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THURSDAY WORKSHOPS (THIRD DEGREE THURSDAY)
Do I need to pre-register for the Thursday
workshops?
The Thursday workshops are an optional, limited
enrollment component of the conference, not
included in the regular registration fee. The
cost is $75, and you choose from four workshops
in each of four timeslots (4 out of 16 total
workshops); this is expanded from previous years
when we offered three workshops in three
timeslots.
When you complete your
Registration Form, mark
the block for Third Degree Thursday and $75 will
be added to your conference total. Once you have
registered, you are free to attend whichever workshop(s) you prefer – no additional
registration required.
Can I register that day?
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SLEUTHFEST 101 DINNER
What is it?
An opportunity for SleuthFest newbies to join
one another for dinner Thursday evening, hosted
by author Julie Compton at the hotel. Repeat
Offenders (those who have attended SleuthFest
before) are also invited. An excellent
opportunity to learn what’s in store over the
next three days and hints on how to gain the
greatest advantage from your attendance.
How does it work?
Cost is $40 before the conference, and $55
on-site day of the dinner. See the
Registration Form to select attendance and
for meal choices.
Anything else?
Yes. Avoid that first awkward evening at a new
conference, while enjoying dinner and making new
friends. You’ll definitely have a foot up on the
other attendees on Friday morning.
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AUTHOR AUCTION
What is the Author Auction?
Each year at the Saturday luncheon a live
auction is held for services donated by authors.
Critiques and character namings are most
popular. But each year, something new might be
added.
How do I pay for what I buy?
Check or cash. We are unable to process credit
cards on site.
Who are some of the authors and Guests of Honor
who have donated in the past?
Janet Evanovich, Robert Crais, Michael Connelly,
Lisa Scottoline, PJ Parrish, Stuart Kaminsky,
Linda Fairstein, Neil Plakcy, Rene Balcer, and
many others.
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RAFFLE
What is the Raffle?
One of our volunteers collects and packages
baskets of books and all types of doodads too
numerous to mention. The baskets are on display
for examination throughout the conference.
How do I participate?
Raffle tickets are sold throughout the
conference by volunteers who roam the area
wearing pink boas. Prices are reasonable, and
you can buy as many tickets as you like. Slotted
boxes are placed with each raffle item and you
put your tickets in the box for the item you
would like to win.
When is the drawing and must I be present to
win?
The drawing is held at the cocktail party on
Saturday evening. It is not necessary for you to
be there, but your tickets must be. Winning
tickets are verified at the time of the drawing
and the items presented. We cannot mail winning
baskets. Many people who cannot attend on
Saturday evening leave their tickets with a
trusted friend.
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SHORT STORY CONTEST
SleuthFest 2011 will sponsor a
short story
contest. All unpublished registrants are invited
to submit a short story.
Rules and procedures
are located elsewhere on the web site. Read them
carefully. Failure to follow the instructions
are cause for disqualification.
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AGENT AND EDITOR APPOINTMENTS
What is this?
Each year, agents and editors attend as SF
invited guests. They are present to participate
on panels, to accept “cold pitches” from
participants, and to enjoy the conference.
Does it cost extra?
No.
Do I need a completed manuscript in order to
“cold pitch” an agent or editor?
It is highly recommended that your manuscript be
complete and ready to submit. Pitching a partial
is frowned upon. Most editors will not accept
unagented manuscripts, but small press
representatives may.
How do I arrange for an appointment?
The
Registration Form has a place to indicate
your interest. Check it, then wait for
notification from the Agent and Editor
Appointments volunteer. Your appointment
information will be in your name badge, which
you receive upon checking in at the conference.
Do I choose with whom I want to meet?
No. You will be assigned by the A & E
Appointments volunteer. You will be asked to
provide your top three choices, in priority
order. This will happen in January or early
February.
When will I know with whom I’m meeting?
When you check in at the conference, there will
be a card in your name badge with the
information.
How long do I have to make my pitch?
10 minutes.
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INTERFACE WITH AGENTS AND EDITORS
Will I have opportunities to meet and talk to
the agents and editors other than at the pitch
sessions?
The Agents and Editors attend SleuthFest as our
guests. They are friendly, outgoing, and enjoy
meeting and chatting with attendees. Feel free
to approach them as you would any other
attendee. However, remember basic courtesy and
privacy – bathrooms are off-limits for pitching.
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MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE
What is this?
Invited agents and/or editors agree to critique
ten (10) pages of a manuscript.
What does it cost?
$100.
What should I expect?
Difficult to answer, but the key word is
CRITIQUE. It is not intended as a “pitch,” nor
is it a query. The agent or editor is not
expected to evaluate the ten-pages on an
acceptance/rejection basis. You will receive a
critique of your work. The technique may vary
from person to person, but it’s a critique by a
professional. You will receive an email with
information about where to send your pages after
you register. |
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FRIDAY NIGHT BUFFET
What is it?
