We’re thrilled to offer critiques, pitches, and portfolio reviews with our brilliant faculty members this year.
Critiques and Portfolio Reviews
We believe you can never get too much feedback. Whether you are being reviewed by a publishing industry insider or an experienced author or illustrator, critiques and portfolio reviews can teach you things you will be able to use in all your writing and illustration projects. And it can make the difference before you send it out to agents and editors for consideration.
In-person Critiques and portfolio reviews cost $80 and should be chosen during registration. In-person Critiques and portfolio reviews are in person during the conference on Saturday May 4. Each critique or review is 15 minutes.
Online written-only critiques cost $55 and will be returned to you sometime in May. You will not be meeting with online faculty with the written-only critique option.
All critiques and portfolio reviews are offered on a first come, first serve basis. Once a critiquer or portfolio reviewer has sold out, you can email austin-ara@scbwi.org to join the waitlist. We will email and invoice you if a spot opens up.
If you want to add a critique or portfolio review after you have registered, you will need to update your registration.
There are NO refunds for any Critique Consultations/Portfolio Reviews or for Pitches unless the spot can be filled by another participant. If your spot is filled, you will receive a full refund (minus a $5 processing fee per consultation, review, or pitch). See the Austin Events FAQ for more refund information.
Click here for more information on critiques/portfolio reviews including submission information and deadlines >>
Pitches
Nothing is more fun than discussing your book with a professional. This year we are offering in-person pitches during the conference on Saturday May 4.
(We are working to provide online pitches on a date after the in-person conference weekend.)
Agent pitch sessions cost $20 and are 10-minute time slots when you may either pitch your story to the agent or simply ask questions about the industry or their agency. The session allows you guaranteed time with that person. A pitch is not a guarantee of acceptance of your manuscript. It’s a chance to make an impression, get comfortable meeting with agents, and learn. Make sure you are practiced and ready to go.
You will NOT need to bring your manuscript to the pitch. The pitch is verbal only and is a summary of the book in question. Even if you are pitching a picture book, you should prepare a pitch. You will not be reading from any portion of your manuscript during the session. If the agent or editor requests to see your manuscript, they will tell you how to send it to them AFTER the conference.
Pitch times may not be changed on the day and cannot be rescheduled if you miss your slot. Aim to be in the pitch area five (5) minutes before your scheduled time slot.
Agent pitch/consultations can be purchased during registration. If you would like to add one after your initial registration, you will need to update your registration. If they’re sold out, you can email austin-ara@scbwi.org to join the waitlist, and we will email and invoice you if a spot opens up.
There are NO refunds for any Critique Consultations/Portfolio Reviews or for Pitches unless the spot can be filled by another participant. If your spot is filled, you will receive a full refund (minus a $5 processing fee per consultation, review, or pitch). See the Austin Events FAQ for more refund information.
Conference Illustration logo artwork by Laura Fisk Instagram:@laurafiskstudio