creative writing workshop 2023

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2023 Top Writers Conferences and Workshops in All Genres

• on Dec 27, 2022
• in Writing Tips
• Last update: January 3rd, 2024

Make sure to check our 2024 writers’ conferences and workshops list

Since writing could get pretty lonely, being around fellow writers is often a welcomed change. It can help authors explore different writing styles, discover new writing tips, and connect with other like-minded writers. That is where writing conferences and workshops come in; they can help you grow as a writer and improve your writing skills.

This year, we have compiled a list of many great conferences and workshops happening around the world, both virtually and in person.

Pacific University Master of Fine Arts in Writing Residency Writers Conference

Under the Volcano

Key West Literary Seminar Writers’ Workshop Program

Key West Literary Seminar

Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway

Writers in Paradise Conference

TMW January Jumpstart

Digital Book World

Tupelo’s Online Manuscript Conference

Get The Lead Out!

Colrain Classic

Todos Santos Writers Workshop

National Cowboy Poetry Gathering

Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators Annual Conference

ICRWAL: International Conference on Reading, Writing and Applied Linguistics

San Francisco Writers Conference

Southern California Writers’ Conference

Southern California Writers Conference – San Diego

Coastal Magic Convention

Asheville Christian Writers Conference

California Creative Writers Conference

Bay to Ocean Thursdays with ESWA Special Conference Reading

The AWP Conference & Bookfair

Alabama Writing Workshop

The New York Pitch Conference

Algonkian Writers New York Pitch Conference

The Power of Narrative Conference

Scottish Association of Writers Conference

Moravian Writers’ Conference: Voices of War

UND Writers Conference

The Write Stuff Writer’s Conference

Let’s Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference

Teen Author Boot Camp In Person Conference

Kentucky Writers Conference

National Undergraduate Literature Conference

Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference

Norwescon 45

Authors’ Salon at Clockwork Alchemy

The Las Vegas Writers Conference

Blue Ridge Writers’ Conference

Red Clay Writers Conference

A rally of writers conference.

San Antonio Book Festival

Paris Cafe Writing

Nebraska Writers Guild Conference

The Creativity Workshop in New York

Breakout Novel Intensive Workshop

Chanticleer Authors Conference

Pikes Peak Writers Conference

Poetry At Round Up Festival

Malice Domestic Convention

Ozarks Writers League Conference

Melbourne Writers Festival

The Lakefly Writers Conference

Atlanta Writers Conference

Bay Area Book Festival

Nonfiction Writers Conference

Storymakers Conference

Big Sur Children’s Writers Workshops

Florida Writing Workshop

Longleaf Writers Conference

Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference

Breakout Novel Intensive Workshop: Boni Virtual Edition

Ignite Your Imagination Conference

Fiction Readers Summit

Looking Glass Rock Writers’ Conference

Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival

Biographers International Organization Conference

TWH Maine “Mini Mfa” All-Fiction Writers Conference

North Words Writers Symposium

Writing Heights Writers Conference

Northern Colorado Writers Conference

Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference

Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference

Thrillerfest

Writing the Midwest: A Symposium of Scholars and Writers

Book Lovers Con

Wyoming Writers Conference

Bread Loaf Translators’ Conference

Bread Loaf Environmental Writers’ Conference

Walker Percy Weekend

Arkansas Writers’ Conference

Reader & Author Get Together

Historical Novel Society North American Conference

Author Advantage Live

West Chester University Poetry Conference

California Crime Writers Conference

Screencraft Writers Summit

Juniper Summer Writing Institute

Write-to-Publish Conference

Youth Workshops and Activities

Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference

Western Writers of America Convention

Chautauqua Writers’ Festival

Jackson Hole Writers Conference

Book Bonanza

Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop

Disquiet International Literary Program

Haiku North America Conference

Information, Medium & Society: International Conference on Publishing Studies

Ledbury Poetry Festival

Taos Writers Conference

Tin House Summer Writers’ Workshop

National Writers’ Conference

ASLE Biennial Conference

Southampton Writers Conference

Readercon 32

Imaginarium Convention

International Creative Writing Conference

Sun Valley Writers’ Conference

The Leopardi Writing Conference

National Book Club Conference

Taylor University’s ​Professional Writers’ Conference

Napa Valley Writers Conference

Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference

When Words Collide

Swanwick Writers’ Summer School

Bread Loaf Environmental Writers’ Conference

Nashville’s 18th Annual Writers’ Conference

Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention

Bear River Writers’ Conference

PNWA Writer’s Conference

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers

Creatures, Crimes & Creativity Con

Yucatan Writing Conference

Milford Writer’s Workshop

Kingston WritersFest

The Black Authors & Readers Rock Conference (BARR)

Write on the Sound Writers’ Conference

Next Chapter Con

The DFW Writers Conference

Writing Sisters Summit in the Hills

Ozark Creative Writers Conference

The Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference

Moonlight & Magnolias Conference

Women Writing the West Annual Conference

West Coast Christian Writers

Surrey International Writers Conference

Medical Writing & Communication Conference

Kauai Writers Conference

International Conference on Reading, Writing and Applied Linguistics

Looking to write the next best-seller? Sign up now for one of the abovementioned conferences and workshops to discover writing secrets and meet fellow authors and publishers.

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Amazing Writing Retreats to Attend in 2024

The Comprehensive List of 2024 Writing Contests

The Novel Bookcamp Week is June 18-24. We offer three concurrent, residential writing programs, the Workshop, a Writing Retreat, and a Book Coach.

Hi David, thank you for letting us know about your event. Sounds like an exciting opportunity for writers. Can you send us more details on blog@kotobee.com please so we can add it to our next article update?

I wish I could have an opportunity to b there in November. Most young people in my country Cameroon don’t love to read. I just want to learn some thing to help them become better

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Conferences & Residencies Contact Form

Help us keep this database current. If you know about a conference or residency that is not currently listed, please let us know. Be sure to include the name and email address of an appropriate contact person.

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Looking to meet up with agents and editors? To join a supportive writing community? Or to find the perfect environment to fuel your writing practice? The Conferences & Residencies database includes details about over two hundred writing conferences, writers residencies, and literary festivals.

A Rally of Writers

The 37th annual A Rally of Writers conference will be held on April 13 at the West Campus of Lansing Community College in Lansing, Michigan. The conference features workshops, panel discussions, and readings in poetry, fiction, and creative...

A.I.R. Studio Paducah

A.I.R. Studio Paducah offers residencies of two weeks to three months year-round to poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers in the Lower Town Arts District of Paducah, Kentucky. Residents are provided with a private apartment and...

Agents & Editors Conference

The Writers’ League of Texas (WLT) 2022 Agents & Editors Conference was held from June 24 to June 26 at the Hyatt Regency on Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas. The conference featured presentations, panels, authors in conversation, a keynote...

All Write Creative Nonfiction Conference

The 2022 All Write Creative Nonfiction Conference was held from October 19 to October 23 at the Spencertown Academy in Columbia County, New York. The conference featured one-hour workshops to discuss 15 to 20 pages of each writer’s work, an...

All Write Fiction Conference

The 2023 All Write Fiction Conference will be held from November 9 to November 12 at the Spencertown Academy in Columbia County, New York. The conference features workshops to discuss 15 to 20 pages of each writer’s work, an opening night...

American Literary Translators Association Conference

The 46th annual American Literary Translators Association Conference was held from November 8 to November 11 at the Tucson Marriott University Park Hotel in Tucson. Programming included panels, roundtables, bilingual readings, a bookfair, a...

American University of Paris Summer Creative Writing Institute

The American University of Paris Summer Creative Writing Institute offers workshops to poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers from July 1 to July 23 on the university’s campus in the seventh arrondissement of Paris. The faculty...

Anderson Center Artist Residencies

The 2024 AWP Conference and Bookfair was held from February 7 to February 10 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, and included a virtual component comprised of prerecorded and livestreamed events. The conference features...

Atlanta Writers Conference

The spring 2024 Atlanta Writers Conference, sponsored by the Atlanta Writers Club, will be held from May 3 to May 4 at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel. The conference includes a book fair featuring attendees’ books; presentations on the craft...

Biographers International Organization Conference

The 2023 Biographers International Organization (BIO) Conference was held from May 19 to May 21 at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York in New York City as well as online. The conference featured panels on current issues in...

Bogliasco Foundation

The Bogliasco Foundation offers month-long residencies from January to May and from September to December to poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers in the coastal fishing village of Bogliasco, Italy, located seven miles southeast...

Brattleboro Literary Festival

This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (200 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2024 Writing Workshop of Chicago! We are very proud of our many success stories where attendees sign with agents following events — see our growing list of success stories here .

(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next WWOC is an in-person event happening in Chicago on June 22, 2024. See you there.)

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Congress Plaza Hotel. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.

This event is designed to squeeze as much into one day of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s agent and editor faculty so far includes:

• literary agent Abby Saul (The Lark Group)
• literary agent Miriam Cortinovis (Arthouse Literary Agency)
• literary agent Jenna Satterthwaite (Storm Literary)
• literary agent Christine Goss (The Purcell Agency)
• literary agent Leah Moss (Steven Literary)
• editor Stacy Abrams (Entangled Books)
• literary agent Marcy Posner (Folio Literary)
• literary agent Tina Schwartz (The Purcell Agency)
• literary agent Dan Cramer (Page Turner Literary Agency)
• literary agent Elisa Moles (Painted Fire Literary)
• literary agent Lindsey Smith (Speilburg Literary)
• editor Josh Gregory (Albert Whitman & Company)
• literary agent Vicky Weber (The Purcell Agency)
• literary agent Lori Colvin (Birch Literary)
• and more to come.

By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey. This independent event is organized by coordinator Brian Klems of Writing Day Workshops . E-mail him to register for the event at [email protected].

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024 — at the Congress Plaza Hotel.

THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (JUNE 22, 2024):

What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. The topics below are mostly set, but subject to change. You can see a more detailed layout of the day’s classes on the Schedule Page here .

Please Note: There will be 2-3 classes/workshops going at all times during the day, so you will have your choice of what class you attend at any time. The final schedule of topics is subject to change, but here is the current layout:

8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.

BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30

1. Understanding the Publishing Industry in 2024 — From Hybrid Publishing to Artificial Intelligence and Everything in Between. How are traditional publishing and self-publishing changing? What kind of writer is attractive to an agent currently? What is hybrid publishing? How will A.I. (artificial intelligence) help or hurt writers in the years to come? All these questions, and more, will be addressed during the speech.

2. Book Marketing from Your Couch: Social Media 101 . Analyze your audience and ascertain the best social media vehicle to dominate. This class is for veteran authors as well as writers seeking to grow their platforms in the hopes of landing an agent or publishing deal.

BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50

1. Everything You Need to Know About Literary Agents and Writing an Awesome Query Letter. This workshop is a thorough crash course in dealing with literary agents and writing an amazing query that gets attention.

2.  How to Improve Your Novel With Scintillating Dialogue. Learn techniques to change narrative into dialogue, and how to avoid bland conversations and turn them into conversations that leap off the page.

(What you see here is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here .)

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN: 11:50 – 1:15

Lunch is on your own during these 85 minutes.

BLOCK THREE: 1:15 – 2:30

1. “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest (room) . This is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with attending agents commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission.

2. Picture Book Tips & Trends. A workshop that highlights and examines current trends in the general trade picture book market, and where those trends might be heading.

BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45

1. Open Agent Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from WWOC attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.

2. Twenty Questions You Need Answered Before You Seek an Agent or Self-Publish Your Book. Before you publish your work or query an agent, there are plenty of things you need to know to give yourself the best chances at success.

BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00

1. Creating Amazing Characters Agents & Readers Will Love . This is a workshop that explores a few techniques on how to get to know your characters and how to develop them into three-dimensional beings that jump off the page.

2. Ponder, List, Outline, Plot: The Four Keys To Outlining Your Book. Are you a Plotter or a Pantser? Plotters sometimes find that intricate outlines kill their muse. Pantsers often waste time writing dead-end chapters. Discover a hybrid approach for plotting that makes it easy to sketch out the hook, character, and story structure of your next kidlit book.

SESSIONS END: 5:00

At 5 p.m., the day is done. Speakers will make themselves available by the workshop’s bookstore for a short while to sign any books for attendees.

Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.

————-

PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

Elisa Moles is a literary agent with Painted Fire Literary Agency.  She is seeking: Especially interested in upmarket fiction. “In one word, what defines fantastic fiction narrative? Consequences. Consequences give structure. And stories with cohesive and creative structures, true to each writer’s background and voice, stand the test of time beyond the trendy topics and gimmicks of the day. I especially love psychologically complex characters. I’m looking for distinctive and compassionate voices who are telling organically unexpected stories in a wide variety of styles and genres. Surprise me.” Please do not pitch: nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, middle grade, YA, graphic novels, screenplays, westerns, horror, nihilist, or erotic work. No previously self-published works please. Learn more about Elisa here.

ADDED ONLINE PITCHING : To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2024 Writing Workshop of Chicago attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at the Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2024 WWOC on our calendar.

That event is the Texas Writing Workshop , July 26-27, 2024, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.

This means that 2024 Chicago attendees can have access to pitching all those online TWW agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online July 2024 event. (That said, if you want to formally register for the Texas conference and have access to all classes and panels, let us know, as there is a discount for confirmed Chicago attendees.)

If you are interested in this added pitching opportunity, the first step is to get formally registered for Chicago. Following the Chicago conference on June 22, 2024, we will be in touch with all Chicago attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2024 TWW (July 26-27) . At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.

        More 2024 agents to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open.

These one-on-one meetings are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind.

(Please note that Agent/Editor Pitching is an add-on, separate aspect of the day, for only those who sign up. Spaces are limited for these premium meetings, and pricing/detail is explained below.)

$199 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the 2024 WWOC and access to all workshops, all day. As of fall 2023, registration is now OPEN. To register, just email coordinator Brian Klems at [email protected] and tell him you’re interested in the Chicago event.

Add $29 — to secure a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with any of our literary agents or editors in attendance. Use this special meeting as a chance to pitch your work and get professional feedback on your pitch. (Spaces limited.) If they wish, attendees are free to sign up for multiple 10-minute pitch sessions at $29/session — pitching multiple individuals, or securing 20 minutes to pitch one person rather than the usual 10. Here are four quick testimonials regarding writers who have signed with literary agents after pitching them at prior Writing Day Workshops events. (Our bigger, growing  list of success stories an be seen here .)

Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Brian Klems, one of the day’s instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Writing Workshop of Chicago attendees only.) Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of the specially-priced critique, so they can send out their query letter with confidence following the workshop. Also, if you are meeting with an agent at the event, you’re essentially speaking your query letter aloud to them. Wouldn’t it be wise to give that query letter (i.e., your pitch) one great edit before that meeting?

Add $89 — for an in-depth personal critique of the first 10 pages of your novel. Spaces with faculty for these critiques are very limited, and participating attendees will either 1) get an in-person meeting at the workshop, if the faculty member is attending the live event, or 2) get a 10-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

• Young adult (contemporary, thriller, romance only), romance/romcoms, mysteries/thrillers, general/literary fiction, book club fiction, women’s fiction (in-person critiques) : Faculty member Jilly Gagnon , a published author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you in person at the event for 15 minutes sometime during the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• More options possibly forthcoming.

How to pay/register — Registration is now open. Reach out to workshop organizer Brian Klems via email: [email protected] , and he will provide specific instructions for payment and registration to get you a reserved seat at the event. Payment is by credit card, PayPal, or check. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Chicago workshop specifically.

REGISTRATION:

Because of limited space at the venue (Congress Plaza Hotel), the workshop can only allow 200 registrants, unless spacing issues change. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.

Are spaces still available? Yes, we still have spaces available. We will announce RIGHT HERE, at this point on this web page, when all spaces are taken. If you do not see a note right here saying how all spaces are booked, then yes, we still have room, and you are encouraged to register.

How to Register : The easy first step is simply to reach out to workshop organizer Brian Klems via email: [email protected] . Brian will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The WWOC will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Chicago workshop specifically.

Refunds : If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason at any time, you will receive 50% of your total payment back [sent by check or PayPal]. The other 50% is nonrefundable and will not be returned, and helps the workshop ensure that only those truly interested in the limited spacing sign up for the event. (Please note that query editing payments and manuscript editing payments are completely non-refundable if the instructor has already edited your work.)

Thank you for your interest in the 2024 Writing Workshop of Chicago.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Lindsey Smith of Speilburg Literary

Lindsey Smith got her start in the publishing industry as an author. After her own publishing success, she started working with other writers to help launch their books and shape their careers. To date, Lindsey has worked with over 1,000 authors and negotiated book deals even before becoming an agent. Her unique perspective helps shape her passion for the industry and her role as an advocate for her clients. 

Formerly a publicist and hailing from the world of self-publishing, Lindsey understands the importance of branding, and she works with each client not only to sell a book but to build a career. 

Lindsey is excited to work with first-time authors as well as those who are established. She is seeking nonfiction only, specifically prescriptive nonfiction that is compelling, and voice-driven, with the ability to shed light on a topic that might be unknown. She especially loves projects and people that bring humor to serious situations. 

Lindsey is interested in cookbooks, lifestyle, health, pop culture, gender issues, self-help, true crime, and current events. She is especially interested in podcast-to-book ideas, journalists who specialize in specific research, and cookbooks that have a niche and/or narrative voice. Please do not send diet books.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Miriam Cortinovis of Arthouse Literary Agency

Born and raised in Italy, Miriam (they/she) moved to Chicago as a teenager and has since earned a BA in Creative Writing and an MA in Writing & Publishing from DePaul University. After an excellent internship at Aevitas Creative Management, for which she also freelance read, she landed at ArtHouse Literary as an intern. They became Associate Agent through intense months of professional growth and supported learning. When not reading or writing SFF fiction of their own, Miriam enjoys playing videogames with their partner and scheming on Dungeons & Dragons with her friends. Their MSWL is inspired by all these speculative passions on top of their non-binary, bisexual, and chronically ill identity.

She is seeking:

In general, Miriam is eagerly looking for everything and anything speculative (fantasy and science fiction) across most age ranges — adult, young adult, and middle grade.

For fantasy, Miriam seeks intersectional diverse stories that make of magic—whatever its definition—an instrument of identity and/or social discovery. They want portal trilogies like A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC, D&D-inspired adventures like TIL DEATH DO US BARD, alluring paranormal glimpses like TOGETHER WE ROT, and the triumphal return of urban fantasy through the likes of LEGENDBORN. They would love epic tales set in worlds similar yet different from ours like THE JASMINE THRONE, coming-of-age powerhouses like WITCHLINGS & PERCY JACKSON, riveting academia plots like CURIOUS TIDES, and retellings that deviate from the Western canon—with a special interest in medieval romance & the Arthurian cycle. Above all, Miriam is on the frontlines of championing queer perspectives, especially trans, non-binary, and asexual voices, through all human facets: rage, joy, healing, and messy glory. Think, HELL FOLLOWED WITH US and VESUVIUS.

For science fiction, Miriam is eager to have their brains teased and blown. While not keen on hard sci-fi, they relentlessly chase the necromantic high of GIDEON THE NINTH. They would also love space shenanigans à la TREASURE PLANET and JUNKER SEVEN. On earth or otherwise, Miriam awaits dystopian novels that fearlessly interrogate and exaggerate modern society with the timeless insight of THE HUNGER GAMES, the cutting genius of PARABLE OF THE SOWER, and the ruthlessness of HBO’s WESTWORLD.

Similarly—for horror, thriller, gothic, and historical, they would love to champion manuscripts that utilize the speculative to challenge, endanger, and transform the psyche anew. Less splatter, more mind metamorphosis. To note that Miriam isn’t looking for historical novels set during or after WWI-WWII unless told from a non-Western perspective.

Miriam takes an interest in young adult contemporary novels that draw on their fascination with American high school from immigrant perspectives and with summer camps/adventures, in the veins of YOU SHOULD SEE ME IN A CROWN. They’re also looking for queer YA horror & thriller the likes of HOW TO FIND A MISSING GIRL and HOLLOW.

Miriam is also on the lookout for selective works of literary fiction and creative nonfiction. For everything listed above, they’re also highly interested in novellas.

What they don’t want : Poetry. Picture Books. Trade Nonfiction. Contemporary Mafia Fiction. Contemporary Adult Romance. Erotica.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Jenna Satterthwaite of Storm Literary Agency

In Adult Fiction , she’s especially looking for:

• Psychological and domestic suspense full of twists. Think: Lucy Foley, Vera Kurian, Andrea Bartz, May Cobb, Eliza Jane Brazier, Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, Jeneva Rose, Jessica Strawser
• Murder mystery, cozy or traditional, contemporary or historical, serious or humorous, hijinks welcome and big family drama very welcome. Think: Louise Penny, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, Lucy Foley, Tana French, Before She Disappeared , Dial A for Aunties , Rhys Bowen, Knives Out, Only Murders in the Building.
• Fantasy – cozy with low stakes, high/epic, portal and romantasy. Think: Legends & Lattes, The Ten Thousand Doors of January, Every Heart a Doorway , Sarah J Maass, Leigh Bardugo.
• Rom-coms and romance – in particular I’m interested in POC voices in romance, body-positive romance, LGBTQ+ romance, and adventure romance (think The Lost City ). If you can give me a strong hook, an ‘impossible’ situation, and real, quirky characters I can root for, I’m sold. Think: Tia Williams, Emily Henry, Angie Hockman.
• Women’s fiction: give me that heartfelt beach read. Bonus points for sister relationships, complex family dynamics, intergenerational tensions, and upmarket writing.
• Sci fi – I don’t want my sci-fi cold; give me human connection, make me cry, give me that high concept worldbuilding and heartache that lasts for a week. Think: This Is How You Lose the Time War.
• Speculative – give me speculative twists on rom-coms, thrillers, mysteries, etc. Give me time loops, robots, parallel worlds, fantastical creatures, etc. Give me a story rooted in the present that has that one, addictive speculative twist. Think: The Rehearsals, Groundhog Day, Bone Gap, Stranger Things.
• Upmarket and book club fiction. Think: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Britt Marie Was Here, Great Kitchens of the Midwest, Taylor Jenkins Reid.

In Adult Nonfiction , Jenna is selective. She’s especially looking for:

• Voicey memoir (solid platform is a huge plus)
• The next big ex-evangelical voice, and both feminist and LGBTQ+ voices in the Christian context. Think: Rachel Held Evans, Matthew Vines, or Beth Allison Barr’s The Making of Biblical Womanhood.
• Spiritual deconstruction / reconstruction. Think: Kate Bowler’s Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I’ve Loved.
• Self-help from an “expert” millennial or Gen Z voice on topics such as divorce, sexuality, pregnancy, parenting.
• Books highlighting alternative approaches to death (living funerals, death doulas, at-home body care, etc.)

In Young Adul t, she’s especially looking for:

• Fantasy, cozy or epic, contemporary or infused with sci-fi. Think: Iron Widow, Only a Monster, Where Dreams Descend, Caraval , Sarah J. Maass, Girl of Fire and Thorns , Leigh Bardugo, Brigid Kemmerer’s A Curse So Dark and Lonely.
• Sci-fi that makes me feel as much as it makes me think; bonus if you can make me cry. Think: The Ones We’re Meant to Find.
• Thriller/suspense and mystery. Think: One of Us Is Lying, Come Find Me.
• Speculative. Think: The Grace Year.
• Atmospheric horror or extravagantly satirical horror. Think: House of Hollow, Wilder Girls, Bodies Bodies Bodies.

In Middle Grade , she’s looking for:

• Graphic Novel – mostly interested in author-illustrators; fantasy or contemporary. If my ten-year-old would love it, we’re on to something! Think: Amulet, Smile, Drama.
• Fantasy with series potential. Think: Chris Colfer, The School for Good and Evil, Wings of Fire.
• Contemporary stories that explore the multicultural / multilingual experience

In Picture Books , she’s only looking for author/illustrators and the following very specific projects:

• Books that explore neurodiversity, in particular, high sensitivity/sensory processing
• If you have What Happens on Wednesdays but set in Chicago, please send that my way!
• Books that celebrate the joy, grittiness and diversity of urban living
• Books highlighting the multicultural experience (bilingual books English/Spanish), especially from the point of view of a refugee child

She is not currently looking for :

• Picture books (unless it’s a referral/request or fits the above)
• Chapter books
• Hardcore/gory horror
• Military Science Fiction
• Anything with child abuse or gruesome child death described in detail on the page (okay to refer to it as part of a character’s backstory, but I can’t take it on the page; exceptions made if you are Tana French) … my heart can’t take it!
• Poetry or screenplays

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Tina P. Schwartz of The Purcell Agency

She is seeking : middle grade, young adult, some Women’s Fiction (mostly book club), contemporary realistic fiction, romance, coming of age stories, #ownvoices, and LGBTQ​.

