FAQs

How do I check my registration confirmation?

You can confirm registration by viewing details at the SCBWI.org homepage under Member Home > MyEvents.

Where do I find the Zoom links for the conference?

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 button. Also, we will be emailing attendees the links on the Thursday prior to MayFest.

Where do I find the Zoom link for my critique?

You will be emailed your Zoom link, as well as a confirmation of your critique time, before May 21.

I would like to have a critique, but my faculty is sold out. Do you have a waiting list?

Yes, we do have a waiting list, but once a faculty is sold out, spots rarely reopen. We suggest reserving your spot early! If you would like to be added to a critique waiting list, please email Jen at [email protected] or Deb at [email protected].

What should I submit for the optional critique that I purchased?

First, check what genres the faculty is looking for. You can check each faculty's critique preferences here. Do not submit content that does not match your faculty's critique preference.

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 (you will be emailed a link to a submission folder, where you will place your file for critique).

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 21 by 7 p.m.: Faculty uploads the Gold Form and comments on submission. You may access your comments in your submission folder.

May 23, 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.: MayFest Conference

May 23, 2-5 p.m.: Zoom Critiques.

What is the portfolio due date for the Portfolio Showcase?

April 12

What do I submit for the Portfolio Showcase?

Submit up to 10-15 images in ONE pdf file (maximum 5 megabytes). Each image should be 2 megabytes or less.

What is the MayFest Schedule on May 23rd?

(All Times are Pacific Time)

9:00-9:15 a.m. Welcome

9:15-10:15 a.m. Keynote

SYDNEY SMITH, award-winning author and illustrator

10:15-10:25 a.m. Break and Portfolio Showcase

10:25-11:25 a.m. Editor Hour

RACHEL DIEBEL, Editor, Feiwel and Friends

ALLISON WEINTRAUB, Editor, HarperCollins Children’s Books  

KRISTA MARINO, VP and Senior Executive Editor, Delacorte Press

11:25-11:35 a.m. Break and Portfolio Showcase

11:35 a.m.-12:35 p.m. Agent Hour

STEPHEN BARR, Senior Literary Agent, Writer’s House

HALEY CASEY, Associate Agent, Creative Media Agency

JEN ROFE, Senior Agent, Andrea Brown Literary

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

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: [email protected] or Linda Gorsline at: [email protected].

What if I have additional questions?

Please do not use the "Help" button! Instead, email Deb Snyder at: [email protected] or Jen Haymore at: [email protected] for all conference inquiries in order to get a faster response. Thank you for your patience.