Bring Your Career into Sharper Focus with wik2020: THE PITCH PARTY

We had so much fun last year that we're having a pitch party again! I'm still so excited that I can't stand it! Because we're all about bringing your career into focus at wik2020 and I know that our panel of agents will do exactly that for those who pitch!

But I'm getting a grip on the excitement (and the exclamation points) because we have rules for this terrific event; I have to follow 'em and so do you. So let's all take a deep breath and look at how the Pitch Party works:

1.       If you’re interested in presenting a pitch (It's still FREE!), you must sign up when you register. Look for the button labeled “Start With a Pitch!”

2.       Perfect your pitch! And to help you, this year we'll be hosting a Practice Your Pitch Before the Pitch Party Party. YAY! We'll be meeting on Zoom January 22nd, 7 to 9 PM Eastern--and yes, that's FREE, too!--for anyone who'd like to practice a pitch and get feedback before facing the pitch panel. (You don't have to sign up for the Zoom meeting when you register but you will need the Zoom link. We'll be sending that link and more information in January.)

3.       Bring your pitch with you when you come for wik2020.

4.       The morning of the conference, we’ll draw names from those who have signed up. We’ll announce the names at the beginning of the Pitch Party. YOU MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE AND READY TO PARTICIPATE. If you choose at that time NOT to participate, do not line up.

5.       Each person participating will have 30 seconds to make the pitch. Yes, we've changed the time limit! ONLY THIRTY SECONDS! You may wish to read your pitch rather than memorize it. Either way, we'll stop you when you go over the limit. (See why that practice is so important?)

6.       Each member of the Pitch Panel may or may not give feedback. 

We hope to have enough time to double the number of people who pitch this year! But that means you must be prepared. So come join us at the Practice Your Pitch Before the Pitch Party Party on January 22nd! For now, here's a helpful hint from author and pitch pro Janice Hardy:

A spoken pitch is different from a written one, and a lot of writers make the mistake of writing something that reads fine, but it's too long to say properly. It's easy to get tangled up in a pitch when you're nervous. Two sentences, tops. One trick is to have your friends and family randomly ask you what your book is about to get you in the habit of just spitting it out when asked. Good practice!"

And she adds, have a good title. "It's not a must have, but my agent said she wanted to ask for my manuscript based on title alone. So it can be what hooks the agent."

The Pitch Party could be just the thing to bring your career into sharper focus! And believe me, I know how excited we all are about the Pitch Party! But calm down and concentrate because you can't participate unless you sign up for the Pitch Party when you register.


             REGISTER FOR WIK2020 HERE! EARLY BIRD OPENS ON DECEMBER 15TH. 







Cathy C. Hall is the Co-ARA here at SCBWI Southern Breeze and when she's not tossing about exclamation points indiscriminately here at the blog, she's writing other stuff. But there are still going to be lots of exclamation points (mostly in Middle Grade or Young Adult manuscripts).


If you have questions, contact her at southern-breeze-ara2@scbwi.org. She has lots of answers! (And sometimes, they're right.)

Art Image by wik2020 brochure illustrator David SanAngelo. 

Breezers In Your Neighborhood: OCTOBER!

Take the first weekend of October off and get ready, y'all, because the rest of the month is a whirlwind of Breezer events! 


Saturday, October 13

Breezer Nancy Raines Day  and Pirate Jack will be at the Pat Conroy Children's Book Fair In Beaufort, South Carolina. Nancy says it's not exactly in the Southern Breeze region but we have lots of members who'd probably love a visit to the low country.  Find more information at the Pat Conroy Children's Book Fair website.




Local Liaison Melissa Miles is hosting an event in Savannah, Georgia. SCBWI member and author, Kimberly Thornton, will be speaking on several topics, including setting up a vision board, developing a blog, and discovering ways to market books.

When: 11:00 AM to 1 PM

Where: Southwest Chatham Library (Children's Activity Room, first floor)
              14097 Abercorn Street
              Savannah, GA 31419

The event is free and open to the public so bring a friend! Contact Melissa at melissajmiles1@gmail.com for more information.

Also on Saturday, Breezer Vanessa Fortenberry will be participating in a collaborative author/book signing featuring works in a variety of genres at the Conyers-Rockdale Library Local Author Expo.

