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AUTHOR AUCTION

1.

 What is the Author Auction?
  Each year at the Saturday luncheon a live auction is held for services donated by authors. Critiques and character namings are most popular. But each year, something new might be added.
2. How do I pay for what I buy?

 

 Check or cash. We are unable to process credit cards.
3. Who are some of the authors who have donated in the past?
  Janet Evanovich, Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, Lisa Scottoline, PJ Parrish, Stuart Kaminsky, Linda Fairstein, Neil Plakcy, Rene Balcer, and many others.
RAFFLE
1. What is the Raffle?
  One of our volunteers collects and packages baskets of books and all types of doodads too numerous to mention. The baskets are on display for examination throughout the conference.
2. How do I participate?
  Raffle tickets are sold throughout the conference by volunteers who roam the area wearing boas. Prices are reasonable, and you can buy as many as you like. Slotted boxes are placed with each raffle item and you put your tickets in the box.
3. When is the drawing and must I be present to win?
  The drawing is held at the cocktail party on Saturday evening. It is not necessary that you be present, but your ticket must be. Winning tickets are verified at the time of the drawing and the items presented. We cannot mail. Many people who cannot attend on Saturday evening leave their tickets with a trusted friend.
AGENT AND EDITOR APPOINTMENTS - CLOSED
1. What is this?
  Each year, agents and editors attend as SF invited guests. They are present to participate on panels, to accept "cold pitches" from participants, and to enjoy the conference.
2. Does it cost extra?
  No.
3. Do I need a completed manuscript in order to "cold pitch" an agent or editor?
  It is highly recommended that your manuscript be complete and ready to submit. Pitching a partial is frowned upon.
4. How do I arrange for an appointment?
  The Registration Form has a place to indicate your interest. Check it, then wait for notification from the Agent and Editor Appointments volunteer.
5. Do I choose with whom I want to meet?
  No. You will be assigned by the A & E Appointments volunteer. He may (or may not) ask you to provide your desires in priority.
6. When will I know with whom I'm meeting?
  When you check in at the conference, there will be a card in your packet with the information. If time allows (and all other things work out), you may be notified by email before the conference.
7. How long do I have to make my pitch?
  10 minutes.
MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE- CLOSED
1. What is this?
  Invited agents and/or editors agree to critique ten (10) pages of a manuscript.
2. What does it cost?
  $100
3. What should I expect?
  Difficult to answer, but the key word is critique. It is not intended as a "pitch," nor is it a query. The agent or editor is not expected to evaluate the ten-pages on an acceptance/rejection basis. You will receive a critique of your work. The technique may vary from person to person, but it's a critique by a professional.
PANELS
1. How do I get selected for a panel?
  First, you must be a published author. There is a block on the registration form asking if you'd like to participate on a panel. Mark it Yes. The SF program developer will attempt to match you to a panel. You'll be notified before the conference as to panel assignment and others on the panel.
2. How are Moderators selected?
  The SF Moderator Volunteer solicits moderators, then matches them to the panels. Feel free to volunteer.
REFUNDS
1. If I have to cancel my registration, can I get a refund?
  If you cancel by January 15, 2008, you will receive a full refund less any PayPal costs we may have incurred.
You will only be entitled to a 50% refund less PayPal costs for cancellations between January 16 and February 15, 2008. Due to the commitment we must make to the hotel, there are no refunds after February 15th.
HOTEL ROOMMATES
1. If I need a roommate to split expenses, is there anyone who can help me?
  Yes. Becky Swets has agreed to coordinate requests for roommates. Contact her at bdors52@yahoo.com. She will make every effort to meet your requirements.
PROGRAM ADS- CLOSED
1. Are ads available in the program book?
  Yes.
2. How can I buy one?
  By emailing PJ Parish at PJParish@aol.com to reserve your space. Deadline for all ad copy is January 1, 2008.
3. Suppose I'm iffy on designing an ad.
  We offer free design services. If you would like an ad, but have no one to assist you in designing one, we will help you free of charge! If you require this service, please contact PJ Parish so we can schedule your space and get to work on your ad. PJ will provide a proof for your approval as soon as it is complete.
4. How do I submit an ad and what sizes are available?
  Pre-Designed Ads. Ads should be designed in 300 DPI, and saved in a PDF, PSD, EPS or JPEG format, grayscale or color. We prefer email but can also accept a CD, or a high-quality scan on disk or paper. Please advise if you need an address to mail the ad copy.
  Ad Sizes:
· 1/4 page: 3.75" wide x 5" high
· 1/2 page: 7.5" wide x 5" high
· Full page: 7.5" wide x 10" high
  Prices:
· Full-page B&W: $150
· 1/2 page B&W: $75
· 1/4 page B&W: $50
  Please be sure to include the following with your payment so we can apply it properly:
  · Your name
· Type of payment you are making (Advertising)
· Size and cost of your ad and
· Your email address.
  Make checks payable to: MWA, Florida Chapter and sent to the following address:
  Sharon Potts, Treasurer, MWA-FL
6619 Roxbury Lane
Miami Beach, FL 33141
THURSDAY WORKSHOPS
1. Do I need to pre-register for the Thursday workshops?
