Writers Workshop
Adrienne Foster,
writerworkshop
The L.A.con IV Writers Workshop is a mutual help group function for either experienced or beginning writers, based on the principle that good critiquing skills make good writing skills. L.A.con IV provides members the opportunity to have their manuscripts evaluated by selling writers and industry professionals who enjoy helping them grow as artists.
So far, the following selling writers, agents, editors, and experienced moderators have agreed to participate in the writers workshop:
More pros are signing up every day and we'll update accordingly. We can promise at least one professional will be critiquing each entrant's submission, but we usually provide three. Alas, entrants cannot choose which pros will be reading their work.
This is not a competition. Participants work in a quiet, secluded room to elaborate on the story structure, logistics, and style of the entrants. submissions. Due to the critical nature of this workshop, it is not recommended for anyone under 18 or anyone who is sensitive to criticism.
All manuscripts must be submitted in advance, since there will be no on-the-spot reading for critiques. You will also need to be prepared to attend your section, which can be assigned any of the five days (and we do emphasize that includes Wednesday, August 23, and Sunday, August 27) at the convention. Each section lasts three hours.
There is a nominal entry fee that covers photocopying, postage, and handling costs. Multiple submissions are accepted; however, the entry fee is for one manuscript only. Because of possible limitations in scheduling, we can only guarantee that one submission per member will be workshopped. We ask that each additional entry fee be covered by separate checks, in case it needs to be returned. Second submissions are scheduled on a first-come-first-served basis. Please specify the priority by which you want your manuscripts workshopped.
Entrants are not permitted to pay double the fee to double the word limit. Collaborative teams are treated as a single entity. Likewise, two or more short stories count as two or more entries, regardless of whether they're under the word limit when combined.
Manuscripts may be either short stories or novel excerpts. Stories must be either science fiction, fantasy, gothic/horror, or have a fantastic element of some kind.
All submissions must be received at the writers workshop no later than July 1, 2006.
Manuscript submissions can have up to 7,500 words. Manuscript format should conform to general professional submission standards. (The Writer's Digest Guide to Manuscript Formats, by Dian Dincin Buchman and Seli Groves, is one resource for this information.) Avoid staples or other bindings. Use only paper clips or clamps, if necessary.
Longer pieces or novels must include a summary covering the entire plotline with a writing sample (the beginning is preferred). The summary counts as part of the 7,500 words.
Manuscripts must be accompanied by:
A cover letter that includes your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, if applicable.
Payment for full attending membership or have cover letter provide your L.A.con IV membership number.
A check or money order for:
| U.S. members | $35.00 |
| Canadian members | $40.00 |
| overseas members | $45.00 |
Send manuscripts and inquiries to:
L.A.con IV Writers Workshop
P.O. Box 6783
San Jose, CA 95150-6783
U.S.A.
email:
writerworkshop
Manuscripts may be sent to the central L.A.con IV address, but that does not guarantee that they reach the workshop coordinator on time.
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