Fan Conventions for Authors

 Not everyone is lucky enough to attend fan conventions. Susan Sipal is here to tell us a little about what it is like and how an author can benefit. Sounds like fun!

There comes a time in many newly-published authors' careers when they have to choose – am I going to attend the same writers' conference that I've been going to for years? Or, am I going to break out and sign up for that crazy fan convention I've been hearing so much about?

For authors, making this break and attending a fan conference for the first time can be like stepping into one of the alternate dimensions we create. Whereas a writers' conference will be filled with other writers like yourself, intent on making connections and learning how to craft a book, fan gatherings are filled (quite often) with young readers who are all about living those books…making the fantasy come alive (if only for one weekend).

As an analyst of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, I've attended numerous fan gatherings over the last decade, both in the US and London. My first experience was with a Harry Potter fan symposium held in Salem during the month of October in 2005. To be in Salem in October was enough of a culture shock for this Southern girl, but adding a Harry Potter fan conference on top…incredible. 

Since then, I've been to many more. Some more academic and some totally for fans. A couple have been based around major release parties (I was lucky enough to present at one in London for the release of Deathly Hallows!), and one around the opening of the Harry Potter theme park in Orlando. While each had its own flavor, they still had a lot in common.

I'd like to share some of what I've learned about how to attend and enjoy these special events. Note, although my experience comes from (mostly) Harry Potter gatherings, there are all sorts of fan gatherings, some that incorporate many fandoms.

Shift Your POV- As I said above, a fan convention is a unique experience. You need to brace yourself for a totally different atmosphere. Don't think professional. Think fun. Loads of it. The more you're able to get into the spirit of the festivities, the more benefit you'll get from the conference. I'm not saying be unprofessional, just don't be uptight. If they have a midnight ball…go and dance. If they're teaching defensive wand techniques…pick out a wand and give it a wave.

Dress the Part- Forget the pantsuit. Many fan conferences are all about the cosplay. If you really want to get to know the fans and participate, you're going to need to dress the part. Of course, you shouldn't be forced into something that's totally not you, but perhaps a Gryffindor scarf could liven up your otherwise boring pantsuit. Better yet, pick out an unusual character, plan a smashing outfit, and participate in the costume contest.

Bling Your Swag- For a fan convention, ditch the paper (probably a good rule for a writer conference as well). Marketing material that's just a piece of paper is probably going to end up in the recycling bin. Instead, check out simple personal items that you can brand with your book title and website. Perhaps a colorful wristband or a sticker for cell phones or buttons jackets and backpacks. Whatever will appeal to your target reader group. Usually, the more colorful or with something eye-catching, the better.

Know the Fandom and Contribute- Fans will be able to sense if you're just there to promote a new release or if you really get the fandom. Try your best to target fan gatherings where you can…you know…be a fan. Then, find a way to contribute to the conference experience. Many fan conventions also include a writer's track. It makes sense – book lovers are often book writers. You'll have to apply early, but offer to present a workshop. Or, you can organize a panel, volunteer for programming, or provide critiques for young writers. The more you participate the more fans you'll get to know and the more they'll get to know you.

Booksigning or Vendor Table?- Some conventions open with a major book signing that you'll want to sign up for months in advance. If this is not an option, almost all will have a market area where you can rent a vendor booth. If the conference is large enough, and within your target audience, this can be quite profitable.

Above all, Have Fun! - Fan conferences are fun conferences. But only if you participate.

Bottom line -- if you want to let loose and have fun with people who may actually read your book, a fan conference is the way to go. If you're more interested in making connections with other writers and pitching to agents and editors, then writers' conferences are great. But if you're at the stage where you're ready to get your book into the hands of readers and connect with fans…make the break! And send me a picture of your cosplay!

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S.P. Sipal (Susan) is an author, editor, and Harry Potter analyst. Author of A Writer's Guide to Harry Potter, she's presented dozens of workshops at fan conferences in the US, UK, and online. Her upcoming release, Southern Fried Wiccan, a YA contemporary, will be released from BookFish Books on March 24.

Susan tweets at @HP4Writers, blogs at SPSipal.com, and is Craft Editor at AdventuresinYAPublishing.com. She will be teaching Harry Potter for Writers starting March 16 at SavvyAuthors.

