Carefully read the submission instructions below, then click here to get to the submissions page. The deadline for manuscript submissions is July 1st, 2022.
What’s Included:
The faculty members, agent or editor you selected during registration will review your work and prepare comments in advance of the conference.
While at the conference, you will have a one-on-one, 15 minute meeting with your critique faculty member to hear their feedback, ask questions, and discuss your project.
We will be awarding the annual Golden Gate Writers’ Award (one for a picture book and one for a middle grade or YA novel) during the conference, and entries for the contest will be selected only from those manuscripts submitted for critique.
Submission Policy:
You may only submit ONE manuscript either in PB, MG or YA category.
Picture Books
You may submit one picture book manuscript per paid consultation, of up to 6 pages in length, with 1,000 words max, or 1,200 if non-fiction. (Note that many picture books are under 500 words these days. Just because you can submit up to 1000/1200 words doesn’t mean you should.) You have the option of including a one-page cover letter in addition to your manuscript.
Middle Grade and YA
You may submit up to 10 pages of your manuscript (2,500 words max). Optionally, you may also include a one-page synopsis, and/or a one-page cover letter, in addition to the 10 page sample.
Submission Instructions:
Step One: Write a one-page cover letter (optional but recommended).
Please address your letter to the particular agent or editor you registered with or simply use “Dear Golden Gate Conference Manuscript Reviewer,” which is also fine.
Much like a query letter, this can be a quick note that includes a pitch/synopsis and any relevant biographical information.
We highly recommend this opportunity to introduce yourself and your work to the faculty reader.
(Middle Grade and YA only): Write a one-page synopsis, in addition to your cover letter (optional).
Step Two: Format your manuscript:
Your name and contact info in the upper left corner of the first page
Your manuscript’s title centered in the upper middle of the first page
Text starting half-way down the first page, double spaced
1 inch margins all around with name, title and page number in the header or footer
12 point Courier, Times or Arial type
Step Three: Create your word file:
Make sure your document contains the following (all in one file): 1) A cover letter (optional/recommended); 2) A synopsis page for MG/YA novels only (optional); 3) Your manuscript text
Carefully proof, spell check and edit all text. Then double check it. You can only submit once so make sure you are ready.
Create your word file using the following titling format: [Manuscript Title]-GG22 (Ex: TheHappyBird-GG22.doc or Dragonriders-GG22.docx)
Step Four: Submit your single Word file.
Click over to this submission page.
Enter your contact information.
Select your faculty preferences.
Upload your file per the instructions on that page.
Click submit. You will receive an automated confirmation email.
The submissions page link is live! Click here to submit.
Dates and Deadlines
Submissions must be uploaded no later than July 1st, 2022.
Fee
The add-on fee for a critique is $75.
FAQs
Q: Why do novel samples get 2,500 words and I can only submit one picture book per consultation under 1,000 words?
A: Novels and picture books are two very different storytelling mediums. Picture book texts must “make every word count” as well as share the page with illustrations for very young children. Novels are tens of thousands of words longer, and therefore require a slightly more substantial introduction for a manuscript consultant to provide adequate feedback.
Q: After I submitted my work, I made some changes and I want to replace my original submission with a new one. There is still time before the deadline, so can I do that?
A: No. Please upload your manuscript ONLY ONCE. We cannot accept multiple revised uploads. Proof your work carefully and submit when you are absolutely ready.
Q: If I am an author-illustrator, can I submit both a manuscript and pictures?
A: Author-illustrators may opt to submit along with the picture book manuscript ONE PDF dummy (or ONE PDF of several illustrated spreads) from the manuscript being reviewed. Refer to Manuscript Submission form for more details.
Q: Should I submit something that is polished and ready for publication, or should I submit something that I feel isn’t yet working that I want a professional’s input on?
A: There are pros and cons to both strategies. If your primary goal is to gain feedback into how to make your piece better, then submit something that you feel isn’t quite there yet, to obtain valuable professional insights. If, however, your primary goal is to either win an award or possibly make a connection that might lead to representation or a future sale, then you should submit your most polished, most ready-for-publication manuscript. Regardless of which strategy you choose, do your very best to remain open to feedback. There is always room for improvement.
If you have any questions, please email our Manuscript Coordinator, Seina Wedlick at sfsouth-ara2@scbwi.org