When: 1 PM to 3 PM

Where: Nancy Guinn Memorial Library
              864 Green Street
              Conyers, GA 30012

Heather L. Montgomery will be touring Birmingham with her newest books, SOMETHING ROTTEN: A FRESH LOOK AT ROADKILL and BUGS DON'T HUG: SIX-LEGGED PARENTS AND THEIR KIDS, on the last weekend of October.

Friday, October 26


When: 2 PM to 4 PM

Where: Books-A-Million
              757 Brookwood Village
              Birmingham, AL 35209


       
Saturday, October 27     

When: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Where: Discovery United Methodist Church
              5487 Stadium Trace Pkwy
             Hoover, AL 35244

Heather will be joining other SCBWI creators at Dog Days in Hoover, and then she'll be zipping over to the Oak Mountain State Park where she'll do a reading at Owl-o-Ween at 12:45 at the Alabama Wildlife Center in the park.

Also on Saturday, Local Liaison Cathy Hall is hosting Southern Breezer, Lisa Lowe Stauffer (and her two mischievous monkeys)! Lisa's recently released board book, TWO BY TWO is a rhyming picture book and so she will be bringing a wordplay program that's sure to be fun for writers of any length manuscript. Bring the first and last pages of your picture book (or novel), up to 400 words, for an afternoon of wordplay workshopping.

When:  1 PM to 3:30 PM

Where: Five Forks Branch Library
              2780 Five Forks Trickum Rd.
              Lawrenceville, GA 30044

Breezers in Your Neighborhood: August!

We had a bit of a vacation for Breezers last month, but it's August now, and we're baaaaaaack...


Saturday, August 4:

Shelli R. Johannes will be launching her new book, CECE LOVES SCIENCE, at Little Shop of Stories from 3:00 until 4:30. Little Shop is located at 133 East Court Square in Decatur, Georgia, and you can find out more information here!

AND

Because CECE LOVES SCIENCE was chosen as the National Storytime Book at B & N on the same day, Shelli will be at the Mansell Road Barnes & Noble at 11:00 AM, also on Saturday!






Lisa Stauffer will be at FoxTale Book Shoppe for the launch of her debut board book, TWO BY TWO! Come see her at 105 East Main Street in Woodstock, Georgia at 11:00 AM.







Saturday, August 11:


Lisa Stauffer and TWO BY TWO will have a second book signing and storytime! You'll find Lisa and her mischievous monkeys at 11:00 AM at Starline Books in Chattanooga, Georgia.

Author Avery Elizabeth Hurt will be at the Local Authors Expo and Book Fair for book signing and writing talk! The Expo takes place from 9 AM until 1 PM at the Birmingham Public Library, Central Branch, located at 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, Alabama. It's free and open to the public.







Tracey M. Cox will be at the Harmony Jubilee, kissing hands, signing babies, and shaking books! The Harmony Jubilee takes place at Paulk Park Campground in Fitzgerald, Georgia.



That's Breezers in Your Neighborhood for August, y'all! If YOU are going to be at an event in your neighborhood that's open to the public, let us know. Send details to Cathy Hall at southern-breeze-ara2@scbwi.org.

The Benefit of Entering The Southern Breeze Writing Contest (Besides Winning!)

June might mean vacation for the kids, but around Southern Breeze, June means working on manuscripts for the Southern Breeze Writing Contest! 

Southern Breeze sponsors two contests for its members: the Writing Contest (during June) and the Liz Conrad Illustrator Award (Accepts submissions in November and December). We love that we can offer this benefit because our contests provide a great opportunity for our members. How do they help you? Let me count the ways:

1. Our contests are judged by professionals in the industry. For our writing contest, your work is first judged by two published authors of our region. The top 15 entrants go on to the next round. This year, our writing contest boasts three agents from some of the top literary agents for children's authors. Professional feedback is invaluable--and it's free!

2. You are guaranteed professional critique. Southern Breeze uses the Gold Standard for critique which means that every person who enters the contest gets the same level of feedback, and you will receive at least two critiques. If you're lucky enough to move forward, you'll receive three critiques. The more feedback you receive, the more you will grow as a writer. (And the stronger, more sellable your manuscript will be!)

3. Anyone can enter as long as you are a current member of SCBWI Southern Breeze. Whether you are just starting your creative journey or you are a multi-published member who's been around for twenty years, you have the exact same chance of winning. The manuscripts are blind-judged which means that nowhere along the line does a judge know the name on the manuscript. New members can and do win all the time!

