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GUN RANGE FIELD TRIP
What is it?
They say "write what you know," so what better way
to "know" about one of the most prevalent weapons in
crime fiction?
This is a great option for those arriving to the
conference on Wednesday. On this afternoon "field
trip" (starting at 3:30 p.m.), you'll be transported
to a gun range in Orlando where you'll receive safe,
expert instruction on handling and shooting and then
have the chance to put your newfound knowledge to
the test.
How much does it cost, and what does it include?
The cost is $90, which includes transportation
to/from the range, instruction, weapons, eye/ear
protection, targets, soft drinks, and 1 box of ammo
(50 rounds). (Note: Casual attire, must have closed
toe shoes, no low cut tops (hot ammo will burn).
Sign up on the Registration Form. Register
early. SPACE IS LIMITED.
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THURSDAY WORKSHOPS
(THIRD DEGREE THURSDAY)
What is Third Degree Thursday?
The Thursday workshops are an optional, limited
enrollment component of the conference, not included
in the regular registration fee. You will have the
opportunity to choose from twelve (12) hands-on
workshops taught throughout the day by masters of
the craft. Plus, this
year we'll have two (2) additional workshops on
Thursday devoted to ebook publishing!
Additionally, everyone in attendance is invited to
hear our Spotlight Speaker: best-selling,
award-winning author, Chris Grabenstein.
How much is it?
The cost is $85 for MWA members and non-members
alike. When you complete your
Registration Form, mark the block for Third
Degree Thursday and $85 will be added to your
conference total. Once you have registered, you may attend whichever workshop(s) you prefer – no
additional registration required.
Do I have to pre-register for the Thursday
workshops, or can I register that day?
It's preferable to register in advance so that our
Programming Chair and teachers have an idea of how
many participants to expect at the various
workshops. You may, however, register upon arrival.
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SLEUTHFEST 101 DINNER
What is it?
Whether you’re a wallflower or social butterfly, the
SleuthFest 101 dinner on Thursday night is a great
way for newcomers to kick off the conference
experience and make new friends. Guests will have
the opportunity to meet and mingle with other
first-timers and learn what’s in store over the next
three days. The SleuthFest 101 dinner will be hosted
by author and SleuthFest Co-Chair Julie Compton.
She’ll share hints on how to get the most from the
conference and answer all of those burning questions
you were afraid to ask. Repeat offenders (SleuthFest
veterans) are also invited.
How much does it cost, and what does it include?
The SleuthFest 101 Dinner includes dinner and
gratuities. The cost is $40 ($55 on site). Sign up
and select meal choices on the
Registration Form.
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MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE
What is it?
Step into a world of intrigue, comedy and suspense
during SleuthFest’s first ever Mystery Dinner
Theatre! SleuthFest’s mystery dinner show on Friday
night will be like a living clue game, where you and
your fellow writers witness the dastardly deed and
then become the detectives and help solve the crime.
Come join us for 2-1/2 hours of professionally-acted
mystery, improvisation and audience participation.
Bring your investigative skills and your appetite
and be prepared to laugh your way through the
evening as you answer the question: Whodunit? Let’s
just hope that the culprit isn’t one of our own!
How much does it cost, and what does it include?
The SleuthFest Mystery Dinner Theatre includes
dinner, show and gratuities. The cost is $65 ($85
after January 15, 2012). Sign up and select meal
choices on the
Registration Form. Register early, SPACE IS
LIMITED.
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PANELS
How do I get selected for a panel?
First, you must be a published author (published by
an MWA-approved publisher). There is a block on the
Registration Form asking if you’d like to
participate on a panel. Be sure to check it. The
SleuthFest Programming Chair will make every effort
to accommodate each panel request but cannot make
any guarantees. If you are placed on a panel, you
will be notified before the conference of your
assignment and of the names of the others on the
panel with you.
If I request a panel, how does my picture and bio
get into the conference program booklet?
Once you've registered and requested to be on a
panel, please email your bio (not to exceed 99
words) and picture to
pjparish@aol.com.
You do NOT need to wait to hear whether you've been
placed on a panel.
How are Moderators selected?
The SleuthFest Programming Chair solicits moderators
and then matches them to the panels. Feel free to
volunteer.
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AGENT AND EDITOR APPOINTMENTS
What is this?
Each year, agents and editors attend SleuthFest as
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. Unlike some other conferences, SleuthFest does
not charge our attendees to meet with an agent or
editor.
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.
How do I arrange for an appointment?
The
Registration Form has a block for you to check
to indicate your interest. You will be contacted by
our Agent and Editor Appointments volunteer in
January to select your three preferences.
Do I choose the agent or editor I meet?
No. You will be asked to provide your top three
choices, in priority order, but to avoid scheduling
conflicts, the final assignment will be made by the
Agent and Editor Appointments volunteer. This will
happen in January or early February. Every effort
will be made to assign your top choice, but we
cannot make any guarantees.
When will I know with whom I’m meeting?
When you check in at the conference, you will
receive a name badge lanyard that will include,
among other things, your appointment 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.
How much does it cost?
$100.
What should I expect?
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 you will receive 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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SHORT STORY CONTEST
What is it?
SleuthFest 2012 will once again sponsor a short
story contest. All unpublished registrants are
invited to submit a short story.
Check out the Short Story Contest Page for the
Submission Guidelines. Read them carefully. Failure
to follow the instructions is cause for
disqualification.
What if I win?
The winning story will be published in the
SleuthFest 2012 Program and, in addition, the winner
will be given free conference registration for
SleuthFest 2013.
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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?
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. On Thursday
evening, the moderator will call the group together
and alert the first trio of readers. Each person
will be called to the podium and given ten (10)
minutes to introduce his/herself, set up his/her
reading, and read the pages. At the end of the time,
the audience will complete written critique sheets
which will be provided to the reader.
