Sunday, March 23, 2008

Our Competition

Readers of the NE-SCBWI listserv recently received notice that an overwhelming number of people signed up for one particular workshop at this year's annual conference.
PITCH & PACKAGE: HOW TO TALK ABOUT YOUR WORK AND WRITE ABOUT YOUR PROJECTS TO MAKE A MARKET-AWARE AND SAVVY IMPRESSION--SARAH SHUMWAY, DUTTON EDITOR

I ask you, who wouldn't be interested in attending this workshop? The flyer describes it thusly,
Get INSIDER INFORMATION (emphasis mine) about how and why a submission can turn into an acquisition. Plus, learn effective ways an author might pitch and package submissions to best represent the work and convince an editor of success. Bring a project for which you'd like to refine a pitch. Hands-on components: create a 'title information' sheet, plus consider competition, and develop a 'hook' for a book.

Wow! That's a workshop I want to attend, but, "Pitch & Package" is being held at the same time as The Write Sisters' workshop: THE WRITE SISTERS: BUILD, MAINTAIN, & IGNITE YOUR WRITERS' GROUP. Oh well.

It appears that the conference organizers will have to find some way to limit attendees at "Pitch & Package." So, if you are one of those who will have to find another workshop to attend, let me give you a few reasons to attend ours.

  • We'll be discussing general information to help you in whatever kind of group you are in--writer or illustrator.

  • Maybe you're unaware of how a good group can effect your personal growth as a creative person. We'll discuss how our group enabled its members to advance in the field of children's literature.

  • We will talk about the stages our group went through in an effort to show you that groups sometimes take time to develop.

  • I've never been much of a goal person (I once went on a job interview where the "committee" asked me for my long term goals, "To be happy," I said. I didn't get the job), but our group has come to realize the importance of setting goals and working together.

  • We'll touch on products and promotion as they relate to a group.

  • We are looking for interaction with our audience and will allow plenty of time for discussion and questions, so bring your group's problems to explore.

  • We will reveal the real reason for our group's success--Kathy's popcorn! Well, maybe not the real reason, but a meeting without it is not the same!

  • We'll mention a number of on-line resources that you may be unaware of (these are of value to individuals as well as groups).


  • Take a chance with The Write Sisters and come to our workshop if you're closed out of your first choice. You may make contact there with others who are looking for a group, and that alone is worth the effort!

    --Diane

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