After successful 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and spring 2023 events in San Diego, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The Fall 2023 Online San Diego Writing Workshop — an online “How to Get Published” writing event on November 10-11, 2023. (Writers are welcome to attend virtually from everywhere and anywhere.)
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 online “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 Fall 2023 Online San Diego Writing Workshop!
ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The Fall 2023 SDWW is an Online Conference, on November 10-11, 2023. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)
WHAT IS IT?
This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” online writing workshop on November 10-11, 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 Online Fall “San Diego” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually. Our WDW writers conferences have helped dozens of writers find literary agent representation — see our growing list of success stories here.
This event is designed to squeeze as much into two days of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the online classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents online to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s 2023 Fall Online SDWW agent & editor faculty so far includes:
- literary agent Halley Parry (The Hamilburg Agency)
- literary agent Cole Hildebrand (Jean V. Naggar Literary)
- literary agent Carey Blankenship-Kramer (Belcastro Agency)
- literary agent Kesia Lupo (The Bindery)
- literary agent Claire Draper (Azantian Literary Agency)
- literary agent Jen Newens (Martin Literary Management)
- literary agent Leslie Varney (Prentis Literary)
- literary agent Cole Lanahan (The Seymour Agency)
- literary agent Emma Dries (Triangle House Literary)
- literary agent CoCo Freeman (Linda Chester Literary)
- literary agent Kiana Nguyen (Donald Maass Literary)
- literary agent Lane Clarke (Arthouse Literary)
- literary agent Stephanie Phillips (SBR Media)
- literary agent Leah Pierre (Ladderbird Literary)
- literary agent Cindy Bullard (Birch Literary)
- literary agent Rebecca Eskildsen (Writers House)
- literary agent Shari Maurer (The Stringer Literary Agency)
- literary agent Kelly Peterson (Rees Literary)
- literary agent Caitlin McDonald (Donald Maass Literary)
- literary agent Kelly Thomas (Serendipity Literary)
- literary agent Annie Bomke (Annie Bomke Literary)
- literary agent Noah Gray Rosenzweig (Triangle House)
- literary agent Jemiscoe Chambers Black (Andrea Brown Literary)
- literary agent Lucy Hamilburg (The Hamilburg Agency)
- literary agent Paul Levine (Paul Levine Literary)
- literary agent Dani Segelbaum (Carol Mann Agency)
- literary agent Keir Alekseii (Azantian Literary)
- literary agent Eva Scalzo (Speilburg Literary)
- and more agents 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. Contact Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com to register.
EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:
ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The Fall 2023 SDWW is an Online Conference, on November 10-11, 2023. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)
THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (NOVEMBER 10-11, 2023):
What you see below 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 pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023
9:30 – 10:30: Craft Amazing First Pages That Grab Readers (and Agents). Agents judge a book on its first chapter, first page, first paragraph, and yes even the first sentence. It’s incredibly important to start your book off right and immediately grab the agent (and reader) with intrigue and conflict.
10:45 – 11:45: What Editing Really Is. In order to make an informed decision about what types of editing your manuscript needs before you query it or self-publish it, it’s important that you understand what editing is, and what editing isn’t. This class will explain some different types of editing so you can better understand how an editor can add value to your writing in different ways.
11:45 – 1:15: Break
1:15 – 2:30: How to Prepare Your Query Package. This workshop is a thorough crash course in dealing with literary agents. After quickly going over what an agent is and what they do for writers, we will discuss resources for finding agents, how to ID the best agents for you, query letter writing, as well as the most important things to do and not to do when dealing with representatives.
2:45 – 3:45: Rise and Shine in the Slush Pile: Questions to Ask Yourself Before Submitting Your Manuscript. This session briefly explains what goes on behind the scenes of a publishing house and discusses how an awareness of submissions procedures can help you write a better manuscript. The class will touch upon developing a query letter and sample chapters, and discuss a series of questions that will help you ensure that your manuscript develops naturally, your plot is paced well, your characters are relatable, and – most importantly – your work is creative and unique.
4:00 – 5:00: The Texture of Urgency: How to Deeply Engage Your Readers from the First Page to the Last. Urgency drives all fiction, and a slow-moving passage can have you at the edge of your seat. This session will talk about the underlying storytelling strategies such as cliffhangers, smart cuts, masking and unmasking information, about creating ambiance and the art of the crawl, about tracing clues, pacing, and racing to the end.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2023
9:30 – 10:30: The Paths to Publishing. Find a way to get your book published, one way or another. But which path is right for you — traditional, indie, or hybrid? This class will go over industry terminology, the best practices for querying agents, the ins and outs of Kindle Direct Publishing, and elements that writers should beware.