4. You can try, try again. It's completely allowable to enter the same manuscript more than once. So take your past feedback, apply it to your manuscript, and try again. (The published authors who judge the first round of manuscripts change every year, so don't worry about entering the same-old, same-old. You will get fresh eyes on your work.)

5. Learn how to do your homework. Research the professional judges in the category you're submitting! If you have several different manuscripts, think positive and send the one that's the best fit for the pro judge. It will be good practice for you when you start pitching your manuscript out into the wide world of agents and editors.

There are probably more benefits to the Southern Breeze Writing Contest but honestly, I have a manuscript to polish and time is running out! (Entries are due by midnight on June 30th. Please see the website here for more information. And good luck!)

~Cathy C. Hall

Cathy Hall is one of the Assistant Regional Advisors in Southern Breeze. She has entered the writing contest since she became a member, and she actually won First Place the first year she entered. She hasn't won since but she's received a ton of great feedback so that's like winning, right?

Breezers in the Neighborhood: JUNE!

Listen up, Breezers! There are only TWO more Show-Mo events left in the Southern Breeze neighborhood, so if you want help with your manuscript, come join us:


When:     Saturday, June 2
               10 AM to 1 PM

Where:    Five Forks Public Library
                Lawrenceville, GA

Contact:  Cathy Hall
                cathyhall55@hotmail.com

(Please note: Cathy's event includes guest speaker Rebecca Petruck, author of BOY BITES BUG, who'll help get the bugs out of your manuscripts!)

Bring at least 4 copies of your PB manuscript; for novel manuscripts, bring 4 copies of the first 10 pages if possible. Contact Cathy if you have any questions. And as always, local liaison events are free and open to the public so bring a friend and share Southern Breeze!


When:   Saturday, June 2
              2 to 5 PM

Where:   Kirkwood Public Library
              11 Kirkwood Rd. NE
              Atlanta, GA  

For more information and to reserve your place RSVP to Temika Grooms: southern-breeze-ic@scbwi.org

Reminder: The Southern Breeze Writing Contest is open to members only. Find out more information at our website.


Oops! There are TWO more Show-Mos that were inadvertently left off the list!

Bobbie Weldon Canada has the following events scheduled:

June 16, 10:00 to 11:30 CMT at the Auburn Public Library, 749 Thach Ave., Auburn, AL

June 23, 10:00 to 11:30 ET, Harris Co. Public Library, 7511 GA Highway 116, Hamilton, GA





The Southern Breeze Gallery featuring original works of our children's book illustrators will continue through June 30th at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA. Please come out and see how talented our illustrators are!


If you have an event around the Southern Breeze neighborhood this summer, please email Cathy Hall with all of your information. We'd love to help get the word out AND the Breezers to your event!

EVERYONE A WINNER AT WIK'18: Meet the Regional All-Stars!

Can I confess something? I know we’re not supposed to play favorites with our children or characters or conference formats, but I’ve always liked WIK a little better than SpringMingle for one reason: regional speakers. Both conferences bring editors and agents and famous authors from the far reaches of the country, but at WIK we also get to hear from our own. And our own have some good stuff to share!

This year is no exception. Wherever you are in your writing journey, and whether you’re in the mood for craft or business, our regional all-stars have something for you.

Author Christina Farley will be opening the door to the publishing world and demystifying the basics for entry.

Author Jaimie Engle offers how to land a literary agent, both what to expect and what not to expect.

Author and Southern Breeze Assistant Regional Advisor Cathy Hall will teach you how to put yourself out there by taking advantage of opportunities that SCBWI offers for both the published and unpublished among us.

Author Irene Latham and Archivist Jim Baggett will share their secrets for using research to create rich, authentic historical settings.

Author Debbie Dadey will reveal Five Steps to Worldbuilding that we know work because she’s on her 13^th book series and has over 42 million copies in print.

So check out some all-stars at WIK this year. You’ll be glad you did!

~ Sharon Pegram

                       REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN! CLICK :::HERE:::TO REGISTER!

Sharon Pegram is the Southern Breeze Co-Assistant Regional Advisor. You'll find her at wik'18, in the sessions and the intensives, taking really great notes. She's also a pro at answering any questions you might have--just ask!

         

EVERYONE A WINNER AT WIK'18: Book Launches!

Book launchers at SM'17!

One of my favorite jobs as PAL Coordinator is introducing the book launchers!

