MY FIRST SCBWI CONFERENCE

 
            I’ve taken several online courses, webinars, Highlights Foundation workshops, and Picture Book Summit online conferences, but I hadn’t yet gone to an in-person conference. In June, I finally attended my first. Two of my critique partners and I experienced New Jersey’s medium-to-large sized SCBWI conference at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick. I’d say there were approximately 300 people in attendance.
           Although registration was rather confusing and highly stressful, the actual conference was well-organized, informative, and fun. I had signed up for a free pitch session and a paid one-on-one critique. My enthusiastic agent gave a thorough critique with lots of great suggestions. Even the agent in the short five-minute pitch session gave me useful information that would strengthen my manuscript. Both agents requested that I send a manuscript.
            Over the two days, there were a total of seven workshops, the majority fabulous. I chose a smattering of both picture book and middle grade classes because that’s what I’m currently writing. A few stand-out workshops included:  Rachel Orr’s “Crafting a Picture Book,” Anna Roberto’s “Finding Your Voice,” and Laura Sassi’s “Creating Rhyming Picture Books That Pass the Sniff Test.”
            Pros of the conference strongly outweighed cons. The staff were exceeding welcoming and friendly. At first I balked at wearing a “newbie” badge, but staff and conference-goers seemed extra attentive to make my first experience there special. Another pro was that all participants signed up for two meals with agents and editors. (Next time, I will be more prepared with specific questions to ask them!) NJSCBWI provided two keynotes, book signings, and an illustrator showcase, all in a comfortable venue.
            I didn’t find many weaknesses to the conference. The registration website was confusing and stressful; as I raced to sign up for the agents and classes I wanted. In addition, it was disappointing to have to miss valuable class time to attend my pitch and critique sessions—they overlapped workshops. Really, that was about it!
            In the months since the conference, I’ve reread my notes and attempted to apply what I learned. I revised and polished those two manuscripts. I’ve also submitted to several of the agents and editors, another great perk of an SCBWI conference.
            My first SCBWI conference was a smashing success! My critique group and I are already planning our next conference. We’re hoping to attend “the big one,” NESCBWI in May, 2019.

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Categories:  NJSCBWI, writing conference, kidlit

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