10:45 – 11:45: Social Media for Authors. New to social media? Intimidated by all the choices? Learn how to optimize your presence on social media including TikTok/Booktok, Instagram, Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook. Learn about little known author promotional tools such as BookBub Author pages, Amazon Author Central, and more!
11:45 – 1:15: Break
1:15 – 2:30: “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest, with participating literary agents and editors. In the vein of “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent,” 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.
2:45 – 3:45: Open Agent Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from SDWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.
4:00 – 5:00: How to Write Great Dialogue. The purpose of this session is to show writers how great dialogue enhances a story. Participants will examine the importance and function of good dialogue, discuss examples, and suggestion on how to create effective character speech. Learn how to punch up your prose and make your story more enticing to readers and agents.
Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:
(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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PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:
Jen Newens is a Senior Literary Agent at Martin Literary Management. She specializes in kidlit (many kinds, including graphic novels), as well as food & drink books for adults. The following are on Jen’s current wishlist, but she’s always open to hearing new ideas: Childrens/MG/YA/Graphic Novels; Books that portray historically excluded voices, disability, neurodivergent characters, LGBTQ topics; Regional books with national crossover potential; Author/illustrators with strong storytelling skills and a clear vision; Children’s activity books; Quirky and humorous stories; Cat content (she’s crazy for cats). In Adult Nonfiction, she seeks all kinds of books on cooking, chefs, drinks, lifestyle, self-help, food bloggers, health, wellness, diet, and chronic illness. Learn more about Jen here.
Leslie Varney is a literary agent and co-president 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. Learn more about Leslie here, and the books she seeks.
Paul S. Levine is a literary agent and the founder of Paul S. Levine Literary. He is also an attorney. His fiction interests include adventure novels, mainstream fiction, mysteries, romance, thrillers, and women’s fiction. His nonfiction interests include business/commerce, pop culture, how-to, self-help, politics/law, relationships, and sports. Learn more about Paul here.
Stephanie Phillips is a literary agent with SBR Media. With over two hundred clients and three times as many deals between her and her eight agents, she’s happy to see SBR Media is a force in the literary world. “The genres I prefer are Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Contemporary Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Women’s Lit.” Learn more about Stephanie here.
Leah Pierre is a literary agent with Ladderbird Literary. Leah is exclusively looking for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander voices with or without LGBTIQA+ intersectionality—basically anyone underrepresented and/or marginalized. For Picture Books, she is selectively searching for an author who is writing diverse, heartfelt and emotionally resonant stories about family, heritage, and tough, complex topics (i.e loss, identity, divorce, disabilities, etc). She is also looking for stories that are fun, adventurous, and creative. For Young Adult/Crossover/Adult, she is looking to acquire across the following genres: sci-fi, fantasy, speculative, contemporary, romance, mystery, thriller, suspense, fairytale or classic retellings/reimaginings. Learn more about Leah here.
Dani Segelbaum is a literary with the Carol Mann Agency. Dani joined the agency in 2021 as a literary agent and subrights manager. She is interested in both fiction and nonfiction. Dani is seeking nonfiction titles with an emphasis on politics, women’s issues, popular culture, and current events. Dani also loves memoir, narrative nonfiction, lifestyle, and cookbooks. In fiction, she is looking for literary and upmarket adult fiction including debut, historical, rom-coms, mysteries, and women’s fiction. In both fiction and nonfiction, Dani hopes to work with authors from diverse backgrounds to tell stories that are important to them. She loves compelling narrators and is drawn to writing that is voice-driven, highly transporting, and features unique perspectives and marginalized voices. Learn more about Dani here.
Carey Blankenship-Kramer is a literary agent with Belcastro Agency. 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. If you have a strong platform and love what you do, feel free to pitch me a concept. She is seeking diverse #OwnVoices stories; Middle Grade (all kinds); Young Adult; and New Adult & Adult in the areas of contemporary, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, and science fiction. She does not seek nonfiction. Learn more about Carey here.
Kiana Nguyen is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency. She is seeking YA fiction across genres, particularly those with POC and queer voices. She is also interested in adult romance and domestic suspense thrillers. Regarding pitches: “If I feel uncomfortable with a pitch or an attendee with regards to racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. (whether in the context of themselves, the story, or being asked how to avoid it), I will respectfully end the conversation.” In particular, she enjoys dark, twisty narratives that explore human complexity; YA contemporary featuring lower socioeconomic backgrounds, such as poor kids who get in as much reckless mischief as their rich counterparts; YA featuring happy/hopeful queer romances; and domestic suspense thrillers. She is also seeking Adult science fiction, fantasy, and romance. For horror, she likes adult and young adult novels. Learn more about Kiana here.
