Featured Speakers: Conference Highlights

Art
Featured Speakers:
Conference Highlights:
Barry Furlow, Attorney, Contracts Expert and Law Professor
Julie Ham, Associate Editor/Contracts, Charlesbridge Publishing
Carter Hasegawa, Assistant Editor, Candlewick Press
Laurent Linn, Art Director, Simon & Schuster
Donna Jo Napoli, Author, Editor and Linguistics Professor
Jessica Regel, Literary Agent, Foundry Literary + Media
Linda Skeers, Author and Humorist

Presentations by Industry Professionals

Lessons on Craft

Illustrator Intensive

Critiques and Portfolio Reviews

Contracts Consultation

Mississippi Belle Cruise

Book Sale and Signing Cocktail Party
1
The Schedule at a Glance
Friday
1:30 P.M.
Saturday
Check in and pick up folders.
8:30 A.M.
2:00—2:30
Welcoming Words
2:30—3:15
Picture Book Beginnings
Julie Ham, Charlesbridge
3:15—3:45
9:00—9:45
Keynote: The Rights of the Writer
Donna Jo Napoli, Author
10:00-10:45
Why I Love Research
Carter Hasegawa, Candlewick Press
Chocolate Lovers Break
Whether you’re writing novels, picture books or nonfiction, research can be a tool in turning your manuscript into something every editor will want to read.
Chocolate treats, fresh fruit tray, hot
tea, coffee and water
3:45—4:30
Finding Voice in Picture Book
and Middle Grade NonFiction
Julie Ham, Charlesbridge
Opening Words
Featuring bagels, coffee or hot tea
All sessions in Mozart I & II
All sessions in Mozart I & II
11:00—11:45
Catching the Perfect Creative
Balance: Words and Images
Laurent Linn, Art Director
Simon & Schuster
Sunday
8:00 AM
Most sessions in Mozart I & II
8:00—12:00
12:00-1:15 P.M. Lunch
Country Buffet: Jack Daniels chicken, Virginia ham,
potatoes, salads, green beans, cookies
1:00—5:00
Afternoon Book Sale
8:00—9:00
Part 1: What Makes Picture Book
Illustration Unique?
9:00—10:00
Champagne Brunch
Illustrators will be seated together.
10:00—11:00
A Lawyer's List of Worries
2:30-4:30
Manuscript Critiques
Locations TBA
2:30-4:30
Giggles & Grins
Linda Skeers, Author and Humorist
Humor sells, so what's a writer to do when they aren't
feeling funny? In this session we'll study specific
writing techniques that anyone can use to
make readers -- and editors -- laugh out loud.
4:30-5:30
This is a tentative schedule. Any necessary
changes will be announced at the conference.
Part 2: First Impression Session
For details on this opportunity, please visit
page 4.
Writing Intensive
Julie Ham, Jessica Regel and Donna Jo Napoli
Mozart I & II
8:00—9:00
Paul Ziebarth hosts our Barnes & Noble Book Sale.
Hours are approximate.
1:30-2:20 P.M. Protecting Yourself
Barry Furlow, Attorney
Manuscript Critiques
Location TBA
Illustrator Intensive
Laurent Linn, Art Director
Learn the behind-the-scenes of picture book and novel
cover design and how to marry texts with illustrations.
Dinner on your own.
Opening Words
Charlesbridge: A Day in the Life
Julie Ham, Charlesbridge
Discover what makes Charlesbridge
Publications unique. Discuss recent titles,
editorial expectations and writing tips.
9:00—10:00
Champagne Brunch
10:00—11:00
Writing YA and MG That Sells!
Jessica Regel, Literary Agent
General Session
11:00-12:00
Sensation!
Donna Jo Napoli, Author
Bringing the reader onto the
scene.
12:00
Final Words and Farewells
Book Sale & Autograph Party
Barnes & Noble hosts on-site book sale
and autograph party in the Garden Room.
Cheese and crackers; cash bar.
5:30—9:30
Celebration Belle River Cruise
Meet in the lobby to travel by bus. Cruise, dance and
dine with writing friends!
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Conference Presenters A-Z
Barry Furrow
is a Professor of Health Law at Drexel University School of Law. He is married to Donna Jo and, right from the start, he
has negotiated her contracts -- that's 24 years of experience with over 70 contracts, including contracts for stage scripts and foreign
rights. He's attended many meetings of agents, literary lawyers, and writers, and consulted on contracts for a handful of other writers. He presents often at SCBWI meetings and Highlight Foundation’s events. He knows what you should look for in an agent and in a contract, in this
complex and shifting multimedia world.
Julie Ham is an Associate Editor and Contracts Coordinator at Charlesbridge Publishing. She edits middle-grade and picture-book fiction and nonfiction. Some authors and illustrators she’s currently working with include Paul A. Reynolds, Peter H. Reynolds, Anne Sibley
O’Brien, Leeza Hernandez, and debut author Diane C. Mullen. Julie graduated with an M.A. in Children’s Literature from Simmons College.
In her spare time she teaches adult-education writing courses at her local community center and enjoys city hikes and foolproof recipes.
Carter Hasegawa, Assistant Editor at Candlewick Press, came to children's publishing in a roundabout way. After a decade of working in grocery, followed by a two-year stint in textbook publishing, he left everything behind to follow his passion for children's books and
earned his MA in Children's Literature from Simmons College. Since 2008, he's been a children's bookseller at various independent
bookstores in Seattle and in Cambridge, which he still continues to do part-time when not at Candlewick. Some of his favorite, nonCandlewick books include: The Notorious Benedict Arnold, Jellicoe Road, Eleanor & Park, Ready Player One, Three Times Lucky, and many,
