Author & Writer Opportunities
We are excited to offer several opportunities to authors and writers who attend the conference.
2025 Midsouth Fiction Contest (FREE with purchase of paid face-to-face manuscript critique)
For 2025, we will be running our contest in conjunction with our critiques. Each of our critiquing agents and editors will have the option of choosing the “Most Publishable” manuscript from among all of the pieces they review. Winners will receive a certificate of distinction at the Create a Scene Bash on Saturday night. If you purchase a face-to-face critique, your submission is automatically entered in the manuscript contest. Winners will be promoted in the Midsouth monthly newsletter and on our social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.
PAID Face-to-Face Critiques ($85-$100)
Choose Your Own Critiquer $100
Critiquer Chosen for You $85
During online registration, you’ll have the option to choose one of the above two options. Be sure to register early! Choose-your-own spots fill up especially fast! Once slots are full, these options will no longer be available, but you may join the waitlist HERE. Visit the Manuscript Critiques and Submissions page for all the details.
Pitch Critique Sessions ($30 to pitch, FREE to observe)
Get live, real-time feedback to help you hone your pitch from an industry professional in a large group setting. The feedback will be focused on ways to make your pitch stronger and more compelling.
To Secure a Pitch Session slot, choose the add-on during registration (limit of 10 paid pitches per room, no limit on observers).
Registering for a pitch before the early bird deadline (July 1) also includes:
● A FREE pre-conference Pitch Perfect webinar on July 19 to learn how to develop a pitch
● A FREE pre-conference virtual roundtable on August 30 with fellow conference attendees to practice your pitch among peers
Visit the Pitch Critique Sessions page for all the details.
SCBWI Authors/Illustrators Display
SCBWI Midsouth members who are attending the Midsouth conference may submit good news photos to be digitally displayed on the large projector screen in our main meeting room throughout the conference. Instructions on submitting materials for display will be sent via email closer to the conference date.
Find a Critique Group or Partner
Due to time and space considerations in our new venue this year, we will not be offering a structured opportunity to do informal peer-to-peer manuscript critiques. However, there will be a display table on site for attendees to sign up to be matched after the conference with a critique group or critique partner. You are always welcome (and encouraged) to chat with fellow attendees to see if you can find someone to swap manuscripts with during your free time at the conference, such as after the informal Friday night meet-and-greet.