Who can read?
Priority will be given to unpublished authors. After
all unpublished authors have been assigned,
published authors are welcome to read from an
unpublished work.
Any hints?
Yes. Read slowly. Be courteous to the audience and
other readers by adhering to the time limits.
Practice ahead of time. Before you begin, categorize
your work to help the audience know where you’re
headed. Example categories are:
Anything else I should know?
The atmosphere is informal, with lots of coming and
going in the audience. However, readers are expected
to be present for the entire program and
pay-it-forward by critiquing others. Snacks will be
available.
To
express your interest or 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. Deadline for all ad copy is
January 20, 2012.
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 or JEPG format. Ads can be
submitted in black & white or color, but will be
printed in grayscale on interior pages. 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 for mailing the ad copy.
Ad Sizes:
Full Page: 7.5” wide x 10” high
½ Page: 7.5” wide x 5” high
¼ Page: 3.75” wide x 5” 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:
Sharon Potts, SleuthFest Registrar
6619 Roxbury Lane
Miami Beach, FL 33141
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RAFFLE
What is the Raffle?
One of our volunteers collects and packages baskets of
books and all types of goodies donated by authors, local
merchants, and others. Donations in the past have
included signed books, paintings, gift certificates,
edible treats, even a vacation package! Critiques and
character-namings are always good, too! The baskets are
on display in the bookstore for examination throughout
the conference.
How do
I donate items for the raffle?
Thank you! Donating to the raffle is a great way to gain
additional exposure. We welcome all types of donations -
you are limited only by your imagination! If you have an
item or items to donate, please contact Vicki at
bookpainter319(at)hotmail.com for further information
regarding where to send your item. PLEASE NOTE: The
deadline for donating items is February 6, 2012.
How do I participate to win raffle items?
Raffle tickets are sold throughout the conference by our
Boa Ladies, volunteers who roam the conference wearing
pink boas. Prices are reasonable, and you can buy as
many tickets as you like to increase your odds of
winning. 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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HOTEL ROOMMATES
If I need a roommate to split expenses, is there
anyone who can help me?
Yes. Becky Swope 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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DISNEY WORLD DISCOUNTS
Is it true we can get Disney World discounts?
Yes, conference attendees are entitled to discounts
and special "after 2:00 p.m." and "after 4:00 p.m."
tickets. For more information,
click here.
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TRANSPORTATION TO HOTEL
How do I get from the Orlando International
Airport to the hotel?
The Royal Plaza Hotel is conveniently located in the
Walt Disney World© Resort, approximately 16 miles
from the
Orlando International Airport. For an overview
of the numerous transportation options for traveling
from the airport to the hotel,
click here. For approximate rates,
click here.
What if I'm flying into the Sanford Orlando
International Airport?
The
Sanford Orlando International Airport, located
approximately 40 miles northeast of the Royal Plaza
Hotel, is another alternative for some travelers.
For transportation options, please see the
Ground Transportation link at the airport's
website.
I'm driving to the conference. What's the best
way to get to the hotel?
The Royal Plaza Hotel is located at:
1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Directions from various points:
From Orlando International Airport:
From airport, take Central Florida Greenway (417) to
Exit 6. Follow to the second traffic light (State
Road 535). Turn right and continue to Hotel Plaza
Boulevard where you will turn left (big Mickey Mouse
welcoming you at the entrance). The Royal Plaza is
the second hotel on the Left.
From Tallahassee:
I-10 EAST to 75 SOUTH to Florida Turnpike SOUTH to
I-4 WEST (towards Disney and Tampa) to Exit 68 -
Lake Buena Vista. Take a Right at the end of the
ramp at the traffic light - get into the far left
lane - take the next Left onto Hotel Plaza Boulevard
(big Mickey Mouse welcoming you at the entrance).
The Royal Plaza is the second hotel on the Left.
From Jacksonville, Daytona or downtown Orlando:
I-4 WEST (towards Disney and Tampa) to Exit 68 -
Lake Buena Vista. Take a Right at the end of the
ramp at the traffic light - get into the far left
lane - take the next Left onto Hotel Plaza Boulevard
(big Mickey Mouse welcoming you at the entrance).
The Royal Plaza is the second hotel on the Left.
From Tampa:
I-4 EAST (towards Orlando) to Exit 68 - Lake Buena
Vista. Take a Left at the end of the ramp at the
traffic light - two blocks (second light) get into
the far left lane - take the next Left onto Hotel
Plaza Boulevard (big Mickey Mouse welcoming you at
the entrance). The Royal Plaza is the second hotel
on the Left.
From South Florida:
Florida Turnpike NORTH to Exit 259-I-4 WEST (towards
Disney and Tampa) to Exit 68 - Lake Buena Vista.
Take a Right at the end of the ramp at the traffic
light - get into the far left lane - take the next
Left onto Hotel Plaza Boulevard (big Mickey Mouse
welcoming you at the entrance). The Royal Plaza is
the second hotel on the Left.
Should I rent a car?
Depends on your plans. Downtown Disney is a short
8–10 minute walk from the Royal Plaza Hotel. Additionally,
the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to explore
all the venues of the Walt Disney World© Resort.
However, if you plan to see the area beyond the Walt
Disney World© Resort, you may wish to have a rental
car. Taxis are also available.
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REFUNDS
If I have to cancel my registration, can I get a
refund?
If you cancel by January 15, 2012, 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 15
and February 15, 2012. Due to the commitment we must
make to the hotel, there are no refunds after
February 15th.
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ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
Although we hope we've answered many of your
questions about SleuthFest on this page and
throughout the website, please email us at
email@mwaflorida.org if you have further
questions.
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