Oct. 27 Guest Speaker: Carol Huges
Carol Hughes is a former Hollywood writer/producer and creative consultant. Along the way, she had the pleasure of being mentored by Roy Disney and the legendary Stan Lee of Marvel Universe. She fell in love with the kids’ audience when she did stints at Disney, Nickelodeon, and Mattel Toys as a creative consultant. Carol created the original MacGyver character for Paramount/Viacom and the Masters of the Universe franchise for Mattel Toys. Prior to that, she was a science adviser to the famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau before going into the intelligence field. Where she later advised several Presidents on covert intelligence operations and critical international events. TOPIC: COMPS, TAGLINES, LOGLINES and JACKET FLAPS. As writers we all know we need—no pun intended here—killer comp titles to convince an agent to agree to represent us and our wonderful projects. But did you know that agents must also have killer comp titles to convince editors nowadays to even look at your project once they rep you. And where do you think they get those make-or-break comp titles from? Agents also need to come up with snappy loglines, jacket copy, and taglines for your proposed book when they are pitching you and your project to an editor. So would you like to convince both your chosen agent and potential editors to work with you and publish your book? Then learn how to nail down killer comp titles, snappy loglines, eye-catching jacket copy, and career-making taglines to help you secure a book publishing contract, or the agent of your dreams.
Nov 9 Guest Speaker: Alison Weiss
Alison Weiss's fifteen year career, she's edited more than 100 books, picture book through YA, across genres. She's worked at Delacorte Books, Sky Pony Press, Pixel+Ink, and is an editorial consultant who works individually with writers to shape their stories. TOPIC: Self-Revision Toolbox; All illustrators, writers and author-illustrators are welcome to join us as we learn how to polish our creativity to make it more marketable.
October Meet-up Speaker: Carol Hughes, Creative Consultant
Topic: Comps, Taglines, Loglines, and Jacket Flaps
When: Sunday, Oct. 27, 1:00-2:00 pm
Where: Our meet-ups are virtual over zoom. The zoom link is provided in the bi-monthly email. If you'd like to be added to the email list, please contact Bev Plass at SoCal-RA@scbwi..org
Cost: Free
SoCal welcomes you to join our monthly meet-ups to connect with other creative people and hone your craft. We mingle, have guest speakers, and celebrate writer successes. We generally meet on the fourth Sunday of the month from 1:00-2:00. Sometimes we change the dates due to holidays or other SCBWI events. We break into critique groups immediately following, using the same zoom link.
Nov. Meet-up Speaker: Alison Weiss, Editorial Consultant
Topic: Self-revision Toolbox
When: Sat, Nov 9, 10:00 am
Where: Zoom Please contact Su Moon for the link socal-ic@scbwi.org
Cost: Free
Authors and illustrators are invited to join our Nov. Illustrator Meet-up to connect with other creative people and hone your craft.
Critique Groups
SoCal Writer's Group
SoCal Writers typically meet every fourth Sunday of the month via zoom immediately following the meet-up. The same zoom link is used for both meetings.
Inland Empire Writers Group
Inland Empire Writers meet every third Saturday of the month via zoom for meet-up and critique groups.
Illustrators Group
Illustrators typically meet every second Saturday of the month in person and via zoom (hybrid).
Writer Submission Guidelines:
Picture Book (PB)
Submission length - Send in one manuscript. 1,000 words or less.
Document type - Word document (NOT Pages or PDF.)
Document name - GENRE (PB), LAST NAME, FIRST, TITLE
Document formatting - Size 12 font, Times New Roman. Double spaced. 1 inch margin on all sides.
Document header - Title/author last name (on the far left) and page numbers (on the far right)
Middle Grade (MG) / Young Adult (YA)
Submission length - Send in five pages (double spaced)
Document type - Word document (NOT Pages or PDF.)
Document name - GENRE (MG/YA), LAST NAME, FIRST, TITLE
Document formatting - Size 12 font, Times New Roman. Double spaced. 1 inch margin on all sides.
Document header - Title/author last name (on the far left) and page numbers (on the far right)
Note: If you are submitting a chapter that is later in the novel (not chapter 1), it is helpful to provide a “here’s what has happened so far” summary. It is also helpful to the critiquer if you include a complete synopsis of the novel so they can judge the excerpt within the entire context of the novel. These are merely suggestions, not requirements, to help you maximize the quality of the feedback from your group. First-time submissions: It is highly recommended you attend a meeting once before participating in a critique group. That way, you will know the process we follow. It is important you know the process as this is a moment of vulnerability for members of the group. We want to guide and inspire, not crush our aspiring writers.
Future Meet-up Dates:
Topic: Query Letter Practice
November 24 - First Pages Panel
December- No Meeting due to holidays
January 26, 2025 Henry Lien
Feb 23, 2025 (pending SCBWI virtual national conf dates)
April 27, 2025
May 18, 2025
June 22, 2025
July 27, 2025 (pending SCBWI Nationals summer conference dates)
Aug 24, 2025
Sept 28, 2025
Oct 26, 2025
Nov 23, 2025