Dear Marita Casey-Russo: Welcome to Arizona. Nice to hear from you. Hope you enjoy your stay. Watch this Website for information about our events. Hope you find something to interest you while you're here. Give my best to to Nancy Castaldo, SCBWI Regional Advisor in Eastern New York, and be sure to say hi the next time you're in town. Best, Michelle Parker-Rock Regional Advisor SCBWI AZ Author of Books for Young Readers Freelance Writing & Editorial Services

Dear G.G. Hall: Mark your calendar for the 2010 SCBWI AZ Welcome House Conference and watch this Website for details coming in the late spring. Best, Michelle Parker-Rock Regional Advisor SCBWI AZ Author of Books for Young Readers Freelance Writing and Editorial Services

Dear Mark Whittaker: Watch the Events page on this Website for upcoming events in Tucson and around the state. Az events are also posted on Arizona Regional Page on the International SCBWI site at . Best, Michelle Parker-Rock Regional Advisor SCBWI AZ Author of Books for Young Readers Freelance Writing and Editorial Services

Dear Barbara Petite: Thanks for your interest in SCBWI. For membership information, go to http://www.scbwi.org Also stay tuned to SCBWI and SCBWI AZ to find out about upcoming local, state, and international events. Best, Michelle Parker-Rock Regional Advisor SCBWI AZ Author of Books for Young Readers Freelance Writing and Editorial Services

Hi Sue Klein: Agents and artist's reps are a very important part of today's children's book industry. On behalf of their clients, they submit manuscripts and art work to publishers, negotiate contracts, handle payments, and manage careers. They are particularly important in a marketplace where houses are not accepting submissions directly from writers or illustrators. But just like publishers, editors, and art directors who choose their projects carefully, agents and artist's reps are very selective about who they take on as clients. The audition process is every bit as competitive as the rest of the industry. Therefore, getting an agent or artist's rep these days may be just as difficult as getting a contract from a publishing house on your own. None of this is said to discourage you from trying. It is simply informational. To learn more, stay active in SCBWI and do your homework. You will know when you are ready. Hope this helps. Best, Michelle Parker-Rock Regional Advisor SCBWI AZ Author of Books for Young Readers Freelance Writing and Editorial Services