(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 WWA is an in-person event happening in Austin on April 10, 2027. See you there.)
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THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2027):
Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with the sessions below. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:
8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.
9:30 – 10:30: Troubleshooting Your Path to Publication. From self-publishing to traditional publishing, there are more avenues than ever to achieve your publishing goals. But how do you figure out which project to invest your time in? What if your search for agent representation isn’t going smoothly? Whether considering your options to publish, implement feedback, or pivot upon rejection, know what your options and pathways are.
10:45 – 11:50: Voice in a Manuscript. One of the most important skills for a writer to have is the ability to craft clear and strong voices in a manuscript. Sounding inauthentic or unrealistic can be the difference between a pass or an offer of representation. In this lecture we’ll target common mishaps and approach creating strong narratives on three levels: dialogue, prose, and characters.
11:50 – 1:15: Lunch is on your own during these 85 minutes.
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. Get expert feedback on your incredibly important first page, and know if your writing has what it needs to keep readers’ attention. All attendees are welcome to bring pages to the event for this session, and we will choose pages at random for the workshop for as long as time lasts. All submissions should be fiction or memoir—no prescriptive nonfiction or picture books, please. Do not send your pages in advance. You will bring printed copies with you, and instructions will be sent out approximately one week before the event.
2:45 – 3:45: Everything You Need to Know About Agents and Query Letters. 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.
4:00 – 5:00: Story Beats and Why They Matter. From the inciting incident to the finale, story beats are the foundation that makes your story work. This session walks you through each element, why they are important, and offers examples of popular works to show them in action.
At 5 p.m., the day is done. Speakers may make themselves available for a short while to sign any books for attendees.
All throughout the day: Agent & Editor Pitching
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FREE ADDITIONAL RECORDED CLASSES:
We will actually send attendees extra FREE pre-recorded classes as part of their attendance. In addition to getting the weekend’s classes to enjoy live and in person, we will also send you more free recorded classes on the side, from amazing instructors. In the week leading up to your in-person conference, we will send all confirmed attendees these classes below, some of which will aid in your pitching efforts:
- “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an In-Person Event,” taught by former literary agent Carlie Webber
- “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an Online Event,” taught by former literary agent Carlie Webber
- “How Do I Decide: Traditional Publishing vs. Self Publishing”
- “How to Create a Long-term Writing & Publishing Plan”
- “The Art of a Page Turner: How to Craft an Un-Put-Downable Book”
- “Understanding the Differences between Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult Fiction”
- “Creating a Remarkable Narrative Arc in Fiction or Memoir”
- “Think Like a Screenwriter: Lessons from Hollywood for Fiction Writers”
- “Dial Up Your Dialogue: How to Craft Dialogue Readers Love”
- “How Writers Can Build a Network of Support”
- “Writers Got Talent” — A Page 1 Critique Fest,” as recorded at the online San Diego Writing Workshop
- “Ask an Agent Anything: Open Agent Q&A Panel,” as recorded at the online Pittsburgh Writing Workshop