Book Blurb:

Cilla Swaney is thrilled to return stateside, where she can hang up her military-brat boots for good. Finally, she’ll be free to explore her own interests—magick and Wicca. But when she arrives at her grandma’s farm, Cilla discovers that life in the South isn’t quite what she expected. At least while country hopping, she never had to drink G-ma’s crazy fermented concoctions, attend church youth group, make co-op deliveries...or share her locker with a snake-loving, fire-lighting, grimoire-stealing Goth girl…

…Who later invites her to a coven that Cilla’s not sure she has the guts to attend. But then Emilio, the dark-haired hottie from her charter school, shows up and awakens her inner goddess. Finally, Cilla starts believing in her ability to conjure magick. Until…

…All Hades breaks loose. A prank goes wrong during their high school production of Macbeth, and although it seems Emilio is to blame, Cilla and Goth pay the price. Will Cilla be able to keep the boy, her coven, and the trust of her family? Or will this Southern Wiccan get battered and fried?

SOUTHERN FRIED WICCAN is available for pre-order on Amazon. You can also find a preview on Goodreads.

PB Party Agents

Whee! This is the cutest, most hugable mini-contest ever! A big thanks to these agents for agreeing to look at our fabulous entries on March 24. Please thank them with a follow on twitter. 

Maria Vicente of PS Literary

Maria Vicente is a creative and editorial agent, providing support to her clients through all stages of the writing and publication process. Her publishing career began as an intern with Bree Ogden at D4EO Literary Agency, and she also interned at P.S. Literary before joining the agency as an associate agent. Her reading preferences vary across categories and genres, which is reflected in her client list. Maria holds a B.A. in English Literature from Carleton University and a B.Ed. from the University of Western Ontario. She has affinities for literary prose, strong character development, original storytelling formats, and anything geeky. If you would like to send a query to Maria, please click or tap here to review our Submission Guidelines.

Maria is actively acquiring both fiction and nonfiction projects. In fiction, she is looking for Literary and Commercial Fiction (including fiction with a touch of genre), LGBTQ, Young Adult (any genre), Middle Grade (any genre), and illustrated Picture Books. For nonfiction, she is looking for projects in the Pop Culture, Geek Culture, Pop Psychology, Design, and Lifestyle categories. You can view her detailed manuscript wish list here.

Twitter|Website

Heather Alexander of Pippin Properties

Heather Alexander comes from a family where the constant ​​refrain was, “Don’t forget to bring a book!” In college, she hid THE PRINCESS DIARIES between Dickens and Hawthorne. One Children’s Lit class later, and her path in publishing became obvious. Heather landed in editorial at Penguin, where she happily stayed for six years, working with ​both​ debut and veteran authors and illustrators. As an agent, she is ​excited to develop new talent and help shape careers, which is what she loves to do best.

Twitter|Website

Clelia Gore of Martin Literary Management

It was when Clelia first read Charlotte’s Web in the first grade that she got hooked by the magic of books. Her love of children’s books carried through adulthood and she is delighted to dedicate her life to bringing quality books and stories to young (and whimsical adult!) readers. 

Clelia is originally from the suburbs of New York City. She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Boston College. She received her J.D. from American University, Washington College of Law and practiced law as a corporate litigator in New York City. 

In 2011, she decided to dedicate her career to books and reentered graduate school at Emerson College, where she received a master’s degree in Publishing and Writing. While she was studying publishing and taking creative writing courses at Emerson, Clelia gained firsthand experience in the publishing industry working in the children’s book division at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and in academic books at Oxford University Press.  She also taught academic writing and research courses to freshman students as a graduate student faculty member at Emerson College. 

Clelia acquires picture book, middle grade and young adult books. She is particularly interested in developing her middle grade and young adult nonfiction clientele. With apologies, Clelia is no longer accepting new adult fiction queries at this time. 

