Manuscript Critique Guidelines

Manuscript Critique Submission Guidelines 

If you have purchased more than one critique, each submission must be emailed separately to the correct email address based on the type of critique and in accordance with the guidelines.

Manuscript Package Specifications

Submit one (1) manuscript package as a Word doc:

1. A brief cover letter (a half page or less) addressed to selected critique faculty with a synopsis (like a query letter). For picture book manuscripts, no synopsis is required.
2. The author’s name, title, and page number on each page.
3. The name on your manuscript must match the name used to register for the conference. No pen names, please.
4. Name the file “YourLastName.YourFirstName.Title.pdf”
5. E.g.: “Smith.John.TwinkleTwinkle.pdf”
6. Save the cover letter, synopsis, and manuscript as one document.
7. Email manuscript package to the appropriate email address *see below
8. The first ten (10) pages of a manuscript formatted using standard formatting rules. Any pages over the ten (10) page limit will not be critiqued. Manuscripts should be:

• Double spaced, in a standard font like 12 point Arial or Times New-Roman
• One inch margins
• First line of every paragraph indented half of an inch
• Do not add an extra space or blank line between paragraphs
• You may include dummy artwork if presented well, but faculty are not required to comment on artwork.

1-1 Live Virtual Critiques Email Address: [email protected]

• Subject Line: “2025 1-1 Critique for CritiqueFacultyLastName by YourLastName YourFirstName”
• Example: “2025 1-1 Critique for Hemingway by Smith John”

Written-Only Critiques Email Address: [email protected]

• Subject Line: “2025 Written Critique for CritiqueFacultyLastName by YourLastName YourFirstName”
• Example: “2025 Written Critique for Hemingway by Smith John”

Genre Submission Tips

• Picture Books: Picture book manuscripts must be limited to ten (10) pages. You may include dummy artwork if presented professionally, but faculty are not required to comment on artwork. For pure illustration, see portfolio reviews.
• Novels (chapter books, middle grade and young adult): Submit the first ten (10) pages of your manuscript even if it cuts off mid-chapter. 

Please note, cover letters and synopses will not be critiqued. They exist only to give the critique faculty a better idea of the story.

Failure to comply with the guidelines or to provide a manuscript within the stated deadline may preclude an Attendee from receiving a critique. No refunds shall be provided. Missed critique appointments cannot be made up or refunded.

ZOOM CRITIQUE DEADLINE: The deadline to submit your manuscripts via email is before midnight on Sept 5th, 2025.

WRITTEN CRITIQUE DEADLINE: The deadline to submit your manuscripts via email is before midnight on Sept 29th, 2025.

For questions, email [email protected]