This is another meal option, meant to avoid
lines and long waits in the hotel restaurant. In
cases of inclement weather, the restaurant gets
very crowded. In that event, a dedicated spot
for SleuthFest attendees to grab a quick meal
will speed attendees to the Friday night
activities.
Sign up on the
Registration Form ($35) or on-site during
SleuthFest ($40). See the
Registration Form for
details about entrees included on the buffet.
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READER’S CORNER
What is it?
The opportunity to read a ten (10) minute
segment of your manuscript to a group of your
peers. Your reading will be evaluated and
comments returned to you.
How does it work?
a. Prior to the conference, you will be invited
to participate by Dirk Wyle. If you say yes,
Dirk will include you on the list of readers.
b. On Thursday evening at 7:30, the moderator
will call the group together and alert the first
trio of readers.
c. Each person will be called to the podium and
given ten (10) minutes to introduce themselves,
set up his/her reading, and read their pages.
d. At the end of the time, the audience will
complete written critique sheets which will be
provided to the reader.
Who
can read?
a. Priority will be given to unpublished
authors.
b. After all unpublished authors have been
assigned, published authors are welcome to read
from an unpublished work.
Any hints on setup?
a. Yes. Categorize your work to help the
audience know where you’re headed. Example
categories are:
I.
Beginning that hit the ground running
II. Calls to action
III. The usual suspects
IV. Peeking through keyholes
V. Clever tricks
VI. Milieu scenes
VII. Stark confrontations
VIII. Mulling over the case
IX. Crazy characters
X. Cliff-hanging suspense
b. Or make up your own category.
Anything else?
a. The atmosphere is informal, with lots of
coming and going of the audience. However,
readers are expected to be present for the
entire program and pay-it-forward by critiquing
others.
b. Hors d’oeuvres will be available.
c. For additional information, email Dirk Wyle
at
dirk@dirk-wyle.com.
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PROGRAM ADS
Are ads available in the program book?
Yes.
How can I buy one?
Email PJ Parrish at
PJParish@aol.com to reserve your space. She
can work with you if you don’t have an ad.
Deadline for all ad copy is January 10, 2011.
Suppose I’m iffy on designing an ad.
We offer free design services. If you would like
an ad, but have no one to assist you in
designing one, we will help you free of charge!
If you require this service, please contact PJ
Parrish so we can schedule your space and get to
work on your ad. PJ will provide a proof for
your approval as soon as it is complete.
How do I submit an ad and what sizes are
available?
Pre-Designed Ads. Ads should be designed in 300
DPI, and saved in a PDF, PSD, EPS or JEPG
format, grayscale or color. We prefer email but
can also accept a CD, or a high-quality scan on
disk or paper. Please advise if you need an
address to mail the ad copy.
Ad Sizes:
¼ Page: 3.75” wide x 5” high
½ Page: 7.5” wide x 5” high
Full Page: 7.5” wide x 10” high
Prices:
Full Page B&W: $175
½ Page B&W: $100
¼ Page B&W: $75
Please be sure to include the following with
your payment so we can apply it properly:
Your name
Type of payment you are making (Advertising)
Size and cost of your ad, and
Your email address.
Make checks payable to MWA, Florida Chapter, and
send to the following address:
Linda Hengerer, Treasurer, MWA-FL
POB 96
Vero Beach, FL 32961-0096
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HOTEL ROOMMATES
If I need a roommate to split expenses, is there
anyone who can help me?
Yes. Becky Swets has agreed to coordinate
requests for roommates. Contact her at
bdors52@yahoo.com. She will make every
effort to meet your requirements.
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TRANSPORTATION TO HOTEL
How do I get from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood
International Airport to the hotel?
Taxis cost approximately $60.
Private sedan (1 passenger) costs approximately
$50.
Shared ride shuttle services cost from $15 to
$25.
Rental cars are available, and prices vary.
How do I get from the Palm Beach International
Airport to the hotel?
Taxis cost approximately $65.
Private sedan (1 passenger) costs approximately
$50.
Super Shuttle (shared ride) costs approximately
$30.
Rental cars are available, and prices vary.
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LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Will I need to rent a car?
The Deerfield Beach Hilton is located in an
executive buildings complex. There is a shuttle
that will transport you within a five-mile
radius. However, if you plan to “see the area,”
you will need some form of transportation. Taxis
are available. And, of course, a rental car is
always a plus.
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REFUNDS
If I have to cancel my registration, can I get a
refund?
If you cancel by January 20, 2011, you will
receive a full refund less any PayPal costs we
may have incurred.
You will only be entitled to a 50% refund, less
PayPal costs, for cancellations between January
21 and February 20, 2011. Due to the commitment
we must make to the hotel, there are no refunds
after February 20th.
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