Twitter|Website

Christa Heschke of McIntosh and Otis

CHRISTA HESCHKE graduated from Binghamton University with a major in English and a minor in Anthropology. She started in publishing as an intern at both Writers House and Sterling Lord Literistic, where she fell in love with the agency side of publishing. Christa has been at McIntosh and Otis, Inc. in the Children's Literature Department since 2009 where she is actively looking for picture books, middle grade, and young adult projects. She is a fan of young adult novels with a romantic angle, and strong, quirky protagonists. Within YA, Christa is especially interested in contemporary fiction, horror and thrillers/mysteries. As for middle grade, Christa enjoys contemporary, humor, adventure, mystery and magical realism for boys and girls. For picture books, she’s drawn to cute, funny, character driven stories within fiction and is open to non-fiction with a unique hook.

Christa is not looking for any Adult fiction or non-fiction, paranormal or dystopian at this time.

Twitter|Website

Jessica Sinsheimer of Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency

Jessica Sinsheimer has been reading and campaigning for her favorite queries since 2004. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she went east for Sarah Lawrence College and stayed for the opportunity to read soon-to-be books for a living.

“Now an Agent at the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency, she’s developed a reputation for fighting office members to see incoming manuscripts first—and for drinking far too much tea. Her most recent sale is RIPPER, a paranormal/historical YA novel, about a Victorian girl who takes down Jack the Ripper–and its sequel.

“Always on the lookout for new writers, she is most excited about finding literary, women’s, and Young Adult fiction, and—on the nonfiction side—psychology, parenting, self-help, cookbooks, memoirs, and works that speak to life in the twenty-first century.

Twitter|Website

Essie White of Storm Literary

Essie White used to be a teacher, and before she was a teacher, she was a graduate student studying Emergent Literacy in Early Childhood Education. It may have been then, or it may have been long before, but at some point, Essie White fell in love with Children's Literature, and it has been the focus of her life ever since.

After earning her MA in Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Education, Essie spent several years creating and developing literature based curricula for elementary level programs. She provided classes for parents and educators, specifically addressing emergent literacy in children ages birth to age 8, prior to opening Young Child Academy, an early childhood program. During her tenure as Director at Young Child Academy, Essie wrote several books both with other educators, as well as with the children. For often, she discovered, the best books come from the children themselves! 

Essie considers Storm Literary Agency an extension of what she loves most: Children and Literature. And she cannot imagine one without the other. She desires to work with clients who have not quite forgotten what it was like to be children, who loved books as children, and love them just as much today.

Twitter|Website

Ella Kennen of Corvisiero Literary

Ella Kennen is a nomad courtesy of the US Air Force. She's lived here, there, and everywhere and done this, that and the other. She's always on the lookout for new things - in the real world or on the page.

Ella's favorite books leave her a bit shaken at the end - not necessarily because they're emotionally wrought (though they can be), but because they are such thorough world-builders, with such real characters, that it's hard to transition back to the real world when they're over. 

An experienced editor who came to Corvisiero from a publishing house, Ella loves working one-on-one with writers to help mold their manuscripts into the best possible stories. When she's not busy interning, she manages the blog at Rate Your Story, a service that helps writers make sure they'll stand out of the slush pile before they submit. She also teaches drama and creative writing to school-aged kids.

To balance out her right-brain propensities, Ella also has a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, which means she enjoys thinking about how to make systems run smoothly and efficiently. 

Ella is looking for:-- graphic novels (any age/genre)
-- children's nonfiction (any age/genre)
-- picture book submissions from author/illustrators
-- middle grade and young adult (any genre)
-- new adult (no romance, but romantic subplots welcome)
-- adult nonfiction on parenting or education
Twitter|Website

Rena Rossner of The Deborah Harris Agency

 Rena Rossner works at The Deborah Harris Agency in Jerusalem, Israel. She’s a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University Writing Seminars Program, where she majored in poetry and nonfiction writing. She also studied at Trinity College, Dublin and holds an MA in History from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She has worked as a bookseller in four countries, and is a writer of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. You can usually find her cooking, doing ceramics or reading, but she has been know to do Yoga and take walks with her pug, Pablo. 

She is seeking: “I am most interested in representing Fantasy and Science Fiction in all its permutations – Adult, Middle Grade, Young Adult etc. I also look for Middle Grade and Young Adult contemporary stories and I’d be open to MG/YA mysteries and thrillers as well. I represent quite a few picture books and I’m always looking for those. In terms of adult books, I look for Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, multicultural books, and I’d also consider adult mysteries, thrillers and psychological suspense, but not cozy mysteries. I specifically look for literary work (in any genre,) and books with elements of magical realism and the fantastic. You will steal my heart for sure if it’s set in the Middle East, in Israel or if it has Jewish or Israeli themes and characters, but I’m open to all themes, settings and characters. You’ve got to have a really good reason to send me nonfiction, or cookbooks, but if you have a reason that seems to fit with who I am and what I’m looking for, I’ll take a look.” (Bio taken from a Writers Digest article.)