MANY others. Carter says he likes, “Basically anything that has a great voice, is a good story, and is ‘unputdownable.’”
Laurent Linn, Art Director for Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, began his career as a puppet designer/builder in Jim
Henson's Muppet Workshop, creating characters for various productions, including the Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island films. With Henson over a decade, he worked primarily on Sesame Street, becoming the Creative Director for the Sesame Street Muppets, winning an Emmy Award. Currently, at Simon & Schuster, Laurent art directs picture books, middle-grade, and teen novels, including I, Too, Am America, by Langston Hughes, illus. by Bryan Collier; Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo by John Lithgow, illus. by Leeza Hernandez; What Does the Fox Say?, by Ylvis, illus. by Svein Nyhus; Better Nate Than Ever, by Tim Federle; and the Rot & Ruin YA
series by Jonathan Maberry. Laurent is Creative Advisor for the annual Original Art exhibit at the Society of Illustrators in New York.
www.LaurentLinn.com Twitter:@LaurentLinn
Donna Jo Napoli is an award-winning writer of children’s fiction, from picture books to young-adult novels. Her books have won the
Golden Kite, the Sydney Taylor, the NJ Reading Association, the Kentucky Bluegrass, the Nevada Young Readers, the Bock Book, Anne
Izard’s Storytellers’, and the Parents’ Choice awards. She holds numerous degrees, has taught at various universities around the world, and
has held grants and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Science Foundation, the Sloan Foundation,
and the Mellon Foundation. Her most recent books include A Single Pearl (2013), Skin (2013), Treasury of Egyptian Mythology (2013),
Hands & Hearts (2014), and Storm (2014).
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Jessica Regel represents all genres of young adult and middle grade books, as well as a select list of adult general fiction, women’s
fiction, and adult nonfiction. She is passionate about discovering projects that are compulsive, contagious, and creative. She’s particularly interested in books that bridge the literary-commercial divide, combining a high-concept plot with beautiful writing. Originally from Iowa, Jessica
was working at her local library when she was offered a job at the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency and packed up for to New York City. She
spent 11 years at the Naggar Agency representing subsidiary rights and building her list of authors, including: Lesley Livingston’s Wondrous
Strange and Starling series (HarperTeen), Emily Danforth’s The Miseducation of Cameron Post (Balzer + Bray), Adrienne Kress’ The Friday
Society (Dial), Cecilia Galante’s The Patron Saint of Butterflies (Bloomsbury) and Little Wings Series (Random House Children’s), Shana
Mlawski’s Hammer of Witches (Lee & Low), Jeryl Brunner’s My City, My New York, J.C Carleson’s Work Like a Spy (Profile), and Jillian Cantor’s Margot (Riverhead). Jessica is a graduate of Hunter College with a degree in English Literature.
Linda Skeers is the author of The Impossible Patriotism Project, Tutus Aren’t My Style and Toy Makers. She’s presents and writes
articles on humor. In addition, she was an ICL instructor for over six years and co-teaches a picture book writing workshop with Jill Esbaum.
She has volunteered frequently for SCBWI-Iowa and serves as the Listserv Moderator. Linda says that she frequently laughs so hard she
snorts.
Illustrator Intensive
Laurent Linn, Art Director, Simon & Schuster
8:00—9:00
Part 1: What Makes Picture Book Illustration Unique?
Laurent will discuss the basic ways that picture book illustrations are unique. His PowerPoint presentation will cover what elements picture book illustration
must possess to be successful.
9:00—10:00
Champagne Brunch
Illustrators will be seated together.
10:00—11:00
Part 2: First Impression Session
Laurent will spend the rest of the session critiquing participating illustrators’ art and giving helpful input. This session is open to all illustrators working in
any style. Depending on time constraints, Laurent will comment on at least one sample per illustrator.
To be included in the First Impressions Session:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Pick two of your strongest art samples. Laurent has asked that you choose different scenes and characters to avoid having both images look too similar.
Name your jpg: YOURNAME.jpg (1 & 2 if you are sending two.) Each file must be under 1 megabyte.
E:Mail before March 14, 2014 to: [email protected]. They will be forwarded to Laurent.
Questions? Email Dorothia Rohner, SCBWI-Iowa IC at the above address.
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Conference Information A-Z
A
ATTIRE
Conference attire is business casual, which includes nice
jeans, pants, skirts and dresses.
B
BOOK SALE and AUTHOR SIGNING
SCBWI-Iowa hosts a book sale Saturday afternoon. Bettendorf’s Barnes & Noble sells books by conference presenters and SCBWI writers. To participate, please complete the PAL form in this packet.
C
CONTRACT CONSULTATIONS
Attorney Barry Furlow is offering contract consultations for
