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Optional Sessions
One-on-One Editor Critiques

Manuscript Submissions Now Closed

 At the Fall Conference, we will offer one-on-one manuscript critiques with our two guest editors, Mary Lee Donovan (Executive Editor, Candlewick Books) and Cecile Goyette (Senior Editor, Dial Books for Young Readers). Each editor will have a limited number of critique appointments, ten minutes per appointment. Priority will be given to SCBWI members (either full or associate members). If critique slots are still open, non-members may be given a slot. We will select manuscripts based on postmark dates. We expect to fill all slots and regret that not everyone who submits is guaranteed a critique. Manuscripts not selected for critique will be recycled.

NOTE: When you send your manuscript, you must have paid registration for Fall Conference, Saturday, October 2, for your manuscript to be considered.

Instructions

  1. Prepare your manuscript according to the Standard Manuscript Style and Manuscript Submission Requirements described below. Manuscripts that do not meet the requirements cannot be accepted.
  2. Prepare a cover page that includes the following information:
      • Your name
      • Whether you are an SCBWI member or not
      • Confirm that you have registered and paid for Fall Conference, Saturday, October 2
      • Title of manuscript
      • Name of Editor--first preference (Mary Lee Donovan or Cecile Goyette) NOTE: Mary Lee Donovan prefers picture book manuscripts. Cecile Goyette is open to all types of manuscripts, but claims less experience with nonfiction and extremely ornate fantasy fiction.
      • Name of Editor--second preference (Cecile Goyette, Mary Lee Donovan, or No Critique if your first preference cannot be offered)

Send the cover letter, TWO copies of your manuscript submission, a check for $35 made out to RMC-SCBWI, and a #10 business SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of your check in the event your manuscript is not selected) to:

      • Marjorie Blain Parker, Manuscript Critique Coordinator
        9194 East Evans Place
        Denver, CO 80231

!!! DEADLINE: Manuscripts must be POSTMARKED by AUGUST 24 !!!

Standard Manuscript Style

1" margins, double-spaced lines, 12-point font (preferably Courier or Courier New) on white paper. For purposes of this critique, the first page of your manuscript may begin at the top of the first page, rather than partway down as in standard submission style.

Manuscript Submission Requirements:

  1. Picture books — complete picture book manuscript up or a picture book dummy may be submitted. PLEASE don't send costly or irreplaceable picture book dummies
  2. Early Readers, Middle Grade and YA Novels — up to 10 manuscript pages may be submitted, plus a one-page, double-spaced synopsis.

Questions on critiques? Contact Marjorie Parker (email preferred) or phone 303-695-0484.
Instructions for Group Portfolio Review Bring your portfolio with you on October 2. Do not mail it. Portfolios should measure no more than 24" x 32" (the standard large portfolio size) and contain no more than 12 pieces. Only the first three to twelve pieces will be reviewed, depending on the quantity of portfolios. Each piece should be your very best work, presented as neatly as possible. You may also bring take-home pieces for the reviewers.

In addition, prepare a 3-5 sentence statement about your work: what your strengths are and what markets you are targeting. (e.g., "I'm Lori Kiplinger Pandy and I specialize in the stylized realism of animals and people of all ethnicities. My work is geared toward the educational market.") Please be prepared to recite your statement to the reviewers at the Group Portfolio Review. If you have questions, contact Lori Kiplinger Pandy.
Instructions for Personal Portfolio Evaluation Sessions Bring your portfolio with you on October 2. Portfolios should measure no more than 24" x 32" (the standard large portfolio size) and contain no more than 15 pieces. You may include works in progress. These fifteen-minute, one-on-one meetings with Ronnie Ann Herman or Jane Maday are offered at $20. Only five spots are availablewith each evaluator; if more than five people request portfolio evaluations, a lottery will be held. If you have questions, contact Lori Kiplinger Pandy.

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