Your manuscript’s first page is everything! If readers aren’t hooked instantly, they might never turn the page. Make that crucial first impression count—get expert feedback from industry professionals on your opening page. This is your chance to captivate readers from the very first line.
How it Works
- Attendees can email their first page by January 9, 2026.
- The email address will be accessible to all registered attendees under MEMBER HOME > MY RESOURCES > VIRTUAL Winter Conference 2026 Info, Handouts, and Video Replay Links.
- All submissions must be double spaced, New Times Roman and sent as WORD DOC attachments. Do not put pages in the body of your email.
- Make sure your genre is clearly listed at the top of the page and in the subject line of the email.
- Panelists may share your first page on the screen so participants may read along. Please make sure your name is NOT on your page if you want to remain anonymous.
- Each of the three panelists will select 5-6 first pages to critique live.
All attendees will learn what goes into a gripping first page!
The Panel (click on photos to read bios)
