WIP FAQs

If I have multiple PDF files how do I make them into one file? eHow explains several programs you can use: How to Merge PDF Files. You can also use a free online service like www.ilovepdf.com

Defining Work-in-Progress
What does “Work-in-Progress” mean? A work-in-progress (for purposes of this grant) is a fully developed, polished piece of writing ready for editorial consideration.
Doesn’t that mean a writer needs to do all the work before even applying for a grant?  When we say “polished” what we mean is that the piece is not in first draft form or just a loose idea for a story.  There should be a well thought-out synopsis and the first pages should be well-edited.  We strongly recommend the first pages have also been through at least one critique with the person’s critique group, writing partner or friend. By calling it a “work-in-progress” the writer acknowledges the fact that before publication, rewriting and perhaps additional research will be necessary.

Eligibility
I am an only an associate member. Can I still apply for a grant? All SCBWI members, whether PAL, full or associate are eligible for the WIP Grants.

I plan to join SCBWI but am not yet a member. Can I still apply for a grant? No. You must first be a member. Click on the “Join Now” button above to become a member instantly.

My membership will soon expire, can I still apply for a grant? Your membership must be active through August, when the award is granted, to be eligible to apply. Log in to your profile and click on "Membership Renewal" to renew.

I am an SCBWI member but my writing partner is not. Can we still apply for a grant? Yes. The SCBWI member would submit the application on behalf of the pair. If you are both SCBWI members, you would still only submit one application.

I have a book that editors are interested in, but no one has offered me a contract on it. Can I use it to apply for a WIP Grant? You can still apply but understand that the project cannot be under contract as of the grant application deadline. 

Can I continue to circulate the project I submitted for a WIP Grant? Yes. However,  if you recieve a contract after the deadline but during the judging process we would ask that you withdraw your application by e-mailing the grant coordinator. 

How do I apply for the "unpublished author" award? You do not apply for this award directly.  You are automatically entered when you select "unpublished" on any of the Work-in-Progress grants.

If I have self-published a book can I select "unpublished"? Yes, for the purposes of this grant you are only considered "published" if you have had a book under contract with a PAL publisher.

For Illustrators:
I am an illustrator. Should I be applying for the WIP, Karlin, or Freeman Grants? You should apply for the Don Freeman Work-In-Progress Grant if you are submitting solely illustration or text and illustration. The Barbara Karlin Work-In-Progress Grant is strictly for picture book text and no illustrations will be accepted.
I am an author/illustrator. How do I submit art samples with my text for a WIP Grant? You should apply for the Don Freeman grant and submit a dummy in PDF form, electronically.
Can I mail in artwork? No. All submissions must be electronic.
Can an author/illustrator submit a completed text for an application that requests funds to defray expenses in the illustration phase? Yes, as long as the application is for either the General, multicultural or the Contemporary Novel Grant, where the “Use of Grant” is unrestricted. Nonfiction Research Grants must be used for research.
My project is a novel in poetry. Does my writing sample need to be double-spaced? Poetry may be submitted single-spaced, which is the professional standard.
My novel in poetry needs abundant research for accuracy of setting and character. Can I apply for the Nonfiction Research Grant? The Nonfiction Research Grant is limited to projects that are nonfiction.

Filling out the Application Form
Both the “Career Summary/Background” section and the “Use of Grant” section will exceed the space allowed on the Application Form. May I put the additional information on one back-up page, or must I use a separate page for each topic? Yes. Remember, the entire application cannot exceed 15 pages.

I’m supposed to use my name as listed by SCBWI, but the membership card is incorrect. What should I do? Please use the name on your membership card so that we can find you in the database. Alternately, you may log in at scbwi.org with your e-mail address and password and click on “Manage Profile” to change your name.

I have just sold my first children’s book but it will not be published until later this year. Am I published or unpublished? If you have a book under contract, you are considered “published.”

