First Pages is an opportunity to receive feedback on your manuscript’s first page.
Bring five (5) copies of your anonymous manuscript first page, double spaced in 12-point font, with printed title (no author's name) 1/3 of the way down the page.
One entry per person with entries chosen randomly to be read aloud for feedback at the in-person Writers Day conference (9/9/23) at the Camarillo Library.
Drop your five copies of your First Page paperclipped together at the registration table when you arrive, in the First Pages box.
Reviewers will be Melissa Manlove, Executive Editor/Chronicle Books and Jennifer Rofe, Agent/Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
Please note that due to the expected volume of First Page submissions, there will not be enough time to read all of them. However, we expect that you will get a benefit from hearing all of the work being read aloud and commented upon by industry experts.
You may enter up to two contest entries so long as they are in two different categories (picture book, middle grade or young adult).
Entries may be fiction or nonfiction.
Follow all instructions on the contest form. Fill out the form and attach it to your email along with the first 10 pages of your manuscript (and, for middle grade and young adult entries, a synopsis). Email it to the email address found on the contest form. (If you have difficulty attaching the contest form simply include the requested information in the body of the email.)
Contest entries are accepted by email only and must be emailed no later than August 5 at 11:59pm.
Winners will be announced at the in-person Writers Day conference (9/9/23) at the Camarillo Library.
Please contact Rebecca Langston-George/RA at CenCal-RA@scbwi.org with any questions. Please read directions carefully and do not wait until the last day to ask questions.
Click below for the Writing Contest Entry form.