Halley Dunne Parry is a literary agent with The Hamilburg Agency. A graduate of the Washington University MFA program, she has spent the last decade working at independent bookstores and in publishing. Halley is looking for fiction that plays with genre and form, for plot-driven literary novels, commercial fiction, adult speculative fiction and hybrid works of narrative nonfiction. Learn more about Halley here.
Kesia Lupo is a literary agent with The Bindery. “I consider middle-grade and YA my specialty and would love to represent authors writing for these age groups. But I’d love to return to my roots and also represent adult genre fiction in science fiction / fantasy and horror. 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 pitch anyway! In general, I’m looking for fiction for middle grade, YA and adult readers – and also a smattering of popular, accessible nonfiction. 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.” Learn more about Kesia here.
Cole Hildebrand is a literary agent with Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency. “I am now building my list, seeking adult literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, and poetry, with a particular interest in queer voices. In fiction, I’m looking for contemporary literary and experimental work, and am open to novels that blur genre elements in surprising or unconventional ways. I am drawn character and voice driven stories that play with form and narrative structure, written with stylistically distinctive prose and evocative imagery. As a reader, what engages me is not so much the plot of a story (though it certainly matters!), but the unique ways that story is told, from structure to POV to narrative voice. Overall I’m seeking works that break open the possibilities of fiction and immerse the reader in a story both unfamiliar yet utterly convincing. In nonfiction, I’m drawn to narrative and/or investigative work that blends personal, cultural, political, and historical threads. Books that engage with radical thought, queer history, art, pop culture, environmental studies, and mental health are always up my alley. I am also interested in memoirs with experimental narrative and formal structures, and well-researched accounts of understudied historical movements.” Learn more about Cole here.
Kelly Peterson (she/her) is a literary agent with Rees Literary. Kelly seeks books in various genres within Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult age ranges. She is very interested in representing authors with marginalized own voices stories, witty and unique characters, pirates, witches, and dark fantasies. In Middle Grade, she’s looking for: Fantasy and sci-fi; Contemporary that touches on tough issues for young readers. In YA, she’s looking for: Genres from contemporary, to high fantasy, to sci-fi (not the space kind) to paranormal (all the ghost stories, please!) and historical all the way back to rom-coms. In Adult, Kelly represents: Romance, fantasy, and sci-fi. Learn more about Kelly here.
Eva Scalzo is a literary agent with Speilburg Literary. In Adult Fiction, Eva represents Romance novels (all subgenres except inspirational) and Science Fiction/Fantasy novels. She also represents all subgenres of Young Adult Fiction. She is interested in submissions from diverse authors. Learn more about Eva here, as well as her specific interests and what is seeking from writers.
Claire Draper is an agent at Azantian Literary Agency who represents graphic novels, young adult, middle grade, adult romance, nonfiction, and memoir, and prefers to work with books that are funny, lighthearted, romantic, emotional, hopeful, and adventurous, with a fast pace, high stakes, and strong emotional development for the main character(s). They live in New York City with their partner, cats, and too many plants to count. Learn more about Claire here.
Cole Lanahan is a literary agent with The Seymour Agency. Cole is actively looking for all genres of YA, all genres of adult romance, psychological suspense in the vein of The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine, and thrillers in the vein of Verity by Colleen Hoover and I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid. In nonfiction she is looking for humor, business, self-help, lifestyle, and arts and crafts books. Learn more about Cole here.
Keir Alekseii is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. Keir is seeking young adult and adult science fiction & fantasy, as well as young adult contemporary. She is only open to receiving queries from writers who identify as belonging to a marginalized or underrepresented group such as (but not limited to) BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrants, ND, folks who speak English as a second language, and DIS people. She has a fondness for disaster bi/pan characters, being one herself, and appreciates seeing diverse representations of queerness. She’d also love to read more books with nonbinary characters and love that runs deep even without a romantic element (yes, that means aro characters and stories with friendships that don’t turn romantic are welcome). Learn more about Keir here.