I love listening to each author or illustrator tell their story of publication. To hear how hard work paid off, how SCBWI helped make a dream come true, how the littlest seed of an idea can grow into a great, big book!

It's so exciting, not to mention, inspiring! So if you have a newly released book, I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to inspire us! It's free for attendees, but you do need to sign up by the deadline (30 days prior to the conference). Look for more information about book launches (and book sales) on the registration page under Optional Activities. And then join us for the exciting moment when you get to share your journey! (And don't forget--you also get to hold that Southern Breeze kite in your hand!)

P.S. This year, I won't be introducing the book launchers at wik'18 because now, I'm the Co-Assistant Regional Advisor. So say hello to your new PAL Coordinator, Heather L. Montgomery!

Hello Everyone!

I’m excited to serve the region as the PAL Coordinator. I’ll never have Cathy’s pizzaz, but I’ll do my

best. I’ll steer the ship, but I’ll need you – published and pre-published Breezers alike – to provide the breeze.

Your ideas on what works. Your suggestions on what doesn’t work. Your energy for new initiatives. That’s what will carry us all smoothly across the high seas of the kidlit industry. Looking forward to this grand new adventure!

Heather

How I Got My Agent (Pssst! It's Probably Got Something To Do With a Conference!)

So I grabbed my folder and stuffed it into my bag without even giving it a look because of course, I was running late.

There really is no excuse to run late when the conference is practically in your backyard, but that seems to be what I do. That, and spending the rest of the day playing "catch-up" with conference business, people to see, and places where I'm supposed to be. And the next place I was supposed to be was the cocktail party.

I would not be late for that event! There were too many people I wanted to see, including Karen Grencik, an agent from Red Fox Literary. I'd met Karen the summer before at a week-long writer's retreat. She'd given a workshop which I thoroughly enjoyed, but she was also one of the professionals I signed up with for a manuscript critique.

And oh my manuscript critique, it was terrific! Not I-want-to-represent-you right-this-minute terrific; more like here's-what's-not-quite-working-in-this-picture-book terrific. Karen gave me concrete direction into the problems, but she was kind and professional. I'm not gonna lie. I sort of had an agent crush on Karen Grencik.

So I fetched an adult beverage for us both and we reconnected at the conference Friday night party. I'm not sure if Karen remembered me specifically but she was delightful and charming and I wasn't too stalkerish and eventually, everyone left and we cleaned up, and as I sat there waiting for my ride, I reached into my bag and opened my folder to see what I was going to be late for the next day. And that's when I saw the big envelope that had my manuscript critique.

For crying out loud, I'd completely forgotten that I'd signed up for a "written only" critique! I pulled out the manuscript and saw that it was Karen Grencik's name on the notes--wheee! And then I began to read the notes; she appeared to like this middle grade story I'd penned. When I got to the end, she'd included another note:

"I'd love to see this manuscript if you're unagented. Send it to..."

We'd never discussed manuscripts earlier, and clearly, she hadn't made the connection between me and the name on the manuscript, but no matter! As I held that critique in my hot little hands, my heart pounded a mile a minute!

I didn't have another chance to speak to Karen during the rest of the conference, but first thing on Monday morning, I emailed her the full manuscript. Within a couple of hours, she responded that she'd received it and couldn't wait to read it. Within a couple of days, she responded again, saying she was halfway through and loving the story! By the next week, she'd offered to represent me.

Because I attended an SCBWI conference where Karen Grencik was on the faculty, I not only got my agent, I got my agent crush.

Cathy Hall, mic drop.

PAL Luncheon at #SpringMingle - #SBreeze17

PAL Luncheon at SpringMingle
from Cathy C. Hall

As the PAL Coordinator for Southern Breeze, I get to hobnob with a lot of VIPs!

Oh, wait. You’re thinking “Very Important People” and I’m thinking “Very Interesting PALs.” That’s why I love our conferences. At Springmingle’17, I’ll catch up with the latest news from that author whose book has just released or the writer whose poem landed in Baby Bug or the illustrator whose work is highlighted in…well, Highlights!

But perhaps more importantly for our PALs is the opportunity Springmingle’17 provides for them. We’ll get together at the close of the conference, Sunday at 12:30 in the 4^th Floor Conference Room, Decatur Library, for the PAL Lunch. When you register, don’t forget to order your lunch ‘cause we have lots of upcoming events for our PAL members to discuss!

