Manuscript Guidelines to Win ECPA Membership

Manuscript Critique Form and Guidelines

CLASS Christian Writers Conference

November 10-14, 2010

Want to win a submission in the ECPA’s ChristianManuscriptSubmission.com database?

Two CLASS CWC attendees will be awarded a free placement in the database for six months—a $98 value! Each person who submits a book proposal for paid critique or who attends Book Proposal Blitz on Wednesday will be entered into the contest. Proposals will be judged and the top two will be winners. Only attendees of the conference are eligible. Check the website for more information on ECPA’s Christian Manuscript Submissions services. http://www.christianmanuscriptsubmissions.com/ 

Paid Manuscript Submission Guidelines               

Choosing our paid critique service has shown your commitment to becoming the best professional writer you can be. An expert critiquer will review your manuscript; however, no one can guarantee publication of your work. Each critique expert will give a thorough review of the strengths and weaknesses, offer suggestions for improvement, and help you identify potential markets.

Each member of the team has a heart for encouraging you as a writer, wherever you are in your career development. Your paid critique entitles you to a 20-minute consultation with the individual who reviews your manuscript. During your appointment you can discuss the critiquer's comments and suggestions, ask questions, and clarify your next step for the manuscript. The critique team member who reviews your manuscript will return it during your consultation.

Only registered conferees may submit their manuscripts for critique. Please keep your submission within the following guidelines.

Nonfiction book proposals for adults, teens or children: Cover letter to editor, chapter outline/synopsis, and first 10 pages of manuscript.

Curriculum for adults, teens or children: Table of Contents and first 10 pages of manuscript.

Novels for adults/teens/children: Submit 1-2 page synopsis and first 10 pages.

Younger Children's Books: (Picture Book, Early Reader, Chapter Book) 1800-word limit.

Articles and short stories for adults or teens: 1800-word limit.

Children's articles and short stories: 1200-word limit.

Activity books or individual pages for children: Up to 10 pages.

Daily devotions/book reviews: 400-word limit, up to 5 devotions or reviews per paid critique. ($50 per five devotions or book reviews).

Greeting cards: 5 cards equal one critique ($50 per five greeting cards).

Songs: 3 songs equal one critique ($50 per three songs).

Plays/skits/monologues for adults, teens or children: Send a two-line synopsis and up to 10 pages of script. You may send more than one script as long as the total of all scripts is no more than 10 pages.

Poetry for adults or children: 40-line limit per poem, 5 poems equal one critique. ($50 for up to five poems)

For all manuscripts: Use double space/standard manuscript format. Number all pages with your name on each page. Do not bind or staple your manuscript. You MUST submit completed form below for acceptance of your manuscript.

NEVER SEND YOUR ONLY COPY OR ORIGINAL ART WORK. Critique team members will write comments directly on your manuscript. 

Questions? Contact Vonda Skelton at vondaskelton@charter.net.

Manuscript Critique Form

Please complete the following form for each manuscript submitted for critique. Place the manuscript and completed form in a 9" X 12" envelope and bring it with you to the conference. No manuscripts will be accepted prior to the conference (Walk-ins only). The $50 critique fee may be paid by check or credit card at the conference when you submit your manuscript. Critique includes a 20-minute consultation with your critiquer. We will begin accepting manuscripts during registration. Look for Vonda Skelton at a table near the registration table. Her table will be marked “Paid Critique Submissions.”

Please follow submission guidelines (above) for complete instructions and complete the form (below) for each paid critique.

Paid Manuscript Critique Form (Please complete one form for each critique)

Name: (as it appears on conference registration)

 

 

Address:

Phone: (      )

Fax: (      )

E-mail:

Title of Manuscript:

____Adult Nonfiction Book Proposal

____Teen/Juvenile Nonfiction Book Proposal

____Bible Study 

____Devotion

____Article/Column

____Nonfiction Article/True Story

____Curriculum

____Book Reviews

____Activity Book/Pages

____Adult Novel

____Teen/YA Novel

____Juvenile Novel
____Early Reader/Chapter Book

______Picture Book
____Adult Short Story
____Juvenile Short Story
____Humor
____Greeting Cards
____Plays/Skits
____Monologues
____Poetry
____Songs
____Other

 What do you hope to receive from this critique?




What are your writing needs?







Other Comments:

Remember, as an added value, each writer who submits a book proposal for critique will be entered into the drawing for a six-month manuscript placement in the ECPA
ChristianManuscriptSubmissions.com database.

Check the website for more information on ECPA’s Christian Manuscript Submissions service offerings. http://www.christianmanuscriptsubmissions.com/