Tina admits to being a reluctant reader as a child. In fact, she says she is still very picky when it comes to choosing a book, and isn’t afraid to judge one (at first) by its cover!

Ask her kids, and they won’t believe you! They’ll tell you her nose is constantly in a book, or staring at her Kindle Fire, her iPad mini, or even reading mss on her phone! When not reading manuscripts, marketing website, social media, or industry blogs, you can find Schwartz on her laptop enjoying her own writing time. (She’s written 10 traditionally published books.)

Schwartz is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI). ​

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Vicky Weber of The Purcell Agency

Vicky is a former elementary school teacher turned children’s book author. In addition to her own publications, she runs At Home Author, a coaching and consulting company that teaches current and aspiring authors how to get their books published and marketed for success.

1. PICTURE BOOKS: Anything heartfelt, educational, or lighthearted. 2. YOUNG ADULT: Fantasy, Mystery, Horror, Thriller, Suspense, 3. MIDDLE GRADE: Fantasy, Mystery, Magic 4. ADULT: Fantasy and Thrillers.

Vicky specializes in picture books. She wants to be dropped into the moment and experience the story alongside the characters.

Picture Book Wishlist:

• Stories by underrepresented authors, both fiction and nonfiction. I especially love bilingual books.
• Books that are educational (fiction or nonfiction) in a way that makes learning fun, especially if they are musical in some way.
• Lighthearted, playful humor with heart.
• Familiar storylines with a fresh twist or perspective
• Rhyming stories must be exceptionally well written with perfect meter.

She also loves Young Adult and Fantasy.

ALWAYS SEEKING: Underrepresented authors, BIPOC, LGBTQ+

No erotica, romance, or memoirs please. Vicky is not the best fit for potty humor, graphic novels, or nonfiction adult books.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Elisa Moles of Painted Fire Literary Agency

She is seeking : Especially interested in upmarket fiction. “In one word, what defines fantastic fiction narrative? Consequences. Consequences give structure. And stories with cohesive and creative structures, true to each writer’s background and voice, stand the test of time beyond the trendy topics and gimmicks of the day. I especially love psychologically complex characters. I’m looking for distinctive and compassionate voices who are telling organically unexpected stories in a wide variety of styles and genres. Surprise me.”

Please do not send: nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, middle grade, YA, graphic novels, screenplays, westerns, horror, nihilist, or erotic work.

A graduate of the Denver Publishing Institute, Elisa has fifteen years of distinctive experience coaching, developing, and elevating artists of all types. Her background in academia (with a doctorate in music performance and literature) has given her a comfort with diverse settings and voices, a critical eye, and an ability to “find the gap” in the marketplace for the written word. An agent must come to each writer on an individual basis, dependent upon their particular skills, personalities, needs, and aspirations. Working on art demands a tailored experience. This methodical process requires a true love for the hero’s journey that every artist travels. Elisa has a long history of editing and developing writers; currently, in the nonfiction sphere, she is an editor at The Collective, an online quarterly publication for musicians and artists that prizes critical writing, diverse thinking, and underrepresented voices. As a classical musician, Elisa has always understood what it takes for artist professionals to succeed; she has built Painted Fire to be an agency whose goal is not only to sell books, but to provide writers with the tools and community they need to maintain a lifestyle of creative productivity. There is a cacophony of content — a creative and empathetic representative acts to make sure the right work is heard above the noise.

“Needless to say, we are an equal opportunity agency and welcome submissions from all backgrounds, walks of life, and experience paradigms.”

No previously self-published works please.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Dan Cramer of Page Turner Literary Agency

He specializes in representing children’s picture books — both fiction and nonfiction.

“My love of reading started when I was young with The Chronicles of Narnia. I loved that I could escape into a world where magic and adventure existed. That love of books grew and has followed me into adulthood. Some of my best friends and greatest loves, through the years, have been fictional characters. They have inspired and motivated me in almost every facet of my life, from my first career as a Forensic Scientist with the FBI to owning and operating Page Turner Literary Agency.

“While I love all books, my heart beats for children’s literature for many reasons, but the main reason is children’s literature is fearless. These books and their authors are not afraid to tackle tough topics, to celebrate diversity, or bring awareness to issues that others would turn their backs on. Children’s literature never ceases to surprise me with its fortitude.

“I live in Burr Ridge, Illinois with my husband and our rescue dog, Henry. When I’m not reading, I enjoy the outdoors, horror movies, and baking (and I’m definitely not imagining I’m on the Great British Bake Off… ok, I’m totally doing that.)

“I have two undergraduate degrees from West Virginia University: Forensic and Investigative Sciences and Psychology. I have two graduate degrees from Benedictine University: MBA and MS Management and Organizational Behavior. Prior to starting my own agency, I was an Associate Literary Agent with Flannery Literary.”

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Christine Goss of The Purcell Agency

Christine is a graduate of Lake Forest College with a BA in communications. Formerly a sales representative, she has skills that pair well with her love of reading and story development. As an author herself, she is aware of what it requires and the hard work it takes to get to the final product of a completed book. Christine is drawn to stories with high stakes and tension. The first pages need to draw her in with action. She wants to be sucked into the world on the pages through a unique voice. When she’s not working, reading, or writing, she’s usually chasing her two boys who are likely chasing her fur baby (dog).

I am always looking for LGBTQ+ and stories by underrepresented authors

Adult fiction:

– Upmarket Fiction/Commercial -Romance: -Fantasy/Romantasy – Dystopian or utopian

Young Adult / New Adult:

– Upmarket Fiction/Commercial Fiction -Romance -Fantasy/Romantasy – Dystopian or utopian

Middle Grade through Adult:

-Graphic Novels

Nonfiction:

– Cookbooks: Original family recipes with anecdotes sprinkled throughout. A true story of cooking. – Stories about motherhood, unspoken troubles and hardships of new motherhood. – A story that would compel readers to take care of themselves or expand sympathy/understanding for themselves (Re: YOU SHOULD REALLY TALK TO SOMEONE).

——–

Christine would love to see books about approachable ways for a sustainable lifestyle. With work resuming and people going back to the office, how can the environment still be top of mind? Anything exposing fast fashion and how fashion is detrimental to the environment, and not only that but how to practice “slow fashion”.

Favorite Authors: Ali Hazelwood, Talia Hibbert, Isabel Cañas, Chloe Liese, Jessica Joyce, Meryl Wilsner, Ashley Poston, Rebecca Ross, Amy Lea, K.A. Tucker

What I’m NOT looking for at this time: Picture Books, children’s book, Middle grade chapter books (though would take graphic novels), religious, police procedural, anything including the death of a small child.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Leah Moss of Steven Literary

Leah graduated from Lake Forest College in 2020, where she studied Creative Writing, Publishing, and Digital Media Design. A lifelong reader, she’s spent the past few years working at libraries and has always dreamed of working in the book publishing industry. When she isn’t being a professional bookworm, Leah can probably be found playing her harp or tending to her Stardew Valley farm.

Across the board, I am looking for:

• Stories from marginalized writers. I’m particularly interested in uplifting BIPOC voices, but I also really want to see work from LGBTQ+, disabled, neurodivergent, and other marginalized writers as well.
• Lush, spellbinding storytelling. I love prose that is lyrical, beautiful, and can really evoke the senses. If your writing can draw me into your world and make me want to stay there, I want to read it. Strange the Dreamer, Caraval, and Kingdom of the Wicked are great examples of stories that completely sucked me in.
• High-stakes conflict. I love it when stories have a sense of urgency, as they keep me on the edge of my seat flipping pages. Even if there isn’t something huge at stake, I’d still love to see a core driving force that keeps the story steadily moving forward throughout.
• Unique, out-of-the-box content! I love being surprised by new concepts and ideas.
• Stories featuring self love and acceptance.
• Anything that can capture the cozy, peaceful vibe of Stardew Valley or Harvest Moon.

In Picture/Board Books, I am looking for:

• Stories about self-love/acceptance for young Black children. I especially love stories that explore natural hair, like Stella’s Stellar Hair, Magic Like That, and Hair Love.
• Stories that teach kids about topics like mental health and neurodiversity.
• An introduction to fantasy tabletop RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons.
• Alphabet books with unique concepts like P is for Pterodactyl or M is for Melanin.
• Fun, wacky, and borderline absurd stories like Creepy Pair of Underwear, I Want My Hat Back, and Have You Ever Seen a Flower?
• Stories about space, like 7 Little Planets and Moon’s First Friend. Bonus points if it explores the topic in a fun and innovative way, like Stella’s Stellar Hair.

In YA, I am looking for: ​​​

• Retellings of traditional fairytales, mythology, folklore, and fables, as well as classics like Les Miserables, and The Phantom of the Opera. I’m a big fan of retellings that have vastly different settings, explore side characters, or completely recontextualize the original story.
• Stories that fit trendy aesthetics. Give me cottagecore, dark academia, fairycore, piratecore, balletcore, and princesscore, please!
• Faeries. I love faerie stories like The Cruel Prince and These Hollow Vows and want to see more of them in the YA space.
• Stories with tough/taboo subjects and themes.
• Stories told from the POV of the villain. I love Breaking Bad and find it so interesting how it was framed in a way that made me root for and empathize with Walter White throughout the show, despite the fact that he’s objectively a terrible person.
• Stories that show a character’s journey to the dark side, like in Give the Dark my Love.
• Morally grey characters.
• Mystery stories across all genres. As long as the mystery is properly developed and set in a place with concrete and understandable worldbuilding, I’d look at a good mystery in any genre, from contemporary (like One of Us is Lying) to sci-fi (This Splintered Silence.)
• Stories about cults
• Lesser explored fantasy/paranormal beings. As much as I love faeries, vampires, werewolves, and witches, I’d love to see other beings get their time in the spotlight. If your story features elves, angels, mermaids, selkies, goblins, or any other lesser-seen creature, I’d love to see it.
• Cute romcoms!

In Adult Fiction, I am looking for:

• Books with YA crossover appeal. I’m mainly a kidlit reader, so I’m very selective with the adult titles I pick up. Stories with protagonists in their late teens/mid-early twenties appeal to me the most. If it could be categorized as “New Adult,” I’m interested.
• Stories set at college. I’d love to see stories set at smaller campuses or community colleges in addition to larger schools.
• Swoonworthy romances and rom-coms! Bonus points if they’re nerdy!
• “Late bloomer” protagonists! Show me a protagonist who doesn’t have their first kiss until their 20s, or who still lives with their parents in their 20s. Coming of age doesn’t have to just be a YA trope.
• Fantasy. As with the other categories, I am always looking for fantasy stories with lush worldbuilding and interesting magic systems. The Binding by Bridget Collins and The Wolf and the Woodsman are perfect examples of what I’d hope to find in an adult fantasy manuscript.
• Romantasy! <3

I am not a good fit for:​

• Dragons (if they’re a main focus of the story. I’m not opposed to them being in the story, but I don’t care much for them as a big part of the plot.)
• STEM Romances
• Traditional high fantasy stories, especially male-led ones. (As much as I love The Lord of the Rings and The Name of the Wind, I’m just not the best person to work on that type of story.)
• Stories about police brutality
• Stories where racism, homophobia, transphobia, or the hatred toward marginalized communities is the main focus. I’m ok with these elements being part of the story if they are “necessary” and are handled in a respectful way, but just not as the main plot point.
• War/Military Stories
• Stories with intense on-page violence toward children
• Historical fiction
• Overtly religious themes

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Marcy Posner of Folio Literary

She is “looking for distinctive voices in the commercial space, but I am really not interested in genre or super literary fiction.”

She is seeking :

• Psychological suspense
• Women’s fiction
• YA (contemporary, historical, romance, mystery)
• Middle grade (contemporary, SFF, historical, mystery)
• Narrative nonfiction
• Cultural/social issues
• Nature and ecology
• Women’s issues

“I have spent a lifetime in books. I started out with a brief stint as a librarian, but found it a bit too staid, so moved on to publishing. My first job was at Pinnacle Books where as assistant to the President I was given a book to edit the third week of my employment. I then moved on to Rodale Press and then Salem House where I helped bring British books to the US, finally moving up the publishing ladder to Pantheon’s Associate Publisher, where I worked with some of the major cultural icons of our time. After fifteen years on the editorial side of the business, I made the jump to agenting – spending twelve years at the William Morris Agency as an agent and as Vice President and Director of Foreign Rights; five years as president of my own agency; five years at Sterling Lord Literistic as an agent and Director of Foreign Rights; and I’m now here – and very happy – at Folio. Editorial skill and a deep knowledge of the publishing industry sets me apart from many of my colleagues. When I work with my authors, I’ll focus editorially on how to make the book as strong as it could be – whether that book be terrific women’s fiction or an extraordinary YA debut (or any of the other categories I represent). During that process, I’m able to bring to bear all the institutional memory I possess, knowing which editors and which publishing houses have a penchant for a certain subject, or a different voice, or a particular kind of author.”

Her clients include : Lexie Elliott, Christina Clancy, Rachel J. Webster, Rebecca Stafford, Michael McGarrity, Erika J. Kendrick, Women’s Prize for Fiction winner Patricia Wood, New York Times bestselling author Sheri Reynolds and Newbery Honor winner and New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Kelly.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Abby Saul of The Lark Group

Abby founded The Lark Group in 2016 after a decade in publishing at John Wiley & Sons, Sourcebooks, and Browne & Miller Literary Associates. She’s worked with and edited bestselling and award-winning authors as well as major brands. At each publishing group she’s been a part of, Abby also has helped to establish ebook standards, led company-wide forums to explore new digital possibilities for books, and created and managed numerous digital initiatives.

A zealous reader who loves her iPad and the ebooks on it, she still can’t resist the lure of a print book. Abby’s personal library of beloved titles runs the gamut from literary newbies and classics, to cozy mysteries, to sappy women’s fiction, to dark and twisted thrillers. She’s looking for great and engrossing adult commercial and literary fiction and is a member of the AALA.

She is seeking : Adult literary fiction and adult commercial fiction (including historical fiction, women’s fiction, mysteries, and thrillers)

She does NOT want: Science fiction, nonfiction, children’s books (including YA), or screenplays.

A magna cum laude graduate of Wellesley College, Abby spends her weekends—when she’s not reading—cooking and hiking with her husband and children. Find her @BookySaul on Twitter.

Get to Know an Editor in Attendance: Stacy Abrams of Entangled Publishing

She’s been with the company since its inception in 2011, leaving the hustle and bustle of New York City and her job as an editor at Bloomsbury Children’s Books to dive into the world of romance. Stacy earned her bachelor’s in English at Northwestern University and currently resides in the frozen tundra of Chicago with her husband, three children, and too-cute puppy.

Though Stacy mostly runs the day-to-day operations of Entangled and edits a small list of existing authors, she is open to acquisitions in a limited capacity. Her current wish list includes high-concept “romantasy” for the breakout New Adult fantasy imprint Red Tower, commercial rom-coms/women’s fiction for the Amara imprint, all genres of Teen fiction, and picture book manuscripts with a social justice bend for the new Little Lark picture book imprint.

Get to Know an Editor in Attendance: Josh Gregory of Albert Whitman & Company

“I’m drawn to stories that encourage readers to push themselves in new directions, challenge preconceived notions, and pursue any goals they might have, no matter how seemingly out of reach. I want to read about characters who have unique perspectives, come from diverse backgrounds, think outside the box, and aren’t afraid to be different.

“Picture books are my main focus, and I especially like to see stories that approach social and emotional issues—even the most difficult ones—through a kid’s perspective. I’m also interested in stories that highlight underrepresented cultural traditions, historical tales about little-known figures whose accomplishments could resonate with a modern audience, and stories about kids making a difference in their communities or the world at large. Right now, I am also very interested in acquiring holiday stories and books about bullying.

“In chapter books, I’d like to see manuscripts with unique, relatable characters and a strong core concept that can be used to drive future stories in a potential series. For those who are comfortable working with established properties, I am also seeking potential writers for some of AW’s ongoing series.

“In middle grade and young adult novels, I mostly want to see realistic, contemporary stories where characters are dealing with issues that will be relatable to readers. I am open to genre elements, but they should not be the primary focus, and regardless of the setting, readers should be able to see themselves in the characters and situations depicted.”

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Lori Colvin of Birch Literary

Lori has a special empathy for authors, having penned over 150 books herself, under a successful pen name. A fierce advocate for her fellow writers, Lori understands the publishing industry from many different viewpoints, and she does her absolute best to tailor her approach to meet each author’s needs.

If a book doesn’t grab Lori on the first page, she generally won’t read any further, so bring out your best right away. Lori’s looking for fresh viewpoints in multiple genres, including women’s fiction, Thriller, Book Club Fiction, Mystery (but no Cozy), and more.

Things she’s not seeking at the moment: Romance, MG, or PB.

If you can make Lori laugh, cry, gasp, or stay up all night reading, you may be a good match.

Creative Writing Workshop

With few writing programs that cater exclusively to students in high school, Smith’s Creative Writing Workshop allows you to explore your writing in a creative and supportive environment. This program will foster your love of writing in a variety of mediums. All of our classes apply the design model to writing: Rather than trying to craft perfect texts, we teach an open, multidraft process that embraces the unpredictable that occurs when we stop trying to control our writing. So while you will learn how to edit your own and others’ work, our primary goal is for you to learn a powerful, flexible approach that eliminates writer’s block and gives you access to your full creativity.

Program at a Glance

July 6–19, 2024

Tuition: $4,745 Deposit: $950 Application Fee: $50

Fiction, poetry, science fiction, screenwriting, and more!

Applications for all precollege programs are now open! Assessed on a rolling basis, applicants can submit their materials until May 2024.

Find Your Voice

High school students from around the world gather together to hone their writing skills in a highly creative, but nonjudgmental, environment. There is something empowering about hearing your own lines being read in a supportive way that gives you a chance to let your full voice out. The equation is simple: you, your talent and what you want to write about. The sum total: Magic!

Program Details

Instructors are published writers who have been trained in this methodology and who provide a supportive, strengths-based classroom environment. In addition to individual feedback from your instructors, you will also become part of an international writing community, as the program accepts students from all over the world.

In the evenings, students can take part in activities such as open mic night and improv, or attend workshops on publishing, finding an agent and creating an author website.

At the end of the program, you will have the start of an online writing portfolio, an anthology with writing samples from all of the students and professional contacts in the literary world.

Smith Precollege Programs are open to students entering 9th-12th grade in the fall of 2024. Smith is a residential women’s college. Our Precollege Programs offer a Smith experience for high school students. Review our  Codes of Conduct for students and parents/guardians to ensure that this program is the right fit for you. College credit is not offered.

Deposit due within two weeks of acceptance.

To learn more, see the Apply to Summer Programs webpage .

2024 Schedule

Classes are Monday–Friday. Students will participate in one morning class and one afternoon class.

2024 Courses

Morning sessions.

Students will participate in one of the following morning sessions.

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Writing Fantasy

Morgan Sheehan Bubla

Course Description

Do you write (or aspire to write) fiction unencumbered by what’s “realistic”? Are you inspired by fairytales, mythology, fantasy, science fiction, ghost stories or dreams? Do your characters sometimes have magical abilities? This workshop is for writers interested in exploring modes of storytelling other than realism while simultaneously learning how to strengthen all of the traditional elements of fiction. The first week, we’ll generate new work in response to a number of imaginative prompts and writing exercises. We’ll also look at short, masterful excerpts from authors who challenge realism, with special attention to the types of fabulist distortions used and the real-world truths they get at. We’ll turn an eye to questions of craft: What makes a compelling plot? How do we create characters so alive we can feel them breathing? How do we build tension from the first lines? The second week, you’ll receive feedback from the group on one story, and we’ll focus on revision and next steps in your writing journey. You’ll leave with lots of new work as well as tools and techniques that will help you continue to write and explore reality-bending stories on your own.

Writing on the Edge of Reality

Erin butler.

Sometimes, we can understand reality better by writing just beyond what is real. In this two-week workshop, we’ll study what it means to write fiction that is rooted in, but not constrained by, reality. During our first week, you will read excerpts by some of the best writers who innovate by writing in the realm of the creepy, the otherworldly, the uncanny, and the psychologically complex. Then, you will generate lots of new work by responding to writing prompts that help you explode and extend what is realistic. During our second week, you will receive feedback on the story you’ve built and provide feedback on your peers’ work. Throughout the course, you’ll be asked to challenge your assumptions, extend your thinking, and consider what you might find beyond the borders of what you know and experience.

Realistic Unreality: A Science Fiction Workshop

James l. cambias.

We live in a science fiction world, where billionaires build rocket ships and a new virus threatens civilization. The dreams and nightmares of science fiction writers are mundane reality, and nobody dismisses the genre as “Buck Rogers stuff” any longer. Realistic Unreality is a workshop for aspiring writers of science fiction and fantasy. We will focus on how to make stories which are good as fantastic fiction and good as literature. During the first week, students create stories, helped and inspired by writing prompts and readings from some of the field’s masters. Brief lectures address the fundamentals of character, plot, world building and voice. In the second week, the class will jointly critique stories and get practical advice on submitting stories, publishing and the business of writing.

Jordana Frankel

Get inspired by the timeless allure of mythology, the fantastical nature of fairy tales, and the tragic undoings of our favorite epic heroes. In this two-week workshop, we'll explore how contemporary screenplays, poems, and novels remix our favorite stories throughout history to bring modern audiences new insight. We will read from Madeline Miller's bestselling novels, examine how the Charmed reboot reinterprets Medusa, and explore myth-inspired poetry by Sylvia Plath, Nikita Gill, and Louise Gluck, among others. Then, we will attempt to understand the universal and thematic enchantment audiences seem to have with certain stories and characters. During the first week, you will take inspiration from a number of different epics until you find either a story you'd like to retell or a tale that personally resonates. You may mine from the daily drama that unfolds in the current world, dig up the messy, beautiful stuff of your life, or reimagine a journey taken by a mythic character. You will then reflect on these characters and stories through a modern lens through various prompts and exercises. This is your week for inspiration, trial, and error. In the second week, you will deepen your understanding of your chosen narrative and, through constructive group feedback, mold it into an inspiring poem, story, or essay that deftly utilizes those universal themes discussed in the first week. Expect deep connection to the mythic foundations of yesteryear and, most importantly, an ultimate recognition that your life, from the mundane to the heart-wrenching to extraordinary, is also the stuff of myth.

Jennifer Jacobson

In this two-week session, we will write and revise our stories in a supportive community. The first week is designed to tap the muse and inspire new work through a series of writing exercises in-class and around Northampton. We will read short published work to deepen our understanding of scene, point of view, character, setting and dialogue. In week two, we will focus on revision. Through group discussions and an individual instructor conference, we will consider the strengths and weaknesses of the work we produce and identify revision strategies. Students will leave this course with lots of ways to generate new writing as well as tactics to move their work to the next level.

From Pirates to Potter: Creating Historical and Fan Fiction

Bailly morse.

For centuries, authors strove to answer the question: what was life like in the past? From The Iliad to Ivanhoe , to Shanghai Girls to The Underground Railroad , writers breathe life into decades past and find new and groundbreaking ways to bring history to life for their readers. So what does historical fiction have to do with fan fiction? These genres have more similarities than you might think. Both create new stories from previously established people, events, and worlds. Both expand beyond what we have known to create new and exciting narratives. And both shed light on what might have been, if only we allow ourselves to wonder “what if?”

In this intensive course, we will explore key craft elements that apply to both historical fiction and fan fiction. We’ll discuss characterization, dialogue, setting, and the three-act structure, so that you can hone your ability to create a compelling story. Additionally, you will learn about research methods and resources that will guide you as you write. See why historical fiction still fascinates us and why fan fiction might just be the future of diverse and accessible stories.

