Step 2 of your Spring Spirit Conference Registration

Missed Step 1? Return to our SCBWI webpage to print out the conference packet to complete your registration form. The packet contains:

• The schedule for the day;
• Deadlines;
• Faculty bios;
• Session descriptions;
• Lunch descriptions; and
• Written critique and synopsis submission rules. BE SURE TO ENTER THESE DEADLINES IN YOUR CALENDAR!

The design of the 2013 conference is a bit different than in the past, i.e. we have four distinct tracks running throughout the day. You do not have to follow one track for the entire day. You may choose sessions in any of the tracks to create the perfect program for your needs, but we ask that you attend the session you choose. (We use these numbers to designate the appropriate sized room.) NOTE: Some of the sessions have pre-conference homework. Read the session descriptions carefully.

• The NOVEL track will teach authors how to better keep a grasp on the overall arc of their story. Sessions are sure to cause authors to dig deeper into their story and determine the heart of their manuscript. Talks will also include how to chose a perfect first line and uncovering your characters' deepest desires.
• The NONFICTION track is all about using narrative to make your nonfiction even more engrossing and engaging. Talks will also include how to get the most out of your research time, how to sell a nonfiction book, and how the Internet has changed nonfiction. Nonfiction writers will walk away with new tools to make their material come to life in exciting ways.
• The PICTURE BOOK track will include talks on how to think like an editor, multicultural literature, and how to create text that inspires images. A special panel of experts will discuss elements of great picture books. Authors and illustrators will come away with fresh ways to look at character and how to critique their own manuscripts and prepare them for publication.
• The ILLUSTRATION track is all about learning to bring images to life. Color, perspective, and movement will all be discussed, as well as a talk on how to best interpret the text you are given. Illustrators will have the opportunity to walk away with new tools and ways of thinking to bring their artwork to the next level. Illustrators who bring a portfolio will automatically be entered into our Portfolio Best of Show contest (faculty judges indicated below). Please indicate on the registration form that you will be bringing your portfolio.

Written Manuscript Critiques (by faculty members):   Once again, we are offering writting manuscript critiques by members of our faculty. Each reader will choose between one and three authors for a face-to-face meeting on conference day. You will find out if you've won a face-to-face critique when you pick up your registration packet on April 6. To register for a written critique you must:  

• Indicate your top three reader preferences. We make every effort to match your manuscript with the correct reader. Before choosing a reader, please read their bios and take special note of their genre prefrences. All submission MUST follow the format outlined in the Conference Add-Ons section of our registration packet.
• Deadline:  received by Feb. 6, 2013 
• Select the payment button for the $45 written manuscript critique.

Written Synopsis Critiques (by Linda Joy Singleton): At our 2012 Spring Spirit Conference, Linda spoke about creating a winning synopsis. This year she's back to help you apply her method to your work in progress.

• Synopsis submissions must follow the format listed in the Conference Add-Ons section of our registration packet.
• Deadline: received by Feb. 6, 2013 
• Select the payment button for the $17 synopsis critique.

All manuscript and synopsis submissions are due in our post office box office by Feb. 6, 2013.
[Note: There are NO EXCEPTIONS to these deadlines. We are not responsible for mail holidays. There are absolutely no refunds if you do not comply with the above rules. If you sign up for a written manuscript or synopsis critique, you must commit to meeting the deadlines and following through. It's part of being a professional. We suggest you mail your submission EARLY!]

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THE FINE PRINT: By signing up for this event, I acknowledge that audio taping, video taping and/or transmitting or aiding in any of the foregoing of any part of the conference (including, but not limited to, presentations, individual sessions and networking events) is prohibited. Additionally, the material in all handouts and presentations is copyrighted and may not be reprinted, blogged, written, orally transmitted, and/or reproduced without written permission of the copyright holder ONLY.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Full refund (less $30 processing fee) if you cancel before March 6, 2013. From March 6, 2012 on, a 50% refund IF we can fill your spot off the waiting list, otherwise, no refund. No refunds for manuscript/synopsis critiques.

Spring Spirit logo courtesy of Robin Howard