a fee of $35. They will last 15 minutes. During the time,
writers may ask questions, seek advice or bring in contract
language for assistance. Barry has negotiated numerous
literary contracts for Donna Jo Napoli.
H
HOTEL INFORMATION
The conference will be held at The Lodge. We have reserved a block of rooms. The cost is $90/day plus tax
(max./4 per room). To request one, please call or register
online. Please make your reservations early: March 14 is
the cut-off for early registration pricing.
Contact info:
900 Spruce Hills Drive
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Phone: 563-359-7141
Toll Free: 1-866-2690-2006
Website: www.thelodgehotel.com
Nearby hotels include:
Econo Lodge
815 Golden Valley Drive
Bettendorf, IA
563-355-6336
Super 8 Motel
890 Golden Valley Drive
Bettendorf, IA
563-355-7341
I
CRITIQUES
Each conference attendee may pay an additional fee of
$35 for a professional critique with an conference speaker
or published SCBWI member. Critiques are first come, first
served and do fill quickly. Upon conference check-in, you
will receive an information sheet on who, when and where
your critique will be held. One critique per attendee. All
work must be double-spaced, 12-pt. in a reader-friendly
font, 1-in. margins, RECEIVED by March 14!
Julie Ham — Leveled Readers, Fiction/Non-fiction PB-MG
Carter Hasegawa — Middle Grade, YA
Donna Jo Napoli — Leveled Readers, Picture Books, Fiction
Jessica Regel — Fiction Only (Board Books-YA)
Linda Skeers— Picture Books, Non-fiction
D
DISPLAY TABLE
Published authors and all illustrators are invited to share
work on display tables set up during the conference.
Space is limited. Authors may bring books or magazines;
illustrators may bring a 14 x 17 inch portfolio. No framed
artwork.
Iowa and Illinois shores! All shared with writing friends! So
get ready to Chicken Dance, Hoochi-Coochi and more!
Before March 14, the fee is $54.95. After March 14, the
fee is $62.95.
The three-entrée buffet features (subject to change):
Carved Prime Rib
Alfredo Pasta w/Vegetables
Sautéed Baby Green Beans
Sweet Corn Salad
Rolls and Butter
Coffee, tea, water
Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Breast
Baby Red Potatoes
Fresh Fruit Salad
Spring Salad
Turtle Cheesecake
P
PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Professional illustrators may sign up for a portfolio review
for an additional fee of $35. Please bring your illustrator
portfolio to the appointment. There will be an insert in your
conference folder with the date, time and place. Please do
not mail artwork.
PAYMENT and ADDRESS
1. Make checks payable to: SCBWI-Iowa.
ILLUSTRATOR INTENSIVE
Laurent Linn, Art Director at Simon & Schuster, will lead
2. Send all materials to:
this two-part session. Part 1 will discuss how picture book
Connie Heckert, SCBWI-IA RA
illustrations are unique and what elements they must posPO Box 1436
sess to be successful. During Part 2, First Impression SesBettendorf, Iowa 52722-0024
sion, Laurent will critique participating illustrators’ art and
give helpful input. This session is open to all illustrators
working in any style. Depending on time constraints, LauQ
rent will comment on at least one sample per illustrator.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Connie Heckert, SCBWI-Iowa’s Regional Advisor,
To be included in the feedback for Part 2:
at [email protected] or Lisa Morlock, Connie’s assistant, at
1) Pick two of your strongest pieces. Laurent asked that [email protected].
you avoid having images look too similar.
R
2) Name your jpg: YOURNAME.jpg (1 & 2 if you are
sending two.) Under 1 megabyte per file!
REFUND POLICY
3) 3-E:Mail before March 14, 2014 to:
Refunds are permitted before March 14 with a $35 [email protected]
cessing fee.
They will be forwarded to Laurent.
After March 14, no refunds will be permitted unless the
reservation space is filled. The $35 processing fee still
M
applies.
MISSISSIPPI BELLE DINNER-DANCE CRUISE
Those who attended this social evening in 2013 had a
blast! So we’re taking our speakers on a dinner-dance
cruise, which offers an elegant buffet the Mississippi River
from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Live music! Dancing! Scenic views on
ROOMMATE
If you need a roommate, please contact Lisa Morlock at
[email protected].
5
PAL Members: Sign-up Titles for the Book Sale!
If you are a traditionally published author and member of SCBWI-Iowa, you are invited to list your titles for the Saturday afternoon
book sale and autograph party. Davenport’s Barnes & Noble hosts the sale, and the bookseller orders as many available requested
titles as possible. You may attach your computer-generated list, or send your list in an email to [email protected].
All lists and information due by March 14.
Author’s Name ____________________________
Title
Publisher
Publishing Date
ISBN
Email ____________________________________
Phone ___________________________________
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Registration Information
Name: ____________________________________________________________
PORTFOLIO REVIEW with LAURENT LINN
Address: _________________________________________________________
___ YES! I’m an illustrator, so sign me up for a $35 review.
Phone: ___________________________________________________________