In our first week, students will explore world-building in these respective genres by reviewing examples and utilizing unique writing prompts to generate their own new material. In our second week, students will have the opportunity to have their stories peer-reviewed and to receive constructive feedback that they can use to improve their work. Students will leave the class with a better understanding of craft elements and how to apply it to future writing, and with a first draft to inspire them to keep going!

Strange Realms

Alex terrell.

Weird worlds, peculiar places and eerie environments! That’s where we’ll find ourselves in this two-week workshop. We will explore what it means for something to be weird, mythical and magical. We will create and destroy worlds. We will become cruel gods and puppeteers pitting our characters against mythical creatures, disastrous events and maybe even apocalypses. This workshop is for writers who enjoy fiction with fantasy elements, so bring your heroines, your monsters, your ghouls, your ghostbusters, your stranger things and creatures that may live in the Upside-Down. The first week, we will engage in imaginative writing prompts, world-building exercises and generate new material as we work to create a shared knowledge of common craft elements such as writing compelling characters, choosing the right setting and story structure. The second week, we will workshop each other’s stories, provide constructive feedback and apply the tools we learned in week one to help strengthen each other’s work. You’ll leave the workshop feeling energized to tell the stories you’ve always wanted to tell!

Making Poems

Chris Ayala

In our workshop, we’ll approach writing as a playful endeavor, exploring epistolary poetry (poems as letters), ecopoetry (poems as activism for the environment), ekphrastic poetry (poetic responses to visual art), some fun new poetic forms, writing inside and outside in inspiring places, and writing in collaboration with each other. We’ll cultivate our imaginations while experimenting with our own writing and responding to the work of others. In the poems we create in workshop, and in the poems that we read and listen to together, we’ll investigate and appreciate originality, heart, music, the use of beautiful, interesting language, and the ways in which poems can represent us and take a stand for the things we hold dear and the things we want to change.

Afternoon Sessions

Students will participate in one of the following afternoon sessions.

Writing Poems

Is a song lyric a poem? Is a grocery list? Could you make a poem in the form of a grocery list?  What makes a “good” poem vs. a “bad” poem? Does poetry have rules? What happens if a writer breaks those rules? We will ask these questions and more while exploring both traditional and non-traditional poetic forms and examining how poetic elements combine to create successful poetry. We will experiment through our own writing generated and shared in class. We will also analyze published poetry to understand how meaning is shaped.

Fundamentals of Screenwriting

Afreen seher gandhi.

This course provides a basic and introductory exploration of screenwriting as a vehicle for drama development, cinematic presentation and storytelling. Students will apply their skills in the development of improvised scene work. The course will culminate with a finished working draft of either a short film or a lengthier complete scene sequence, which will then be presented through a dramatic narration and/or staged presentation. The final working draft of the script will have a complete beginning, middle and end. This course examines scenes and short films from across the world giving insight into the various different tools which can be used to create subtext in narrative. You will learn about basic screenwriting terminology, the qualities a screenwriter must have, how to format your screenplay through a screenwriting software, the difference between plot and story, creating characters and building an intriguing narrative for your initial story idea employing dialogue, action and characters.

Playwriting

Phil o’donoghue.

In playwriting, students will have the opportunity to write and develop their own, original scripts. Starting with writing prompts, students will learn how playwrights nurture their own ideas into fully realized theatrical experiences. Students will have the opportunity to see and read scenes from famous plays, and then take their own ideas and out them into action. We will constantly stress that theatre is to be seen, and thus, students will integrate all facets of theatre—acting, lighting, set design, and costume design- into their scripts. All scripts will be read, discussed, reworked and performed. The goal is to have our students not only develop an appreciation of dialogue, but also to leave the workshop with a script they further develop and perform.

Jonathan Ruseski

What does poetry look like in the year 2023? Why do we write it? Who are we writing for? What is it ‘about’? This workshop will approach these questions by exploring Emily Dickinson’s idea of the ‘Flood Subject,’ that one idea you always return to, as a means for developing a coherent body of poetic work. We will discover and explore our own Flood Subjects as a way to engage with important questions about identity, citizenship, history, origin, family, gender, sexuality, the body, love, loss, grief, joy and all the other conditions that affect our relationship to the larger world around us. We will experiment with imagery, narrative and editing techniques; and collaboratively support each to arrive at our own understanding of craft, voice and form. We will work together to take a deeper look at the complexity of poetry, not as a puzzle to be solved, but as an exciting venue to expand our capacity for language and ideas.

Screenwriting

Wade wofford.

Consider a strange form of writing...where the words on the page are but the first step to an end product that is not based in words at all! The screenwriter uses words to illicit images, thus guiding readers to "make a mind movie" (and hopefully an *actual* movie in the future).  In this course, we will study the three-act structure of film as a medium, then use our understanding of that structure to craft screenplays of our own.  We will explore the use of tone, character voice, dialogue and action as vehicles to drive our scripts. By the end of the class, each student will have created a concept, written an outline for a full feature, and penned three sequences from that film (one from each act). 

So You Want to Be a Journalist?

We’re all reporters now, even if we just post on social media. But if we really want to uphold journalistic tradition, we aim to share information in a way that engages readers and helps them make informed decisions in our democracy. We may give a voice to the voiceless, hold authorities accountable, and deepen our readers' understanding of the communities they live or participate in. Or maybe we just want to lighten up people's lives and inspire them with thoughtful or entertaining writing. Together, we'll learn to use the journalism formula proven to engage readers and the standard Associated Press Style for punctuation, abbreviations, numbers, dates and other information. We'll learn how to interview, asking thoughtful, probing questions, identifying key details and finding "quoteworthy" quotations that must always be 100 percent accurate. First, we’ll interview and write about each other and guest speakers. Then, we’ll venture into our geographical "beat" of Northampton to visit City Hall, the courts and cover an event. We'll also learn how to "pitch" one of our stories or an opinion piece to an editor at one or more publications.

Writing Into the Heart

What if your writing could lead you deeper into knowing of who  you are, what  you  really feel and value—and even into healing stresses in your life, so that you could show up as yourself more fully and freely? We  can write our way through the relentless chatter of the mind to the knowing of our heart. While all this may sound super serious—in actuality there is little as truly joyous and fulfilling as the self-awareness and discovery that can come from this kind of writing.  

In the safe and lively space of this workshop, you will be offered a variety of writing sparks daily to ignite your imagination and writing.  You will also be free to ignore the sparks and instead to write  into whatever is calling to you, be that a question or issue you wish to explore, or a memory, conversation, or event you choose to unpack in the glorious space that writing can offer.   All forms of writing will be welcome, including letters, poems, fiction, journaling, and what former students of mine dubbed “rants”, i.e. going off any topic at all.  We will have the option to share what we have written and respond to each other—also from the heart, which just means genuinely.  A bonus of writing authentically like this: it can strengthen the quality of the other writing you do.

Climate Futurism

Ethan myers.

Enough sad polar bears! Enough oil-slicked sea birds. Enough blistering post-apocalyptic scenes of wildfires incinerating forests and homes.  

There’s a place for showcasing the horrors of a changing climate. That place isn’t this class. Instead, we will draw inspiration from forward-looking, love-preaching, justice-oriented thinkers, activists, and changemakers like Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, adrienne maree brown, and Leah Penniman to imagine  what if?  What if in this moment of violence, we imagine peace? What if, amidst racial strife, we imagine equality? What if we imagine healthy, vibrant communities? What if we imagine coming together to deal with the raging effects of climate change? 

In addition to our readings, we will spend time outside, we’ll compose poems, lyrical essays, and autobiographical stories that center our experiences in nature, and that imagine vibrant futures.

Instructors

Christopher ayala.

Summer Precollege Programs Creative Writing Instructor

Assistant Director of the Jacobson Center; Writing Enriched Curriculum Specialist

Writing Instructor & Technology Specialist; Lecturer in English Language & Literature

Peter Sapira

Academic Director, Creative Writing Workshop; Writing & Public Speaking Instructor; Lecturer in English Language & Literature

Morgan Sheehan-Bubla

Request Information

If you are interested in finding out more about Smith’s Precollege Programs, please contact our office or fill out the form below. You may also request a copy of our brochure.

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The Creative Writing Project

The Creative Writing Project is a series of workshops designed to provide adult writers of all levels with opportunities to explore the art of creative writing. Each month-long series puts participants amongst a community of writers and educators, offering instruction and guidance from a diverse group of local and published writers. Throughout the series, writers will produce a piece of their choosing, exploring methods such as poetry, nonfiction, and prose.

Series Costs (5 sessions): This program is sold together as a 5 session series. Registration for the series is required through Passage . $125 for Non-Members, $80 for CAC Members or students.

Ticket Registration

2024 Series Dates at the CAC:

February 3 - Alison Taylor

February 10 - Annette Januzzi Wick

February 17 - Stacy Sims

February 24 - Desirae Hosley

March 2 - Jamie Lee Elizabeth Morris

Inspired by the CAC exhibition, And above the beautiful commune , each 2024 workshop centers around body inspired themes.

Contact the CAC's Education Team if you have any questions.

Included in the Series:

• 5 sessions (1 per week) that explore the creative writing process with a diverse group of local writers.
• The opportunity to submit work to a literary magazine.
• An embossed notebook with guided writing prompts.
• Coffee and refreshments
• Class size is limited, ensuring participants are given time for individual attention.

Past Events

02 March 2024

24 February 2024

17 February 2024

10 February 2024

03 February 2024

18 March 2023

11 March 2023

04 March 2023

25 February 2023

18 February 2023

05 March 2022

26 February 2022

19 February 2022

12 February 2022

05 February 2022

Important Notice

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The 2024 Seattle Writing Workshop

Get your writing published: may 11, 2024, the 2024 seattle writing workshop: may 11, 2024.

This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (200 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2024 Seattle Writing Workshop! We are very proud of our many success stories where attendees sign with agents following events — see our growing list of success stories here .

(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next SWW is an in-person event happening in Seattle on May 11, 2024. See you there.)

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the Seattle Marriott Bellevue. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.

This event is designed to squeeze as much into one day of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s agent and editor faculty so far includes:

• literary agent Kesia Lupo (The Bindery)
• literary agent Katie Reed (Andrea Hurst Literary)
• literary agent Lisa Gouldy (Corvisiero Literary)
• literary agent Adria Goetz (KT Literary)
• literary agent Alisha West (Victress Literary)
• literary agent Jynastie Wilson (LCS Literary Services)
• literary scout Rae Loverde (Donald Maass Literary Agency)
• literary agent Leslie Varney (Prentis Literary)
• literary agent Micah Brocker (Corvisiero Literary)
• literary agent Kate Rogers (K.O. Media Management)
• literary scout Kate MacGregor (MacGregor & Luedeke Literary)
• literary agent Scott Eagan (Greyhaus Literary)
• editor Tess Jones (Egret Lake Books)
• and possibly more to come.

By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey. This independent event is organized by coordinator Chuck Sambuchino of Writing Day Workshops , with local help with the amazing Seattle Writers Meetup . E-mail Chuck to register for the event at [email protected] and tell him you’re interested in the Seattle event specifically.

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, May 11, 2024 — at the Seattle Marriott Bellevue, 200 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004.

THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (MAY 11, 2024):

What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. The topics below are mostly set, but subject to change. You can see a more detailed layout of the day’s classes on the Schedule Page here .

Please Note: There will be 2-3 classes/workshops going at all times during the day, so you will have your choice of what class you attend at any time. The final schedule of topics is subject to change, but here is the current layout:

8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.

BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30

1. Revising the Memoir Manuscript . While revision is vital for any genre, in addition to meticulous attention to writing craft, memoir writers must navigate unique challenges and more complicated personal considerations.

2.Knock ’em Dead: Tips on Writing Mystery, Thriller, and Crime . Beginning with understanding the kind of novel that will be the best vehicle for your idea (mystery vs thriller?), this workshop will help you develop your own best process to write your book, offer tips on staying focused, and give pointers on effective editing.

3. Understanding the Publishing Industry in 2024 — From Hybrid Publishing to Artificial Intelligence and Everything in Between. How are traditional publishing and self-publishing changing? What kind of writer is attractive to an agent currently? What is hybrid publishing? How will A.I. (artificial intelligence) help or hurt writers in the years to come? All these questions, and more, will be addressed during the speech.

BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50

1. Getting (Traditionally) Published by Small and University Presses . There’s a lot you need to know, to find, target, prepare, and submit to these publishers. Learn what’s expected, what not to do, and how to increase your chances for success with these publishers that value high quality literary work above platform, prior sales, and bestseller potential.

2. Everything You Need to Know About Agents and Query Letters . This workshop is a thorough crash course in dealing with literary agents, and giving yourself the best chance of snagging one.

3. Outlines For Pantsers: How to Outline Your Book Even When You Don’t Enjoy It . This workshop will show how to chart your story with an outline grid that gives you the freedom to write part of your story where you feel like it today.

(What you see here is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here .)

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN: 11:50 – 1:15

Lunch is on your own during these 85 minutes.

BLOCK THREE: 1:15 – 2:30

1. “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest (Fiction and Memoir) . This is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with attending agents commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission.     2.  How to Sell a Nonfiction Book . This session is completely devoted to nonfiction book proposals.

3. Write Picture Books That Sell: Avoid the Top 10 Picture Book Pitfalls . In this workshop you’ll gain a better understanding of the picture book market, its challenges and opportunities, and what agents and publishers currently seek.

BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45

1. Open Agent Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from SWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.

2. The Five Things I Wish I Knew Before I Was Published . In this speech, a published author helps you navigate the challenges that lie ahead by sharing advice on patience and perseverance, the importance of developing craft, the value of networking, and more.

3. An Agent Explains the Editing Process . In this class, you will learn how to Be a good self-editor, how to tighten your writing, and how to avoid “manuscript killers” that keep you from a stellar manuscript.

BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00

1. How to Market Yourself and Your Books: Talking Author Social Media, Blogging, and Platform . Whether you’re traditionally published or self-published, everyone could use some helpful guidance on how to effectively market themselves and sell more books.

2. So You Have an Agent or Book Deal — Now What? This session will explain what to expect in the submission process, what it’s like to work with a publishing house editor, how to sell multiple books in your career, and much more.

3. Writing Young Adult and Middle Grade in an Ever-Changing World of Technology . Technology and social media figure heavily in the lives of today’s teens. How do you write what’s current without it going out of style before your publication date?

SESSIONS END: 5:00

At 5 p.m., the day is done. Speakers will make themselves available by the workshop’s bookstore for a short while to sign any books for attendees.

Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.

————-

PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

ADDED ONLINE PITCHING : To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2024 Seattle Writing Workshop attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at the Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2024 SWW on our calendar.

That event is the Pittsburgh Writing Workshop , May 31 – June 1, 2024, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.

This means that 2024 SWW attendees can have access to pitching all those online PWW agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online May/June 2024 event. (That said, if you want to formally register for the Pittsburgh conference and have access to all classes and panels, let us know, as there is a discount for confirmed Seattle attendees.)

If you are interested in this added pitching opportunity, the first step is to get formally registered for Seattle. Following the SWW conference on May 11, 2024, we will be in touch with all Seattle attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2024 PWW (May 31 – June 1) . At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.

        More 2024 agents to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open.

These one-on-one meetings are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind.

(Please note that Agent/Editor Pitching is an add-on, separate aspect of the day, for only those who sign up. Spaces are limited for these premium meetings, and pricing/detail is explained below.)

———

$199 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the 2024 SWW and access to all workshops, all day. As of fall 2023, registration is now OPEN. To register, just email [email protected] and say you want to sign up for the Seattle event.

Add $29 — to secure a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with any of our literary agents or editors in attendance. Use this special meeting as a chance to pitch your work and get professional feedback on your pitch. (Spaces limited.) If they wish, attendees are free to sign up for multiple 10-minute pitch sessions at $29/session — pitching multiple individuals, or securing 20 minutes to pitch one person rather than the usual 10. Here are four quick testimonials regarding writers who have signed with literary agents after pitching them at prior Writing Day Workshops events. (Our bigger, growing  list of success stories an be seen here .)

Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Chuck Sambuchino, one of the day’s instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Seattle Writing Workshop attendees only.) Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of the specially-priced critique, so they can send out their query letter with confidence following the workshop. Also, if you are meeting with an agent at the event, you’re essentially speaking your query letter aloud to them. Wouldn’t it be wise to give that query letter (i.e., your pitch) one great edit before that meeting?

Add $89 — for an in-depth personal critique of the first 10 pages of your novel. Spaces with faculty for these critiques are very limited, and participating attendees will either 1) get an in-person meeting at the workshop, if the faculty member is attending the live event, or 2) get a 10-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

• Historical fiction, romance, young adult contemporary (in-person meetings): Faculty member Noelle Salazar , a published novelist, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you at the 2024 SWW for 15 minutes to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the in-person meeting.
• Inspirational fiction, romance, historical fiction (in-person meetings) : Faculty member Bronwyn Scott , a published novelist, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you at the 2024 SWW for 15 minutes to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the in-person meeting.
• Romance, mystery, thriller, adventure. historical fiction (in-person meetings) : Faculty member Wendy Kendall , a published novelist, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you at the 2024 SWW for 15 minutes to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the in-person meeting.
• Women’s fiction, contemporary/mainstream fiction, literary fiction, young adult, and memoir (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Kimiko Nakamura , a literary agent and writing coach, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Children’s picture books and middle grade (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Brittany Thurman , a published author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
• Commercial women’s fiction, thriller/suspense, thriller with romantic elements, cozy mystery, YA thriller, young adult in general, middle-grade, literary fiction, and fantasy (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Amberly Finarelli , a former literary agent and current writing coach, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, young adult SFF, urban fantasy (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Wesley Chu , a published novelist, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss his thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• More critique options possibly forthcoming

How to pay/register — Registration is now open. Reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: [email protected] , and he will provide specific instructions for payment and registration to get you a reserved seat at the event. Payment is by credit card, PayPal, or check. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Seattle workshop specifically.

REGISTRATION:

Because of limited space at the venue (Seattle Marriott Bellevue, 200 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA), the workshop can only allow 250 registrants, unless spacing issues change. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.

Are spaces still available? Yes, we still have spaces available. We will announce RIGHT HERE, at this point on this web page, when all spaces are taken. If you do not see a note right here saying how all spaces are booked, then yes, we still have room, and you are encouraged to register.

How to Register : The easy first step is simply to reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: [email protected] . Chuck will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The SWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Seattle workshop specifically.

Refunds : If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason at any time, you will receive 50% of your total payment back [sent by check or PayPal]. The other 50% is nonrefundable and will not be returned, and helps the workshop ensure that only those truly interested in the limited spacing sign up for the event. (Please note that query editing payments and manuscript editing payments are completely non-refundable if the instructor has already edited your work.)

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Leslie Varney of Prentis Literary

She specializes in adult speculative fiction — science fiction and fantasy — for adults, young adult, and middle grade. Leslie has also established herself as a specialist in genre-bending fiction, enthusiastically representing authors whose works defy easy classification.

“It was never my plan to learn to read. In fact, I resisted it with all my five-year-old might, which was fairly significant. My favorite times were when my dad would read to me and I was afraid that when I learned to read myself, those lovely times would end. But my dad’s plan was different and his will was equal to mine. After many knock-down battles, and lots of Dick and Jane, I reluctantly learned.”

“I grew up during the mid-70s on my family’s hippie farm, situated in a small middle-class town in the Hudson Valley. This would have made me unique in any case, but the fact that we had no television was downright bizarre. While all my friends were watching re-runs of the “Brady Bunch” (again), I was re-reading “A Wizard of Earthsea” (again). Or “Watership Down”, “A Wrinkle in Time”, “The Crystal Cave”, whatever was around. Luckily for me, there were always books around. And, since my dad’s favorite books tended to the fantasy and science fiction genres, my house was a fantastic playground of interesting ideas and wonderful stories. I was known as the weird kid who always had a book with her. If you couldn’t find me, I was probably hiding in Oz. Instead of doing my boring chores, I was Laura Ingalls Wilder, and her chores were exciting frontier adventures! There were no limits when it came to stories and there was always somewhere wonderful to visit.”

“I am pleased as punch that now I get to help authors bring new worlds, new ideas, and new magic to the literary world. I will always love the oral story-telling tradition, but my appreciation for the written work knows no bounds and I love being a part of bringing that passion to new readers. It turns out that my dad’s plan was better than mine after all.”

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Micah Brocker of Corvisiero Literary

Micah has spent the last five years in the business world helping entrepreneurs and artists fulfill the financial and legal knowledge needed to succeed. It has been her lifelong dream to foster careers for all artists, in particular authors and screenwriters. At Corvisiero Literary Agency, she is interested in fostering her client’s careers from the start and building their businesses with them. ​ In both film and novels, she is interested in YA contemporary stories that deal with messy relationships and issues that can help young adults put words to their experiences. She is also looking for YA science fiction and urban fantasy that provide an escape while still helping us connect to the everyday troubles of growing up.

In adult fiction, she loves women’s fiction and upmarket fiction that deals with burdensome secrets, messy relationships, and a character with a deep desire to change their life, the world etc., especially with a psychological, sci-fi, or romantic twist!

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Alisha West of Victress Literary

“We work with all genres of literary and commercial fiction and nonfiction but are especially interested certain genres.”

In fiction, the agency seeks:

• Adult – Contemporary, Family Saga, Historical, Horror, LGBTQIA2+, Literary, Mystery, Suspense/Thriller
• Young Adult – Contemporary, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Literary, Mystery
• Middle Grade – Contemporary, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Mystery

In nonfiction, the agent seeks : cultural/social issues, history, humor, journalism, LGBTQIA2+, memoir, music, pets, sports, true crime, women’s issues.

The agency is NOT interested in : Picture books, religious, high fantasy, graphic novels, short stories, westerns, inspirational, business, finance, gardening, home decorating & design, religious, self-help, spirituality

Alisha has had a life-long love affair with stories, earning a BA in English and an MA in Women’s and Gender Studies. Her thesis, Exploring the Missing Pieces: Readers, Religion and Societal relations in One Magazine, 1954-1963, concerns one of the first widely circulated gay and lesbian magazines published in the U.S. (downloaded 300+ times). Her personal essay, “Walking Sweet Dee,” took third place in the Adult Short Topic category of the Pacific Northwest Writer’s Association’s Literary Contest in 2022.

After bonding with Lizz during the after party of the PNWA awards ceremony, Alisha jumped at the chance to join Victress Literary as an editorial assistant in November 2022. Because of her commitment, cheerleading, and creativity, she was promoted to Junior Agent in May 2023. Her favorite tasks include reading submissions and editing manuscripts from Victress clients.

When Alisha isn’t reading, editing or writing about women’s rights and queer history, she enjoys playing with her fur babies (Roary Gilmore, Sweet Dee and Charlie Kelly), practicing guitar, gaming, and watching all the best stories film has to offer with her partner, Matt.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Katie Reed of Andrea Hurst & Associates

Katie began her career in publishing with Andrea Hurst Literary Management while pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in English and has worked in the publishing field for over a decade. As a literary agent, Katie loves discovering new talent, building lasting connections with her authors, and working diligently to represent books readers will love.

Katie currently works as an agent and literary scout, and is looking for compelling, standout projects to champion. She is open for submissions in the following genres:

• Commercial Women’s Fiction with a strong hook and market appeal
• Historical Fiction (Favorite authors include Ruta Sepyts, Kate Quinn, Kristin Hannah, Taylor Jenkins Reid)
• Women’s Suspense/Thriller (especially with unreliable narrators or an ending with an unforeseen twist)
• Fiction with a fantastical angle (a la The Midnight Library by Matt Haig)
• Retellings, similar to Circe by Madeline Miller
• Young Adult Contemporary or Fantasy
• Middle Grade

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Adria Goetz of KT Literary

Adria got her start in publishing as an intern at Martin Literary Management in 2013. She represents picture books, middle grade, graphic novels (all ages including YA), and adult fiction.

She graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s degree in English with a Creative Writing emphasis, as well as the Columbia Publishing Course. In 2019, she was selected as a Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree. Adria has eclectic taste but particularly enjoys projects that are tinged with magic, have so much heart you can practically hear their heartbeat, and have a compelling, commercial hook. In her spare time she can be found rewatching Gilmore Girls for the millionth time, listening to Taylor Swift, and dreaming about the mossy stone cottage in the woods she would like to live in one day.

