FAQs
What is Standard Manuscript layout?
Courier 12 point, double spaced. Title and page number in the Header. Submit your manuscript as an RTF.
Can I submit my books to a publisher while I am waiting to hear if I get in to the 5DI?
Yes.
What if my book is accepted by a publisher?
Congratulations! If your book is accepted by a publisher you may choose to withdraw from the workshop. Please contact the 5DI committee as soon as possible and no later than May 14 th .
You don't have to withdraw. You could choose to attend the workshop and polish your manuscript. Discuss this with your editor.
Do I get feedback if my entry is not successful?
No.
How is the decision made on who to accept?
We are looking for writers with potential and spark. This is very hard to define but our readers who are experienced writers will recognise it when they see it.
Which genres will be mentored?
We don't know yet, because it depends on how many entries we get in each genre and how many entries the readers recommend. We will need enough manuscripts in a particular genre to form a group to work with the mentor.
What if I'm not sure of my genre?
The committee in consultation with the mentors will make the final decision on genre.
Who are the mentors?
Mentors are writers, published in your genre who have a passion for the craft of writing and good communication skills.
I live in Brisbane. Can I attend the workshop each say and not pay for accommodation?
The 5DI has been set up so that it is a live-in workshop with food provided so that you can leave your home life with work and family commitments behind you, and concentrate totally on your writing. This is a wonderful opportunity to share the workshop experience with your fellow writers and not to be missed. We expect everyone to live-in.
I'd love to attend the workshop but I can't afford it.
We've made the 5DI as cost effective as possible, but accommodation, meals and the cost of providing mentors means that RWA is already subsidising the program. RWA will be establishing a Scholarship Fund in 2010, look for news on this.
RWA will be running an article in HeartsTalk on professional Development grants. Meanwhile, t here are numerous Professional Development grants available to writers at a local, regional and state level. Here is a link to community grants, which includes art grants.
http://www.aph.gov.au/library/intguide/SP/spgrants.htm
I'd love to attend the workshop but I don't have a lap top.
The workshop will run for one week. Ask around your friends and family to see if you can borrow a lap top for this time. A laptop is ESSENTIAL for the workshop.
Still have a question?
Email us at 5DI@romanceaustralia.com