Rebecca Eskildsen is a literary agent with Writers House. “I am actively growing my list, with a particular interest in middle grade, YA, and adult fiction. Across the board, I’m looking to elevate LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices, among other underrepresented narratives. In middle grade, I’m mainly looking for contemporary books that make kids feel seen. Mostly I want to see fresh, engaging voices, particularly narratives with a sense of humor and a strong emotional core. For YA, I’m looking for some darker themes and twisty, gripping stories — give me your ambitious “unlikable” girls (ugh – I’ll like them). Separately, I’m looking for funny, slow-burn YA rom coms. I’m looking for a more limited variety of adult books. I’d love to have my inbox full of contemporary rom coms. I’m also looking for sagas about families and/or friends, of any age or topic, and I’m looking for 20-something coming-of-age stories. Regardless of whether you recognize your book in this MSWL, if you think we’ll be a good fit, feel free to pitch me!” Learn more about Rebecca here.
Emma Dries is a literary agent with Triangle House Literary. Emma is interested in literary fiction and narrative nonfiction that grapples with climate change; ambitious multigenerational novels; speculative fiction; and dark or darkly comic domestic fiction. In nonfiction, she is interested in institutional corruption; memoirs incorporating science or policy; essays and longform journalism; and environmental and travel writing. She likes to work with academic writers with great narrative sensibilities, such as historians who can target an understudied era and spin an incredible yarn. Most importantly, she seeks to be immersed—whether in our own world or a world that’s entirely invented. Learn more about Emma here.
Lucy Hamilburg is a literary agent at The Hamilburg Agency. Lucy is looking for picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction. As a former middle school teacher, she knows what flies off the shelves and is always seeking novels, graphic novels, lyrical prose, and picture books that make kids and young adults laugh out loud and simultaneously pull at their heart strings She is open to all genres and categories within kidlit books — including fantasy, suspense/thriller, romance, contemporary, humor, paranormal, historical fiction, and everything in between. Learn more about Lucy here.
CoCo Freeman is a literary agent with Linda Chester Literary Agency. “I am looking for smart adult commercial fiction in a variety of genres, including mystery/thriller/suspense, fantasy, romance, women’s fiction and historical, Young/New Adult, Middle Grade and select picture books.” Learn more about CoCo here.
Jemiscoe Chambers-Black is a literary agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She represents adult fiction, YA, MG, picture book authors, illustrators and select adult nonfiction. Adult: Romance—rom com, paranormal, and contemporary; Upmarket—commercial plot with beautiful writing; Suspense/Thriller, and a cozy mystery (think Living Single or Golden Girls with a dead body). Young Adult: Romance—rom com, paranormal, or contemporary; Contemporary—joy and struggle of everyday life, something real and gritty; Thriller/Horror. Middle Grade: Contemporary – can deal with hard themes, but with added humor for the younger reader (I am especially looking for stories that cover marginalized voices, biracial storylines, and interracial friendships); Fantasy: magical realism, paranormal, urban fantasy, but must mimic themes that young people deal with on a day-to-day; Horror – would love any kind; Graphic Novels. Illustrators: Creators that illustrate any age group from picture book, chapter book, middle grade, YA, to adult. Learn more about Jemiscoe here.
Annie Bomke is a literary agent with Annie Bomke Literary Agency. She represents a wide variety of adult and YA fiction and nonfiction, including commercial and literary fiction, upmarket fiction, mysteries (from hilarious cozies to gritty police procedurals and everything in between), historical fiction, women’s fiction, psychological thrillers, literary/psychological horror, self-help, business, health/diet, cookbooks, memoir, relationships, current events, psychology, and narrative nonfiction. Learn more about Annie here.
Noah Grey Rosenzweig is a literary agent with Triangle House Literary. Noah is interested in representing both fiction and non-fiction. He is a reader of all fiction but has a particular love for literary, climate, and speculative fiction, as well as the occasional YA novel. He has an eye out for stories that hold up a mirror to our culture in new ways, and he’s especially interested in queer and trans coming-of-age fiction. They are also looking for narrative non-fiction that chronicles recent history, cultural trends, technology, and social rules that explain why and how we live in our current world. Above all, Noah is looking for work that is subversive — in prose, style, or subject. Learn more about Noah here.
Kelly Thomas is a literary agent with Serendipity Literary. 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. 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. Learn more about Kelly here.
Cindy Bullard is a senior literary agent with Birch Literary. She is seeking: Please do not submit unfinished work. In adult fiction, Cindy is looking for traditional mysteries (standard PI, classic detective, or cozy), true crime, police procedural, thriller, and suspense. In children’s fiction, Cindy would like to see middle grade and YA (sweet, quirky, mystery, cozy). Please do not pitch MG or YA that has dark or heavy topics. At this time, please do not pitch romance or picture books. In nonfiction, Cindy loves books about nature (kids and adults), memoir, self-help from experts, and personal narrative. Learn more about Cindy here.
