SCBWI

Society of
Children's Book Writers
and Illustrators

Mandurah Retreat Critique Sessions 2022

SCBWI Members! Do you have an unpublished children’s manuscript? An illustration project-in-progress? Or maybe a portfolio of illustrations nobody’s ever seen?

Have you always wanted to sit down one-on-one with a seasoned industry professional and get some honest, expert feedback on your work?

Well, now’s your chance. Read on to find out how to take part.

About the Critiquers

This year we have three guest critiquers:

Alex Allan, Children’s Publisher for Australia and NZ at Welbeck Publishing.

Judy Watson, award-winning Eastern States based children’s book illustrator and artist.

Cate Sutherland, Children’s Publisher at Fremantle Press.

All critiques will come with written feedback forms for you to keep. Your critiquer will make notes on such things as plot, structure, voice, presentation of folios, consistency of work, composition and marketability, as well as positive aspects of your work and any areas that need attention.

Critique Schedule

Critique sessions are 20 minutes long.

All critique sessions will take place during the Mandurah Retreat on Thursday 16 June.

Cost

Critiques – $70 per 20-minute session.

How to Book

Registrations for critiques are now closed.

What to Send

To participate in a critique, you need to send your material in advance. Please do not send any material until your place is confirmed and you have received your instructions from Teena. Material must be submitted by the deadline advised. No late materials can be accepted.

Writers

You will be required to submit the following in advance: up to 10 double-spaced pages from one story only (e.g. if sending a picture book MS for critique, you may send only one, even if it is only a couple of pages long) plus a 1-page synopsis including brief author bio details (e.g. 1/3 page bio + 2/3 page synopsis), making 11 pages in total.

You may use your time to discuss this story and/or ask general questions.

Illustrators

Illustrators have a choice of focus in their critique: they can request feedback on their portfolio OR a work-in-progress.

A portfolio review provides feedback on 10 illustration samples you submit.

A work-in-progress review provides feedback on an uncontracted, unpublished illustration project (e.g. a picture book, a comic book, an illustrated chapter book).

For a portfolio review:

Submit in advance:

•   Your name, 100-word bio, your website address (if applicable) and contact details.

•   Digital copy of portfolio containing up to 10 sample illustrations.

Bring with you on the day:

•   Hard copy of portfolio. Portfolios must consist of a standard A3 folder containing no more than
    10 pages of sample illustrations. Please do not include original artwork – prints only. Sample
    illustrations must be participants' own artwork.

For a work-in-progress review:

Submit in advance:

•   Your name, 100-word bio, your website address (if applicable) and contact details.

•   Your rough illustrations as a storyboard and/or a dummy book (pdf format)

•   between one and three finished illustrations from your project (pdf format)

Bring with you on the day:

•   hard copies of your storyboard and/or dummy

•   hard copies of your 1-3 finished illustrations (prints only, no originals)

Deadlines

Deadline for Submission of Materials: 12 May, 7:00 pm

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the event will receive a 75% refund. Cancellations made after this date will not receive a refund.

Anti-Harassment Policy

SCBWI is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience in its events and activities. Please review the official SCBWI Anti-Harassment Policy before booking.

Questions?

For more information about this event, please email Mandurah Critique Coordinator Teena Raffa-Mulligan.