Website|Twitter

Valuable Links: Word Count

My first manuscript was a 254,000 word adult epic fantasy. I kid you not. It was an epic all right.

So in ode to that giant overwrite, here's some links on the sweet spot for word count.

This post by Jennifer Laughran is often referred to as the one to check for word count reference. Also see this post about word count on the Writer's Digest site as opinions vary on the perfect word count. In fact, you can check around to different posts and then take an average for what they all say to probably give you best idea of a true range.

Too much over or under the acceptable range is not a good thing. Here's hoping you come in under 254K.

Query Questions with Danielle Barthel

Writers have copious amounts of imagination. It's what makes their stories so fantastic. But there's a darker side to so much out of the box thinking. When a writer is in the query trenches, their worries go into overdrive. They start pulling out their hair and imagine every possible disaster.

 

Here to relieve some of that endless worrying is a new series of posts called Query Questions. I'll ask the questions which prey on every writer's mind, and hopefully take some of the pain out of querying. These are questions that I've seen tossed around on twitter and writing sites like Agent Query Connect. They are the type of questions that you need answers for the real expert--agents!

If you have your own specific query question, please leave it in the comments and it might show up in future editions of Query Questions as I plan to rotate the questions.

Today we have Danielle Barthel from New Leaf Literary to share some agency insight with us. 

Is there a better or worse time of year to query?

​

I'd say holidays can be tough, because we're winding down our year and trying to get everything done that's necessary for the business. 

Does one typo or misplaced comma shoot down the entire query?

Not one, no. But it should really be as clean as possible. 

Do you have an assistant or intern go through your queries first or do you check all of them?

At our agency, both agents and assistants go through queries, and we look at every one that comes in.

Do you keep a maybe pile of queries and go back to them for a second look?

I personally do. I give myself some space from them and go back to see if I like them just as much later. 

If the manuscript has a prologue, do you want it included with the sample pages?

Yes, if that's where your story starts, that's where we should start reading!

How important are comp titles? Is it something you want to see in a query?

They're really valuable for us, since we have such a small space to get to know the story.

Some agencies mention querying only one agent at a time and some say query only one agent period. How often do you pass a query along to a fellow agent who might be more interested?

New Leaf does this for sure. We're a small agency, and everyone has a specific taste, so we are constantly sharing in house.

Do you prefer a little personalized chit-chat in a query letter, or would you rather hear about the manuscript?

Maybe one line of chat, but truly, at the query stage, it's about falling in love with the manuscript.

Most agents have said they don’t care whether the word count/genre sentence comes first or last. But is it a red flag if one component is not included?

It's just frustrating. Giving us as much information as possible, in a clear and concise manner, is so helpful going in. 

Writers hear a lot about limiting the number of named characters in a query. Do you feel keeping named characters to a certain number makes for a clearer query?

Yes. Queries are all about focus, and if you bring up too many names, we're not sure who to focus on.

Should writers sweat the title of their book (and character names) or is that something that is often changed by publishers?

Don't sweat too much about the titles--those change frequently. Character names usually need a good reason to change (ie. there's already a Katniss out there and she's a big deal).

How many queries do you receive in a week? How many requests might you make out of those?

Our agents receive hundreds per week!

Some writers have asked about including links to their blogs or manuscript-related artwork. I’m sure it’s not appropriate to add those links in a query, but are links in an email signature offensive?

For illustrators, if you're querying a manuscript dummy, I'd actually like there to be a link, because our agency does not accept attachments, and it will give me an idea of your art style.

 What bio should an author with no publishing credits include?

Just something that might make them memorable. If you have kids, where you live, what your day job is...all acceptable details (and there are certainly more than that!).

What does ‘just not right mean for me’ mean to you?

Generally, either it's a genre I wouldn't represent, or I do not connect to the characters.

Do you consider yourself a hands-on, editorial type of agent?

