develop their professional skills
and - if desired - advance towards publication. Although all levels of interest are welcome, those who will benefit most from
membership are actively writing and researching on a regular basis.
As a result, critique groups are primarily meant
for those writers seriously pursuing development and completion of a personal or professional project.
Members wishing
to be critiqued must meet attendance requirements beforehand and must be willing to give advice as well as receive it.
If
your schedule does not permit attendance at group activities but you would like to have your work read, please feel free to
sign up for a written professional critique instead. Rules and prices to be announced at a later date.
Note: Exceptions are made for members living out of state.
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