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