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AUCTION
1. What is the Author Auction?
  During the Saturday lunch, we hold an auction for various writing related donations. In the past, these have included a character name in a book, a manuscript critique by an agent or editor, and cocktails with a Guest of Honor. Bidding gets fast and furious; winning bids from SleuthFest 2010 ranged from $75 (cocktails w/ GOH) to $625 (ms critique by agent). Bring your checkbook or wallet full of dough, and a fast hand for bidding.
RAFFLE
1. What is the Raffle?
  One of our volunteers collects and packages baskets of books and all types of doodads too numerous to mention. The baskets are on display for examination throughout the conference.
2. How do I participate?
  Raffle tickets are sold throughout the conference by volunteers who roam the area wearing boas. Prices are reasonable, and you can buy as many as you like. Slotted boxes are placed with each raffle item and you put your tickets in the box.
3. When is the drawing and must I be present to win?
  The drawing is held at the cocktail party on Saturday evening. It is not necessary that you be present, but your ticket must be. Winning tickets are verified at the time of the drawing and the items presented. We cannot mail. Many people who cannot attend on Saturday evening leave their tickets with a trusted friend.
AGENT AND EDITOR APPOINTMENTS
1. What is this?
  Each year, agents and editors attend as SF invited guests. They are present to participate on panels, to accept "cold pitches" from participants, and to enjoy the conference.
2. Does it cost extra?
  No.
3. Do I need a completed manuscript in order to "cold pitch" an agent or editor?
  YES. Comments from past years show that agents and editors prefer (even demand) a completed manuscript. They can do nothing with your incomplete work and less with your shell of an idea. Your goal is to put your best foot forward. Not being ready to submit a completed manuscript is not your best step, and could be a step backward.
4. How do I arrange for an appointment?
  The Registration Form has a place to indicate your interest. Check it, then wait for notification from the Agent and Editor Appointments volunteer.
5. Do I choose with whom I want to meet?
  NO. You will be assigned by the A&E Appointments volunteer. He may (or may not) ask you to provide your desires in priority.
6. When will I know with whom I'm meeting?
  When you check in at the conference, there will be a card in your packet with the information. If time allows (and all other things work out), you may be notified by email before the conference.
7. How long do I have to make my pitch?
  Ten (10) minutes. You will be notified at the eight (8) minute mark and should wrap up your pitch. Hanging on is bad taste.
8. Should I bring a synopsis, a copy of my manuscript?
  NO. The agents and editors are not there to accumulate synopses or manuscripts. If they're interested, they will give you instructions on how to submit.
MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE
1. What is this?
  Invited agents and/or editors agree to critique ten (10) pages of a manuscript.
2. What does it cost?
  $100
3. What should I expect?
  Difficult to answer, but 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 it's a critique by a professional.
PANELS
1. How do I get selected for a panel?
  First, you must be a published author. There is a block on the registration form asking if you'd like to participate on a panel. Mark it YES. The SF program developer will attempt to match you to a panel. You'll be notified before the conference as to panel assignment and others on the panel.

Joanne Sinchuk, Conference Programmer, will consider all requests and place authors to the best of her ability, however there are no guarantees. If you have a particular expertise or a subject you believe pertinent, contact her.
2. How are Moderators selected?
  The SF Moderator Volunteer solicits moderators, then matches them to the panels. Feel free to volunteer.

There will be a call for volunteers a couple of months prior to conference kick off. Be ready to submit your name.
REFUNDS
1. If I have to cancel my registration, can I get a refund?
  If you cancel by January 15, 2010, you will receive a full refund less any PayPal costs we may have incurred.

