We offer critiques, a contest, first pages, and pitching sessions!
Written Critiques - Due: August 24, 2024, 10:00 PM
When you register, you may also pay for one or more written critiques of the first 10 pages of your picture book, middle grade or young adult.
If you want to register for a Picture Book Dummy or Graphic Novel Dummy critique, click here for more information.
Formatting:
- Your manuscript must be up to 10 pages saved as a Word document, double-spaced, Times New Roman, with one-inch margins.
- On the first page, indicate the name of your book as well as the genre.
- You must have a header with your name and page numbers.
- You may include a synopsis, single-spaced, one-page, one-inch margins and saved as page 11 of your submission.
- Save your document as: Agent/Editor’sLastName_YourLastName_FirstName_BookTitle_Genre (PB, MG, YA, GN)
Submitting:
- After registering for a critique, you can upload your Word document submission using THIS FORM by August 24, 2023, 10:00 PM. If you have any questions, contact Bev Plass at SoCal-RA@scbwi.org.
Written Contests - Due: August 24, 2024, 10:00 PM
Attendees may participate in our written contest for free. We will announce winners and runners up in three categories: Young Adult, Middle Grade and Picture Book. You may submit no more than one entry per category. Please DO NOT submit a manuscript which won in previous years.
Formatting:
- Your manuscript must be up to 5 pages saved as a Word document, double-spaced, Times New Roman, with one-inch margins.
- On the first page, indicate the name of your book as well as the genre.
- You must have a header with your book title and page numbers.
- DO NOT put your name on your pages. The judges need your entries to be anonymous.
- Save your 5 pages as: Genre_Title
Submitting:
- Registered attendees (virtual or in person) may submit by uploading your Word document using THIS FORM by August 24, 2024, 10:00 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Bev Plass at SoCal-RA@scbwi.org.
First Pages - Due: September 23, 2024, 10:00 PM
Would you like feedback from agents and an editor on the first page of your picture book, middle grade or young adult novel? ALL attendees are welcome to submit one first page free of charge, whether you sign up for in-person OR zoom. Your first page will be emailed to the faculty one week prior to the conference. On the day of the event, we'll hand them a hard copy, project your page on the large screen and read aloud anonymous first page submissions to the group. The panel of experts will share their first impressions.
Formatting:
- Your manuscript must be one page, double-spaced, Times New Roman, with one-inch margins and saved as a Word document.
- In the upper left hand corner, indicate if it is a picture book, mid-grade or young adult.
- You may include your name and contact information in that upper left hand section if you choose.
- If it’s Young Adult or Middle Grade, put your title centered about 1/4 of the way down, and start your first paragraph 1/3 or the way down. This is the same formatting of the first page if you were submitting your manuscript. If it’s a Picture Book, you may submit a full page entry.
- Save your document as FIRST PAGES_Genre (PB, MG, YA, GN)_Title_LastName_FirstName
Submitting:
- If you’d like to participate, you must upload your First Page to THIS FORM by Sept. 23. If you have any questions, please contact Bev Plass at SOCAL-RA@SCBWI.org.
One-on-One Pitching Sessions
When you register, you may also pay for a 10-minute one-on-one pitch session where you can pitch your projects to one of our onsite faculty. Available for in-person attendees only.
For tips on creating a pitch for your book, read this.
Note to Author-Illustrators - we have more opportunities for you! Click here.