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 14th.

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 panel of readers who are experienced writers will recognise it when they see it. We expect the entrants will have an intermediate knowledge of the industry and possess some experience in craft development.

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 day and not pay for accommodation?

No.The 5DI has been set up to be 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. We expect everyone to live-in.

What will a typical day be like at 5DI?

5DI is an INTENSIVE workshop. It is not like the RWA conference. The workshop is an opportunity to work solely on your manuscript and develop your craft. Expect to attend 5DI ready to work extremely hard and come away from the experience exhausted but with a greater understanding of craft.

You will meet with your mentor on a daily basis, and they will direct you to what you need to rewrite for the next meeting. The remainder of your day will be spent writing, and you will need every moment. Attendees of the 5DI 2010 rewrote multiple scenes a day. To find out more about the 5DI 2010 experience refer to November 2010 HeartsTalk.

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 employing mentors needs to be covered. RWA does not make money from this program. RWA have established a Members Assistance Fund. Keep an eye out for announcements on the 2011 MAF in your HeartsTalk.

Here is a link to other 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

The 5DI 2011 team: Nicky Strickland, Jodie Morphett and Michelle Douglas