How can I join SCBWI? You can go to scbwi.org and follow the directions there.
What events does the SCBWI Florida Region hold? We hold a Regional Conference in January and a Mid-Year Workshop in June. The events provide an opportunity to network with fellow writers and illustrators, meet agents and editors, learn about your craft, and gain knowledge about the publishing industry. Visit our website frequently to get details on these events and to register in advance.
How can SCBWI Florida help me get published? While we can’t get you published, we can help you deepen your knowledge of craft, put you in touch with other writers in order to network, and expose you to award-winning writers and illustrators, agents, and editors from whom you can learn all about publishing. Many members have become traditionally published as a result of knowledge they’ve gained, contacts they’ve made, or critiques they’ve received at conferences.
What is SCBWI Florida’s position regarding self-publishing? SCBWI welcomes members who self-publish their books. You may sell one of your books through our booksellers if you are attending a conference. Note: some of our on-site booksellers may require you to sell on consignment.
What is an Intensive? An Intensive is a day-long workshop, which delves deeply into craft. They are typically available in Picture Book, Novel, and Illustration. All Intensives are presented on the Fridays before the January Regional Conference and the June Mid-Year Workshop. The cost of an Intensive is NOT included in the cost of the conference or workshop. You must register separately and pay a separate fee for an Intensive. Intensives are only open to SCBWI members.
May I register for an Intensive only? Yes, you may. But you must be a member.
What is a critique? Before conferences, you may send in a picture book manuscript (no more than ten pages) or the FIRST ten pages of a novel for a paid critique by an editor, agent, or published writer. See website for deadlines and instructions before conference and workshops. All critiques are held on Saturday afternoons.
May I request a specific person to critique my manuscript? No you may not. Many factors go into the assignment of manuscripts, including whether an agent/editor/author accepts manuscripts in your category or genre. For example, some agents do not accept picture books. Some editors do not want to read fantasy. Some manuscripts might benefit from a critique by a professional writer in your genre who can make suggestions that would result in a more professionally written manuscript. Rest assured your work will be read thoroughly by at least three readers, who will then assign the best critiquer for your manuscript.
What are Boot Camps? In September, SCBWI Florida holds day-long workshops in various locations and on various topics for a minimal fee. Check our website and Facebook pages for information on times, places, topics, and registration information in August.
What are free monthly meetings? SCBWI Florida holds two-hour Saturday workshops several locations around the state on various Saturdays. Please see our website for details about meetings. The schedule is to the right of the calendar on the front page of the website.
What does PAL stand for? Published and Listed. You are a PAL member if your publisher is listed on this page: https://www.scbwi.org/list-of-pal-publishers/
How can I join a critique group? Contact Mindy at mindyaweiss@yahoo.com for information or see our website page: https://florida.scbwi.org/critique-groups/. You don’t have to be a member to join a critique group, but you must be a member to start one.
How can I get up-to-date information on events? There are several ways to keep up to date with SCBWI Florida. Please visit our website frequently, join to our Facebook page, and follow us on Twitter.