Organizations
Below are listed some organizations that may be useful to you if you are an author or an illustrator. Some are for-profit and others are not. We aren't supporting these groups or vouching for their integrity, just listing them because they are well-known among the publishing community.
SCBWI
Founded in 1971 by a group of Los Angeles-based children's writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators 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, and multimedia. Several 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. As a unified body, the SCBWI acts as a powerful force to effect important changes within the field of children's literature, promoting new copyright legislation, equitable treatment of authors and artists, and fair contract terms. 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.
National Writer's Union (NWU)
FROM NWU WEBSITE: The National Writers Union is more than just another writers' organization. It is the only labor union that represents freelance writers in all genres, formats, and media.
As writers we may value our autonomy, but we are united in the fact that we work independently. We face the same challenges, file the same income tax forms, and often suffer the same frustrations. Whether you're a journalist, a book author or a technical or business writer - whether you write poetry or proposals - the NWU is already working to improve your professional life.
By joining the NWU you can directly benefit from the many valuable services the Union offers its members - including grievance assistance, contract advice, a job hotline, health and professional liability insurance, and much more - and actively contribute to a growing movement of professional writers who have banded together to assert their collective power.
With the combined strength of more than 1,500 members in 15 local chapters nationwide, and with the support of the United Automobile Workers (UAW), the NWU works to advance the economic and working conditions of writers. We do this by challenging the corporate media giants, lobbying Congress to pass legislation that protects the rights of writers, creating viable solutions to provide publishers fair alternatives to unfair practices, and educating and empowering our members.
IBPA
IBPA, the Independent Book Publishers Association is a trade association of independent publishers. Founded in 1983, it serves book, audio, and video publishers located in the United States and around the world.
Its mission is to advance the professional interests of independent publishers. To this end, IBPA provides cooperative marketing programs, education and advocacy within the publishing industry. 
IBPA's membership of more than 4,000 publishers continues to grow. It is governed by a voluntary board of directors that meets regularly to discuss and plan the association's business. Board members reflect the varied membership and serve two- to four-year terms.
IBPA offers beneficial programs and information to all member publishers, regardless of their size or experience.
Member Benefits
IBPA Affiliate Groups in your area
SPAN
FROM SPAN WEBSITE: The Small Publishers Association of North America (SPAN) emerged out of a need for energized, decisive leadership. When COSMEP folded in February of 1996, a void was left in our industry. We are committed to filling that void--to being your best, most creative, most dynamic source for revenue-generating information and money-saving tips.
Savvy authors who seek to more effectively promote and sell their own books are also welcome. SPAN is your unique outreach opportunity to network with smaller presses who may be interested in publishing your manuscript.
Our vision is to be a beacon of light for small presses and self-publishers, to create entrepreneurial opportunities for new publishers to take their place in this rich tradition while providing existing independent press with powerful tools to foster faster growth. Together, we can form a strategic alliance to celebrate this exciting movement and forge a partnership of vitality and prosperity.
Those in independent publishing are possessed of a generosity of spirit. This same attitude of givingness is part of the SPAN tradition: we nurture you as a member, have faith in your vision, offer you a sense of community. SPAN sets the standard for independent publishing as we move into the new millennium.
SPAN's website
Bowker
As the Official ISBN Agency for the United States, Bowker is exclusively responsible for the assignment of the ISBN prefix to those publishers with a residence or office in the U.S. As part of its duty to the International ISBN Agency, Bowker provides 
information and advice on the uses of the ISBN system to publishers and the book trade, and promotes the use of the Bookland EAN bar code format.
Learn more about Bowker ISBN by navigating the links below ...
AtlasBooks
AtlasBooks is a distributor that is paid upfront. They are a last resort for independent publishers who want to break into the mainstream book world. It is very expensive and only worth it if backed up by a vigorous marketing campaign by the author. Atlas cannot increase the sales of your books, they can only multiply your own efforts.
FROM THEIR WEBSITE: AtlasBooks Distribution Service — a division of BookMasters, Inc. — provides distribution to the book trade for publishers.
AtlasBooks Distribution markets and sells books to wholesalers, chains, independents, online retailers, and other retail markets on a global basis. We use an in-house sales staff and some of the most experienced commissioned book sales representatives in the field to sell your books.
We combine this selling effort with a focused trade-marketing program to promote your titles to the book trade and generate sales for you. AtlasBooks Distribution is complemented by our parent firm BookMasters, Inc.’s direct-to-consumer fulfillment services, providing a complete go-to-market solution. When you partner with us, you benefit from the clout of a growing list of publishers that makes AtlasBooks Distribution a respected name with wholesalers and retailers.
Castlebridge Books
The sister company of Dragonpencil, Castlebridge Books is a recognized publishing imprint. Castlebridge delivers quality books to customers via bookstores, online stores, and reading devices such as the Kindle and iPad. Castlebridge Books was created to provide a vehicle for independent authors to gain access to the industry. Without it, authors had to rely on predatory self-publishing companies or go it all alone. To protect all the Castlebridge authors, high standards must be met by any potential books. A quality book packager like Dragonpencil will ensure those high standards are met. For more information aboutCastlebridge Books call (888) 300-1961
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