We're definitely a hands-on, editorial agency. That's one of my favorite parts!

What three things are at the top of your submission wish list?

Unique retellings, captivating and romantic contemporary, and lifestyle books that are easy to connect to, but have a different hook than books already out there. I also love anything that gives you a look behind the scenes.

What are some of your favorite movies or books to give us an idea of your tastes? 

I could watch FROZEN every day (I'll always love Disney). SCARLET by AC Gaughen and THE DARKEST MINDS by Alexandra Bracken are fantastic stories, and I've been reading Sarah Dessen since middle school.

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Following her completion of the Denver Publishing Institute after graduation, Danielle began interning at Writers House. While there, she realized she wanted to put her English degree and love of the written word to work at a literary agency. She worked as a full-time assistant for three years, and continues to help keep the New Leaf offices running smoothly in her role of Coordinator of Team and Client Services.

In her downtime, she can be found with a cup of tea, a bar of chocolate, or really good book...sometimes all together.

Getting the Call with Natasha Raulerson

Some of you may have seen a writer dropped out of Sun versus Snow just before the agent round because they got an offer. Their entry was actually picked by Amy Trueblood. This is that writer's story! Congrats to Natasha!

I may be the first person to ever get the agent call during a candle lit dinner at the Melting Pot. 

They’d given us a private booth in the back corner for our anniversary, complete with curtains, flowers, and a teddy bear. Of course, I don’t think that stopped the patrons sitting in the main area from hearing my squeal of delight when I realized I had a missed call from Laura Bradford.

I should clarify that I wasn’t expecting a call. Sometimes, agents just call. Which is cool. Unless you’re like me and you miss it.

That’s right. Those words are correct.

I MISSED MY AGENT CALL.

No biggie, right? I mean, I just need to call her back. The message requested I do so within forty-five minutes or else, Laura would be at an appointment.

First of all, I have the greatest hubs ever. I’d been warring back and forth as to whether it would be appropriate to call her back during our anniversary.

The hubs looked at me like I was crazy and told me I better damn well call her back!

After listening to the voicemail, talking with the hubs, and assuring the server I was not some crazy 

chick escaped from a mental institution, I go to call Laura back—only to realize it’d been forty-five minutes since she called.

From there it turned into an email and we got in touch the next day—after a Bluetooth malfunction that caused the radio to blare right into the speaker of my phone—where Laura was trying to hear me. I posted all about those details on my blog, so here, I want to talk about what happened when we FINALLY got on the phone.

For the record, I was on the phone outside of Froggy’s Playhouse because I was supposed to be attending my baby cousin’s birthday.  I took notes on an orange folder I found in my car with a pen from the center console. Honestly, I went prepared, but the timing of the call coincided with all my preparedness being out of reach.

There’d been many blunders up to this point, but Laura was just amazing and understanding. I tried not to sound like an idiot while I spoke with her. My mouth went dry and my embarrassment did not go down as I’d hoped.

We talked about Redemption, the direction of the novel, edits, and other projects I’m working on.  I swear all my responses were probably idiotic. I felt like the kids inside Froggy’s, jumping in bounce houses with no direction.

Then, Laura, in her wonderful way, somehow made me feel at ease despite all that. I don’t know if she could sense my nervousness or if she’s just that good, but everything she said about Redemption, and everything she said to me, just made me feel okay and comfortable, and then she offered representation.

Somehow, I managed to be cordial and professional, thanking her and going through the details of what that would entail. In my head though, I’m pretty sure two brain cells were high fiving each other in a way that would make ‘The Todd’ from Scrubs proud.

I knew as soon as I hung up the phone, Laura was the agent I wanted to go with, but I didn’t even have time to process any of it because I walked into Froggy’s to a birthday with over fifteen kids. I got to tell the hubs I got an offer before being tackled by the now 5-year-old birthday girl.

Six hours later, I finally got to go home, process this, and maybe, just maybe I screamed loud enough to wake the neighbors.

The moral of the story: Agents are humans too. They understand when things happen.

I don’t know if I have the most blundered call story in literary history, but I was lucky enough to get the call from an agent that understands life happens. I’m grateful, blessed, and so excited to be a Bradford Babe.

