Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my registration confirmation?
You can confirm registration by viewing details under Member Home > Events.
What is the MayFest Schedule on May 17?
(All Times are Pacific Time)
9:00-9:15 a.m. Welcome
9:15-10:15 a.m. Keynote
Eliza Wheeler, Award-Winning Author/Illustrator
10:15-10:25 a.m. Break and Portfolio Showcase
10:25-11:25 a.m. Editor Hour
Kristie Choi, Associate Editor, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Simon & Schuster
Celia Lee, Executive Editor, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Sally Morgridge, Executive Editor, Holiday House
11:25-11:35 a.m. Break and Portfolio Showcase
11:35 a.m.-12:35 p.m. Agent Hour
Chad W. Beckerman, Agent, The CAT Agency, Inc.
Jennie Kendrick, Agent, Red Fox Literary
Sandra Proudman, Literary Associate and Agent, Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency
12:45-1:15 p.m. Showcase Slideshow & Awards & Thank You to Faculty and Volunteers
2:00-5:00 p.m. Optional 15-minute Critiques
Where do I find the Zoom links?
Links to all your sessions will be accessible by clicking the Events icon on your Member Home page. The links will be under Meeting Info buttons. Also, we will be emailing everyone the links on the Thursday prior to MayFest.
What should I submit for the optional critique that I purchased?
First, check what genres the faculty is looking for.
Manuscript maximum length:
Chapter Book, Middle-Grade, Young Adult, Graphic Novel Script (no art): Submit ONE document with a one-page synopsis and ten manuscript pages: 11 pages total.
Picture books MS: Submit the complete manuscript of up to 1,000 words.
Novels in Verse/Poetry: Submit ONE document (double-spaced) with a one-page synopsis and 20 manuscript pages: 21 pages total.
Dummy: Submit a standard 32 pages with text and art. Submit ONE pdf file (maximum 5 megabytes).
Graphic Novel (Art only): Submit ONE pdf file (maximum 5 megabytes). Include 3 – 8 pages of sample panels and/or a turnaround or character development page.
Graphic Novel Script with Art: (follow the directions above and include a page of sample panels to show art style.) Submit ONE pdf file (maximum 5 megabytes).
Book Cover Art: Submit ONE pdf file (maximum 5 megabytes) with up to 5 samples.
Portfolio: Submit up to 10-15 images in ONE pdf file (maximum 5 megabytes). Each image should be 2 megabytes or less.
What are the due dates for the optional critiques?
April 12 by 7 p.m.: Participants upload their files
April 13 by 7 p.m.: Participants receive an email confirming their file was uploaded. If their file was not uploaded, they will receive an email asking them to resubmit immediately.
May 14 by 7 p.m.: Faculty uploads the Gold Form and comments on submission.
May 17, 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.: MayFest Conference
May 17, 2-5 p.m.: Zoom Critiques.
What is the portfolio due date for the Portfolio Showcase?
April 12
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds for a MayFest ticket (minus a $20 cancellation fee) are given until midnight (PT), April 26th.
There are NO refunds for Critiques or Portfolio Showcase as these fees go directly to the faculty.
To request a refund: Please email Debra Schmidt at: sandiego-ra2@scbwi.org or Linda Gorsline at: sandiego-ra@scbwi.org.
What if I have additional questions?
Please do not use the "Help" button! Instead, email Deb Snyder at: sandiego-ara@scbwi.org or Jennifer Haymore at: sandiego-ara2@scbwi.org for all conference inquiries in order to get a faster response. Thank you for your patience.