How will this event differ from a conference?
While smaller in size than a typical Carolinas fall conference, Author and the Roundtables will be packed full of opportunities to interact with industry pros as well as enjoy the energizing creative vibe that flows throughout our events. This atmosphere is generated by your engagement and general awesomeness.
Visit the Itinerary Page for a breakdown of the weekend.
How will the Roundtables work?
On Saturday, we’ll have five 45-minute rounds of Roundtables, and a sixth round of Pitch Tables. A member of our stellar faculty will host each table with room for seven attendees. You will select which table to attend during each round ahead of time, including Round 6: Pitch Tables. Register early, as tables will fill up.
The discussion topic for each Roundtable is a jumping off point. Faculty members are prepared to discuss the topic mentioned and allow the conversation to flow based on questions and input from attendees. Topics will repeat throughout the day to give you the chance to attend as many of your choices as possible.
View each faculty member’s schedule of Roundtable Topics on their faculty page.
How will the Pitch Tables work?
Round 6 will be Pitch Tables. Each attendee will have five minutes to share their pitch and receive feedback from the faculty member within the small group setting. This means pitching for 1 - 3 minutes and saving the remainder to hear what the faculty member has to say. A timekeeper will alert when there are two minutes left in your allotted time. If a faculty member is interested in your work, they may contact the Regional Team privately to request that you submit the piece to them.
How do I prepare a 1 - 3 minute pitch?
Included with your registration, is access to the Practice Makes Pitches online session with Kelly Dyksterhouse. In this one-hour Zoom, Kelly teaches a concise method for building a great elevator pitch in preparation for the Pitch Tables. Carolinas attendees have been praised by other faculty members for their pitches after attending Kelly’s session.
Practice Makes Pitches will occur Tues, Aug 4th at 7 pm ET. The Zoom link to attend will be found in the MY EVENTS tab of your SCBWI Member Home. Click the green MEETING INFO button. The session will be recorded and made available for 30 days.
What if I’m an illustrator or author/illustrator and my project is visual?
Attendees pitching with Karina Granda or Brian LaRossa will need to include a single image. This could be a postcard or image from your portfolio. While your pitch may include a single image, Pitch Tables are not the appropriate time to show a portfolio or dummy. If you’re looking for more feedback on your illustration work, purchase a Portfolio Review or Dummy Review with one of our faculty members.
Attendees wishing to present an Illustration Pitch with an agent or editor, can visit the faculty pages to confirm whether that agent or editor works in your chosen genre.
Illustrators, you are invited to showcase your portfolio during the Portfolio Showcase. Be sure to include business cards or postcards with your portfolio as faculty members use this opportunity to scout the showcase for work that piques their interest.
How does an Illustration Pitch work?
Your Illustration Pitch will include a single postcard or image from your portfolio and a brief statement introducing yourself as an illustrator or author/illustrator. Plan to use 2 minutes max to share your postcard and your Illustrator Intro Statement. The remaining time will be used for feedback from the faculty member on the illustration and effectiveness of the postcard as a marketing tool. Looking for tips on developing a great postcard? Checkout the postcard section on the Portfolio Showcase page.
What if I don’t have anything to pitch?
We encourage you to still sign up for a Pitch Table as it can be a good learning experience to hear other pitches and the corresponding feedback. You could also use your allotted five minutes to ask the faculty member at your Pitch Table for some targeted advice.
May I switch to a different Roundtable?
Due to our limited seating, attendees will not be able to make last-minute seating selections. You will choose your Roundtables during registration and be asked to sit as assigned during the event.
Forgot what choices you picked? Not to worry. We will have that info available at check-in.
What’s included with Roundtables registration?
Included in the price of registration
- Pre-Event Zoom: Practice Makes Pitches with Kelly Dyksterhouse
- Ignite the Spark Open-Mic – All the fun and energy of the Carolinas favorite meet-up, in person!
- Complimentary coffee/tea service Saturday morning
- Keynote with author Chris Tebbetts
- 5 Roundtable discussions – choose which faculty table to join for each round
- Pitch Tables – choose from 13 faculty tables to give your pitch and receive feedback in a small group setting
- Awards presentation
- Portfolio Showcase – enter your portfolio for faculty and attendees to peruse
- Reception – enjoy a buffet of heavy appetizers from 67 Biltmore during our Portfolio Showcase
Most importantly, come enjoy the rich creative energy that makes Carolinas programs both fun and inspiring!
Optional Add-ons
- Critique – written notes on a full PB manuscript, first 10 pages of a novel, or dummy + 20 minute individual meeting
- Portfolio Review – 20 minute individual meeting to receive feedback on your illustration portfolio
- Intensive or Workshops – choose from three Friday afternoon sessions
- Box lunch – pre-order to have lunch delivered on Saturday