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Born in Florida, Natasha has lived in the southern sunshine state her entire life. A student of literature at Florida Atlantic University, she always enjoys reading a good book--especially by the pool during the hot, humid summers. She’s also the founder and host of Whiskey, Wine, & Writing—a webcast and blog dedicated to the writing community as a whole. When not writing she can be found binging on TV shows and movies with her husband, while their two pups steal the blankets. 

Picture and Chapter Book Party!

Spunky. Adorable. Heartwarming.

Those are some of the words that describe picture/chapter books. I'm happy to join with Sharon Chriscoe to do a little something for a group that is left out of most contests. This mini-contest is for you!

And if you don't write picture/chapter books please don't run away. I NEED YOUR HELP NOTIFYING PICTURE BOOK WRITERS. This contest is such short notice that I need everyone to spread the word. Tell your friends who write PB and please post on twitter. Also the twitter party will be for everyone, so I hope to see you there under the hashtag #PBParty. There will be daily topics that apply to all writers during the submission week.

So far there are six picture book agents on board. (Agent post coming later this week when everything is finalized.) The agent round will be March 24th. The submission day is March 16th. Then Sharon and I will go through the entries and pick our favorites. I'm not sure how many entries will be chosen, but the number will be between 15 and 20. Sharon is my expert on this as I don't know much about picture books, except I enjoy reading them.

The Rules:

Please be a follower of this blog. You can click the "Join this Site" button in the left sidebar. Please follow myself and Sharon on twitter. I imagine we will be tweeting hints as well as partying!

You may send two entries for different manuscripts. That's two and only two, whether you have multiple pen names or multiple email addresses. Please be honest and not send more. Only one entry will be chosen per person. If you send two, still only one will be picked. Any attempt to cheat will result in entries thrown out (and sadly it has happened in the past.) 

On March 16th at 4:00 pm Eastern the submission window opens. Do not send early or your entry will be deleted. You may resend at the correct time if this happens. I'm recycling an email address as I already have too many. Please send your entry to SunversusSnow at yahoo dot com. 

You should receive a confirmation email. If you do not, please contact me on twitter before resending. The window will stay open until we get 111 (yes that number is because I'm a hobbit) entries. However long that takes. It could be minutes or it could be days. I'm really not sure on this one.

This contest is only for finished and polished manuscripts. It has to be ready to go out to agents.

The Format:

Subject Line of your Email: PBParty: Title

Example:  PBParty: Hot Tub Santa

Inside the email please bold where bolded in my example. Single space with spaces between paragraphs. Use Times New Roman or equivalent font and the size should be 12. 

(Here's a trick to keep your paragraph spacing: copy and paste your entry into your email and then put in the line spaces. They seem to get lost when you copy and paste. It may look right but sending scrambles the spacing.)

Name: Sharon Chriscoe
Title: HOT TUB SANTA
Genre: (Here please tell us what type of picture book this is) Example: Board Book, Bedtime Rhyme, Nonfiction, Biography, etc. or List Chapter Book
Word Count: xxx (round to nearest ten, hundred for chapter books)

Query:

Your entire query letter here. Include your comps, bio, greeting, closing. (You may use whatever you want for a greeting. Dear Agent. Dear Michelle and Sharon.) 

Here is your chance to make your entry shine and make the agent fall in love with your words. 

First 50 Words:

Include your first 50 words for a picture book, 100 words for chapter books. Do not stop in the middle of a sentence. You may go over by one or two words to finish a sentence but not more than five. Single space and put spaces in between paragraphs. You may center or tab if appropriate.

Edit: For short picture books, less than 50 words may be submitted. Any count under 50 is allowed.

Also I will delete parts of entries after the contest ends, if requested. For those writers uncomfortable with their work being out there for all to see.  


Bonus: You may attach one illustration to your email to show an example of your artwork. If you don't have artwork, don't worry. 




I would like to thank Mel Stephenson for creating our logo artwork! Be sure to follow her at @paintandwords. 

That should cover about everything, but you may leave questions in the comments or on twitter. Don't forget the #PBParty hashtag.

We can't wait to see all the cuteness on March 16th! 

Mini-Contest Coming

Not much information yet, but I have a mini-contest coming in March. So far five six agents are signed up. Looks like the submission will be March 16th. Stop by for all the details on Monday.