“I look for books that delight readers, that help readers escape, that make readers feel seen, that help inspire wonder and imagination, that cultivate empathy and compassion, that comfort readers and make them feel safe, that take the reader on an adventure, that uncover fascinating stories from history’s footnotes, that make people laugh or cry or jump from fright, that ask nitty gritty questions and don’t settle for easy answers, that inspire reflection and conversation, that make people disappointed when they have to close the book and go to bed, and books that add a touch of magic to readers’ lives.”

PICTURE BOOKS WISHLIST:

• Picture book author/illustrators—I’m definitely open to receiving PB submissions from authors, but I am primarily looking for author-illustrators right now. I’m open to many different illustration aesthetics from hand-drawn to digitally rendered to collage/cut paper to more unconventional mediums. I love having a wide range of styles on my list, and the main thing I’m looking for is a unique, distinctive look. Some of my favorite illustrators include Juana Martinez-Neal, Vashti Harrison, the Fan Brothers, David Litchfield, Anne Lambelet, Brian Selznick, Carson Ellis, Frank Morrison, and Emily Winfield Martin.
• Humor—I want the next hilarious, commercial-feeling, NYT Bestseller. It’s important to me that kids really love and are delighted by the books I represent. Since humor is a great entry point into reading for kids who are intimidated by books, I take silly books seriously. 🙂 Some of my favorite humor-driven books are: We Don’t Eat Our Classmates, Dragons Love Tacos, The Bad Seed series, Where Bone?, A Spoonful of Frogs, The Day the Crayons Quit, Miss Hazeltine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats, and Rot: the Cutest in the World.
• Family Narratives—I love books about families and their everyday experiences, especially when the story shows nurturing adult characters. For me, the more specific the story, the better. Examples: Hair Love, Bedtime Bonnet, My Papi Has a Motorcycle, Under My Hijab, Alma, Julian is a Mermaid, Halal Hot Dogs, Tell Me a Tattoo Story, The Ocean Calls.
• Magical books—I love magical stories that feel like the type of book that will stick with a child throughout their life. I love stories that feel like original fairytales/folktales, if that makes sense. Fairies, mermaids, elves, and ghosts are all friends of mine. Anything by The Fan Brothers, David Litchfield, and Emily Winfield Martin. A few of my favorite magical books: The Night Gardener, The Antlered Ship, The Bear and the Piano, The Cloud Spinner, The Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore, and Lights on Cotton Rock.
• Adventures—I would love to see more adventure stories in my inbox! Examples include The Greatest Adventure, It’s Not a Bed It’s a Time Machine, Ocean Meets Sky, Stella’s Stellar Hair, and the upcoming masterpiece In the Groves.
• Mermaids—Send me all of your mermaids!! What kind of mermaid have you not seen before? I love when fantastical stories are pure fun but can also provide meaningful yet whimsical representation. I was so excited to get to work on Mermaid and Pirate and am eager to have more mermaid stories on my list.
• Karaoke—I’d love a joyful picture book about karaoke, sort of like the karaoke equivalent of Hip-Hop Lollipop.
• Traditions—I love picture books about family traditions/cultural traditions, especially when there is food, cooking, baking, or recipes involved. I’d also love to see other family traditions, like holiday traditions (loved Night Tree, Mooncakes, The Christmas Book Flood), faith traditions or rituals, house-cleansing or blessing ceremonies/traditions, etc.
• Food—I love picture books about food! Some of my favorites are Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao, Fry Bread, Tomatoes for Neela, Halal Hot Dogs, and Anni Dreams of Biryani, Plátanos are Love.
• Atmospheric—I love a unique atmosphere/strong sense of place in books across the board. Because picture books are fully illustrated, they create the unique opportunity to create a really visually dazzling atmosphere. I think Hello Lighthouse is a great example of this.
• Spooky—I love spooky stories! (And I loved them as a kid too.) Ghosts, haunted houses, cobwebs. Some of my favorites include How to Make Friends with a Ghost, and The Ugly Doodles.
• Creativity—I love picture books about art and creativity, like the The Dot, Ish, The Ugly Doodles, The Wonder, The Storytellers Rule, and Beautiful Oops.
• Sisters—I grew up in a household of four girls, so any stories about sisters will have a special place in my heart!
• Cats—It’s honestly upsetting (to both me and my two cats) that I don’t have a cat picture book on my list yet. Somebody please remedy this for me!

MIDDLE GRADE WISHLIST:

• Magical Realism or Fantasy—I love any stories with light touches of magic or fantasy that are still accessible to readers who aren’t “genre readers.” I tend to prefer fantasy that is grounded in the real world. Some of my favorite magical MG tales include Circus Mirandus, No Ordinary Thing, and The Elephant’s Girl. I’d be delighted to work on a fresh-feeling mermaid story. And I’d love to see anything that is set at a magical boarding school or academy.
• Graphic Novels—I am open to taking a look at anything here, especially contemporary realistic, magical realism, fantasy, and historical fiction. I’m really eager to work on a historical fiction GN. Some of my favorite MG graphic novels: Pashmina, Witch Boy, and Measuring Up. I’d also like to put out into the universe: I would love to find the next Brian Selznick type of creator that doesn’t shy away from hybrid, unconventional formats.
• Historical Fiction—I am a history lover and enjoy historical fiction that feels like it’s shining a spotlight on a historical footnote type of story that was glossed over by textbooks. I want to see a hook/premise that I think will appeal to young readers, and an engaging voice. I’m open to epistolary novels or novels in verse as well. Examples: Brown Girl Dreaming, Ship of Dolls, House Without Walls, and Indian No More.
• Mystery—I’m hungry for a good mystery! I will never forget reading The Dollhouse Murders when I was in fifth grade and having to close the book for a moment because I was so scared. (But I loved it.) I want to work on books that inspire that same level of book-induced fright! Give me an Agatha Christie-esque whodunit. I especially love mysteries that have a little cheekiness to them.

YOUNG ADULT WISHLIST:

• Graphic Novels—Right now in the Young Adult space, I am exclusively focused on graphic novels. (I do represent YA novels if preexisting clients write them, though!) I’m open to a wide range of genres and art styles here. I’d especially love to find something very atmospheric where the setting is a crucial element to the story. My favorites include Pumpkinheads, The Prince and the Dressmaker, The Girl from the Sea, Isla to Island, and Batter Royale.

ADULT FICTION WISHLIST:

• Upmarket/Book Club Fiction—If you dream of Reese Witherspoon ushering you into her book club, then I want to see your work! When I think of upmarket/book club fiction, I think of stories with wide appeal that are engaging and accessible reads, but still have enough layers to lend themselves well to discussion. I love the feeling when I finish reading a book and immediately need to talk to someone about it. I love interesting voices/POVs, rhythmic language, and I’m a sucker for a dual timeline. The biggest thing I’m looking for is a good hook and a compelling writing style. I always love humor and heart too. Some of my favorites include Lessons in Chemistry, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Violeta, Where’d You Go Bernadette, Daisy Jones & The Six, Room, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, All the Lonely People, and A Man Called Ove.
• Thrillers/Mystery—I love pageturning thrillers, and want to work with people who want to build their careers around writing them. I’m really looking for a hook here. I love Gillian Flynn, Jessica Knoll, and Lisa Jewell. I would love to see a fresh take on the genre from a POV we haven’t seen featured as prominently. Some of my favorite thrillers include Luckiest Girl Alive, The Woman in Cabin 10, Final Girls, Verity, Sharp Objects, Dark Places, and Then She Was Gone. I’d love to work on something as atmospheric as Lavender House and The Only One Left. I would also love to see something more in the mystery category that has a cheeky tone and engaging voice and feels very smart like The Maid or Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murder.
• Romance/Romantic Comedies—I’d love to receive more rom com submissions! I’m especially looking for something with a great commercial hook and an interesting protagonist. I welcome tropes of all stripes, especially enemies to lovers, slow burn/friends to lovers, fake relationships, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, and so on. Some of my favorites: Beach Read, The Unhoneymooners, Real Men Knit, Maybe in Another Life, The Flatshare, The Rosie Project, Waiting for Tom Hanks, Red, White, & Royal Blue, and The Suite Spot. I’d love to see some speculative rom coms too, like The Ex Hex and The Dead Romantics.
• Cozy Fantasy/Magical Realism—I love stories with light touches of magic/speculative elements such as magical realism, grounded fantasy, cozy fantasy, and magic-tinged rom coms. Think “a little bit of magic and a whole lot of heart” like The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries, The House in the Cerulean Sea, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic.
• Unique Format—I love stories that are told in unique formats, whether that be epistolary (Love & Saffron), e-epistolary/mixed media (Where’d You Go Bernadette), transcripts (like Daisy Jones & The Six), a unique POV (think Room), or a mix of things like Acts of Violet. If it’s slightly outside a traditional novel format or voice, send it my way!

NOT QUITE MY CUP OF TEA:

Memoirs Sports stories (I quit tee-ball when I was 4 and faked stomach aches to get out of P.E., so I’m afraid I am not your gal.) Space operas Amish fiction Angels/Demons Ancient historical fiction Shakespeare-inspired projects Greek mythology Arthurian legend-inspired projects High/Epic SFF (Several of my fantastic colleagues at KT Literary do work in this space though—check them out!) Military/FBI/espionage thrillers Dystopian

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Scott Eagan of Greyhaus Literary Agency

Scott  opened Greyhaus Literary Agency in 2003 with three goals in mind:

• To remain a small agency focusing only on romance and women’s fiction • To provide educational opportunities for writers in these genres and to make efforts to enhance the romance and women’s fiction genres. • To assist with increasing communications between the professional publishing community and the writers.

Being a small agency as well as being focused on a small number of genres allows me the chance to work closer with my writers as well as staying up with the every-changing trends in romance and women’s fiction.

Greyhaus Literary Agency is officially RWA-Recognized.

Scott’s education includes a BA in English Literature, A MA in Literacy and a MA in Creative Writing. Scott is an active member of the Romance Writers of America and still dabbles in writing as a hobby. Outside of the agency, Scott is an instructor with the UCLA Extension Program teaching in the Publishing. He also provides critiques with Writer’s Digest and does book reviews with Publishers Weekly . His family continues to keep him busy with one who swims competitively, one who rides Hunter/Jumper equestrian and one who dances.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Kate Rogers of K.O. Media Management

Kate loves stories with graphic/illustrated elements or multimodal components. All ages (children’s books, middle grade, young adult, and adult) welcome, as long as there is a visual component! Genres include humor, horror/thriller (bonus if it’s entry level for a younger audience!), romance, light sci-fi, light fantasy (not currently open to high-fantasy of any kind), contemporary realistic fiction, and narrative non-fiction. She is interested in diverse, character-driven narratives that subvert familiar tropes or conventions. Bonus points if your story includes non-conventional, interactive formats.

Kate has worked in customer service at Vroman’s Bookstore in her hometown of Pasadena, California, and as the Assistant Director for Communications and Marketing for Stevens Court Community Council in Seattle. A University of Washington graduate with a double major in English and Cinema Media Studies, Kate can often be found reading, checking movies off her watchlist, or painting (sometimes even at the same time!).

Get to Know a Literary Scout in Attendance: Rae Loverde of Donald Maass Literary Agency

At the 2024 SWW, she will be acting as a literary scout — taking pitches at the workshop on behalf of one or multiple co-agents at her agency.

Her co-agent Cameron McClure is seeking the following:

• projects that combine genre style plotting with literary quality writing
• anything speculative
• science-fiction and fantasy
• mystery and suspense
• projects with multi-cultural, international, environmental, and LGBTQIA+ themes.
• Some of Cameron’s clients include Robert McCammon, Robert Jackson Bennett, Ada Palmer, Micaiah Johnson, Jonathan French, S.B. Divya, Molly Tanzer, Andy Marino, Ruthanna Emrys, and Amy Alkon.

She is interested in adult genre fiction only — no YA or MG. And she is not interested in adult literary fiction, mainstream fiction, women’s fiction, or chick lit.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Kesia Lupo of The Bindery

“I’m currently Associate Literary Agent at the Bindery, a boutique agency based in Colorado – although I’m personally based in the Bay Area. I am actively building my list of primarily fiction writers. Although I started at the Bindery in May 2023, I have over ten years of experience in the publishing industry.

“In my last job, I was Senior Editor at UK children’s book publisher Chicken House, where I’d been working my way up from Junior Editor since 2015. Here, I acquired and edited children’s fiction for middle-grade and YA readers and worked with wonderful writers including Jasbinder Bilan, James Nicol and Emma Read (MG) and Ben Oliver, Molly Morris, Naomi Gibson and Mellissa Welliver (YA). I consider middle-grade and YA my specialty and would love to represent authors writing for these age-groups.

“I started my career as an assistant at Pan Macmillan London back in 2013, largely working for wonderful SFF/Horror imprint Tor – I loved the authors I worked with there who included Adrian Tchaikovsky, Adam Nevill and Genevieve Cogman. I’d love to return to my roots and represent adult genre fiction in SFF and Horror.”

She is seeking:

“I’m an omnivore in my reading taste and I would love my list to reflect that – so, while I’ve tried to be exhaustive, if you have something that doesn’t quite fit then please don’t hesitate to query anyway! In general, I’m looking for fiction for middle-grade, YA and adult readers – with a smattering of popular, accessible non-fiction.

“Across age groups, I’m a big fan of original fantasy, accessible but smart science fiction, paranormal or creepy horror, thrillers (especially if they have a shocking twist!), dark academia and basically all stories that help me escape or make me question everything.

“I majored in History so I love a bit of historical fiction too, as long as it’s done in a fun and accessible way – and I enjoy romance. For nonfiction, I’m looking at narrative nonfiction with broad appeal – I love books about psychology and big political, cultural or historical topics.”

40 Fabulous Writing Conferences and Workshops in July 2023

Erica Verrillo

Curiosity Never Killed the Writer

T his July there are more than three dozen writing conferences and workshops. Some conferences and workshops will be held online, but many will be in-person or hybrid as pandemic restrictions ease. Virtual events still offer everything a writer might want: intensive workshops, pitch sessions with agents, to how to market yourself and your books, discussions — there is something for everyone.

For a full list of conferences held throughout the year see Writing Conferences . Quite a few offer scholarships, so apply early. Popular conferences also tend to close early.

I’ve included conferences that have early application dates on my list. So, if you have missed a conference that is ideal for you, put the application deadline on your calendar for next year . (Many conferences are annual events.)

Idyllwild Arts Summer Program for Children & Teens . July 2–29, 2023: Idyllwild, California. The 2023 Summer Program will offer workshops for all ages and abilities on our picturesque mountain campus. The tradition of gathering an impassioned community of artists during the summer months in Idyllwild dates back over seven decades and has served generations of musicians, painters, writers and performers in a variety of disciplines including dance and theatre. Join us in discovering the magic of an Idyllwild Arts summer, and explore your creativity in an inspiring setting with an enthusiastic community of students, faculty and staff. Residential options exist for adults and students aged 10 and up.

Orion Nonfiction Workshop with Moeko Fujii . July 5 — August 9, 2023. The course: Stranger Natures. “How do we see nature? When does the environment come to life — or into something stranger — in films and in nonfiction? In this workshop, we will learn how to write alongside visual media that makes us re-think our notion of “nature.” We will proceed from the infinitesimally small to the impossibly large, from looking carefully at still frames to analyzing grand narratives about the climate. In this class, we will watch slowly and with detailed attention, also looking at films that may not, at first glance, seem to be “about” the environment. We will experiment together, considering what techniques of film can be integrated into our own writing. The reading list will include essays from writers such as Susan Sontag, Rob Nixon, Anna Tsing, Annie Dillard, and Mel Chen. Each class will be separated into two parts. For the first section, we will discuss the reading/watching assignment. The second half of the class will be devoted to critiquing student work. Additionally, you will complete a small (300–500 words) writing assignment every week, in which you will respond to a prompt. Students will be asked to write a short essay inspired by the readings and viewings.” Apply by May 15.

Sleuthfest . July 6–9, 2023: Boca Raton, FL. Sponsored by the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America a conference for writers and fans. Features writing workshops, social events, and pitch sessions, including:

* Agent Appointments to pitch your finished work

* Critiques of your 10 page manuscript submission

* Forensic track with current forensic techniques & hands-on workshops

* Social events to mingle with agents, editors and your favorite authors

* Auction to purchase critiques of your work by bestselling authors

* Sessions on the craft of writing

* Sessions on marketing and promoting your work

* Practice your Pitch sessions with experienced authors

North Carolina Writing Day Workshop . July 7–8, 2023. Online. This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on July 7–8, 2023. In other words, it’s two days full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. And even though this is the “Carolina” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually.

Summer Camp In Fiction: Explore, Play, And Inspire . July 7–11, 2023: Boyds Mills, PA. “Our summer camp is a time to find the kind of encouragement for your writing that only a generous mentor can provide. To find inspiration and support. To be with a community that understands the long process of creating. To work 1:1 and fine-tune your words and pitches while you have some fun.”

Tin House Summer Workshop . July 8–16, 2023: Portland, Oregon. The 20th annual Tin House Summer Workshop will be held from July 8 to July 16 at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. The program features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction (limited to 8 to 10 members per class), as well as one-on-one meetings with faculty and industry guests, craft lectures, author conversations, generative exercises, readings, and karaoke. Participating writers include poets Megan Fernandes, Solmaz Sharif, and Jake Skeets; fiction writers Dantiel W. Moniz, Deesha Philyaw, and Matthew Salesses; and nonfiction writers Jaquira Díaz, Melissa Febos, and Meredith Talusan. Tuition is $1,500; the fee for meals and lodging in the Reed College dormitories is $700. Scholarships, payment plans, and application fee waivers are available. Using only the online application system, writers submitted a writing sample of up to four poems totaling no more than eight pages or up to 4,000 words of prose with a $25 application fee from January 9 to January 29. Closed.

ASLE Biennial Conference . July 9–12, 2023: Portland, OR. “ASLE seeks to inspire and promote intellectual work in the environmental humanities and arts. Our vision is an inclusive community whose members are committed to environmental research, education, literature, art and service, environmental justice, and ecological sustainability.”

Young Writers Workshop . July 9–29, 2023: Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Restrictions: For students completing grades 9, 10, 11. Three 90-minute workshop sessions daily, including imaginative writing activities and discussion of readings. Weekly individual meetings with workshop instructor. Focus is on using various forms of creative writing to develop language and thinking skills.

Victorian Chautauqua Writers Workshop . July 10–14, 2023: Mountain Lake Park, Maryland. The Victorian Chautauqua 2023 Writers’ Workshop series will include four courses that include adult and children’s literature. Children can register for one of two creative writing workshops for grades 3–5 and grades 6–8. The week-long workshops offer diverse instruction for creative writing disciplines by experienced and notable instructors. At the end of the week, each workshop participant will have an opportunity to be part of a public showcase of their work.

Summer Fishtrap Gathering of Writers . July 10–16, 2023: Wallowa Lake, Oregon. Take a weeklong writing workshop in your favorite genre: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, memoir, or short story. Each workshop is limited to no more than 13 participants, giving you the opportunity to build connections with a world-class instructor and your fellow writers. Throughout the week, we’ll bring the best of Summer Fishtrap to you through craft talks, discussions, open mics, readings, and a special 35th Anniversary Celebration.

Community of Writers Workshop in Fiction . July 10–17, 2023: Olympic Valley, California. These workshops assist serious writers by exploring the art and craft as well as the business of writing. The week offers daily morning workshops, craft lectures, panel discussions on editing and publishing, staff readings, as well as brief individual conferences. The morning workshops are led by staff writer-teachers, editors, or agents. There are separate morning workshops for Fiction and Narrative Nonfiction/ Memoir. In addition to their workshop manuscript, participants may have a second manuscript read by a staff member who meets with them in an individual conference. During the week, a portion of our workshops is devoted exclusively to nonfiction. Memoir, narrative nonfiction, and essays are invited. Literary criticism and scholarly work will not be considered. Nonfiction applicants can use the same general form for submission. Application deadline March 5 .

The Summer Writers Institute . July 10–30, 2023: St. Louis, Missouri. The Washington University Summer Writers Institute is an intensive, two-week program featuring workshops in fiction, micro fiction, modern humor, personal narrative, playwriting, and poetry, as well as reading and individual conferences with instructors. Adult writers of all levels of experience work together with published authors and exceptional teachers in a supportive, non-competitive format that allows for personalized attention and constructive feedback.

Summer Camp in Illustration: Intensive Artistic Inspiration . July 12–15, 2023: Boyds Mills, PA. “In-person 4-Day/3-Night Workshop and Retreat Get away for four days at our Summer Camp in Illustration for inspiration, guidance, support, community, fun, creativity, and growth.”

Southampton Writers Conference . July 12–16, 2023: Long Island, NY. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and publishing, as well as readings, lectures, and a master class series. Creative writing workshops are the heart and soul of the summer experience, meeting four afternoons or mornings throughout the session. Enrollment is limited to 13 lucky writers who have applied with writing samples. Those accepted have the privilege of sharing their work in an intimate, rigorous and friendly setting.

Saskatchewan Festival of Words . July 13–15, 2023: Moose Jaw, Canada. Workshops for all ages, reading sessions, concerts, film, panel discussions, interviews, music, theatre, a slam poetry competition as well as workshops and author readings.

Imaginarium . July 14–16, 2023: Louisville KY. A three day annual event held in Louisville, Kentucky centered entirely around creative writing, including the worlds of books, movies, gaming, music, and comics/graphic novels. Imaginarium Convention features extensive programming content, with panels and workshops presented by over 150 professional guests covering everything from the craft of writing to various genres, industry-specific topics, publishing, and social media/publicity. The convention features a film festival with a full array of awards, a masquerade/costume contest, live music, gaming, an expo open to the general public, an awards banquet, a series of literary awards called the Imadjinns, and many more activities, creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that is content-rich and ideal for networking, promotion and personal development.

Colrain Classic . June 16–19, 2023. “The Colrain Manuscript Classic is a highly focused, 3-day conference designed for poets with manuscripts in progress. The Classic features in-depth pre-conference work and candid, realistic evaluation and feedback from nationally-known poets, editors and publishers. In preparation, participants work at home on pre-conference assignments and then, in the workshop, review, arrange, and winnow their work based on the pre-conference work. In addition to the manuscript preparation workshop, manuscript workshop and editorial sessions, there will be an editorial Q&A, and an after-conference strategy session.” On Zoom .

Summer Camp in Nonfiction: Explore, Engage, and Inspire . July 16–20, 2023: Boyds Mills, PA. “In-person 5-Day/4-Night Workshop and Retreat Get away for five days at our Summer Camp in Nonfiction for inspiration, guidance, mentorship, community, fun, creativity, and growth.”

Port Townsend Writers’ Conference . July 16–22, 2023: Port Townsend, Washington. workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as craft lectures, readings, open mics, and time to write. “The Port Townsend Writers’ Conference has been since 1974 at the wild heart of the thriving Pacific Northwest literary scene. With a focus on community and rigorous attention to craft, the Conference offers morning workshops, afternoon workshops, residencies, guided freewrites, and a vibrant readings and lectures series presented by vital, contemporary writers.”

Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops . July 16–29, 2023: Gambier, Ohio. At Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshops, talented high school students from around the world join a dynamic and supportive literary community to stretch their talents, discover new strengths, and challenge themselves in the company of peers who are also passionate about writing. In person .

Writer’s Digest Conference . July 17–20, 2023: New York City. Annual Writer’s Digest Conference featuring: Pitch Slam, with more than fifty agents and editors in attendance, educational tracks devoted to publishing and self-publishing, platform and promotion, and the craft of writing, speakers and instructors.

Sewanee Writers’ Conference . July 18–30, 2023: Sewanee, TN. Faculty will give readings and provide instruction and criticism through workshops and craft lectures, as well as meet individually with participants to discuss their manuscripts. The Conference will offer five fiction workshops, four poetry workshops, and a playwriting workshop supported by two professional actors. In addition, a substantial number of literary agents will attend.

Midwest Writers Workshop . July 19–22, 2023: Muncie, Indiana. July 20 -22, 2023 Virtual. Craft and business sessions, agent pitches, manuscript evaluations. MWW includes quality instruction by a faculty of authors, agents, editors, and specialists. Will be held online and in person .

