Q: What should I bring to the conference?

A: Definitely bring your manuscript, and do not hesitate to bring a work-in-progress. For many this is the only opportunity to receive authoritative feedback on a manuscript before sending it out to agents and editors. Our workshops are geared solely to help pinpoint possibly problematic issues of character, structure, and prose in order to facilitate your ability to market a commercially viable manuscript. As each year we have an SCWC Topic writing contest (the Topic is announced Friday night), you should also have the ability to write during the conference.

Q: What if I haven't written anything yet, and don't quite know where to start?

A: You will. There are many workshops geared to writers just starting out-- as well as those of every level.

Q: What awards are given at the SCWC?

A: The conference recognizes notable accomplishments in Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Screen. These awards are given only when work is deserving of such recognition. Such work is discovered during Read & Critique Workshops and one-on-one consultation, and is determined through a consensus of the workshop leaders. We also bestow an SCWC Topic Award for the best piece, in any form, of 250 words or less based on the one word topic named Friday Night. Recipients are awarded Sunday Evening. As a result of their being honored, several SCWC award-winners have had their recognized manuscript go on to publication.

Q: Is the SCWC Banquet a formal affair?

A: While not quite formal, it is semi-formal, or at the very least "business casual." Figure it as the one chance we have all weekend to shed our grubbies and look less like writers!

Q: Can I attend more than one workshop during a session?

A: Yes. If you find that a particular workshop is not for you, or if you'd prefer to simply tap into another, you are encouraged to do so. There are at least four individual sessions running concurrently during every mid-morning, afternoon, and late-afternoon session.

Q: How does a Read & Critique Workshop work?

A: Each workshop is run according to the preference of its Leader. In Read & Critiques, or Troubleshooting/Lecture/Q&A Workshops, many allow the author to read his/her material, then selectively request feedback from members, while others address the work directly and move on to the next. One simple rule for workshop read & critique is that the author is not allowed to respond to the critique unless directly asked. You can review the Read & Critique Workshop Rules here.

Q: What is a "Rogue" Workshop?

A: Unlike the morning and afternoon sessions, the Rogue Workshops begin at 9 p.m. and are limited in length only by the stamina of their participants. It is not uncommon for these sessions to last up until 2-6 a.m. We often have impromptu Rogue Sessions, as well, when enough interest is expressed on any given subject.

Q: Do you charge extra for Advance Submission Critique followed by one-on-one consultation?

A: Yes. An additional fee of $50 applies to submit a limited number of pages, determined by the respective reader, for private, one-on-one evaluation. This fee applies only to formal Advance Submission Critique & Consultation. Because of the considerable amount of material we receive, ASC&C is available only to those who register for Full Conference or Saturday & Sunday. Check the Staff page to find out who is accepting which genres, as well their respective criteria.

Q: What should I expect from an Advance Submission Critique followed by one-on-one consultation?

A: At the very least, you should expect a knowledgeable, comprehensive review of your manuscript pages, complete with written comments for follow-up (when warranted) and 15 minutes of private consultation with the reader.

Q: Can I submit more than the number of pages stipulated by the reader for Advance Submission Critique follwed by one-on-one consultation?

A: No.

Q: Can I arrange for more than one Advance Submission Critique?

A: Yes, at an additional cost of $50 per submission.

Q: What is the "professional format" for a manuscript?

A: Professional manuscript format is double-spaced text in a 12-point Courier or New Courier font, with an approximate a one inch margin around the page. To see an example of what a manuscript page looks like click here.

Q: If I'm planning to stay at the hotel, do I call the hotel to reserve a room?

A: Yes. The Crowne Plaza San Diego handles all lodging reservations directly. The hotel is also the physical site of the conference. Its address: 2270 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108; Telephone: (619) 297-6049; Website: www.cp-SanDiego.com. Be sure to mention the SCWC when booking to ensure you receive the discount rate. Those planning to register for the conference with hotel lodging must do so by no later than January 10, 2009.

Q: Why San Diego?