Bootcamp
What Is Bootcamp?
Bootcamp is a hands-on critique workshop, taught by published authors, that takes place in the morning both days prior to the opening of the conference. Writers receive immediate feedback on their own manuscript pages. Bootcamp is an optional conference feature, for which you can sign up during the registration process (additional fees will apply). Many attendees have said that, although intensive, Bootcamp has helped them grow faster and become a better a writer than anything else at the conference.
How Boot Camp Works:
You and several other Bootcampers will be assigned to a table with a published writer "Sergeant" as your instructor. In a critique-group-style setting, you’ll read portions of your work aloud (or, if your Sergeant chooses, you’ll read one another’s work aloud) and then give one another feedback.
Your instructor will also give you targeted feedback, designed to make your work stronger. Others in your group will do the same, offering you and fellow Bootcampers at your table constructive comments and feedback.
You will be amazed at how much you will learn, in just a few hours’ time, about writing, revisions, critiquing, and how to give and take constructive criticism. It’s an intense, hands-on experience, but one you won’t want to miss!
Bootcampers will learn to identify manuscript weaknesses and magnify strengths. Bootcampers also become experienced in critiquing each other’s work—a valuable skill that each person can take home with them. By attending Bootcamp, you will hone in on where you excel in your writing, and you'll also discover which skills still need developing.
When you register, you will be asked to choose your preferred genre. You would be expected to bring a portion of a manuscript in your selected genre for hands-on evaluation and training. NOTE: This does NOT obligate you to sit at this genre table. This is only to help us gauge interest and plan Bootcamp tables.
Bootcamp tables are currently planned in each of the following genres (one or more per genre), and may be combined or expanded as needs dictate:
Young Adult
Childrens (picture books)
Middle Grade
Inspirational Nonfiction
General Nonfiction
Memoir or Narrative Nonfiction
Contemporary Romance
Historical Romance
Mystery / Suspense / Thriller
Women's Fiction
Historical Fiction
Fantasy / Science Fiction
Western Fiction
General Fiction
Screenplay
Prior to the conference, all Bootcamp attendees will receive an email from the Master Sergeant with specific instructions on how to prepare and what to bring with them.
Seating is limited. First come, first serve.
A continental breakfast will be provided for Bootcamp attendees both mornings.