Romance Writers of America . July 19–22, 2023: Anaheim, California. Opening Session Speaker: Mel Walker. Workshop leaders: Jen Graybeal, Peggy Jaeger, Thien-Kim Lam, Mia P. Manansala, and many more.

The Cambridge Writers’ Workshop Summer Writing Retreat . July 19–25, 2023: Paris, France. The retreat offers participating writers of all genres and levels to work alongside award-winning authors and editors. Participating writers will hone their craft and expand their writing skills, while working on new or existing projects. Tuition is $3,875, which includes lodging in central Paris, creative writing workshops and writing seminars with our supportive and award-winning faculty of writers and editors, and daily breakfast. Register by June 1, 2023.

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Retreat . July 20–23, 2023, Colorado Springs, CO. An intensive 3-day writing retreat. Sold out.

North Carolina Writers’ Network Squire Summer Writing Residency . July 20–23, 2023: Davidson, North Carolina. This workshop will explore how to write about places and spaces, while remaining mindful of the interconnections between the natural and cultural, the built and non-built, the human and animal. We will investigate how notions of home and belonging are created and maintained as well as how they can be disrupted by alterations to the cultural traditions and physical environments that surround us and inform our sense of place. During the workshop, we will read and write about the places that have made us who we are today. We will also consider our responsibilities to those places and how to preserve them both in reality and on the page.

IWWG Summer Writers Conference: Writing for Equity and Inclusion . July 20–24, 2023: Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA. The conferene will feature over 70 workshops, critiques, open mics, performances, and awards.

Northwestern University Summer Writers’ Conference . July 21–22, 2023: Chicago, Illinois. “This year’s schedule offers presentations for writers of all genres and backgrounds. Learn how to write your life in 750 words or less, structure your chapbook, and infuse your writing with revolution. Hear from award-winning authors on how to generate dramatically rich scenes, evoke memories through metaphors, and layer your writing with suspense. Get some pro tips for interviewing and advice on how and when to submit to literary journals, agents, and contests.” Will be held online .

Cascade Three-day Critique Workshop . July 21–23, 2023: Bremerton, WA. “Our Three-Day Critique Workshop is an opportunity for you to submit the first 4000 words of your novel, short story, or whatever project you are working on, for critique in a group of up to 8 peers led by an industry professional. This is a great way to polish up those first pages and first chapter. Submissions are due six weeks before the event via our Discord Channel. Registrants will receive login information a few weeks before submissions are due. There will also be one-hour workshops and panel presentations on craft, querying, the publishing industry, and more. Optional casual gatherings provide opportunities to get to know other writers as well as authors, editors, and agents.” Proof of vaccination required .

Confluence-SFF . July 21–23, 2023: Pittsburgh, PA. Located at the birthplace of the Ohio River, Confluence is Pittsburgh’s longest-running literary conference with a strong focus on science fiction, fantasy and horror. Award-winning authors, editors, artists and song-writers gather for three full days.

The Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference , July 21–23 Virtual; July 28–30 In-Person, Los Angeles, CA. West Coast Writers Conferences presents a full weekend of panels, workshops and presentations by educators, noted speakers, and industry professionals focused on the craft and business of writing.

Mystery Writers Conference . July 21–23, 2023: Corte Madera, CA. In this conference, mystery writers learn the clues to a successful writing career. Editors, agents, and publishers tell participants what they need to know to get published. Authors offer classes on setting, dialogue, suspense, point of view, and openings. They tell how to write about private eyes, amateur sleuths, and police protagonists, and how to create thrillers and historical mysteries. Panels of detectives, forensic experts, police, and other crime-fighting professionals provide information that allows crime fiction writers to put realism in their work.

Grub Street Muse and the Marketplace Conference . July 27–30, 2023, Boston, Massachusetts. The Muse and the Marketplace is a three-day literary conference designed to give aspiring writers a better understanding about the craft of writing fiction and non-fiction, to prepare them for the changing world of publishing and promotion, and to create opportunities for meaningful networking. On all three days, prominent and nationally-recognized established and emerging authors lead sessions on the craft of writing — the “muse” side of things — while editors, literary agents, publicists and other industry professionals lead sessions on the business side — the “marketplace.” Will be held virtually.

Taylor’s Professional Writers Conference . July 28–29, 2023: Upland, Indiana. Advanced and Teen Tracks starting July 27, 2023. 35 seminars covering General & First-timers, Fiction, Nonfiction, Platform & Marketing and Specialty Writing.

Steamboat Springs Writers Conference . July 28–29, 2023: Steamboat Springs, CO. Two instructors, seminar-type workshops for all levels, beginning to professional. Topics change each year. Limited enrollment.

The Creativity Workshop in New York . July 28–31, 2023: New York, New York. “The Creativity Workshops take away the fear of writing and open the way to new ideas. They are especially helpful for writers in fiction, poetry, memoir, theatre and film to get over writing blocks. In our Creativity Workshop Retreats you will generate both new work and ideas for the work you are in the midst of creating. We use many different techniques to help you find your way through the novel, essay, poem, memoir, or script you are writing or hope to write. In The Creativity Workshop you will be doing free writing, writing from guided visualizations, collaborative writing, journaling and memoir work and even some rudimentary drawing, collage and photography.”

Catamaran Writing Conference: Poetry . July 30 — August 3, 2023: Pebble Beach, CA. The workshop meets four mornings and each participant will receive focused feedback from the group on their poems. You’ll be invited to submit a writing sample for group feedback. Optional participant readings will be held. During registration you will be invited to indicate your poetry workshop instructor preference.

Napa Valley Writers’ Conference . July 30 — August 4, 2023: Napa, California. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and translation, as well as craft talks and evening readings. The faculty includes poets Jane Hirshfield and Major Jackson, fiction writers Lan Samantha Chang and ZZ Packer, and translator Forrest Gander. The cost of the conference is $1,100, which includes tuition, daily breakfast and lunch, two dinners, and wine tastings. C l osed.

Frost Place Poetry Seminar . July 30 — August 4, 2023. The Seminar schedule features a daily presentation/discussion exploring aspects of craft and technique, an afternoon workshop of participants’ poems or individual, virtual meetings with faculty, and an evening reading, some by faculty poets and others featuring participants. The application deadline is July 1, 2023 . Will be held online .

Like this article? For more articles about the publishing world, useful tips on how to get an agent, agents who are looking for clients, how to market and promote your work, building your online platform, how to get reviews, self-publishing, as well as publishers accepting manuscripts directly from writers (no agent required) visit Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity .

Written by Erica Verrillo

Helping writers get published and bolstering their flagging spirits at http://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/

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The 2024 Florida Writing Workshops

Get your writing published: april 12 (tampa) and april 13 (orlando), 2024 florida writing workshops: april 12 (tampa) and april 13 (orlando).

These writing events are a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the events. All questions about the events regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2024 Florida Writing Workshops! We are very proud of our many success stories where attendees sign with agents following events — see our growing list of success stories here .

(Please note that these are in-person events. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next FWW conferences are in-person events happening in Tampa on Friday, April 12, 2024; and Orlando on Saturday, April 13, 2024. See you there.)

WHAT ARE THE EVENTS?

These are a pair of special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshops on Friday, April 12, 2024 (Tampa) at the Hyatt House Tampa Airport Westshore; and Saturday, April 13, 2024 (Orlando) at the Crowne Plaza Orlando-Downtown. In other words, the workshops are both one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.

This event is designed to squeeze as much into one day of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s agent and editor faculty so far includes:

• literary agent Marlene Stringer (Stringer Literary) – TAMPA
• literary agent Sara Kelly Kornienko (Barbara Bova Literary) – TAMPA
• literary agent Sharon Belcastro (Belcastro Agency) – TAMPA
• literary agent Amy Nielsen (Purcell Agency) – TAMPA
• literary agent Nalini Akolekar (SpencerHill Associates) – TAMPA
• literary agent Brandy Vallance (Barbara Bova Literary) – TAMPA & ORLANDO BOTH
• literary agent Esty Loveing-Downes (Arthouse Literary) – TAMPA & ORLANDO BOTH
• literary agent Andie Smith (Booker Albert Literary) – ORLANDO
• literary agent Kelly Thomas (Serendipity Literary) – ORLANDO
• literary agent Sarah Fisk (Tobias Literary) – ORLANDO
• literary agent Kaitlyn Katsoupis (Belcastro Agency) – ORLANDO
• literary agent Caroline Trussell (Metamorphosis Literary) – ORLANDO
• and possibly more to come.

By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey. This independent event is organized by coordinator Chuck Sambuchino of Writing Day Workshops . E-mail him to register for the event at [email protected].

EVENT LOCATIONS & DETAILS:

FRIDAY. APRIL 12 :  Hyatt House Tampa Airport / Westshore. 5308 Avion Park Dr, Tampa, FL 33607. (813) 207-9500.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13 :  Crowne Plaza Orlando-Downtown, an IHG Hotel , 304 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32801. ( The hotel has a courtesy room block for attendees .)

TAMPA CLASSES (FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2024):

What you see below is a quick layout of the days’ events (Charlotte first, then Raleigh). The topics below are mostly set, but subject to change. You can see a more detailed layout of the day’s classes on the Schedule Page here . There will be 1-3 classes/workshops going at all times during the day, so sometimes you may have your choice of what class you attend.

8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.

BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30

1. Everything You Need to Know About Agents and Query Letters 2.  Hate to Edit? Write a Better First Draft!

BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50

1. Understanding the Publishing Industry in 2024 — From Hybrid Publishing to Artificial Intelligence and Everything in Between 2. Making Characters Come Alive

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN: 11:50 – 1:15

Lunch is on your own during these 85 minutes.

BLOCK THREE: 1:15 – 2:30

1. “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest 2. How to Sell a Nonfiction Book Proposal

BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45

1. Open Agent & Editor Q&A Panel 2.  The Pro 10: Techniques to Take Your Novel from “OK” to “Oh, WOW!”

BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00

1. 15 Query Letter and Submission Mistakes To Avoid 2. Showing vs. Telling

SESSIONS END: 5:00

(What you see here is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here .)

Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.

———————————–

ORLANDO CLASSES (SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024):

The topics below are mostly set, but subject to change. You can see a more detailed layout of the day’s classes on the Schedule Page here. There will be 1-3 classes/workshops going at all times during the day, so sometimes you may have your choice of what class you attend.

1. Ten Evergreen Keys to Writing Success 2.  12 Ways to Improve Your Writing

1. How to Market Yourself and Your Books: Talking Author Social Media, Blogging, and Platform 2.    The Author/Agent Relationship Explained

1. Open Agent & Editor Q&A Panel 2.  Fine-Tune Your Submission Package to Get to YES

1. Everything You Need to Know About Literary Agents and Writing an Awesome Query Letter 2. What Hollywood Can Teach Novelists: How Thinking Like a Screenwriter Can Help You Write a Better, Tighter Story

———————————————–

PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

ADDED ONLINE PITCHING : To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2024 Florida Writing Workshop attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at the Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2024 FWW on our calendar.

That event is the Ohio Writing Workshop , May 10-11, 2024, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.

This means that 2024 FWW attendees can have access to pitching all those online OWW agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online May 2024 event. (That said, if you want to formally register for the Ohio conference and have access to all classes and panels, let us know, as there is a discount for confirmed Florida attendees.)

If you are interested in this added pitching opportunity, the first step is to get formally registered for Florida. Following the FWW conferences on April 12-13, 2024, we will be in touch with all Florida attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2024 OWW (May 10-11) . At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.

        More 2024 agents to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open.

These one-on-one meetings are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind.

(Please note that Agent/Editor Pitching is an add-on, separate aspect of the day, for only those who sign up. Spaces are limited for these premium meetings, and pricing/detail is explained below.)

$189 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to either 2024 FWW event and access to all workshops, all day. Pricing is the same for both workshops. As of fall 2023, registration is now OPEN. The $189 price is the same for both separate events: Tampa (April 12, 2024) and Orlando (April 13, 2024).

Add $29 — to secure a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with any of our literary agents or editors in attendance. Use this special meeting as a chance to pitch your work and get professional feedback on your pitch. (Spaces limited.) If they wish, attendees are free to sign up for multiple 10-minute pitch sessions at $29/session — pitching multiple individuals, or securing 20 minutes to pitch one person rather than the usual 10. Here are four quick testimonials regarding writers who have signed with literary agents after pitching them at prior Writing Day Workshops events. (Our bigger, growing  list of success stories an be seen here .)

Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Chuck Sambuchino, one of the day’s instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Florida Writing Workshop attendees only.) Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of the specially-priced critique, so they can send out their query letter with confidence following the workshop. Also, if you are meeting with an agent at the event, you’re essentially speaking your query letter aloud to them. Wouldn’t it be wise to give that query letter (i.e., your pitch) one great edit before that meeting?

Add $89 — for an in-depth personal critique of the first 10 pages of your novel. Spaces with faculty for these critiques are very limited, and participating attendees will either 1) get an in-person meeting at the workshop, if the faculty member is attending the live event, or 2) get a 10-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

• All types of adult fiction (except erotica); all types of young adult fiction and middle grade; Christian fiction; screenplays and TV scripts (in-person meetings in both Tampa and Orlando) : Faculty member Jaimie Engle , a screenwriter, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you in person on either April 12 or April 13 — for 15 minutes at the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Fantasy (both YA and adult), fantasy romance, contemporary romance, women’s fiction (virtual critiques for Tampa; in-person critiques for Orlando) : Faculty member Shauna Golden , a former agent, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, talk with you virtually (Zoom/phone) for 15 minutes workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes. She is meeting with writers in person in Orlando on April 13.
• Literary fiction, humorous fiction, mystery, fantasy, memoir, business nonfiction (in-person meetings on April 13 in Orlando) : Faculty member Erik Deckers , a published author and freelance editor, will get your work in advance, edit the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, talk with you for 15 minutes in person at the April 13 workshop to discuss his thoughts, and pass along written critique notes.
• All types & genres of fiction for adults and young adults (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Kristi Belcamino , a published mystery author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Children’s picture books and middle grade (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Brittany Thurman , a published author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
• More critique options possibly forthcoming.

How to pay/register — Registration is now open. Reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: [email protected] , and he will provide specific instructions for payment and registration to get you a reserved seat at the event. Payment is by credit card, PayPal, or check. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Florida workshops specifically.

REGISTRATION:

Because of limited space at the venues, each one-day workshop can only allow 150 registrants. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.

Are spaces still available? Yes, we still have spaces available. We will announce RIGHT HERE, at this point on this web page, when all spaces are taken. If you do not see a note right here saying how all spaces are booked, then yes, we still have room, and you are encouraged to register.

How to Register : The easy first step is simply to reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: [email protected] . Chuck will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The FWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Florida workshops specifically.

Refunds : If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason at any time, you will receive 50% of your total payment back [sent by check or PayPal]. The other 50% is nonrefundable and will not be returned, and helps the workshop ensure that only those truly interested in the limited spacing sign up for the event. (Please note that query editing payments and manuscript editing payments are completely non-refundable if the instructor has already edited your work.)

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Marlene Stringer of Stringer Literary

Marlene is seeking:

• Book club fiction that straddles the commercial/literary line
• Historical fiction, especially that featuring notable historical personages
• Women’s Fiction, both contemporary & historical
• Older YA, both fantasy and contemporary
• Crime Fiction
• Thrillers of all types
• Mysteries of all types
• Romance (except erotic)
• Magical Realism

Do not pitch Literary fiction for adults, Inspirational, Screenplays, Plays, Poetry, Short Stories, Comedy, Erotica or Erotic Romance, True Crime, Genre Western, Religious(or books featuring abusive priests, nuns, pastors, etc.), or Instructional. We are not interested in seeing any projects that include abuse of children or animals as plot elements.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Nalini Akolekar of SpencerHill Associates

Nalini joined Spencerhill Associates after a lengthy editorial career and several years in advertising sales. Working as an agent has provided the perfect opportunity to combine her editorial instincts with her sales, marketing, and business experience. Nalini loves nothing more than discovering and nurturing talented authors. She likes to build strong, long-term relationships with her clients and keep open lines of communication.

Nalini primarily represents commercial fiction. She is always interested in seeing new women’s fiction, romance, historical fiction, thrillers and horror. Nalini maintains a diverse client list and loves to find exciting new voices that utilize elements of different genres to tell their story.

Nalini has two adult children and lives among a pack of very poorly behaved dogs who love to interrupt her when she is on the phone and a beautiful cat named Jakk who delights in winding them up.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Brandy Vallance of Barbara Bova Literary Agency

Brandy comes from a long line of storytellers. An old soul, she fell in love with passed-down tales, the odd and unexplained, and the pursuit of answering the mysteries that perplex us all. She loves to wander down ancient paths, explore dusty libraries, and does occasional archaeology. Her books are a lush escape into timeless romance, breathtaking adventure, and push the boundaries of what is expected.

Brandy is the winner of two national writing awards, one of which included a $20,000 prize. Her critically acclaimed novel, The Covered Deep , has been featured in USA Today and Writer’s Digest. Romantic Times called her second novel “passionate and riveting” and Publishers Weekly encourages those who like sweeping Scottish sagas to dive in because “the journey is wonderful.”

After more than two decades in the world of publishing, Brandy has joined Barbara Bova Literary Agency, and she is looking forward to being a champion of amazing writers and outstanding books.

Throughout the years, Brandy has been a Writing Coach, a Story Consultant, and an international Publishing Specialist. For hundreds of writers, her mentorship has broken the chains of fear and self-doubt. From teaching Master Classes to sitting at quiet tables, Brandy loves helping people explore their deepest truths.

Brandy believes in the high calling of storytelling, and she lights the way for writers, as well as readers. Page by page, she walks in the legacy of those who have gone before her, and she holds a torch for any who are seeking their way.

Here’s what she’d love to represent:

Quality fiction. While I do read more frequently in some genres, my book love is very eclectic. If you’ve put hard work into the craft of writing and you have an amazing book, query me!

I represent these genres but I am also not limited to these genres:

Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Mystery, Romance, Literary, Women’s Fiction, Southern Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure, Speculative, Inspirational, Thriller.

I’m a fan of:

*atmospheric writing

*stories set in the British Isles, Europe, or exotic locations

*Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian romance

*Victorian time period in general (other centuries are welcome too)

*archaeology / artifacts / history’s mysteries

*stories set in castles, manor houses, or quaint villages

*stories with a Gothic flair

*Byronic heroes

*redemption stories

*stories that feature “thin places”

*stories that explore Biblical themes without being preachy (ex. Charles Martin books)

*Appalachian stories / mountain culture

*folklore / cryptids / legends / fairy tales

*time travel

*fantasy & sci-fi in almost every sub-category

*characters who are writers, artists, or have a unique profession

*stories that explore deep emotion

*stories that make me FEEL

*stories that tell me what it means to be human

*anything imaginative, witty, or hilarious!

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Kaitlyn Katsoupis of Belcastro Agency

After receiving a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College, Kaitlyn refused to leave the concept of nightly homework behind. A literary agent for Belcastro Literary Agency, she is also a freelance editor at her own company, Strictly Textual. Kaitlyn started her literary journey as a copyeditor for academic publisher codeMantra, a YA editor for Accent Press, a Conference Assistant for GrubStreet, Boston, and has been agenting since 2016. She has written various articles for Writer’s Digest and has had a flash fiction story published in the anthology A Box of Stars Beneath the Bed.

Some of Kaitlyn’s favorite books: Cornelia Funke (Inkheart series); Michael Buckley (Undertow series); John Green (more Looking for Alaska, less An Abundance of Katherines); Gayle Forman (Just One Year and Just One Day); Lois Lowry (The Giver series); Scott O’Dell (Island of the Blue Dolphins). Her favorite tv shows are Doctor Who, Buffy, Supernatural, Firefly, basically the nerdier the fandom the better.

SHE IS SEEKING:

Historical Fiction:

• Not a huge fan of Henry VIII, Shakespeare, roman/greek legends and retellings
• Would love non-Western world setting and situations
• Would love some with a humor bend but open to the dark and decadent as well
• Less gore, more psychological/haunting
• LOVE ghosts
• Would love lesser known creatures/legends (think vast stretch of shows like Grimm)
• Horror Media I love: Sinister, The Conjuring, Cabin in the Woods, Yellowjackets, A Quiet Place, Hereditary, Oculus, Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass
• For MG, would love Goosebumps vibe; also enjoy feels like Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus, Coraline, Corpse Bride, The Pagemaster. The Curse of Bridge Hollow

Contemporary:

• Dark, light, fun, sad, gimme!
• Love to find LGBTQ+ storylines
• Interested in mental health angles
• Enjoy romance, though it doesn’t need to be central
• Enemies to lovers, rivals to friends or lovers, sibling rivalry/loyalty stories
• Still looking for an escape room story!
• All ages (heavier on MG/YA & crossover)
• Very selective at the moment
• Looking for marginalized/BIPOC voices and settings/POVs
• Not a fit for fae/fairies, elves, trolls/ogres/orcs, or most werewolves
• Into vampires (Buffy always!) but need it to be super unique and strong writing

Suspense/Thriller:

• YA & Adult
• Think gothic, spooky, and psychological
• Not into Crime fiction or procedurals
• Craving a locked room concept (whether contemporary, historical, or paranormal!)

Graphic Novel:

• All ages, though hunting for more kid lit
• Interested in mental health stories, humorous MG, queer relationships, quirky casts and found families, and harrowing creatures/survival plots
• Hoping for commercial hooks on MG titles

For all ages, I really want historical that focuses on perspectives and places not in the mainstream. Give me legends, myths, events, battles that aren’t the everyday titles we see all the time. I’m not huge on retellings unless it’s in-depth and really makes me dig to figure out what story we’re rediscovering. I also really want more LGBTQ+ storylines and mental health themes and love stories where the people are just PEOPLE and it doesn’t have to be expressly about an issue.

Kaitlyn is NOT accepting

– Nonfiction – Chapter or picture books – Romantic Suspense – Novellas, poetry, or short story collections – Storylines heavily dependent on religious motives/events/themes – Storylines heavily dependent on sexual/physical/drug abuse

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Caroline Trussell of Metamorphosis Literary Agency

Caroline has a background in editing, writing, and communications and has worked as an agent assistant, editorial assistant, journalist, and communications consultant. She is passionate about finding writers with unique voices and points of view and is looking for steamy romances, out of this world fantasies, and stories that touch on vital topics that can’t be ignored. She’s also a self-published young adult author, a Columbia Publishing Course graduate, and a mental health advocate.

She is seeking: Romance (especially romantic comedies, enemies to lovers, and fake dating); Fantasy (particularly magical realism and urban fantasy); Thrillers (psychological or anything in the vein of Riley Sager); and Horror. In any genre, stories that feature dynamic characters with non-visible disabilities and/or mental illness.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Esty Loveing-Downes of Arthouse Literary

Esty holds a BFA in creative writing from Ringling College of Art + Design and is currently an MFA candidate in fiction at Queens University of Charlotte. Aside from serving as a daily editor for the Southern Review of Books, she joined the teams at Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency and Tobias Literary Agency before joining the ArtHouse Literary Agency team and becoming an Associate Literary Agent. Esty is looking for romance, upmarket fiction, YA, genre-blending sci-fi, picture books, and select nonfiction and literary fiction.

She is seeking:

In romance and YA, Esty is looking for tropes like enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, and grumpy-sunshine like THE FLATSHARE or BEACH READ, or marriage-of-convenience stories like THE UNHONEYMOONERS. She’d love to see a fresh take on PRIDE &amp; PREJUDICE, EMMA, or ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. If you’ve got contemporary stories with dual POVs and impossible love like THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR, or a classic retellings like THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS that include high stakes, plot tension, and compelling soulmate vibes—send those her way, too.

In upmarket, Esty is looking for titles with women in STEM like LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY, updated classics like Ann Napolitano’s Little Women retelling, HELLO, BEAUTIFUL, and wlw knockouts with queer representation like THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO.

She’s also looking for genre-blending sci-fi or speculative fiction like THE NIGHT CIRCUS, magical realism like Carmen Maria Machado’s HER BODY AND OTHER PARTIES, or nonlinear, poetic work like THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE THE TIME WAR. She’d also love to see “romantasy” with strong leads like A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES and CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE, fae stories with romance tropes like THE CRUEL PRINCE, character-driven journeys like THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE, or the fairy tale vibes of SPINNING SILVER.