And if you’re not sure whether you are a PAL member, look for me or any PAL member. We’re the ones wearing a blue button and we’ll try to answer any questions you have. Because in SCBWI, everyone is a Very Important Person! 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Click  :::HERE::: to log in and register.

~See you in March~

Come Soar at #SpringMingle with a Book Launch - #SBreeze17

Come Soar At SpringMingle with a LIVE Book Launch!

So you have a new book that's come out since our last conference? First of all, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! *throws confetti* That is an amazing thing that you've done! Really. Truly! Now what about getting it in front of people? Yikes! Does that sound intimidating? It doesn't have to be. At the Southern Breeze conferences we offer the opportunity to do a LIVE Book Launch. Yes, you read that right. A LIVE Book Launch!!!
So what does that mean? What do I do?
Well, let me tell you...
At our conferences we give new books (and their creators) center stage. You get three minutes to tell us about your book, why you wrote it, how SCBWI help you get to where you are, and anything else you can think of to help get the objective of your book across. We have had several people perform, talk, and teach at our book launches. Here are some of their tips to help you think of what to say, and even go outside of the box.

"Pick one fact or event in your book that will be the most interesting to OUR audience and start with that. With my book on snakes I started with the fact that kingsnakes eat other snakes. It hooked the audience enough that an editor in the crowd later asked me to submit to her even though she isn't into science at all."

- Heather Montgomery

www.HeatherLMontgomery.com

"Prepare a written script and practice, practice practice! Engage your audience with something fun from your book like singing or acting out a favorite scene."

 Delia Blackstone & Lucyann Wagner

The Groovy Grandmas

www.thegroovygrandmas.com

"Hours, months, years have passed and now it is time to . . . LAUNCH.
Cathy Hall says you only have three minutes. Seriously?! Yes. 1. Be yourself. You know your book. You are the only one who can pitch it. 2. Be creative~think, Lucyann Wagner and Delia Blackstone, co-authors of “Norah Bedorah and the Pink Doughnut with Sprinkles.” (Pink Tutu’s and big smiles!) Bring the book to life. 3. Science or non-fiction book; try doing an experiment from the book. (I love to see gooey-goo!) 4. If you choose to read an excerpt; be brief and be animated. 5. Relax. You are pitching to your friends. Writers love books; we will love you."

  - Amy McCoy Dees

www.amymccoydees.wordpress.com

"The biggest thing I can say to relax. The people you are telling your book to are your tribe. They are proud of you! They want you to succeed. So smile. Show off your book. Make a joke about where you live... You heard about my neighbors, right? And enjoy. This is your 15... errrrrr 3 minutes ;) in the spotlight!"

- Tracey M. Cox

www.traceymcox.com

"Follow the directions given for the book launches, especially that time allotment for your launch! And though it might make you crazy to get everything you want to say down to two or three minutes, it's actually a great exercise. It will help you figure out the most important thing you want to say about your book.  And that's something you'll appreciate for all those times outside a conference when you want to promote your book!"

- Cathy C. Hall

c-c-hall.com

"1.     Tell us WHAT the book is about and WHY we need to buy it.

Example: This is a hilarious adventure book about a young Marco Polo, and is a great choice for boys and girls, 9 – 14 years old.  The chapters are short and easy to read – perfect for reluctant readers.Or, “Looking for a YA romance that you’re not embarrassed for your teen to read? Then read this!”

Keep it simple and give us a reason to purchase. Don’t forget to bring a copy with you to share from the stage!

2.     Toot your own horn. I know it seems unseemly, but you owe it to yourself and your publisher to give your book it’s due.  Did you get a good review? Win an award? Sell it at auction? Share the accolades!

3.     Use your (and your books) strengths. Is your book about science? Tell us an interesting fact that makes us want to know more. Is it funny? Then make us laugh. If you’re funny, we’ll assume the book is too.

4.     Think creatively. Some authors in the past have dressed as their characters, passed out brownies made from bugs, and brought props to the stage.  If you have a fun marketing idea for your book, go for it!

5.     Practice. Three minutes will go by fast and you want to make sure you’ve used it wisely. Practice with a timer in front of the mirror. Say it to your family and friends. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be when it is time to take the podium.