Please bring your illustrator portfolio to the review.
Email: ____________________________________________________________
*NEW* Membership Expiration: ________________________________________
If NOT a member, please write NA for Not Applicable.
If you’re a member, please write down the expiration. Check status at www.SCBWI.org.
Total
Duration
Member Price
Non-Member Price
$_______
Full Conference
$250 Before 3/14
$300 After 3/14
$320 Before 3/14
$370 After 3/14
$_______
Friday Only
$70 Before 3/14
$85 After 3/14
$90 Before 3/14
$105 After 3/14
$_______
Saturday Only
$140 Before 3/14
$180 After 3/14
$190 Before 3/14
$230 After 3/14
$_______
Sunday Only
Writers’ Workshop
$85 Before 3/14
$95 After 3/14
Writer’s Workshop
$100 Before 3/14
$125 After 3/14
OR
OR
Illustrator Intensive
$100 Before 3/14
$120 After 3/14
Illustrator Intensive
$120 Before 3/14
$140 After 3/14
Illustrator Note: For
the Intensive, please
choose two of your
strongest art samples
(not similar). Send
YOURNAME.jpg to
[email protected]
$_______
Critique
$35. Critiques are first come. MUST be received
by 3/14.
$_______
Portfolio Review
$35. For illustrators only with Laurent Linn.
Payment by 3/14 to participate.
$_______
Literary Contract
Consultation
$35. Barry Furlow, attorney, is available for 1on-1 literary contract questions/advice.
$_______
Mississippi Belle
Dinner Cruise
$54.95 Before 3/14
$62.95 After 3/14
TOTAL
Notes:
$_______
PORTFOLIO DISPLAY: To ensure space, please indicate if you’re
bringing your portfolio. Cards and promotional materials are welcome.
___ YES! I’m bringing my portfolio.
(max. 11x17-inch portfolio. no framed art or 3D displays)
CRITIQUE SIGN-UP: Must be RECEIVED by 3/14.
____ YES! I would like to sign up for ONE $35 critique.
Please include TWO copies.
Picture books/early readers/board books = full manuscripts
Chapter, middle grade, young adult = first 10 pages & 1-page synopsis.
Critiques are first come, first served. We honor requests as best we can.
Please rank in order, 1-5.
___ Julie Ham
___ Linda Skeers
___ Jessica Regel
___ Carter Hasegawa
___ Donna Jo Napoli
CONTRACTS CONSULTATION
___ YES! I would like to sign up for a 15-minute contract consultation or
advising session at $35 with Barry Furlow, contract attorney.
THE DETAILS
1. Make checks payable to: SCBWI-Iowa.
2.
Please send this form, all materials and your payment to:
Connie Heckert, SCBWI-IA RA
PO Box 1436
Bettendorf, Iowa 52722-0024
7