In picture books, send heartwarming titles with a BIPOC focus like EYES THAT KISS IN THE CORNERS and creative, imagination-friendly projects like DRAGONS LOVE TACOS.

In nonfiction, she’s looking for insightful social commentary like that of Ijeoma Oluo, Brené Brown, and Mikki Kendall.

Esty would also like to see literary fiction with artful realism like THE RABBIT HUTCH and TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW, the heart wrenching yearning of NORMAL PEOPLE, characters challenging society like OUR MISSING HEARTS, or books like THE INCENDIARIES and SEVERANCE that examine marginalized characters, injustice, or religion. Characters examining systems of oppression through twisty plots in books like THE NICKEL BOYS, SALVAGE THE BONES, and INTERIOR CHINATOWN are welcome, and mythological retellings like Madeline Miller’s CIRCE, especially those set outside of Europe.

This is a home for fresh retellings, fairy tales, and artful, rebellious prose. For a better look at the kind of titles Esty gravitates towards, scroll her Pinterest board here.

What She Doesn’t Want : horror, thrillers, erotica, police/legal procedurals, mysteries, anything ageist/ableist/racist/misogynistic, or anything where queer people die in the end.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Kelly Thomas of Serendipity Literary

Kelly brings seventeen years of sales and business expertise to the literary world as a champion for writers. Kelly is a Certified Copy Editor who has a Bachelor’s degree in English (Literature) from Pace University. She is an associate member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA) and a member of the Editorial Freelance Association. Prior to joining Serendipity, she provided manuscript analysis for the D4EO Literary Agency. She is a panelist for the New York Women in Film & Television’s (NYWIFT) ‘The Business of Adaptations Panel’ program and a trainer for the ‘Next Bestseller Workshops.’ Kelly has participated in Pitch Slams for writing conferences, including ThrillerFest, Crimebake, and The Writer’s Digest Conference. She has sat on ‘Ask the Agent’ panels for the AWP Conference and Writing Barn’s ‘Courage to Create’ program and a ‘First Pages Critique’ panel for the Carnegie Center for Literary and Learning’s Books-in-Progress Conference. Kelly is a published poet with publications in Tales for the Disenchanted (2008) and Penumbra Art & Literature (2015). She has served as an editor for the literary arts magazine Pen & Brush and as a writing coach for the academic consulting company Brattlestreet. Kelly works as a freelance editor and ghostwriter in her free time.

What She’s Looking For:

Kelly considers herself a generalist who is drawn to lyrical writing and strong voices. She is interested in nonfiction (narrative nonfiction, memoirs, true crime, self-help, business, travel writing, photography, medical, STEM, psychology, health and fitness, music, food & drinks, cooking) and adult fiction (psychological thrillers, suspense, comedies).

She enjoys working with musicians, television personalities, athletes, and other pop culture figures to help translate their stories or expertise onto the page. 

She also represents children’s books including picture books, middle grade, and young adult. She enjoys fast-paced, plot-driven fiction with twists, turns, and jaw-dropping moments. She is drawn to stories about leadership, overcoming adversity, and beating the odds. Stories that are told from a unique psychological vantage point are always of interest.

The truth is often stranger than fiction, so Kelly is actively looking for the next great true crime manuscript with a murderous and methodical plot. She loves multi-layered protagonists who struggle between what is right and wrong, and anti-heroes who are villainous but endearing at the same time. Some of her favorite books that perfectly master this include Dearly Departed Dexter, You, American Psycho, Fight Club, Psycho, Interview With the Vampire, Dracula, and My Sister, the Serial Killer.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Sharon Belcastro of The Belcastro Agency

Sharon was born and raised in Northeastern Ohio. It only took her 37 years to get sick of the snow, cracked fingers and chapped lips before she picked up and moved to the much warmer and sunnier Tampa Bay area. Her love of books goes back to early childhood where some of her fondest memories were spent with Gulliver in Lilliput and Ishmael and his voyage on the Pequod. She has had a book in her hand and her nose in a book ever since. Forced to grow up and face the real world, Sharon earned her Engineering degree from Youngstown State University and her master’s in business from Case Western Reserve University. She spent several years in product development, sales and the development and streamlining of key business processes before she returned to her passion for books attended classes in publishing at NYU and applied her experience to the founding of Belcastro Agency.

Sharon is seeking : Nonfiction for adults by writers with a great platform and clear concept. She also represents young adult fiction in the following YA genres: fantasy, science fiction, action, adventure, contemporary, magical realism, mystery, thriller, and horror. In adult fiction, she seeks: horror, thriller/suspense, paranormal and memoir. She is especially looking for immigrant experiences in all markets and genres.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: ​Andie Smith of The Booker Albert Literary Agency

She is also a writer and editor of multiple genres. Andie has previously served as an writer and editor for several local newspapers and magazines in Central Florida and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration. When she’s not agenting, she’s spending time with her husband and two kitties or hanging out at Disney World.

Andie is currently looking for Young Adult or Adult genres including but not limited to contemporary, romance, thriller, speculative, issue-driven, fantasy, and eco-fiction. She is no longer seeking Adult Thriller and has to be very selective with YA fantasy due to her current client list.

As an autoimmune advocate, Andie would love to see stories with MC’s embracing life through all disabilities, from those that are more obvious to invisible ones.

At the top of her wishlist:

• Adult Romance: swoonworthy, happy, believable romance. Bonus points if it’s second chance and dual timeline/pov
• Adult Fantasy: either with a heavy romance or it’s a subplot, adventurous and immersive fresh takes on a fantasy world
• YA Eco-Fiction: in today’s world or very near future, teens battling climate change or actively searching to save a species from extinction
• YA Thriller: edge of your seat who dunnit mystery, the vibes of Cruel Summer and One of Us is Lying
• YA Contemporary: relatable, everyday situations teens go through. Heartfelt, underlying messages or overall just a fun and feel-good read. Romance plot or self-discovery/coming-of-age. Would love to see a strong theater rom-com!

Andie doesn’t represent:

PB or MG Nonfiction Poetry/prose Historical fiction (1960s and earlier) Horror

Not the best fit for:

Heavy religious elements Vampires (unless VERY unique) Pirates/ships/water settings AI or VR characters/plots

While not a total dealbreaker, Andie tends to shy away from stories with on-the-page cheating, abuse, rape, and reference to self-harm and/or suicide (off-page references ok). Please indicate any content warnings in your query letter (or verbal in-person pitch).

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Arvon is a charity that runs creative writing courses, events and retreats both in-person and online. Our courses are tutored by leading authors and include a powerful mix of workshops and individual tutorials, with time and space to write, free from distractions of everyday life. Grants and concessions are available to help with course fees.

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Translate your experience into memoir and bring your stories to life

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Liberation through constraint

“Every time I’ve taught at Arvon - going back over fifteen years now - I’ve seen how much difference just a handful of days can make in the life of writers. There’s a perfect mix of tutorials, writing time, socializing, and discussion - all those elements come together to create an atmosphere in which writing projects move in that longed-for but often unattainable direction: forward.”

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SI Leeds Literary Prize 2024

07 Mar 2024 / General

A writing prize that helps discover exciting new talent from underrepresented groups will be accepting entries again next month. The SI…

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Arvon and Creative Minds Charity, hosted by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, are embarking on an exciting project aimed…

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27 Feb 2024 / My Arvon Journey

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27 Feb 2024 / My Arvon Week

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Privacy Overview

The 2024 Michigan Writing Workshop

Get your writing published: may 4, 2024, the 2024 michigan writing workshop: may 4, 2024.

This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (200 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2024 Michigan Writing Workshop! We are very proud of our many success stories where attendees sign with agents following events — see our growing list of success stories here .

(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next MWW is an in-person event happening in the Detroit suburbs on May 4, 2024. See you there.)

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Embassy Suites Detroit – Livonia/Novi. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.

This event is designed to squeeze as much into one day of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s agent and editor faculty so far includes:

• literary agent Chelsea Eberly (Greenhouse Literary)
• literary agent Maggie Sadler (Corvisiero Literary)
• literary agent Kat Kerr (Donald Maass Literary Agency)
• literary agent Jon Michael Darga (Aevitas Creative Management)
• literary agent Cyle Young (CYLE Literary)
• literary agent Rachel Beck (Liza Dawson Associates)
• literary agent Alexandra Grana (Corvisiero Literary)
• literary agent Justin Brouckaert (Aevitas Creative Management)
• literary agent Carrie Howland (Howland Literary)
• and possibly more to come.

By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey. This independent event is organized by coordinator Brian Klems of Writing Day Workshops . E-mail him to register for the event at [email protected] and mention you’re specifically  interested in the Michigan conference.

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2024 — at the Embassy Suites Detroit – Livonia/Novi, 19525 Victor Parkway, Livonia, MI 48152.

THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (MAY 4, 2024):

What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. The topics below are mostly set, but subject to change. You can see a more detailed layout of the day’s classes on the Schedule Page here .

Please Note: There will be 2-3 classes/workshops going at all times during the day, so you will have your choice of what class you attend at any time. The final schedule of topics is subject to change, but here is the current layout:

8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.

BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30

1. Finding Your Voice . In this talk, attendees will learn how to identify your voice, how to deliberately and expertly finesse it, and how the best way to sharpen your voice is to write, write, write!

2. But Do You Really NEED a Literary Agent? — Traditional vs. Self-Publishing (& What Agents Really Do) . What do agents really do for writers? What don’t they do? Can writers just reach out to a publisher on their own? When should writers self-publish?

BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50

1. Building Your Author Brand & Marketing Plan . This session will share how to create a compelling author brand and the secrets to creating an easy-to-enact book marketing strategy that won’t distract from your writing time.

2 . How to Write Great Chapter Beginnings: The S.P.R.I.N.G.S. Method . Every book/chapter needs a powerful first paragraph to spring the story forward and compel the reader to invest his or her time on reading further. A good opening paragraph drives a story onward, it sets the tone and mood for what follows, and draws the reader deeper.

(What you see here is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here .)

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN: 11:50 – 1:15

Lunch is on your own during these 85 minutes.

BLOCK THREE: 1:15 – 2:30

1. “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest . This is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with attending agents commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission.

2. Nonfiction Book Proposal 101: How to Sell a Nonfiction Book . This session is completely devoted to nonfiction. So if you are trying to create an awesome nonfiction book proposal, this presentation is for you.

BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45

1. Open Agent Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from MWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.

2. What to Expect After the Book Deal —Everything You Need to Know . Congratulations, you’ve sold your book! Now what? From submitting your manuscript for developmental edits to seeing your finished book on the shelf, this session will help demystify what comes after you sign with a publisher.

BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00

1. How to Write a Great Query Letter for Your Novel . This workshop is a thorough crash course in writing an awesome query letter. What things should you avoid in query writing? What beginnings are overused and don’t work? How to compose a great pitch? How do you whittle down a long query? This session will cover all those questions and more.

2. Examining the Paths of Successful Authors: Best Strategies Based on Advice of Bestselling Authors and Publicists from Major Publishing Houses . In this workshop, a literary agent will first explore how to define success in the author world, then compare how book sales look today compared to in past decades, along with an analysis of what grassroots efforts authors can undertake in terms of marketing and promotion, and whether they actually move the needle.

SESSIONS END: 5:00

At 5 p.m., the day is done. Speakers may make themselves available by the workshop’s bookstore for a short while to sign any books for attendees.

Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.

————-

PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

ADDED ONLINE PITCHING : To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2024 Michigan Writing Workshop attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at the Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2024 MWW on our calendar.

That event is the Pittsburgh Writing Workshop , May 31 – June 1, 2024, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.

This means that 2024 MWW attendees can have access to pitching all those online PWW agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online May/June 2024 event. (That said, if you want to formally register for the Pittsburgh conference and have access to all classes and panels, let us know, as there is a discount for confirmed Michigan attendees.)

If you are interested in this added pitching opportunity, the first step is to get formally registered for Michigan. Following the MWW conference on May 4, 2024, we will be in touch with all Michigan attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2024 PWW (May 31 – June 1) . At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.

        More 2024 agents to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open.

These one-on-one meetings are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind.

(Please note that Agent/Editor Pitching is an add-on, separate aspect of the day, for only those who sign up. Spaces are limited for these premium meetings, and pricing/detail is explained below.)

———

$199 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the 2024 MWW and access to all workshops, all day. As of fall 2023, registration is now OPEN.

Add $29 — to secure a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with any of our literary agents or editors in attendance. Use this special meeting as a chance to pitch your work and get professional feedback on your pitch. (Spaces limited.) If they wish, attendees are free to sign up for multiple 10-minute pitch sessions at $29/session — pitching multiple individuals, or securing 20 minutes to pitch one person rather than the usual 10. Here are four quick testimonials regarding writers who have signed with literary agents after pitching them at prior Writing Day Workshops events. (Our bigger, growing  list of success stories an be seen here .)

Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Brian Klems, one of the day’s instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Michigan Writing Workshop attendees only.) Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of the specially-priced critique, so they can send out their query letter with confidence following the workshop. Also, if you are meeting with an agent at the event, you’re essentially speaking your query letter aloud to them. Wouldn’t it be wise to give that query letter (i.e., your pitch) one great edit before that meeting?

Add $89 — for an in-depth personal critique of the first 10 pages of your novel. Spaces with faculty for these critiques are very limited, and participating attendees will either 1) get an in-person meeting at the workshop, if the faculty member is attending the live event, or 2) get a 10-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

• Historical fiction, literary fiction and women’s fiction, and creative nonfiction essays (in-person critiques): Faculty member Lynne Golodner , an author and marketing entrepreneur, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you in person on May 4 at the MWW — for 15 minutes at the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Women’s fiction, contemporary/mainstream fiction, literary fiction, young adult, and memoir (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Kimiko Nakamura , a literary agent and writing coach, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Children’s picture books and middle grade (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Brittany Thurman , a published author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
• Commercial women’s fiction, thriller/suspense, thriller with romantic elements, cozy mystery, YA thriller, young adult in general, middle-grade, literary fiction, and fantasy (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Amberly Finarelli , a former literary agent and current writing coach, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, young adult SFF, urban fantasy (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Wesley Chu , a published novelist, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss his thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• More critique options possibly forthcoming

How to pay/register — Registration is now open. Reach out to workshop organizer Brian Klems via email: [email protected] , and he will provide specific instructions for payment and registration to get you a reserved seat at the event. Payment is by credit card, PayPal, or check. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Michigan workshop specifically.

REGISTRATION:

Because of limited space at the venue (Embassy Suites Detroit – Livonia/Novi), the workshop can only allow 200 registrants, unless spacing issues change. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.

Are spaces still available? Yes, we still have spaces available. We will announce RIGHT HERE, at this point on this web page, when all spaces are taken. If you do not see a note right here saying how all spaces are booked, then yes, we still have room, and you are encouraged to register.

How to Register : The easy first step is simply to reach out to workshop organizer Brian Klems via email: [email protected] . Brian will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The MWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Michigan workshop specifically.

Refunds : If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason at any time, you will receive 50% of your total payment back [sent by check or PayPal]. The other 50% is nonrefundable and will not be returned, and helps the workshop ensure that only those truly interested in the limited spacing sign up for the event. (Please note that query editing payments and manuscript editing payments are completely non-refundable if the instructor has already edited your work.)

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Rachel Beck of Liza Dawson Associates

Rachel joined Liza Dawson Associates in 2020 after working at a boutique literary agency for four years. She has been in the publishing industry since 2009 and worked at Harlequin editing romance novels for nearly six years before transitioning her skills to the agent world in order to be an advocate and champion for authors. She lives outside of Pittsburgh with her husband, three young children, and an endlessly entertaining cat. Rachel is looking for:

• Upmarket/book club women’s fiction: Books that remind us how difficult it is to be a modern woman, but also how rich and rewarding—controversial or morally gray topics welcome
• Smart contemporary romance/romcoms: Beach reads, but with plenty of heart and heft; books that make you go from laughing to crying in an instant—think Kristan Higgins or Emily Henry
• Historical fiction this side of World War II: Dual timelines welcome
• Sweeping, multigenerational family sagas like Memphis or Malibu Rising
• Speculative fiction
• Thrillers/domestic suspense: Character-driven, psychologically intense reads; love a good classic antihero
• Contemporary YA: Especially LGBTQIA+ stories and “issue” books on what teens face today, from climate change to mass shootings to social media pressures
• Select nonfiction: Narrative, gifty/pop culture, cultural criticism, politics, career/personal growth, self-help, health/wellness, sports, parenting

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Carrie Howland of Howland Literary

Carrie holds a B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Albion College, where she was the Poetry Editor of The Albion Review. Her poetry has appeared in various literary journals and magazines. In her spare time, Carrie volunteers as a foster for a local dog rescue and is an active member of the Junior League. Her passions include music, pop culture, and the Midwest. She has been featured in several publications discussing her work as an agent including Poets & Writers, SCWBI insight, Akashic Books, and Slice Magazine. Carrie Howland joined Empire Literary after eleven years as an agent at Donadio & Olson, Inc.

She represents young adult, middle grade, and select picture book authors.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Justin Brouckaert of Aevitas Creative Management

Justin is a Metro Detroit native who holds an MFA in fiction from the University of South Carolina, where he was a James Dickey Fellow. As an agent, he is interested in memoir, and narrative nonfiction.

In nonfiction, he is most interested in memoirs that offer access to exclusive places and experiences, as well as reported narratives that shed light on under-represented people and communities.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Alexandra Grana of Corvisiero Literary

Alex is a recent graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law. She has always loved writing and literature, having completed her B.A. in Professional Writing at Miami University, and is excited to dedicate herself to helping fellow writers pursue publication. When she isn’t reading, she can be found trying a new recipe in the kitchen or prepping for her next DnD session.

Alex’s favorite genres are fantasy and horror. She is a sucker for a good magic system, reimagined fairy tales, and poetic prose. Stories by marginalized writers are of particular interest to her.

In fiction, she seeks:

• Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror for middle grade, young adult, and adult
• LGBTQ stories in all genres
• Mysteries and Thrillers
• Historical fiction
• Magical Realism
• Weird Queer

In adult, new adult, and young adult, Alex enjoys:

• Lush gothic stories of all kinds
• Feral girl protagonists
• Wintery fantasies, with a soft spot for Slavic-inspired settings and dog sledding
• Fantasies set in space and dark, grounded science fiction
• Solarpunk science fiction
• Body horror with religious themes

In middle grade, Alex hopes to find:

• Scary stories that keep you up at night
• Themes of self discovery and found family
• Fantasies reminiscent of Spirited Away

In nonfiction, Alex Is looking for:

• Occult History/Mysteries
• Narratives about Deconstruction

Books Alex loves:

Lilith’s Brood by Octavia Butler The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Kat Kerr of Donald Maass Literary

Kat joined Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2019. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelors in English in 2009 and is drawn to literary and commercial voices within the adult and YA markets, as well as adult nonfiction. Kat feels strongly about supporting programs like We Need Diverse Books and is passionate about creating space in this industry for those from historically marginalized communities. She is actively seeking to grow her client list and is particularly hungry for magical realism, literary leaning speculative and science fiction, women’s fiction, YA works with a lot of heart, and narrative nonfiction with something to say.

Submission Interests:

Literary and Upmarket Fiction:

Kat is drawn to strong, character-driven works with rich, literary prose. She loves books that make her think and have a strong emotional pull.

Contemporary Women’s Fiction Multicultural Lit Speculative Magical Realism Family Sagas YA

Favorite Books: Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Big Fish by Daniel Wallace, About a Boy by Nick Hornby, Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, The Leavers by Lisa Ko, Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel, Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi, More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera, Here and Now and Then by Mike Chen, anything by Amy Tan

Commercial Fiction:

For the commercial market, Kat is looking for high concept, voice-driven works with a close POV and well-developed, distinct characters.

Select Science Fiction and Fantasy Women’s Fiction and Rom-Coms YA (all genres)

Favorite Books: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab, The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, Crazy Rich Asians trilogy by Kevin Kwan, The Kiss Quotien t by Helen Hoang, The Sound of Stars by Alechia Dow, Wild Women and the Blues by Denny S. Bryce, I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee

Nonfiction:

Narrative nonfiction and journalistic non-fiction tackling current affairs and social justice issues, particularly covering topics of racism, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, and poverty Select biographies and memoirs

Do NOT pitch:

– Plots/themes centering around unresolved trauma – Previously published or self-published works – MG, Chapter books, picture books – Novellas, short stories, or poetry collections – Military/war stories – Westerns

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Chelsea Eberly of Greenhouse Literary Agency

She represents authors of middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, and women’s fiction, as well as illustrators who write picture books.

As a former Senior Editor at Random House, she edited the Newbery Medal winning When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller as well as numerous award-winning and New York Times bestselling authors such as Tamora Pierce, Leigh Bardugo, Marie Lu, Sarah J. Maas, Mark Siegel, and Kim Johnson to name only a few. She has a deep understanding of how publishers think and is an expert advocate for her clients. Chelsea is also a Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree, which recognizes “the rising stars of the US publishing industry.”

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Maggie Sadler of Corvisiero Literary

Maggie earned her joint Masters with honors in Comparative Literature and English from the historic University of St Andrews and her Masters in Literary Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland, where her literary interests ranged from folklore retellings to nineteenth-century maritime adventure fiction, and interrogating audience reception across creative mediums. Outside of the agency space, Maggie also works as an editor and writing coach. Maggie marries these complimentary experiences with an intentional, intelligent, and growth-minded approach as a literary agent.

Maggie primarily seeks literary and upmarket adult fiction with distinct character voices, lyrical prose, and propulsive plots. She loves books that unapologetically challenge and deconstruct genre, narrative, or structural conventions—books that take risks. She appreciates a careful, restrained hand with fabulist elements, one that gently asks the reader to reconsider the boundary between the real and the fantastic. Above all, Maggie craves stylish writing and wholly unique concepts that leave her feeling devastated over the palpable talent.

She is seeking:

• Literary fiction written in lyrical, artful prose with carefully crafted tension
• Literary fiction with speculative flavors—let’s get weird
• Upmarket fiction, especially with emotionally complex characters who explore evocative settings
• Untold and/or underrepresented historical fiction (pre-twentieth century, please)
• Urban Fantasy/Magical Realism rooted in our reality
• Folk and fairy tale retellings—the more stunning the twist, the better
• Work from Indigenous/First Nations authors, as well as other historically marginalized and underrepresented voices
• Narratives that interrogate themes of cultural identity, femininity, family legacy, rebellion against tradition, and self-discovery from a fresh, unorthodox perspective

An experienced traveler, Maggie also welcomes nonfiction travel narratives depicting remote locations and thought-provoking encounters in a raw, authentic, and intentional narrative voice.

Maggie is not looking to acquire high fantasy, hard sci-fi, commercial romance, or children’s books at this time.

Maggie would love to discover the next…

• Poet turned prose writer
• Folklore retelling of ambitious, perhaps even monstrous, women who are willing to sacrifice love for power
• An eerie, evocative Gothic setting à la Wuthering Heights
• Endearing and cozy upmarket fiction with the gentlest touch of magic, one that strikes the same notes, atmospherically, as Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Cyle Young of Hartline Literary

Cyle is seeking:

• YA, middle grade, and chapter books
• genre fiction, especially romance
• love stories
• speculative (sci-fi and fantasy)
• easy readers, picture books and board books
• nonfiction (parenting, leadership, ministry, and self-help)
• movie and screenplays (specific details at cyleyoung.com) 

Cyle is a multiple-genre award-winning author. Winner of more than twenty writing awards, he considers himself a “binge writer” and routinely scribes 30,000 words in a weekend. His book Belly Buttons and Broken Hearts released with Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas in 2013.

Cyle finds great joy in writing and loves to bounce between crafting epic high fantasy tales, helpful non-fiction parenting books, and getting lost in the melodic rhythm of children’s poetry. He serves as managing editor of almostanauthor.com , a website devoted to helping aspiring writers become published authors, and is also a monthly contributor to the parenting website, just18summers.com , and the writing website, thewriteconversation.blogspot.com .

You can learn more about what genres Cyle is aquiring by visiting his website at cyleyoung.com .

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Jon Michael Darga of Aevitas Creative Management

Jon represents titles across a diverse range of genres, including, most recently, the biography Vivian Maier Developed by Ann Marks, the cookbook Cookies: The New Classics by Jesse Szewczyk (named a Best Cookbook of 2021 by the New York Times ), the photography book Portrait of an Artist by Hugo Huerta Marin, and the New York Times bestselling oral history of “Grey’s Anatomy” How to Save a Life by Lynette Rice.

