FAQs
PANELS AND WORKSHOPS
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What topics are covered at SleuthFest?
SleuthFest provides writers at any stage of their publishing journey with information, advice, and perspective from experts and authors. The schedule with specific topics will be posted soon; general topics include:
Business
- Agents
- Contracts
- Film Rights
- Foreign Rights
- Marketing
- Publishers
- Self-Publishing
Craft
- Character Development
- Editing
- Plot Structure
- Research
- Setting/Place
- Writing Process/Methodology
Forensics
- Corpses
- Guns
- Law Enforcement
- Medicine
- Poisons
- Psychology
- Weapons
If there is a topic you’d like to see covered, please contact us!
How do I get selected for a panel/session?
For more than 25 years, our annual conference has produced top-notch programs on writing craft and forensics. This is a credit to the authors, law enforcement, and forensic experts who attend and support SleuthFest. Authors and experts selected to participate in SleuthFest as panelists or presenters will earn a discounted registration of $350.
To be considered, authors and experts will need to fill out our online Panelist/Presenter application, giving us the opportunity to get to know you and what writing topics you are excited to talk about and/or teach. There are a limited number of slots available on our schedule, so please fill out your application early. Participants will be notified by August 15, 2024.
Once selected, all panelists and presenters will be emailed a discount code. You must then register for SleuthFest using that code to get your $350 registration. The email with the code is your confirmation you have been selected, although you will probably also be contacted by one of our program chairs. Filling out our application does not automatically register you.
How are Moderators selected?
The Programming Coordinators solicit moderators and then match them to the panels.
I’m a reader. Can I attend SleuthFest?
Yes! You can register for the entire conference, or you can buy a day pass with or without tickets to some of our special events.
PRICING
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How much does SleuthFest cost?
MWA and other Florida writing group members (including Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Color, and Florida Writers Association)
- $400
Non-MWA Members
- $425
Agent & Editor Appointments
- Strategy & Pitch Sessions: $25
- Manuscript Critiques 25-pages for $100 (must be submitted by August 20, 2024)
Day Passes
- $125
AGENT AND EDITOR APPOINTMENTS – Strategy and/or Pitching
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What is a Strategy Appointment?
This is an appointment with an agent or editor to discuss any issues you’re having with your work-in-progress – plotting, pacing, dialogue, how to begin, how to end it, etc. Unlike Pitch appointments, you are not required to have a finished manuscript for this type of appointment.
What is a Pitch Appointment?
This is the opportunity to pitch your book to an agent or editor currently looking for new manuscripts. You MUST have a finished manuscript to pitch to an agent because agents/editors may ask you to submit it.
Is there a charge for these appointments?
Yes, they are $25 each for a ten-minute appointment.
May I have more than one?
Yes. When you register, you may purchase multiple pitch and/or strategy sessions. If you want an additional appointment, you must go to the Agents & Editors Appointment registration on Friday afternoon and request one. If there are available time slots, they will be assigned on a first-come/first-served basis. Additional appointments are $25 and payable at the A & E registration table.
Do I choose the agent or editor for my appointment?
When SleuthFest draws nearer, you will be contacted by our A & E coordinator. They will ask you to submit your 1st, 2nd, & 3rd choices. We do our best to assign you your first choice, but we don’t guarantee it.
When will I know whom I am meeting?
When you arrive at SleuthFest and pick up your registration, all your paid appointments will be with your badge.
What if I’ve never pitched before?
Check the program session schedule for the Pitch Practice Workshop. It will help you understand how to pitch, and you’ll be able to practice.
MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE
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What is this?
Invited agents and/or editors agree to critique ten (10) manuscript pages. You do not need to have a completed manuscript for this. The face-to-face critique will be about 20 minutes long.
How much does it cost?
$110
What should I expect?
The key word is CRITIQUE. It is not intended as a “pitch,” nor is it a query. The agent or editor is not expected to evaluate the ten pages on an acceptance/rejection basis. You will receive a critique of your work. The technique may vary from person to person, but you will receive a critique from a professional. You will be contacted in late August or early September with more information and where to submit your pages. Our Critique Coordinator will ask for your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices. We’ll try our best to get you your first choice, but we do not guarantee that.
