Come to meet, greet, and purchase books by your favorite Midsouth authors* and Midsouth Fall Conference faculty. Coffee, dessert, and conference folders with nametags will be available for attendees and faculty in the Event Room.

ESSENTIAL CONFERENCE FAQs:

1. Can I send sketches with my picture book manuscript for a paid critique?

You can, but with two caveats: You get no more than 15 minutes, so if your critiquer has to respond about both text and art, you may not get much useful feedback at all. Also, if you’re not assigned to the editor, a critiquer who isn’t an author/illustrator might not be able to give useful information.

If you do decide to do this, remember that these sketches must be copies (no originals) and must be on standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper.

2. Is there any benefit to getting my manuscript in early?

The only benefit is that you probably won’t have to be pulled out of a workshop session if all the regular critique spots are already filled.

3. Does getting my manuscript in early guarantee me a spot with the editor? 

Early arrival of the manuscript does not mean first crack at the editor. A critique committee decides which critiquer receives which project so that all critiquers get manuscripts that are most appropriate for them.

4. What if all standard critique-time slots get filled (those that take place between breakout sessions)?

As the brochure says, if the spots are all filled, then you will be assigned a critique session at some other time, and perhaps will be pulled out of a workshop for a critique. It also says that if being pulled out of a session is unacceptable, you must note this on your form. If your registration arrives after all the standard spots are filled, your check for the critique will be returned to you at the conference.

5. Am I guaranteed a spot with the art director if I get my registration and fee for the art portfolio critique in early?

Portfolio critiques will be assigned first-come, first-served with the art director. After the standard spots are filled, we’ll have people pulled out of sessions. If there are still more portfolios, critiques will be done by another expert.

6. Can I send in my registration fee, with my fees for a manuscript critique, and then send my manuscript in later?

Yes, but you will not be assigned a critique spot until everything has arrived.

7. May I submit my first page at a later time than my registration form and fees?

No, they must arrive together, in the same envelope.

8. May I send more than one manuscript for critique?

Yes. Be sure to include the correct amount of money to cover the number of critiques. 

9. What does the “First Page Critiques with Harold Underdown and Amalia Ellison” on the registration form mean?

Editors will tell you that their time is so limited that they often won’t read past a first page unless something grabs their attention. In this session, both Harold and Amalia will read aloud as many anonymous first pages as time allows and will critique them for the audience. They will explain if and why they would want to read further based on the first page. This is a fun, stress-free way to get instant feedback on your work but is not intended to be an in-depth critique. Rather, it is a learning exercise for everyone in the audience. Your page will not be returned to you after the conference.

To submit your first page, include it when you send in your registration form and fees. It must be anonymous. It must follow standard formatting (see “From Keyboard to Printed Page” by clicking this link, but for purposes of this session, start your first page 1 inch from the top, rather than partway down.). You may want to note whether it’s a picture book or part of a novel.

10. Why does the brochure show Sunday’s schedule with a First Page Critiques and an Art Screening taking place at the same time?

This year, we will offer a second First Pages session on Sunday morning, simultaneous with the Art Screening session (in another room with the art director).

Art directors’ time is so limited that they often won’t give an art sample more than a cursory look unless something grabs their attention. At the Art Screening, the art director will look at and critique anonymous art samples. Do not send them with your registration form. Bring one example to the session with you.

If you would like to submit a first page and also attend the art screening, when you submit your first page with your registration form, write “Art Screening” at the top of your first page so it will be placed in the pile of first-page submissions to be viewed at Saturday afternoon’s First Page Critiques, time permitting. Otherwise, it may be critiqued during Sunday morning’s First Pages while you’re at the Art Screening.

11. Which fees are due when I send in my registration form?

Payment for ALL is due in advance—you send in a check with your registration form. As the brochure says, payment must be received by August 20 for a critique (which is when the manuscripts are due), and by September 9 for an art portfolio critique (art comes with you to the conference). However, waiting until September 9 to register may not be wise. The conference is open to only 120 registrants and may fill up early.

As it says at the very top of the registration form (and I don’t mind repeating it here, in case anyone has missed it!), send your registration form and check for the conference registration made out to SCBWI-Midsouth, along with your manuscript or portfolio critique fees and manuscripts to be critiqued, if applicable, to Tracy Barrett, Regional Advisor, SCBWI-Midsouth, P.O. Box 120061, Nashville, TN 37212.

12. How will the critique groups work on Saturday? Will we each read our own material while other folks write comments? Or is it more of a discussion?

Except for people who request to be in a special group (listserv critters for members of the Midsouth Kidbooks listserv, illustrators, or people who want to be with a specific person) groups will be organized according to zip code.

Each group can do critiques however they want. We suggest that each group choose a moderator who will watch the clock to ensure that all manuscripts are given an equal amount of time during that hour.

After a manuscript has been read, everyone can offer comments about what they liked about the manuscript and comments on areas that they think need work.

A critique form identical to the one used by the listserv critters will be available at the registration desk. This will give everyone an idea of what to look for in the manuscripts as they critique.

13. How much material should I bring for the critique groups on Saturday?

Your short allotment of time is not only for the manuscript to be read but also for the rest of the group to offer comments. So, I would suggest not bringing more than 5 pages of double-spaced writing, and even that might not all get read.

14. Should I bring the same material for critique groups on Saturday that I’m submitting for a paid critique? 

That’s up to you. If you submit something different for the paid critique than what you submit for the group critique, you will get feedback on more than one manuscript. However, you may want a lot of feedback on only one manuscript. That’s your choice.

15. Does it need to be the first chapter of our book? Or any chapter as long as we adequately set it up?

The first chapter is the best, up to 5 pages. Editors and agents often determine if they’re interested in a manuscript based on its first chapter. In addition, a different chapter may be difficult for the critique group to understand without your having to take a lot of time setting up the story.

16. How will we know which critique group we’re in?

Since some people will still be registering at the last minute, that list won’t be available before the conference. When you sign in at the conference on the morning of September 20 (or at the book signing at Davis-Kidd Booksellers on September 19) you’ll receive your conference packet, which will include information about your paid-critique appointment (if you signed up for one), as well as the group number of your group critique.

17. How should I dress?

Conference dress could be defined as business casual.

18. Can you send me a map and driving directions to the Scarritt-Bennett Center?

View a map of Scarritt Bennett Center by clicking here. We’ll meet in the Fondren building. The most convenient lot for parking is Parking Lot A. You may use any other Scarritt-Bennett lot or park on the street but you’re strongly advised NOT to use any Vanderbilt lot. They tow in a heartbeat!