FAQs

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.

The Programming Coordinators solicit moderators and then match them to the panels.

MWA and other Florida writing group members (including Sisters in Crime, and Florida Writers Association)

• Early Price (until April 30): $375
• Regular Price (up to September 21): $425

Non-MWA Members

• Early Price (until April 30): $400
• Regular Price (May 1 to September 21): $425

Events

• Friday’s Guest of Honor Gala Guest $120
• Saturday Forensics Guest of Honor Lunch $35

Agent & Editor Appointments

• Strategy & Pitch Sessions: $25
• Manuscript Critiques 25-pages for $100 (must be submitted by August 20, 2024)

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.

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.

Yes, they are $25 each for a ten-minute appointment.

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.

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 you arrive at SleuthFest and pick up your registration, all your paid appointments will be with your badge.

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.

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.

$110

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 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.

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.

Yes

Ads should be designed in 300 DPI and saved in PDF or JPEG format. Ads can be submitted by email in black & white or color.

 Please be sure to include the following with your payment so we can apply it properly:

• Your name
• Type of payment you are making (Advertising)
• Size and cost of your ad
• Your email address

Yes. Contact info@sleuthfest.com for more information and assistance.

Tampa International (TPA) is the closest airport to the hotel. St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is also close by.

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.

You can find a map on our Hotel page. Click here to get directions from Google Maps.

This information is being updated. Please check back soon!

This information is being updated. Please check back soon!

You should not need a car. There are plenty of activities near the hotel to keep you busy from Thursday morning through Sunday afternoon.

If you cancel no later than July 29, 2024, you will receive a full refund less any processing costs we may have incurred.

You will only be entitled to a 50% refund, less processing costs, for cancellations between July 29, 2024 and August 29, 2024.

Due to the commitment to the hotel, there are no refunds after August 30, 2024.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Tombolo Books is the official bookstore of SleuthFest.

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.