Darga graduated from the University of Michigan with Honors with a BA in English and Creative Writing, and later attended the Columbia University publishing program. Before coming to Aevitas, he was an editor at Crown, a division within Penguin Random House, where he worked on several bestsellers and award winners.

Darga represents both nonfiction and fiction. He is most interested in voice-driven pop culture writing, non-fiction histories that re-cast the narrative by emphasizing unexpected or unheard voices, and both adult and young adult commercial fiction that features diverse casts and new stories. He is not looking for genre fiction like political/crime thrillers, fantasy/sci-fi, or nonfiction in the self-help/how-to/business categories.

2024 Carolina Writing Workshops: Charlotte & Raleigh

Get your writing published: march 8 (charlotte); march 9 (raleigh), 2024 carolina writing workshops: march 8 (charlotte) and march 9 (raleigh).

These writing events are a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day , pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the events. All questions about the events regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2024 Carolina Writing Workshops! We are very proud of our many success stories where attendees sign with agents following events — see our growing list of success stories here .

(Please note that these are in-person events. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next CWW events are in-person event happening in Charlotte on Friday, March 8, 2024; and Raleigh on Saturday, March 9, 2024. See you there.)

WHAT ARE THE EVENTS?

These are a pair of special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshops on Friday, March 8, 2024 (Charlotte) at the Charlotte Marriott SouthPark;  and Saturday, March 9, 2024 (Raleigh), at the The McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State. In other words, the workshops are both one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.

This event is designed to squeeze as much into one day of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s agent and editor faculty so far includes:

• literary agent Tracey Adams (Adams Literary) – CHARLOTTE
• literary agent Carey Blankenship Kramer (Belcastro Agency) – CHARLOTTE
• literary scout Grace Morrison (Booker Albert Literary Agency) – CHARLOTTE
• literary agent Brandy Vallance (Barbara Bova Literary Agency) – CHARLOTTE
• literary agent Kaylee Zou (Williamson Literary) – BOTH CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH
• literary agent Gary Heidt (Signature Literary) – RALEIGH
• literary agent Jess Regel (Helm Literary) – RALEIGH
• literary agent Andrea Hurst (Andrea Hurst Literary Management) – RALEIGH
• literary agent Nikki Terpolowski (Holloway Literary) – RALEIGH
• literary agent Melissa Jeglinski (Knight Agency) – RALEIGH
• editor Georgia McBride (Swoon Romance, Month9, Tantrum Books) – RALEIGH
• literary agent Zoe Howard (Howland Literary) – RALEIGH
• literary agent Lauren Albury (Holloway Literary) – RALEIGH
• and more to come.

By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey. This independent event is organized by coordinator Chuck Sambuchino of Writing Day Workshops . E-mail him to register for the event at [email protected].

EVENT LOCATIONS & DETAILS:

FRIDAY. MARCH 8 : Charlotte Marriott SouthPark , 2200 Rexford Road, Charlotte, NC, 28211.

SATURDAY. MARCH 9: The McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State , 1101 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC 27606.

CHARLOTTE CLASSES (FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024):

What you see below is a quick layout of the days’ events (Charlotte first, then Raleigh). The topics below are mostly set, but subject to change. You can see a more detailed layout of the day’s classes on the Schedule Page here. There will be 1-3 classes/workshops going at all times during the day, so sometimes you may have your choice of what class you attend.

8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.

BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30

1. Everything You Need to Know About Agents and Query Letters 2. Practical Tips on The Emotional Writing Journey.

BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50

1. Understanding the Publishing Industry in 2024 — From Hybrid Publishing to Artificial Intelligence and Everything in Between 2. Taking Cues from Shakespeare.

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN: 11:50 – 1:15

Lunch is on your own during these 85 minutes.

BLOCK THREE: 1:15 – 2:30

1. “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest 2. How to Sell a Nonfiction Book Proposal

BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45

1. Open Agent Q&A Panel 2.  How to Market Yourself and Your Books: Talking Author Social Media, Blogging, and Platform

BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00

1. Act One of Your Novel: How to Build a Story World 2. 10 Evergreen Keys to Writing Success

SESSIONS END: 5:00

(What you see here is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here .)

Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.

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RALEIGH CLASSES (SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024):

The topics below are mostly set, but subject to change. You can see a more detailed layout of the day’s classes on the Schedule Page here . There will be 1-3 classes/workshops going at all times during the day, so sometimes you may have your choice of what class you attend.

1. How to Prepare Your Query Package 2.  Writing In The Flow State: How Mindfulness Can Make You A More Productive Writer

1. Understanding the Publishing Industry in 2024 — From Hybrid Publishing to Artificial Intelligence and Everything in Between 2. Beginning with Power: Tips on How to Start Your Novel

1. Open Agent Q&A Panel 2.  Editing Your Novel From an Agent’s POV

1.  Social Media for Authors 2. Ten Evergreen Keys to Writing Success

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PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

ADDED ONLINE PITCHING : To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2024 Carolina Writing Workshop attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at the Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2024 CWWs on our calendar.

That event is the 2024 Online Writing Workshop of San Francisco , April 5-6, 2024, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.

This means that 2024 CWW attendees can have access to pitching all those online San Francisco agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online April 2024 WWSF. (That said, if you want to formally register for the April 5-6 WWSF and have access to all classes and panels, let us know, as there is a discount for confirmed Carolina attendees.)

If you are interested in this added pitching opportunity, the first step is to get formally registered for Carolina. Following the CWW conferences on March 8-9, 2024, we will be in touch with all Carolina attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2024 WWSF (April 5-6) . At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.

        More 2024 agents to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open.

These one-on-one meetings are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind.

(Please note that Agent/Editor Pitching is an add-on, separate aspect of the day, for only those who sign up. Spaces are limited for these premium meetings, and pricing/detail is explained below.)

$189 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to either 2024 CWW event and access to all workshops, all day. Pricing is the same for both workshops. As of fall 2023, registration is now OPEN. The $18 9 price is the same for both separate events: Charlotte (March 8, 2024) and Raleigh (March 9, 2024).

Add $29 — to secure a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with any of our literary agents or editors in attendance. Use this special meeting as a chance to pitch your work and get professional feedback on your pitch. (Spaces limited.) If they wish, attendees are free to sign up for multiple 10-minute pitch sessions at $29/session — pitching multiple individuals, or securing 20 minutes to pitch one person rather than the usual 10. Here are four quick testimonials regarding writers who have signed with literary agents after pitching them at prior Writing Day Workshops events. (Our bigger, growing  list of success stories an be seen here . )

Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Chuck Sambuchino, one of the day’s instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Carolina Writing Workshop attendees only.) Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of the specially-priced critique, so they can send out their query letter with confidence following the workshop. Also, if you are meeting with an agent at the event, you’re essentially speaking your query letter aloud to them. Wouldn’t it be wise to give that query letter (i.e., your pitch) one great edit before that meeting?

Add $89 — for an in-depth personal critique of the first 10 pages of your novel. Spaces with faculty for these critiques are very limited, and participating attendees will either 1) get an in-person meeting at the workshop, if the faculty member is attending the live event, or 2) get a 10-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

• Literary fiction, short stories, and poetry (in-person for Raleigh only): Faculty member Maureen Sherbondy , an author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book or story collection, talk with you virtually (Zoom/phone) for 15 minutes sometime around workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes. Poetry stipulations: You may send up to 10 pages of poetry, maximum 40 lines per page, using 12-pt font.
• Romance, women’s fiction, science fiction, young adult, or memoir (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Jenny Bardsley , an author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, talk with you virtually (Zoom/phone) for 15 minutes sometime around workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes.
• Middle grade, young adult; adult fiction in the areas of low fantasy, literary fiction, romance, contemporary fiction, women’s fiction, historical fiction, and mainstream fiction (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Joel Brigham , a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime around the workshop to discuss his thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Women’s, mainstream, science fiction, fantasy, romance, crime, thriller, mystery (virtual critiques): Faculty member Michelle McGill-Vargas , a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime around the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Romance, women’s fiction, domestic suspense, and young adult fiction (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Swati Hegde , an author and freelance editor, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime around the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Children’s picture books, middle grade, young adult, memoir, historical fiction, general fiction of almost any kind (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Eve Porinchak , a former agent turned publishing coach, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime around the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. Children’s picture books should be 1,000 words maximum, and can or cannot have illustrations.
• More critique options possibly forthcoming.

How to pay/register — Registration is now open. Reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: [email protected] , and he will provide specific instructions for payment and registration to get you a reserved seat at the event. Payment is by credit card, PayPal, or check. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Carolina workshops specifically.

REGISTRATION:

Because of limited space at the venues (Friday at the Charlotte Marriott SouthPark; Saturday at the The McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State, in Raleigh ) , each one-day workshop can only allow 150 registrants. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.

Are spaces still available? Yes, we still have spaces available. We will announce RIGHT HERE, at this point on this web page, when all spaces are taken. If you do not see a note right here saying how all spaces are booked, then yes, we still have room, and you are encouraged to register.

How to Register : The easy first step is simply to reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: [email protected] . Brian will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The CWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Carolina workshops specifically.

Refunds : If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason at any time, you will receive 50% of your total payment back [sent by check or PayPal]. The other 50% is nonrefundable and will not be returned, and helps the workshop ensure that only those truly interested in the limited spacing sign up for the event. (Please note that query editing payments and manuscript editing payments are completely non-refundable if the instructor has already edited your work.)

Get to Know an Editor in Attendance: Georgia McBride of Swoon Romance, Month9 Books, and Tantrum Books

Swoon Romance is a digital-first romance imprint from Georgia McBride Media Group that publishes romance for all audiences from Teen to Mature audiences. Our first title, CAPTIVATED BY YOU by New York Times and USA Today bestseller Diane Alberts, published in November 2012. Since then, we have had many Amazon and Barnes and Noble best sellers, with Amazon category best sellers in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Germany. We are home to New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors such as Stacey Mosteller, Diane Alberts, Kenya Wright, and Tamara Mataya as well as international bestselling authors Lizzy Charles, Alla Kar, Natalie Decker, Cassie Mae, and more. We practice a hybrid distribution model of self distribution, but also work with InScribe and IPG.

Month9Books publishes speculative fiction for teens and tweens, where nothing is as it seems. We published our first title in 2012 and our first full list published in 2013.

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Drawing from her experience at veteran branded companies like Viacom, Madison Square Garden, eBay, Toysrus, and ASCAP, Georgia is one of Publishers Marketplace’s most prolific editors, and has spent most of 2014 through 2019 atop the editors lists in Editors, Young Adult, Digital New Adult, Children’s, and Digital deals. She’s completed over 400 publishing deals on behalf of three imprints and consulting clients since March 2012.

Books published by Georgia McBride have been Junior Library Guild Selections, Scholastic Book Club and Reading List Selections, Kirkus Prize nominees, Bram Stoker Award nominees, Moonbeam winners, and winners of various regional and local SCBWI awards. Books she’s published have been sold to Hungary, Turkey, Slovakia, Korea, Czech Republic, Greece, UK, Denmark, Australia, and New Zealand.

Georgia’s published and edited works by NYT bestsellers such as Gretchen McNeil, Nancy Holder, Sayantani DasGupta, and more.

In 2022, Georgia began offering consulting services for content companies in publishing or publishing adjacent verticals. Her recent clients include Inkitt and Hot Ghostwriter.

In 2023, Georgia began literary management representation of Sapir A. Englard, author of the International bestseller, THE MILLENNIUM WOLVES, which has had over 125 million views.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Melissa Jeglinski of The Knight Agency

A graduate of Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in English with a writing concentration, Melissa began her career as an editor with Harlequin Enterprises. Looking to work with a variety of authors and genres, she joined The Knight Agency in 2008.

With over two decades experience in the publishing industry, Melissa has fostered her clients to National prominence including a recent Newbery Honor. She is a member of RWA and AAR.

She is seeking:

• I would really love to find a project that captures my attention immediately. For me, this means a strong opening chapter, wonderfully engaging characters, unexpected twists and turns, and a very satisfying ending. No projects over 100k words, please.

• Contemporary Romance which is lighter in tone, has a sense of humor and a premise that is out of the box. Diverse characters welcome.

• Historical Fiction set in periods other than WWII. Also looking for contemporary and historical intertwined timelines. Prefer strong female protagonists.

• Cozy Mysteries with a unique premise but no paranormal edge. Planned series a plus.

• Middle Grade fiction with a heartwarming message or just pure entertainment. Fun and flawed realistic characters. Contemporary and historical settings but no paranormal or fantasy.

Recent and upcoming titles include Aimie K. Runyan’s ACROSS THE WINDING RIVER, Sarah Warburton’s ONCE TWO SISTERS, Ginger Garrett’s NAME TAGS AND OTHER SIXTH GRADE DISASTERS, and Rosemarie Ross’s FINISHED OFF IN FONDANT.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Andrea Hurst of Andrea Hurst Literary Management

She is seeking: Women’s Fiction: Upmarket/Book Club, Romance, Historical, Contemporary, Thriller/Suspense/Mystery/Crime, Prescriptive Nonfiction/Memoir, Adult Science Fiction/Fantasy (Space Opera, Military Science Fiction, LitRPG), Cookbooks. “We are always on the lookout for #OwnVoices authors, writing about their own experiences.”

Andrea works as a literary agent with both bestselling and emerging new authors to help polish their book, obtain publication, increase sales, and build their author brand.

Andrea brings over 25 years experience in the publishing industry, including her work as a literary agent. She is also a developmental book editor for publishers and authors, a bestselling Amazon author, an instructor for the MFA creative writing program at the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts, and a webinar presenter for Writer’s Digest. As a literary agent, she selectively represents high profile adult nonfiction and well-crafted genre fiction.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Nikki Terpilowski of Holloway Literary

She is seeking: romance; women’s fiction; Southern gothic; alternate histories; grounded science fiction and fantasy; speculative thrillers, Westerns (traditional and fresh takes in contemporary, historical, mystery, romance); multi-generational women’s fiction (standalone or series) about an African-American family (showing Black joy, family dynamics/relationships, etc. not racism, discrimination and oppression as part of their experience); young adult fiction; and nonfiction on the craft of writing or screenwriting, North Carolina history, culinary, hobbies, arts and crafts, plants/herbs.

After achieving a B.A. in English and Marketing, with a minor in creative writing and a graduate degree in international relations, Nikki who has been a bookworm from way back decided she wanted to learn more about the publishing industry.

She interned in the industry while working in marketing communications and then established Holloway Literary in 2011. You can find her @AWomanReading on Twitter and Instagram discussing her favorite topics: books, wine, beer & whiskey, history, travel and southern living.

WISHLIST SPECIFICS:

Looking for excellent writing and voice, relatable, likable heroines, dashing Alpha rakes, old tropes, fresh spins.

Aphrodite And The Duke by JJ McAvoy Tying The Scot by Jennifer Tretheway Royally Screwed by Emma Chase (with a lower heat level)

Young Adult & YA Speculative:

Beautiful atmospheric settings, princess-core, interesting world-building, high stakes.

Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood Dread Nation by Justina Ireland The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton The Selection by Kiera Cass Interview With The Robot by Lee Bacon

Speculative Fiction (Sci-fi & fantasy):

Dark, spooky, propulsive fiction.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia My Soul To Keep by Tananarive Due Midnight Is A Lonely Place by Barbara Erskine

Women’s Fiction:

Family relationships, small towns, emotional, secrets.

Big Lies In A Small Town by Diane Chamberlain The Favorite Daughter by Patti Callahan Henry The Recipe Box by Viola Shipman Island Of Sweet Pies And Soldiers by Sara Ackerman The Marriage Of Opposites by Alice Hoffman

Domestic Thrillers:

Scary, psychological, page-turners.

Behind Closed Doors by BA Paris

Science Fiction/Alternate Realities

Looking for super-grounded fiction with speculative elements, often within a government, military or research-based context.

Underground Airlines by Ben Winters The Rise And Fall Of D.O.D.O by Neal Stephenson Version Control by Dexter Palmer

ISO espionage and military thrillers by BTDT authors with threats beyond the usual suspects.

The Expats by Chris Pavon Red Widow by Alma Katsu One Second After by William R. Forstchen

Southern Nonfiction:

Would love to find interesting, alternative, controversial ideas, and voice-driven Southern history.

The Best Cook In The World by Rick Bragg The Secret Life Of Bacon Tait

Not Looking For

Plots that focus on the Mafia Mysteries featuring professional detectives/investigators Grief/Trauma/Loss-based plots or themes Cozy mysteries Plots that focus on murder/serial killers/death WWI/WW2/Vietnam-war era historical settings Crimes against children Assaults of any kind Legal thrillers/courtroom dramas Hot mess heroines

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Kaylee Zou of Williamson Literary

Kaylee graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a double major in Writing Seminars and English in May of 2020. Since graduating, she has worked as a Technical Writer in the DC area. Recently, she left the corporate world and began pursuing writing her first novel full-time.

Kaylee joins Williamson Literary out of her passion for literature and writing while she continues to work on her manuscript. To many’s dismay, one of Kaylee’s favorite activities is spoiling movies and books for herself, and as such Wikipedia is her most visited website. Her favorite genre of content to consume is sad–anything tragic will do. Kaylee loves reality television, taking naps, and promenading around the ton like they do in Bridgerton. Having recently quit coffee, she promptly entered an identity crisis but found herself again in green tea. So it is with a belly full of green tea that Kaylee supports Williamson Literary as Associate Agent.

What the agency represents:

Nonfiction: history, sports, science, environmental, biographies, travel, culture, adventure, educational, motivational (i.e. work that informs or inspires social change or advocates for women and BIPOC). Give thought to your author platform and develop a strong marketing section for your book proposal.

Adult Fiction:  upmarket, contemporary, literary, and commercial; character-driven women’s fiction, book club fiction, domestic suspense, adventure, international, upbeat, feel-good, dark and dangerous, fiction with fantastical elements or magical realism, poignant social commentaries, humor, satire, new takes on old tropes. Pitch us writing that sings rather than tells, take us on an emotional journey, build vivid scenes for us, craft strong voices and unusual and unforgettable settings (we love stories where place is a character too). Any subject is welcome.

What we do Not represent:

– The heavily partisan, inflammatory, or hateful – Children’s picture books, Middle Grade or Young Adult – Genre Romance or Erotica – Horror (as a strict genre, but we like classic horror elements) – Hard Science Fiction and High Fantasy (again as a strict genre, but we love out-of-this-world stories)

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Tracey Adams of Adams Literary

“Our clients’ work spans every age and genre—from picture books to middle grade, young adult to new adult and adult fiction, from historical novels and fantasy to books that tackle important contemporary issues. We gravitate toward unforgettable and unputdownable titles: both the timeless and the timely. I am currently most interested in middle grade and YA contemporary with underrepresented characters (show me anything likely to be banned) and fiction for any age with magical realism, thrillers and mysteries with twists, unique voices, and intriguing settings. We do not typically represent nonfiction .”

A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Tracey speaks frequently about her profession and the children’s book industry at conferences across the country. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Association of Author Representatives (AAR), and a founding member of the Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) chapter in Charlotte.

In her spare time, Tracey enjoys traveling, playing tennis, cheering for the Carolina Panthers, and test-marketing children’s books with her two daughters.

Get to Know a Literary Scout in Attendance: ​Grace Morrison of Booker Albert Literary Agency

She is open to pitches for the following: young adult contemporary & paranormal romance, new adult contemporary & paranormal romance, contemporary adult romance, all types of young adult fiction, adult science fiction, adult fantasy, horror, LGBTQ+ romance, action, adventure, thrillers, dystopian, eco-fiction, speculative, grounded fantasy.

​Grace is a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.A. in English and Mass Communication. She first found her love for stories by devouring fairy tales as a child, especially the Andrew Lang Fairy books. Usually, she’s drawn to stories with unusual and exciting fantasy worlds like Stephanie Garber’s Caraval and Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Boys or any other stories with complicated character relationships and strange mythologies. Her favorite tropes are enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn relationships, and hidden worlds. Grace typically has a few jobs at once, and when she’s not reading or writing, she’s most likely at the beach or trying a new restaurant in her hometown. ​

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Brandy Vallance of Barbara Bova Literary Agency

Brandy comes from a long line of storytellers. An old soul, she fell in love with passed-down tales, the odd and unexplained, and the pursuit of answering the mysteries that perplex us all. She loves to wander down ancient paths, explore dusty libraries, and does occasional archaeology. Her books are a lush escape into timeless romance, breathtaking adventure, and push the boundaries of what is expected.

Brandy is the winner of two national writing awards, one of which included a $20,000 prize. Her critically acclaimed novel, The Covered Deep , has been featured in USA Today and Writer’s Digest. Romantic Times called her second novel “passionate and riveting” and Publishers Weekly encourages those who like sweeping Scottish sagas to dive in because “the journey is wonderful.”

After more than two decades in the world of publishing, Brandy has joined Barbara Bova Literary Agency, and she is looking forward to being a champion of amazing writers and outstanding books.

Throughout the years, Brandy has been a Writing Coach, a Story Consultant, and an international Publishing Specialist. For hundreds of writers, her mentorship has broken the chains of fear and self-doubt. From teaching Master Classes to sitting at quiet tables, Brandy loves helping people explore their deepest truths.

Brandy believes in the high calling of storytelling, and she lights the way for writers, as well as readers. Page by page, she walks in the legacy of those who have gone before her, and she holds a torch for any who are seeking their way.

Here’s what she’d love to represent:

Quality fiction. While I do read more frequently in some genres, my book love is very eclectic. If you’ve put hard work into the craft of writing and you have an amazing book, query me!

I represent these genres but I am also not limited to these genres:

Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Mystery, Romance, Literary, Women’s Fiction, Southern Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure, Speculative, Inspirational, Thriller.

I’m a fan of:

*atmospheric writing

*stories set in the British Isles, Europe, or exotic locations

*Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian romance

*Victorian time period in general (other centuries are welcome too)

*archaeology / artifacts / history’s mysteries

*stories set in castles, manor houses, or quaint villages

*stories with a Gothic flair

*Byronic heroes

*redemption stories

*stories that feature “thin places”

*stories that explore Biblical themes without being preachy (ex. Charles Martin books)

*Appalachian stories / mountain culture

*folklore / cryptids / legends / fairy tales

*time travel

*fantasy & sci-fi in almost every sub-category

*characters who are writers, artists, or have a unique profession

*stories that explore deep emotion

*stories that make me FEEL

*stories that tell me what it means to be human

*anything imaginative, witty, or hilarious!

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Carey Blankenship-Kramer of Belcastro Agency

After growing up surrounded by books and people who loved to read them, Carey dreamed of bringing more books to the hands of avid readers like herself. She graduated from Berry College with a dual degree in English and Creative Writing. She later received her master’s in Writing and Digital Communications from Agnes Scott College. She has experience working with both publishing houses and literary agencies and loves her role as Junior Agent at Belcastro Agency. As an editorial agent, she loves working closely with her authors to ensure their stories come to life on the page.

While her sweet spot is horror and middle grade, Carey’s tastes are wide and varied. From mystery to fantasy to science fiction, she loves anything that can draw her in and have her rooting for the main characters.

Specifics Across All Genres and Age Groups:

• If you have a strong platform and love what you do, feel free to pitch me a concept.
• Diverse stories from Ownvoices.
• HORROR. Horror, horror, horror! If you have something remotely spooky, Carey wants to see it.
• Neurodiversity rep. As someone with ADHD, anxiety, and depression, neurodiversity is extremely important to Carey.
• Queer stories, especially those with happy endings.
• Quiet, coming of age stories for MG audiences, especially if the word count is on the smaller side with a twinge of magic.
• Stories with animal sidekicks / main characters / or just fluffy pals. Especially horses.
• Dragons! Or anything with mythological creatures.
• Tennis centered books.
• Stories set in the South.

Middle Grade specifics:

• Contemporary
• Science Fiction
• Literally everything. Carey LOVES Middle Grade.

Young Adult specifics:

• Graphic Novel

New Adult/Adult specifics:

Carey is NOT accepting

• Stories where the animals die. I’m so sorry, I am weak and cannot handle it.