6.     Have fun! You did it - you published a book. Now go up there and enjoy!"

- Lisa Lewis Tyre

www.lisalewistyre.com

What I did to prepare?   Wrote a few lines of a short blurb about my book. Tried to make it fun, interesting, and yes a bit quirky. Going for humor is always good when presenting something.
Did I use props?   Nope. But I did ask questions. My books lend themselves to the sort of "Did you know" type of thing. I love to give people a tiny bit of trivia. Everyone loves that. That's why Jeopardy is so popular.
Most of all, HAVE FUN with it!! 

- Jen Swanson

www.JenniferSwansonBooks.com

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Click  :::HERE::: to log in and register.

~See you in March~

Breezers In Your Neighborhood...11/12/16

Breezers In Your Neighborhood

Today's Event! 11/12/16

Looking for a great opportunity to learn something new. Wanting to be with other kidlit-ers? Southern Breeze is offering a Writer's Workshop TODAY!

Writers Workshop

Narrative Picture Books: The Hero's Journey in 32 Pages

This workshop explores how to use the classical storytelling structure to write a compelling picture book. Those in attendance are invited to bring the first page of a work in progress for feedback.

Nov. 12, 2016, 1- 3 p.m.

Gwinnett County Public Library, Five Forks Branch

2780 Five Forks Trickum Road
Lawrenceville, GA 30044

The workshop is free to members and non-members. Advance registration is appreciated. To sign up, e-mail Local Liaison Cathy Hall at cathyhall55@hotmail.com.

http://www.gwinnettpl.org/calendar/fall-writers-workshop-with-author-dori-kleber/

Light Your Imagination at #SBreeze16 WIK with Cathy Hall

Light Your Imagination at #SBreeze16 WIK
with Cathy Hall

Cathy C. Hall just can’t seem to make up her mind. One day, she’s published in a book of puppet plays, and the next, she’s appearing in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. She’s written children’s books for the Korean educational market and short stories for a Chinese kidlit magazine. She’s like the Where’s Waldo of the writing world (only way better dressed).

WORKSHOP

• So You Want to Get Published  Many of us who join SCBWI think we must get a book published because...well, it’s the Society of Children’s BOOK Writers and Illustrators. But there are many children’s writers who are interested in poetry, short stories, plays, essays, and more--and there are plenty of kidlit markets for these children’s writers. In Part I, I’ll bring those markets to our newest writers, give first-hand tips on how to break into those markets and share the resources a new writer should have on the shelf, virtual or real. In Part II, I’ll discuss PAL membership in SCBWI and how it can benefit EVERY published member! audience: Writers and illustrators, all levels. 

 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

 CLICK HERE to be directed to our registration page! 

~See you in October~

New Breezers and The First of the Year

Oh, Breezers, January is a busy month for SCBWI! Let’s take a look at the First of the Year PAL To Do List:

Update the PAL Speaker Card

Update the PAL email list

Inform and sign up PALs re: spring events

Round up a PAL Panel for Springmingle

And that’s just the PAL doings I can remember right now.

But then I remembered you, new Breezers, and I sat down to write. So gather round, ‘cause this post’s for you!

January is the time when we’re all making resolutions, goals, affirmations, loose plans…. whatever. For children’s writers and artists, it’s the time of year when many of us join SCBWI. That means new membership coming in.

Wheeee!

Except, well, it’s all new to you. And the first conference, that wonderful event when you can meet people and really sink your teeth into this terrific organization you’ve joined, is not until March.

Oh, dear.

It’s possible that you might miss out on our January PAL doings, and we can’t have that. So first of all, you need to see if you are a PAL member. Please check here, on the SCBWI Membership page.

And because time is of the essence, I’m answering here and now the questions I commonly get:

1. My book doesn’t come out until April of 2017, so do I sign up for PAL then?

You are PAL when you have a contract. Fill out the information and plug in that PAL publisher and bam! You’re PAL.

2. But I don’t have a book; I only have an article I wrote seven years ago for Highlights Magazine. That doesn’t count, does it?

Why, yes, it does count. Articles, illustrations, poems—anything that’s been published that’s on the PAL list, no matter how long ago, qualifies you for PAL membership.

3. My publisher is not on the PAL list, but I think it should be. What can I do?

The instructions are right there on the membership page. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable time period—say, two to three weeks—then send an email with your questions to the SCBWI membership email.

Or you can send your questions to me, and I’ll do my best to find the answers. Now, off you go, Breezers! Time and PAL doings wait for no man (or woman)!

~Cathy C. Hall

PAL Coordinator

SCBWI/Southern Breeze

SouthernBreeze.PAL@gmail.com