  The Thursday workshops are an optional, limited enrollment component of the conference, not included in the regular registration fee. The cost is $60. When you complete your Registration form, mark the block for the Thursday workshops and add $60 to your conference fee. Once you have registered, you are free to attend whichever workshop(s) you prefer—no additional registration required.
INTERFACE WITH AGENTS AND EDITORS
1. Will I have opportunities to meet and talk to the agents and editors other than at the pitch sessions?
  The Agents and Editors attend SleuthFest as our guests. They are friendly, outgoing, and enjoy meeting and chatting with the attendees. Feel free to approach them as you would any other attendee. However, remember basic courtesy.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
1. Will I need to rent a car?
  The Deerfield Beach Hilton is located an executive buildings complex. There is a shuttle that will transport you within a five-mile radius. However, if you plan to to "see the area," you will need some form of transportation. Taxis are available. And, of course, a rental car is always a plus.
TRANSPORTATION TO HOTEL
1. How do I get from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport to the hotel?
  Taxis cost approximately $60.
Private sedan (1 passenger) cost approximately $50.
Shared ride shuttle services cost from $15 to $25.
Rental cars are available.
2. How do I get from the Palm Beach International Airport to the hotel?
  Taxis cost approximately $65.
Limousine cost approximately $50.
Super Shuttle (shared ride) cost approximately $30.
Rental cars are available.
SHORT STORY CONTEST- CLOSED
  SleuthFest 2008 for the first time will sponsor a short story contest. All registrants are invited. Rules and procedures are located elsewhere on the web site. Read them carefully. Failure to follow the instructions are cause for disqualification.
READER'S CORNER
For more information about the Reader's Corner, click here.
1. What is it?
  The opportunity to read a fifteen (15) minutes segment of your manuscript to a group of your peers. Your reading will be evaluated and comments returned to you.
2. How does it work?
  a. Prior to the conference, you will be invited to participate by Dirk Wyle. If you say yes, Dirk will include you on the list of readers.
  b. On Thursday evening at seven (7) o'clock, the moderator will call the group together and alert the first trio of readers.
  c. Each person will be called to the podium and given fifteen (15) minutes to introduce themselves, set up his/her reading, and read the pages.
  d. At the end of the time, the audience will complete written critique sheets which will be provided to the reader.
3. Who can read?
  a. Priority will be given to unpublished authors.
  b. After all unpublished authors have been assigned, published authors are welcome to read from an unpublished work.
4. Any hints on setups?
  a. Yes. Categorize your work to help the audience know where you're headed. Example categories are:
    i. Beginnings that hit the ground running
    ii. Calls to action
    iii. The usual suspects
    iv. Peeking through keyholes
    v. Clever tricks
    vi. Milieu scenes
    vii. Stark confrontations
    viii Mulling over the case
    ix. Crazy characters
    x. Cliff-hanging suspense
  b. Or make up your own category.
5. Anything else?
  a. The atmosphere is informal, with lots of coming and going of the audience. However, readers are expected to be present for the entire program and pay-it-forward by critiquing others.
  b. Hors d’oeuvres will be available.
  c. For additional information, email Dirk Wyle at dirk@dirk-wyle.com.
THIRD DEGREE THURSDAY WRITING SEMINAR- NO MORE MANUSCRIPTS CAN BE ACCEPTED
1. What is it?
  An opportunity to have your first chapter critiqued by a group of your peers and Christine Kling, author and creative writing teacher.
2. How does it work?
  a. Contact Christine Kling at ck@christinekling.com and sign up. You will receive an invitation to join an online writer's group where you will download and be expected to read the first chapters of other critique group members.
  b. During the SleuthFest session on Third Degree Thursday, Christine will lead a discussion on what works and what could use work in each of the first chapters.
  c. Christine will provide an edited edition of each manuscript to its author.
3. How large is the group?
  The group is limited to 12 participants so sign up now.
4. Anything else?
  a. Yes. This will be a no-holds-barred critique to improve your writing. The line between acceptance and rejection is thin. While there are no guarantees in this business, Christine's professional instruction may be your opportunity to cross that line.
  b. For additional information or to sign up, contact Christine Kling at ck@christinekling.com
SLEUTHFEST 101 DINNER
1. What is it?
  An opportunity for SleuthFest newbies to join one another for dinner on Thursday evening hosted by author and creative writing teacher Christine Kling at the Cove Restaurant (www.thecoverrestaurant.com) on the Intracoastal Waterway in Deerfield Beach. Repeat Offenders (those who have attended SleuthFest before) are also invited. An excellent opportunity to learn what's in store over the next three days and hints on how to gain the greatest advantage from your attendance.
2. How does it work?
  a.

Cost is $40, which covers one of three different entrées, tax, and tip.

DINNER MENU
House salad with choice of: Grilled salmon in lemon butter or 12 oz. New York strip
Rice or Mashed potato / Vegetable
Coffee / tea / soda
  b. Transportation will be provided by hotel van or car pool.
  c. Reserve your spot by sending your check for $40 to SF 101 Dinner, c/o Sharon Potts, 6619 Roxbury Lane, Miami Beach, FL 33141.
    RESERVE YOUR SPOT
3. Anything else?
  a. Yes. Avoid that first awkward evening at a new conference while enjoying dinner and making new friends. You'll definitely have a foot up on the other attendees on Friday morning.
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