I have published puzzle and game books for children, on a work-for-hire basis, but never a novel. Am I considered “published?” If the project has taken the form of a book and been marketed for children or young adults, you are published.

I have written textbooks for children, for the educational market, but never published a trade book. Am I still unpublished? The educational market is quite separate from trade and mass market publishing, so you are, for purposes of the Work-In-Progress Grants, still unpublished.

I have self-published a book of poetry for young children and I now have an e-novel available online, but have not yet published a trade book. So am I published or unpublished? You are considered “unpublished” for the purposes of the Work-In-Progress Grants.

Which Grant should I Apply For?

What is the difference between General and Contemporary? Contemporary novels are typically chapter books, MG and YA novels set in modern times with contemporary themes. The general category is broader and includes historical fiction and fantasy.

I have a biography. Does it belong in the General or Nonfiction Research category? If you need the grant to support research, your project will suit the Nonfiction Research Grant. If you have any other use for the funds, submit it to the General category.

I have a contemporary novel for children, but it’s a chapter book, not YA. Should it go in the General category? The Contemporary Novel category considers chapter books and middle grade, as well as YA projects.

I have an historical fiction novel that requires abundant nonfiction research. May I use it to apply for the Nonfiction Research Grant? Though your need is for research, your project is fiction, so it must be submitted in the General category.

What are the requirements for the Multi-cultural category?
Manuscripts for the "Multi-cultural" Work-in-Progress must have a multi-cultural focus. For this grant, multi-cultural is defined in the traditional sense as ethnic/family culture and must include themes dealing with race or ethnic heritage.  This is not a category simply for manuscripts with multi-racial characters but rather must present characters dealing with issues that arise from their specific cultural identity as a central theme.  This is also not a category for general struggle.  Again, issues of race or ethnicity must be at the core of the story.

I am an author and illustrator should I apply for the Barbara Karlin or Don Freeman grant?
If you feel your illustrations are your strong suit, you should apply for the Don Freeman grant, if you feel you are more of an author, the Barbara Karlin grant is best.

Career Summary
I am an unpublished writer, so how do I provide a “career summary”? You should include any experience that relates to the subject-matter of your project, as well as that which substantiates your knowledge of the world of children and young adults.

Is it helpful to include a resume, C.V. or list of publications? No.

Use of Grant
Can I use the money for child care? Yes, as long as you are not applying for the Nonfiction Research Grant, whose uses must be related to research.

Can I use the money for conferences unrelated to SCBWI? There is no restriction placed upon applicants for the General and Contemporary Novel Grants.

There is no mention of “financial need” on the application, so where do I mention my particular financial hardship? That information should be addressed as you explain how the grant will be used.

How much detail is required in a breakdown of expenses? You do not need to detail dollar amounts, but your information should be specific.

Nonfiction Research Grant
Since a nonfiction proposal does not have all the research done, how much do the judges really expect to see on the writing sample? Applicants must have completed sufficient research to write the initial chapters and provide a detailed synopsis.

Writing Sample
Word Count and Page Limit
Because my application form and synopsis are only one page each, I have 13 pages I can use for the writing sample and still be within the 15-page limit. Can I submit all 13 pages even if the sample exceeds the word limit? Any writing sample in excess of 2500 words will result in the application being disqualified.

I need to use an additional ½ page, page 16, to complete the chapter. Will I be disqualified? Any application packet in excess of 15 pages will be disqualified.

Synopisis
Should the synopsis be of the entire work? Yes. The purpose of the synopsis it to lay out the shape and construction of the entire work.
Can I include what else is available on the nonfiction topic and why I think the topic is valuable? Yes.
Can the synopsis be single-spaced? The synopsis must be double-spaced like the writing sample.

Deadline
I have only just learned about the WIP Grants and will be unable to meet the deadline. Is it possible to extend it for two weeks? Sorry! The deadlines are firm.
I have been working on my grant packet for several months. Must I wait to submit it? Only applications received within the submission period will be considered.

HELP! I still have questions!  Feel free to email us!