The Magic of Revision Retreat
Oct 20, 2023 - Oct 22, 2023
3 events
Prairiewoods Retreat Center, Hiawatha, Iowa
Have you ever imagined getting the chance to get your work in front of the industry’s editors and agents to get their feedback and make your manuscripts even stronger? Now, you finally can make that dream a reality! WHEN REGISTERING, BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN AND SELECT AN ACCOMMODATION CHOICE.
Our Magical Retreat Faculty
Frances Gilbert, VP, Editor-in-Chief, Doubleday Books for Young Readers
FRANCES GILBERT is the VP, Editor-in- Chief of Doubleday Books for Young Readers. In addition to editing children’s books, Frances also writes them: She is the author of the picture books Go, Girls, Go!; Too Much Slime!; and I Will Always Be Your Bunny; the Step Into Reading titles I Love Pink!, I Love My Tutu!, I Love My Grandma! and I Love Cake!; and an abridgment of The Secret Garden (Little Golden Books).
Wendy McClure, Senior Editor, Sourcebooks Kids and Sourcebook Fire
Wendy McClure is a Senior Editor at Sourcebooks Kids and Sourcebook Fire. She started out wanting to write books and received her MFA in creative writing at the University of Iowa. She is the author of The Wilder Life: My Adventures in the Lost World of Little House on the Prairie, I’m Not the New Me, and The Amazing Mackerel Pudding Plan.
Sandra Proudman, Literary Associate, Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency, assisting Marietta Zacker
Sandra Proudman is a literary associate at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency, assisting Marietta Zacker. She is passionate about bringing underrepresented voices to the forefront and is also a committee member of #LatinxPitch. She is also the author of the YA fantasy, Salvación, (Wednesday Books) and the editor of the Latinx anthology RELIT: 16 Latinx Remixes of Classic Stories (Inkyard Press).
Sera Rivers, Literary Agent, Speilburg Literary Agency
Sera Rivers is a Literary Agent at Speilburg Literary Agency and represents children’s books, from picture books to young adult novels, including graphic novels. She prioritizes queries from children’s authors and illustrators who identify as BIPOC, LQBTQIA+ and other underrepresented and marginalized identities and cultures. She believes that words have the power to change lives and is especially interested in inclusive narratives with authentic representation.
Retreat attendees will be divided into four groups of 8 people who will meet with each editor and agent. During each critique session, you will read no more than 4 pages of work or a PB manuscript for feedback from your peers and a faculty member. By the end of the weekend, you will have four face-to-face revision sessions! Groups will stay the same during each session, so bringing four manuscripts will give you the most feedback.
· Cost for SCBWI members single room with a shared bathroom: $450.00
· Cost for SCBWI Members with a hermitage (single room with their own bathroom): $450.00
· Cost for SCBWI members off-site: $400.00
Learn more about accommodations at Prairiewoods here: https://prairiewoods.org/overnight-accommodations/
For the cost of registration, you will receive:
· Four delicious meals, featuring primarily locally grown, organic ingredients, and can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free and health-related diets. Meals include desserts and beverages.
· Additional beverages and snacks.
· A private room (if staying onsite).
· Meeting space in a beautiful setting.
· Four in-person critiques from your peers and industry professionals.
· An opportunity for an additional paid written critique.
Additional Paid Written Critiques: $50.00 per written critique.
Written critiques are assigned as first-come-first-served basis and are $50.00 per critique. These will be sent to you prior to the conference, so you can make any suggested revisions prior to the retreat.
Submit the first 10 pages and a synopsis (for MG/YA) or full PB manuscript in standard format as an attachment to iowa-ra@scbwi.org no later than 5:00 PM on September 6, 2023. Late submissions will be charged, but not critiqued. Your email subject line should include your first and last name and the title of your manuscript. (Example: Eileen Boggess, The Best Novel Ever Written).
