Conference FAQs: Take 2

We've been getting some new questions lately so I thought it was a good time to stop and answer a few.

Q. I don't see pitch sessions or critiques on the schedule. When will they take place?
A. Pitch and critique sessions will be scheduled based on the faculty member's teaching schedule. When you arrive and check in at the registration desk, you will be given a card listing your appointment time. They will be going on throughout the conference, beginning on Saturday morning.

Q. When will I find out who my critique faculty is? When will I find out who my pitch faculty member is?
A. Upon checking-in at the registration desk, you will be given a card with the name of your faculty member and the time you will meet for your critique and or pitch.

Q. What if I don't get any of my choices?
A. We do our best to give each attendee one of their three choices. However, sometimes this is impossible. If we cannot assign you to one of your top three, we will call you, well before the conference, and discuss options with you.

Q. How does the faculty have time for all of the critiques, classes, meals and other time with attendees?
A. Scheduling, scheduling, scheduling. We do our best to make sure each faculty member has time for everything, but sometimes it's a squeeze. Faculty members work the entire time, so please keep the following things in mind. When your critique time is over, please thank the faculty member and move on. Don't take up the next person's time. If you make a connection and get a request, don't 'hog" the faculty member for the rest of the conference. You might wear out your welcome. And please, please, don't do anything creepy like send you manuscript to his or her room, don't stalk at the bar, don't try to hem someone up in the restroom or at the pool. Keep it professional AT ALL TIMES.

Q. What is the best way to pick my critique and pitch people?
A. Check out our website at www.myscww.org/conference and look at all the individual bios. Then google the person and find out what they're selling and what they may be looking for at the present time. Make sure you write what the faculty member sells.

Q. Who do I contact about Carrie McCray?
A. Check out the contacts link on our website. Ms. Kim Blum-Hyclak is in charge of the contest. You can email her using the link on that page.

Q. Who do I call or email if my question hasn't been answered?
A. You can call me, Lateia, at 803-671-1664 or email me at lateia.sandifer@gmail.com. Or you can call Carrie at 706-564-7998. Her email address is mcculloughca@bellsouth.net. Both of us are on the East Coast and we take calls from 9am - 9pm. Please don't call super late or super early. All of our staff members are volunteers so please be patient if it takes a few hours for us to get back to you. We WILL return your calls/emails. If we don't contact you within 72 hours, feel free to call or email again.

Questions About Registration

We thrilled that so many of you are excited about the conference and have already registered. I wanted to take a few minutes and answer some common questions we've been getting.

1. Who should I choose for my critique?

First, figure out what stage your manuscript is in. If it's finished, or nearly so, consider meeting with an editor or agent. If it's not, consider meeting with an author. Authors have a lot to contribute when it comes to craft. While agents and editors have their finger on the pulse of the market and help you assess marketability.

Secondly, figure out what niche or genre your manuscript fits into. Don't waste your time or that of a faculty member with a 'bad fit.' Yes, someone may be a deal maker, and you might be tempted to meet with thembecause of their reputation. But that's not neccessarily in your professional best-interest. Schedule a critique or pitch session with a faculty member that knows your genre.

2. Can you guarantee I will get one of the people I chose when I registered to critique me?

While we'd love to promise this, it's impossible. Rest assured, we'll do everything in our power to make sure you get one of your three choices. However, we can't guarantee it. If we can't place you with one of your top choices, we'll make every effort to schedule you with someone who is qualified to critique your genre.

3. Can I take classes different from those I registered for one I get to the conference?
Sure. The only exception are those classes that limit attendee numbers. Unless there's a class limit, you're free to shop all the classes and find the one that fits you best.

4. Will T-Shirts be available at the conference if I didn't order one when I registered?
We will print a small overage and they will be available at the Book Nook. We advise you to get there as soon as you can since we'll only be printing a few extra.

Keep the questions coming and I'll do my best to answer them.

Starting tomorrow, I'll be blogging on what defines certain genres and how you can decide where your manuscript fits.