Question: Do I have to submit a manuscript?
Short Answer: No.
Detailed Answer: Our writers submit manuscripts as they become available. However, the purpose of these workshops is to provide invaluable feedback to the writers which obviously can’t be done if there isn’t a manuscript.

Question: Do I have to critique others?
Short Answer: Yes.
Detailed Answer: The whole point of critique workshops is to provide each writer with feedback. In doing so, we can learn how to strengthen our own writing. It isn’t fair to ask for your work to be critiqued if you aren’t returning the favor!

Question: Should my manuscript be print ready, meaning a final copy that’s ready to be published?
Short Answer: No.
Detailed Answer: While you should aim to have your copy as polished as possible, free of grammatical and spelling errors as possible, your manuscript doesn’t have to be ready for publication. Some writers are looking merely to sharpen skills, try out different techniques and grow from the experience. Others may have a certain contest or purpose to fulfill as a goal.

Question: I’ve never proofread or edited before. Are there rules to follow?
Short Answer: Yes and no.
Detailed Answer: You’ll find proofing and editing information here on this site which will be helpful both in editing/proofing a copy as well as understanding the marks that are made on your own piece. Go at your own pace, ask questions and do what you feel most comfortable doing. If you’d like, we can pair you up with another writer to help you learn editing and proofing methods.

Question: Is there a specific format I should use for my manuscript?
Short Answer: No.
Detailed Answer: While we don’t require a specific format, you should get into the habit of writing within the industry’s standards. Work should have a header with the title of your piece, your name, the date (or season) and what draft/copy level (e.g. first draft, third draft, final copy, etc.) We urge you to number your pages. The industry standard is to double space, set margins to 1? on all sides, use a Courier font at 12pt. which we encourage you to stick with.

Question: Do I have to send my manuscript in prior to the meeting?
Short Answer: No.
Detailed Answer: To guarantee your piece is critiqued and that you get the most “bang for your buck” (even though it is a free workshop, your time is worth something, right?), it is in your favor if you do send it by the deadline or even earlier. If you wait and bring it with you, we can’t guarantee we’ll have enough time to get to it. If, however, you do opt to do this, make certain you bring enough copies for everyone (about 5, not including your own copy).

Still have questions? Need more information? Feel free to ask! Either use the comment section here (we can all benefit from the questions and answers) or email kathie dot blog at gmail dot com.