Real-Time Query

Once again, we will be offering Real-Time Queries at the SCWW Conference.

When you register for the conference, you may add real-time query appointments for $25 each and will be available on a first come, first-served basis during registration process. In the online registration system, you’ll first select the number of query appointments you want to purchase and then select the faculty you’d like to see (this might appear on another page of the registration site). You WILL NOT be able to purchase a real-time query session at the conference. You should receive an email with your appointment time and faculty member shortly before the conference. Because of problems in previous years, you will not be allowed to “swap” appointments with other attendees or buy appointment times from other attendees once you arrive at the conference. The best way to get an appointment with your dream faculty member is to register early.

Spend the summer and early autumn polishing your query letter. Make it zing and sing. Bring two hard-copies of your one page query letter with you to the conference.

Then, meet your with faculty member at the appointed time and place for your 15-minute appointment.You'll hand over your fabulous query letter and the faculty member, who will have had no prior introduction to your work, will read the query letter and offer feedback. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of your faculty member and figure out how to improve your query letter before you begin the submissions process.

Query letters are an important part of the journey to becoming a published author. What better way to learn how to perfect the irksome query letter? Who knows? The appointment might end in a request for your manuscript.

For a complete list of faculty members accepting appointments, please visit this blog post, http://scwwblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/conference-alert-looking-for-some-one.html.