Lane Clarke is a literary agent with Arthouse Literary. As the creator of the #BVM hashtag for Twitter story pitch events, and the co-founder of #PitBLK, a pitch event highlighting Black writers, she is committed to making sure marginalized voices have a space in traditional publishing. She is seeking: Lane is looking for an array of genres in Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult. In all age groups, she would love to see stories by underrepresented and marginalized creators. In Middle Grade, she is looking for adventure stories and big emotions. She would love to see horror stories with a historical lens, contemporary books that push against the status quo, and fantasy that takes on underrepresented mythology. In Young Adult, she is looking for contemporary stories that pack an emotional punch. Coming-of-age stories. She would also love historical fiction. She is looking for speculative contemporary fiction. She is also looking for college stories, freshmen coming-of-age stories, and books about teens who do something other than college as their next step. She would love to see Graphic Novels from writer/illustrators. In Adult, she is looking for romance, and literary fiction that are generational sagas. She is looking for epic fantasy with a strong cultural point of view. She loves smart horror. In nonfiction, she is looking for little known historical figures who made big impacts in all age groups MG and above. She is looking for humorous essay collections that address societal issues and personal growth. She would love to see memoirs about the immigrant experience. Learn more about Lane here.
Caitlin McDonald is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency. Caitlin represents: All science fiction & fantasy categories for adult and young adult, especially secondary world fantasy or alternate history; Genre-bending or cross-genre fiction, and stories that examine tropes from a new angle; Diversity of all kinds, including (but not limited to) race, gender, sexuality, and ability, in both characters and worldbuilding. Learn more about Caitlin here.
Shari Maurer is a literary agent with The Stringer Literary Agency. Following a stint at The Children’s Television Workshop on international productions of Sesame Street, she published both novels and nonfiction, and worked as a writer and editor. In fiction, she seeks: Picture Books; Middle Grade (contemporary, historical, literary and mystery); and Young Adult (contemporary, historical, literary, mystery). In nonfiction, she seeks: Juvenile (YA and Middle Grade); Memoir; Narrative; Parenting; and Popular Science. Learn more about Shari here.
More 2023 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.)
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PRICING:
$189 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the Fall 2023 Online SDWW and access to all workshops, all days. (You also get 10+ additional free pre-recorded webinars on writing and publishing.) As of 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. There is no limit. Here are 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 can be seen here.
“I met my client, Alison Hammer, at the Writing
Workshop of Chicago and just sold her book.”
– literary agent Joanna Mackenzie of Nelson Literary
“Good news! I signed a client [novelist Aliza Mann]
from the Michigan Writing Workshop!”
– literary agent Sara Mebigow of KT Literary
“I signed author Stephanie Wright from
the Seattle Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kathleen Ortiz of New Leaf Literary
“I signed an author [Kate Thompson] that I
met at the Philadelphia Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kimberly Brower of Brower Literary
“I signed novelist Kathleen McInnis after meeting her
at the Chesapeake Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Adriann Ranta of Foundry Literary + Media
Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Brian klems, one of the workshop’s instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Fall Online 2023 San Diego 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 get a phone/Zoom critique meeting with the faculty member. Options:
- Romance, women’s fiction, domestic suspense, and young adult fiction: 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 before 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: 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 before 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.
- Women’s, mainstream, science fiction, fantasy, romance, crime, thriller, mystery: 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 before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
- Romance, women’s fiction, science fiction, young adult, or memoir: 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 workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes.
- Young adult, adult realistic fiction, romance, and mystery/suspense (for either YA or adult, please no fantasy, sci-fi, or horror): Faculty member Kristin Bartley Lenz, 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.
- More critique options possibly forthcoming.
How to pay/register — Registration is now open for the Fall Online SDWW. Reach out to workshop organizer Brian Klems via email: WDWconference@gmail.com, and he will provide specific instructions for payment and registration to get you a reserved seat at the event. Payment is by PayPal or check or credit card. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the San Diego workshop specifically.
REGISTRATION:
ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The Fall 2023 SDWW is an Online Conference, on November 10-11, 2023. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)
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: WDWconference@gmail.com. He will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by PayPal or check or credit card. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The SDWW 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 San Diego 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 or CC refund]. 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 started edited your work.)
Thank you for your interest in the Fall 2023 Online San Diego Writing Workshop.