GUESTS
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May I bring a guest?
Guests are spouses or significant others of SleuthFest attendees. Due to limited seating space, guests may only attend the Friday Guest of Honor Gala. To add a guest/+1 ticket, use the relevant field when you register (it’s at the end of the registration form). If your guests would like to attend more during the 3-day conference, they must register as an attendee.
Is there anything for my spouse/partner/significant other during SleuthFest?
We are supporting the Mystery Plinth Association. They are a stand-alone social organization that brings similar souls together to celebrate travel opportunities while loved ones participate in SleuthFest programming. Local volunteers will help connect and inform significant others/spouses/families of attendees for local adventures and social time outside of conference programming.
Advertising and Sponsorship
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Are ads available in the program book?
How do I submit an ad, and what sizes are available?
Do I have to design my own ad?
Are sponsorships available?
Yes. Email info@sleuthfest.com for information about sponsorships.
TRANSPORTATION
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Which airport should I fly into?
Tampa International (TPA) is the closest airport to the hotel. St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is also close by.
What’s the best way to get to the hotel from the airport?
Transportation from either Tampa International (TPA) or St. Petersburg– Clearwater International (PIE) airport is available by taxi or ride-share apps (Uber or Lyft). Taxis from the taxi line at either airport cost at least $75. Ride-share fares range from $35 – $75.
I’m driving to the conference. What’s the best way to get to the hotel?
You can find a map on our Hotel page. Click here to get directions from Google Maps.
How much is it to park at the Hilton?
This information is being updated. Please check back soon!
Is off-site parking available?
This information is being updated. Please check back soon!
Will I need a car?
You should not need a car. There are plenty of activities near the hotel to keep you busy from Thursday morning through Sunday afternoon.
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REFUNDS
If you were registered for SleuthFest before September 24 and want to cancel, email info@sleuthfest.com before October 21, 2024.
If you cancel no later than March 30, 2025, you will receive a a 50% refund, less processing costs.
Due to the commitment to the hotel, there are no refunds after March 30, 2025.
RAFFLE
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What is the Raffle?
Our Raffle Coordinator solicits and collects donations from panelists, FL-MWA chapter members, local merchants, and others. Past donations have included signed books, paintings, gift certificates, edible treats, drinkable treats, and even a vacation package! The raffle baskets are on display in the bookstore for examination throughout the conference.
How do I donate items for the raffle?
Thank you! Donating to the raffle is a great way to gain additional exposure. We welcome all types of donations – you are limited only by your imagination! Character-naming is always popular! If you have an item or items to donate, there is a box to check for that during your registration process, and our Raffle Coordinator will contact you – OR – you may contact us at info@sleuthfest.com.
How do I participate to win raffle items?
Raffle tickets are sold throughout the conference by our Boa Brigade. Look for the PINK feather boas. Prices are 10 tickets for $10 or 25 tickets for $20. The more tickets you buy, the better your odds of winning. Slotted boxes are placed with each raffle item. Match the prize basket number to the slotted box number then put your ticket stub(s) in the box. You can put your tickets all in one box or spread them amongst the 20+ prize baskets. Tickets are available from Thursday noon until 2 pm on Saturday. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted.
When is the drawing and must I be present to win?
The drawing will be held before at Saturday evening cocktail party. It is not necessary for you to be there, but your tickets must be. Winning tickets are verified at the time of the drawing and the items presented. We cannot mail winning baskets. Many people who cannot attend on Saturday evening leave their tickets with a trusted friend.
What/Who does the raffle money benefit?
ALL proceeds for the raffle go to Florida organizations that promote literacy. Bess the Book Bus will be the beneficiary of the proceeds collected again this year. They get books into the hands of kids up and down the east coast.
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BOOKSTORE
Tombolo Books is the official bookstore of SleuthFest.
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Additional Questions?
Although we hope we’ve answered many of your questions about SleuthFest on this page and throughout the website, please email us if you have further questions. Contact us at info@SleuthFest.com.