Critiques
Written/In-person Critiques and Portfolio Reviews
Back by popular demand: In-person critiques and portfolio reviews!
Based on feedback from previous conferences, we're bringing back more interactive opportunities with our faculty. SCBWI-MI is now offering written critiques with an in-person 15-min review during the conference for $75. This gives you the chance to:
- Ask questions
- Brainstorm solutions
- Receive in-depth feedback about your WiP from our experienced and knowledgeable faculty.
If you would like to purchase a critique, you need to do so at the time of registration though you don’t have to send it until April 11th, 2025. **Critiques will be completed and returned to you at the conference.**
Please fill out the Critique/Portfolio Review Form by April 11, 2025.
You can find this form under the "Events" section of your member home page. Go to your Member Home Page<Click on "Events"< Scroll down until you see SCBWI-MI Spring Conference Critiques
**Late submissions will not be accepted.** No refunds will be given for critiques or portfolio reviews.
You must be registered for the 2025 spring conference to participate.
Submission Guidelines:
- Written submissions must be sent in a Word doc in standard formatting 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins.
- Label your Word doc attachment as “first name_last name_critiquer_TITLE OF MS” example “Jodi_McKay_Weiss_This Book Rocks!”
- On the first page in the upper left corner, include your name, the category and genre, and word count. Include a page number in the upper right corner. Immediately start with the title and manuscript.
For picture book submissions:
- Fiction: up to 800 words, 1-inch margins, double spaced (sample here).
- Non-fiction: 1,200 words, 1-inch margins, double spaced.
- Art notes do not count toward word count.
For Novel submissions:
- 6 pages, 1-inch margins, double spaced (sample here).
- You may include a single-spaced one-page synopsis (at the end of your pages), but the synopsis will not be critiqued.
For Portfolio submissions:
- Create a single PDF file of 7-10 jpg images
- Name your file in this format: Lastname_portfolio
Example: Doe_portfolio
The critiques will be returned to you at the conference during your in-person review time. You will be notified of your review time when you sign in at the conference.
(This is a "One and Done" situation. Faculty are unable to offer follow-up critique manuscripts/portfolio reviews.)
MSWL (Manuscript Wishlist):
Information about each acquiring faculty's mswl and how to submit will be shared with conference attendees within a week after the conference. This is a benefit for conference attendees only.