Some of her most recent favorites include Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega, The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune, Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill, How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu, When the Angels Left the Old Country by Sacha Lamb, The Broken Girls by Simone St. James, and Just South of Home by Karen Strong.

Outside of work and writing, you can usually find Carey spending time with her small zoo and husband, getting way too competitive on the tennis court, gardening, playing video games, or eating candy.

The 2024 Minnesota Writing Workshop

Get your writing published: april 6, 2024, the 2024 minnesota writing workshop: april 6, 2024.

This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day , pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (200 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2024 Minnesota Writing Workshop! We are very proud of our many success stories where attendees sign with agents following events — see our growing list of success stories here .

(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next MWW is an in-person event happening in St. Paul on April 6, 2024. See you there.)

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.

This event is designed to squeeze as much into one day of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s agent and editor faculty so far includes:

• literary agent Trinica Sampson-Vera (New Leaf Literary + Media)
• literary agent Brenna English-Loeb (Transatlantic Literary Agency)
• literary agent Mary Cummings (Great River Literary)
• editor Brittany Torres Rivera (Graywolf Press)
• literary agent Laura Zats (Headwater Literary)
• literary agent Jennie Goloboy (Donald Maass Literary)
• literary agent Michael Croy (Northstar Literary)
• literary agent Savannah Brooks (KT Literary)
• editor Lisa Kloskin (Broadleaf Books)
• literary agent Catherine Hedrick Armstrong (The Purcell Agency)
• literary agent Erik Hane (Headwater Literary)
• editor Meg Gaertner (Flux / Jolly Fish)
• and possibly more to come.

By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey. This independent event is organized by coordinator Chuck Sambuchino of Writing Day Workshops , with help with local organization Wise Ink Creative Publishing . E-mail Chuck to register for the event at [email protected].

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, April 6, 2024 — at the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront, an IHG Hotel, 11 E Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55101. (651)292-1900. .

THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (APRIL 6, 2024):

What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. The topics below are mostly set, but subject to change. You can see a more detailed layout of the day’s classes on the Schedule Page here .

Please Note : There will be 2-3 classes/workshops going at all times during the day, so you will have your choice of what class you attend at any time. The final schedule of topics is subject to change, but here is the current layout:

8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.

BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30

1. Getting Published in Today’s World: 10 Tips to Make You the Writer Agents and Publishers Want in 2024. This workshop discusses the challenges writers face in publishing today and offers up 10 practical tips to help you break through the barriers and find success.

2. Writing Other Worlds — a Guide to Blending Setting, Plot, and Character in Science Fiction and Fantasy. Writers will learn how to build vibrant worlds, and how the details of setting can be used to add depth to characters and plots.

BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50

1. 15 Tips on How to Write Like the Pros . This workshop is a thorough crash course concerning craft, style and voice.

2. Pitch, Please: An Agent’s Guide to Pitches & Queries . Inspired by submissions she received, literary agent Caroline George hosts a discussion-based workshop focused on the dos and don’ts of pitching/querying agents.

(What you see here is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here .)

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN: 11:50 – 1:15

Lunch is on your own during these 85 minutes.

BLOCK THREE: 1:15 – 2:30

1. “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest . This is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with attending agents & editors commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission.     2.  How to Sell a Nonfiction Book Proposal . This session is completely devoted to nonfiction book proposals.

BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45

1. Open Agent and Editor Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from MWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.

2. The Fiendish Art of Crafting Suspense for Thrillers, Mysteries and Crime (& Any Novel, Really) . The presentation will show you how to keep your readers flying through the pages, desperate to know what’s going to happen next.

BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00

1. Show, Don’t Tell: Why It Matters to Your Reader . You hear it all the time: Show, don’t tell . But what does it mean? — and how can you ensure you give your readers the visual cues and impact needed to convey emotion, setting, or action?

2. How to Make Your YA or MG Book Un-Put-Down-Able . What makes a young adult or middle grade book un-put-down-able? Learn how to write compelling YA & MG that readers don’t want to put down.

SESSIONS END: 5:00

At 5 p.m., the day is done. Speakers will make themselves available by the workshop’s bookstore for a short while to sign any books for attendees.

Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.

PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR (IN PERSON):

ADDED ONLINE PITCHING : To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2024 Minnesota Writing Workshop attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at the Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2024 MWW on our calendar.

That event is the Ohio Writing Workshop , May 10-11, 2024, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.

This means that 2024 MWW attendees can have access to pitching all those online OWW agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online May 2024 event. (That said, if you want to formally register for the Ohio conference and have access to all classes and panels, let us know, as there is a discount for confirmed Minnesota attendees.)

If you are interested in this added pitching opportunity, the first step is to get formally registered for Minnesota. Following the MWW conference on April 6, 2024, we will be in touch with all Minnesota attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2024 OWW (May 10-11) . At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.

        More 2024 agents to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open.

These one-on-one meetings are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind.

(Please note that Agent/Editor Pitching is an add-on, separate aspect of the day, for only those who sign up. Spaces are limited for these premium meetings, and pricing/detail is explained below.)

$199 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the 2024 MWW and access to all workshops, all day. As of fall 2023, registration is now OPEN.

Add $29 — to secure a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with any of our literary agents or editors in attendance. Use this special meeting as a chance to pitch your work and get professional feedback on your pitch. (Spaces limited.) If they wish, attendees are free to sign up for multiple 10-minute pitch sessions at $29/session — pitching multiple individuals, or securing 20 minutes to pitch one person rather than the usual 10. Here are four quick testimonials regarding writers who have signed with literary agents after pitching them at prior Writing Day Workshops events. (Our bigger, growing  list of success stories an be seen here .)

Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Chuck Sambuchino, one of the day’s instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Minnesota Writing Workshop attendees only.) Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of the specially-priced critique, so they can send out their query letter with confidence following the workshop. Also, if you are meeting with an agent at the event, you’re essentially speaking your query letter aloud to them. Wouldn’t it be wise to give that query letter (i.e., your pitch) one great edit before that meeting?

Add $89 — for an in-depth personal critique of the first 10 pages of your novel. Spaces with faculty for these critiques are very limited, and participating attendees will either 1) get an in-person meeting at the workshop, if the faculty member is attending the live event, or 2) get a 10-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

• Picture books, middle grade, and young adult — basically any kind of kidlit (in-person meetings) : Faculty member Erin Casey Westin , a literary agent, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you personally at the MN event for 15 minutes sometime during the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
• Women’s fiction and romance (any subgenre except erotica) (in-person meetings) : Faculty member Dana Hawkins , an author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you personally at the MN event for 15 minutes sometime during the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• All types & genres of fiction for adults and young adults (in-person meetings) : Faculty member Kristi Belcamino , a published mystery author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you personally at the MN event for 15 minutes sometime during the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Children’s picture books and middle grade (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Brittany Thurman , a published author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
• Science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, young adult SFF, urban fantasy (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Wesley Chu , a published novelist, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss his thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Fantasy (both YA and adult), fantasy romance, contemporary romance, women’s fiction (virtual critiques) : Faculty member Shauna Golden , a former agent, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, talk with you virtually (Zoom/phone) for 15 minutes workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes.
• More critique options possibly forthcoming.

How to pay/register — Registration is now open. Reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: [email protected] , and he will provide specific instructions for payment and registration to get you a reserved seat at the event. Payment is by credit card, PayPal, or check. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Minnesota workshop specifically.

REGISTRATION:

Because of limited space at the venue (InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront), the workshop can only allow 220 registrants, unless spacing issues change. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.

Are spaces still available? Yes, we still have spaces available. We will announce RIGHT HERE, at this point on this web page, when all spaces are taken. If you do not see a note right here saying how all spaces are booked, then yes, we still have room, and you are encouraged to register.

How to Register : The easy first step is simply to reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: [email protected] . Chuck will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The MWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Minnesota workshop specifically.

Refunds : If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason at any time, you will receive 50% of your total payment back [sent by check or PayPal]. The other 50% is nonrefundable and will not be returned, and helps the workshop ensure that only those truly interested in the limited spacing sign up for the event. (Please note that query editing payments and manuscript editing payments are completely non-refundable if the instructor has already edited your work.)

Thank you for your interest in the Minnesota Writing Workshop.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Trinica Sampson-Vera of New Leaf Literary & Media

Trinica is accepting children’s and adult fiction and nonfiction. Across age groups, she loves adventurous, character-driven stories with largely emotional stakes. Trinica is passionate about championing diverse and marginalized voices.

She is seeking:

• Speculative fiction (especially horror, cozy-to-high fantasy, hopepunk, and near future science fiction)
• Romance and romcoms (especially featuring sapphic/queer relationships)
• NA campus stories (especially dark academia)
• Caribbean (especially Trinidad & Tobago) characters/settings
• Reality TV premises
• Unreliable narrators
• Stories that support women’s wrongs
• Found family (give me the intensity of the Fast & the Furious franchise)
• Messy, doomed, heartbreakingly passionate tragic romances featuring people who make each other worse (I want the intensity of the relationship between Will/Hannibal, iykyk)
• Retellings – I prefer retellings that are “inspired by” rather than faithful retellings. I love to be surprised by a twist or a new way of imagining an old story.

Fun facts about me:

• I play online Survivor (like the CBS show!) and have won twice.
• My name comes from Trinidad and California, where each of my parents was born.
• I’ve cooked my way through two cookbooks and am always looking for new recipes to try!

Trinica graduated from Antioch College with a degree in Creative Writing and French. After several editorial internships during college, she moved to Austin and found an unexpected home in social services, where she worked for five years as a case manager to those experiencing chronic homelessness. Prior to beginning at New Leaf, she worked as an independent editor with Salt & Sage Books and Writing Diversely.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Lisa Kloskin of Broadleaf Books

Broadleaf publishes books that engage readers in fresh, substantive, timely, and inspiring reflection on what it is to live with meaning and connection; we specialize in religion, spirituality, social justice, culture, and personal growth.

Lisa lives in the twin cities with her husband and two young children. When not editing for Broadleaf, she spends her time hiking, biking, listening to public radio, streaming whatever show everyone else is watching this week, and of course reading.

Wishlist : I am seeking nonfiction books for adults in the categories of spirituality, personal growth, parenting, and social justice. I am especially looking for:

• BIPOC perspectives on spirituality, faith, and life
• Feminist religious perspectives
• Queer faith perspectives
• Justice- and equity-centered approaches to civic life from rising thought leaders
• Self-help that goes beyond the simple how-to, to meet a deeper and more existential need
• New approaches to personal spiritual practice

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Erik Hane of Headwater Literary

After graduating with a B.A. from Knox College and obtaining a publishing certificate from the Denver Publishing Institute, Erik Hane began his career on the editorial staff at Oxford University Press and then as an editor at The Overlook Press. Along with Laura, he is a host of Print Run Podcast, which was Digital Book World’s 2019 industry award winner for best podcast. He and Laura were Publishers Weekly reader picks for “Person of the Year” in 2019 as well.

At Headwater, Erik’s client list features some of the sharpest and most essential critics, artists, novelists, journalists, essayists, and commentators working today. His projects reliably find homes across a diverse swath of the publishing industry, from Big-5 commercial publishers to prestigious independent houses to university presses. He is looking for writers whose work—in both style and rigor—is up for the challenge of saying something indispensable about our increasingly chaotic world.

Away from work, Erik is an ardent tennis fan, outdoor enthusiast, Magic: The Gathering player, and a writer and reader himself. He can be found on Twitter @erikhane.

ERIK’S REPRESENTATIVE CATEGORIES:

• Literary fiction

Political nonfiction

• History, especially American

Literary nonfiction and essays

• Popular science

I’m looking for work from progressive writers that have something novel, rigorous, and provocative to say about contemporary politics. I do not work on books that rely on a current fleeting news cycle to be relevant or sounds like the sort of watered-down, surface-level argument I might find on cable news. I am interested in political nonfiction across a variety of fields of study: economics, race, history, sports, arts criticism, gender studies, political theory, and much more. Everything is political; show me the real-world stakes in whatever you’re writing about and I bet it fits this category.

Favorite recent reads: We Do ‘Til We Free Us by Mariame Kaba; Work Won’t Love You Back by Sarah Jaffe

History—especially American history—feels up for grabs in our current political moment. I am very interested in history writing that critiques American domestic inequality or imperialism abroad, as well as historical narratives that center groups of people who have been severely underrepresented in popular retellings of this country’s past. I work on history that has at least a partial focus on labor struggles or capitalism as a fundamental force in American life.

Favorite Recent Reads: The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow; Fight Like Hell by Kim Kelly

I am very interested in essays right now—whether those contain arts criticism, culture critique, personal elements (with strong rationale for why), or any of the myriad other ways talented writers are currently exploring the form. This includes creative nonfiction as well; I love distinct structural choices or experimentation, as long as it serves the goal of the project and enhances it in either theme or voice.

Essay collections work best though as books that build off other published work, whether that’s in journals or magazines or elsewhere; I like when books like this feel like they’ve leapt from a writer’s existing body of work.

Favorite recent reads: Make It Scream, Make It Burn by Leslie Jamison; How To Do Nothing by Jenny Odell

Popular Science

Somewhat separately from the rest of my nonfiction (but only somewhat; science is political and so is good science writing), I love popular science, in particular books on neuroscience, evolutionary biology, or how science intersects with culture and politics. I’m drawn to writing on the emergence of life, extinction, evolution, natural selection, ecology, and climate.

Favorite recent reads: The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert ; I Contain Multitudes by Ed Yong

Literary Fiction

I love what might get classified in pitch terms as “adult literary fiction” and it’s what I read the most away from work. I have a hard time describing literal elements I look for in novels, but contemporary writers I love include: Karen Russell, Marlon James, Michael Chabon, Patrick Nathan, Garth Greenwell, Jonathan Lethem, Jennifer Egan, Brit Bennett, Olga Tokarczuk, Ben Lerner, and Ling Ma.

I’m interested in unique structural or craft decisions, as long as they make sense and feel necessary. I like folklore, ghost stories, myths, religion; I typically pick up realist fiction, but I really love when things feel slightly surreal because of the prose. I really like fiction that’s class-, race-, or power-conscious, that sets up shop in the many divides, contradictions, dangers, and inequities of the world. I really like understatement; the most important craft decision an author makes is what to leave unsaid but present just off the page.

I am probably not the right agent for projects that center the experiences of cops or military officers.

Favorite recent reads: The Overstory by Richard Powers; Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk; Severance by Ling Ma.

I do not represent thrillers, mystery, or children’s literature.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Jennie Goloboy of Donald Maass Literary Agency

Jennie Goloboy is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency.

“As a fan of character-driven novels, I want to be desperate to know what happens to your hero by the time I’ve finished your writing sample. Romance and humor are always a plus. If your book combines an oddball premise with a compelling protagonist, I want to read it. I never see enough hard science fiction.

“I’m also looking for history for a popular, adult audience. I’m a particular fan of histories of an idea, and narratives about early America. I’m not interested in historical novels, or in memoir.”

Jennie joined the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 2017, after six years at a Twin Cities-based literary agency. She has a PhD in the History of American Civilization from Harvard, and published a book based on her dissertation, Charleston and the Emergence of Middle-Class Culture in the Revolutionary Era, in 2016. Her novel, Obviously Aliens , was published by Queen of Swords Press in 2021.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Mary Cummings of Great River Literary

“I represent fiction, literary nonfiction and poetry for children and teens, from board and picture books to middle grade (including chapter books) and young adult. (No adult projects, please).”

Great River Literary is an agency devoted exclusively to representing authors and author/illustrators of books for children and teens.

Strong relationships with editors have resulted in a rapidly growing list of sales of board and picture books, chapter books and novels to such publishing houses as Knopf; Philomel; Viking; Nancy Paulsen/Penguin; Balzer & Bray; Walker; Little, Brown; Henry Holt; Holiday House; Feiwel & Friends; FSG; Running Press; WorthyKids; Abrams; Random House; Wiseman S & S; Chronicle; Candlewick; HarperCollins and many others.

“Great River Literary” was the clear name choice for the new agency established by Mary Cummings in 2021, after thirteen years as an agent for books for children and teens at Betsy Amster Literary Enterprises.

Except in the depths of winter, nearly every evening Mary goes down to the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Paul to see the passing scene of trees and birds, barges and boats, kids and lovers – and always the play of light on the flowing water.

Mary finds great joy in helping her clients polish their stories to stand out for editors and to become books that will make a difference in kids’ lives. Before becoming a literary agent, Mary was Education Director at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis where, among other accomplishments, she curated an annual festival of children’s literature and selected judges for the McKnight Award from leading editors in children’s publishing.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Laura Zats of Headwater Literary

(Note: Concerning the 10-minute “pitch” appointments at the event, Laura’s agency handles these opportunities in a specific way. In her own words: “Headwater, as a policy doesn’t do traditional pitch sessions, but we DO perform consultations, where we meet with anyone and answer questions & give feedback, rather than just give a yes/no.”)

For over a decade, Laura has worked with books in every way from bookselling to editing to self-publishing. A literary agent since 2014, she finds the most joy in working closely with authors to build their long-term careers in ways that contribute positively to their financial and mental health, as well as the greater community. Since 2016, Laura has hosted Print Run, a publishing podcast, with Erik Hane and is increasingly passionate about teaching, mentorship, and the role books play in the fight for social justice.

In her spare time, Laura plays tabletop role-playing games, cooks elaborate meals, follows long-distance dogsled racing, and drinks a lot of tea. Connect with her on twitter @LZats.

LAURA’S REPRESENTATIVE CATEGORIES: 

• Science fiction/fantasy
• Select mystery
• Literary fiction with speculative elements
• Select contemporary and historical fiction

“I am actively looking to flesh out the adult side of my list but am always excited to read YA. I particularly love to work on books that appeal to readers of different genres or subgenres—if you’re pitching something that crosses multiple areas of my list, I want to see it!”

IN YOUNG ADULT:

I’m interested in reading about standout characters I’ve never met before, clever twists on familiar themes, and compassionate writing. I’m also very interested in seeing marginalized creators take on “tired” tropes.

Unfortunately, 2020 has killed my interest in dystopia/big government stories, but I’m very much open to anything else. This is a category where I don’t quite know what I want until I see it, so take the above and run with it!

Favorite recent reads: WILDER GIRLS by Rory Power, GROWN by Tiffany D. Jackson

IN ROMANCE:

I gravitate towards tropes that build conflict from the roles and expectations a character brings with them at the start of the book—think enemies (or rivals) to lovers, fake relationship, and coworkers. Put another way, I like the tension to come from forces outside the relationship versus forces inside the relationship (like accidental pregnancy, love triangle, miscommunication, etc.)

I’m not a good fit for Christian romance.

I work with a lot of LGBTQ+ romance and am always excited to add more to my list in all subgenres! I particularly would love to see more f/f and would love more nb or trans characters.

Favorite recent reads: THE LADY’S GUIDE TO CELESTIAL MECHANICS by Olivia Waite, THE ROOMMATE by Rosie Danan

IN MYSTERY:

I am a life-long cozy mystery fan and am always looking for anything that hits Jessica Fletcher and/or Miss Marple notes. I am particularly looking for cozy series or standalone books that bring something fresh to the genre beyond a distinctive setting. For example, I’d love to see projects that play with romance or speculative fiction tropes as much as traditional mystery tropes, or that feature a BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ protagonist.

I will consider historical and contemporary mysteries, as well as speculative ones, as long as they hit the requirements listed above.

I am not looking for police/law enforcement heroes or love interests. I am also not looking for thrillers, even domestic thrillers.

Favorite recent reads: ARSENIC AND ADOBO by Mia P. Manansala, DEATH IN CASTLE DARK by Veronica Bond, the Below Stairs series by Jennifer Ashley, and anything by Elly Griffiths

IN SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY:

SF/F will always be my first love, and as such, I’m very open to all subgenres, as well as horror. However, submitted projects must pass the Bechdel and/or the Mako Mori test.

Forever loves for me are heists/cons, fantasy that taps into gaming culture/fandom, witches, and reluctant, flawed heroes. I prefer to see traditional settings and tropes twisted on their heads. I’m drawn to seeing progressive, community-focused politics in my SFF and would love to have more decolonized worlds come across my desk.

I am less interested in dystopian/big gov stories, superheroes, steampunk, military SFF, and traditional Tolkien-esque high fantasy, but still willing to look at these books if they’re doing something new.

Favorite recent reads: GIDEON THE NINTH by Tamsyn Muir, RETURN OF THE THIEF by Megan Whalen Turner, MAGIC FOR LIARS by Sarah Gailey, THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE THE TIME WAR by Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar

IN LITERARY FICTION WITH SPECULATIVE ELEMENTS:

The primary distinction between literary fiction with speculative elements and general SFF is usually a matter of sales, not content. I’m separating this section out only in the event that you, the reader, haven’t considered querying agents who rep SFF!

I’m looking for a wide range of speculative elements here—from something as fantastical as the Cthulhu monsters in LOVECRAFT COUNTRY to something as subtle as the earth’s slowing rotation backdrop in THE AGE OF MIRACLES.

SELECT CONTEMPORARY AND HISTORICAL FICTION:

Historical with LGBTQ+ main characters (like THE PAYING GUESTS by Sarah Waters, THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid)

Historical and contemporary fiction that isn’t speculative but either feels adjacent to SFF (like LITTLE by Edward Carey) or appeals to related fandoms (like A STUDY IN SCARLET WOMEN by Sherry Thomas)

Get to Know an Editor in Attendance: Brittany Torres Rivera of Graywolf Press

Graywolf Press publishes about 30 books annually — mostly poetry, memoirs, essays, novels, translations, and short stories. “Our editors are looking for high quality literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that combine a distinct voice with a distinct vision. Our editors seek out and solicit promising work from authors that they encounter in the pages of magazines, at writing conferences, and in other venues.”

Brittany is a bilingual Puerto Rican writer. She graduated from Florida International University with a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. Brittany is an alumna of the Fulbright Program.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Brenna English-Loeb of Transatlantic Literary Agency

Brenna joined Transatlantic in 2019 after working for several years at Janklow & Nesbit Associates and Writers House, where she had the pleasure of working with New York Times bestselling and award-winning authors across multiple genres. Brenna grew up in beautiful Upstate New York and studied English and Theatre at Bucknell University.

Brenna has always gravitated to unique stories with a strong point of view. She is specifically looking for works of adult and select YA science fiction, fantasy, mystery, romcom and gothic horror. She’s interested in crime and suspense that does not center the police, military or state intelligence agencies and Westerns from a queer and/or BIPOC POV.

She loves character-driven space operas, rare myth and fairy tale retellings, nature survival stories, epistolary novels, and heists. She also has a soft spot for stories that blend multiple genres and she is always looking for works by underrepresented groups and identities.

Aspects of a work that are sure to catch her eye include: sports, pilgrimages, bog bodies, gothic and evocative atmospheres, relationship-driven plots, a sense of adventure, and narratives that reveal a deep knowledge of a particular subject. She also loves old tropes made new again, unreliable narrators, the age of sail and power imbalances.

For nonfiction: Brenna is looking for serious, groundbreaking sociological work that holds our culture up to the magnifying glass. She also loves accounts of historical events and people that deserve to be better known, as well as unusual and influential object histories.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Michael Croy of Northstar Literary

Michael is Principal of Northstar Literary, an agency he founded in 2014. He has over 25 years of experience in publishing having worked at Bantam Doubleday Dell, Random House and Simon & Schuster in a number of sales and management roles. Michael works on a wide range of content, focusing on narrative nonfiction, pop culture, music, inspirational sports biography, and cooking. Michael also represents general fiction, suspense, mystery and crime novels.

Michael is interested in acquiring general/mainstream fiction – stories told with heart and humor that have a strong sense of place with characters you quickly cheer for (or against!). Recent fiction favorites like Whiskey When We’re Dry by John Larison, When All is Said by Anne Griffin or The Bear by Andrew Krivak.

On the narrative nonfiction side he is looking for thoughtful pop culture commentary, or cultural history, think Valeria Luiselli’s powerful Tell Me How It Ends , or Chuck Klosterman’s The Nineties, or This Woman’s Work by Sinead Gleeson and Kim Gordon. Sports biographies that are less about sport and more about personal struggles to overcome political, cultural, or physical hurdles – think of Path Lit By Lightning: The life of Jim Thorpe by David Maraniss