You will only be entitled to a 50% refund less PayPal costs for cancellations between January 16 and February 15, 2010. Due to the commitment we must make to the hotel, there are no refunds after February 15th.
HOTEL ROOMMATES
1. If I need a roommate to split expenses, is there anyone who can help me?
  Yes. Becky Swets has agreed to coordinate requests for roommates. Contact her at bdors52@yahoo.com. She will make every effort to meet your requirements.
PROGRAM ADS
1. Are ads available in the program book?
  Yes.
2. How can I buy one?
  By emailing PJ Parrish at PJParish@aol.com to reserve your space. Deadline for all ad copy is January 1, 2010.
3. Suppose I'm iffy on designing an ad.
  We offer free design services. If you would like an ad, but have no one to assist you in designing one, we will help you free of charge! If you require this service, please contact PJ Parrish so we can schedule your space and get to work on your ad. PJ will provide a proof for your approval as soon as it is complete.
4. How do I submit an ad and what sizes are available?
  Pre-Designed Ads. Ads should be designed in 300 DPI, and saved in a PDF, PSD, EPS or JPEG format, grayscale or color. We prefer email but can also accept a CD, or a high-quality scan on disk or paper. Please advise if you need an address to mail the ad copy.
  Ad Sizes:
· 1/4 page: 3.75" wide x 5" high
· 1/2 page: 7.5" wide x 5" high
· Full page: 7.5" wide x 10" high
  Prices:
· Full-page B&W: $175
· 1/2 page B&W: $100
· 1/4 page B&W: $60
  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 and
· Your email address.
  Make checks payable to: MWA, Florida Chapter and sent to the following address:
  Rick Wymer, Treasurer, MWA-FL
13900 Carlton Dr
Davie, FL 33330
THURSDAY WORKSHOPS
1. Do I need to pre-register for the Thursday workshops?
  The Thursday workshops are an optional, limited enrollment component of the conference, not included in the regular registration fee. The cost is $60. When you complete your Registration form, mark the block for the Thursday workshops and add $60 to your conference fee. Once you have registered, you are free to attend whichever workshop(s) you prefer -- no additional registration required.
INTERFACE WITH AGENTS AND EDITORS
1. Will I have opportunities to meet and talk to the agents and editors other than at the pitch sessions?
  The Agents and Editors attend SleuthFest as our guests. They are friendly, outgoing, and enjoy meeting and chatting with the attendees. Feel free to approach them as you would any other attendee.

During the two luncheons, feel free to with the agents and editors.

However, in call cases, remember basic courtesy.

And, please DO NOT pitch your manuscript in the bathroom.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
1. Will I need to rent a car?
  The Deerfield Beach Hilton is located an executive buildings complex. There is a shuttle that will transport you within a five-mile radius. However, if you plan to to "see the area," you will need some form of transportation. Taxis are available. And, of course, a rental car is always a plus.
TRANSPORTATION TO HOTEL
1. How do I get from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport to the hotel?
  Taxis cost approximately $60.
Private sedan (1 passenger) cost approximately $50.
Shared ride shuttle services cost from $15 to $25.
Rental cars are available.
2. How do I get from the Palm Beach International Airport to the hotel?
  Taxis cost approximately $65.
Limousine cost approximately $50.
Super Shuttle (shared ride) cost approximately $30.
Rental cars are available.
SHORT STORY CONTEST
  SleuthFest 2010 will sponsor a short story contest. All registrants are invited. Rules and procedures are located here. Read them carefully. Failure to follow the instructions are cause for disqualification.
READER'S CORNER
1. What is it?
  The opportunity to read a fifteen (15) minutes segment of your manuscript to a group of your peers. Your reading will be evaluated and comments returned to you.
2. How does it work?
  a. Prior to the conference, you will be invited to participate by Dirk Wyle. If you say yes, Dirk will include you on the list of readers.
  b. On Thursday evening at seven (7) o'clock, the moderator will call the group together and alert the first trio of readers.
  c. Each person will be called to the podium and given fifteen (15) minutes to introduce themselves, set up his/her reading, and read the pages.
  d. At the end of the time, the audience will complete written critique sheets which will be provided to the reader.
3. Who can read?
  a. Priority will be given to unpublished authors.
  b. After all unpublished authors have been assigned, published authors are welcome to read from an unpublished work.
4. For additional information, email Dirk Wyle at dirk@dirk-wyle.com.
JOINING MWA
  Mystery Writers of America is the leading association for professional crime writers in the United States. Members of MWA include most major writers of crime fiction and non-fiction, as well as screenwriters, dramatists, editors, publishers, and other professionals in the field. We welcome everyone who is interested in mysteries and crime writing to join MWA.
http://www.mysterywriters.org/?q=Register
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