Managed by WDW executive director Chuck Sambuchino as well as director Brian Klems, both former longtime Writer's Digest staffers, Writing Day Workshops coordinates full-day “How to Get Published” writing events that happen all around the United States throughout the year. Read below to learn more about our conferences, and important FAQ information.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCES
These writers conferences (1-2 days, some virtual and others in person) are a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), and get your questions answered.
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. At each event we will have multiple literary agents onsite to give feedback and meet with writers, as well.
By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCES
These writers conferences (1-2 days, some virtual and others in person) are a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), and get your questions answered.
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. At each event we will have multiple literary agents onsite to give feedback and meet with writers, as well.
By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey.
PRESENTERS/INSTRUCTORS
We find accomplished writers and editors, who are leaders in the field, to run the all-day workshops. For details about who is instructing where, refer to each specific location.
EVENT LOCATIONS & DATES
Click HERE for a list of locations and dates that is updated every month. As of early 2021-2022, our writers conferences are temporarily online/virtual to keep everyone safe. But please understand a virtual conference has ALL elements of an in-person writers conference, including one-on-one video pitches with attending literary agents. If you want to learn more about the basics of an online writers conference, click here to understand how things work, and then please click here to read feedback from those who have attended our recent virtual events.
SAMPLE WORKSHOP CLASSES
“Your Publishing Options Today.” This workshop examines the two largest routes any writer can take with their book: traditional publishing and self-publishing (e-publishing). We will examine the upsides of both routes, the downsides, and the next steps no matter what you decide. In today’s publishing world, a writer has to understand what they’re in for before they send their book out. This session is designed to prepare them for what’s to come and what options exist.
“Everything You Need to Know About Agents, Queries & Pitching.” 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.
“Writers’ Got Talent: A Chapter One Critique-Fest.” 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 guest agents, and instructor Chuck Sambuchino, 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.)
“How to Market Yourself and Your Books: Author Platform & Social Media Explained.” A writer’s platform is as important as ever now. Visibility and ability to self-market are mandatory these days for writers of nonfiction and self-published works. Furthermore, fiction writers want a platform to sell more books, meet readers, and increase their value. This speech teaches writers the basics of what a platform is and why it is necessary. Then we delve into the building blocks of what can constitute a platform, from media appearances and speaking engagements to blogs, Facebook, Twitter and more.
“How to Get Published in Literary Magazines.” A general presentation examining what editors are looking for in your submission, common reasons for rejection, why following specified guidelines is important, and much more.
"How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript: Polish Your Work Before Submitting to Agents." Tips on how to polish different areas of writing style, consistency of prose, grammar, punctuation, typography, and layout, including nifty Microsoft Word tricks that save time.
We find accomplished writers and editors, who are leaders in the field, to run the all-day workshops. For details about who is instructing where, refer to each specific location.
EVENT LOCATIONS & DATES
Click HERE for a list of locations and dates that is updated every month. As of early 2021-2022, our writers conferences are temporarily online/virtual to keep everyone safe. But please understand a virtual conference has ALL elements of an in-person writers conference, including one-on-one video pitches with attending literary agents. If you want to learn more about the basics of an online writers conference, click here to understand how things work, and then please click here to read feedback from those who have attended our recent virtual events.
SAMPLE WORKSHOP CLASSES
“Your Publishing Options Today.” This workshop examines the two largest routes any writer can take with their book: traditional publishing and self-publishing (e-publishing). We will examine the upsides of both routes, the downsides, and the next steps no matter what you decide. In today’s publishing world, a writer has to understand what they’re in for before they send their book out. This session is designed to prepare them for what’s to come and what options exist.
“Everything You Need to Know About Agents, Queries & Pitching.” 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.
“Writers’ Got Talent: A Chapter One Critique-Fest.” 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 guest agents, and instructor Chuck Sambuchino, 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.)
“How to Market Yourself and Your Books: Author Platform & Social Media Explained.” A writer’s platform is as important as ever now. Visibility and ability to self-market are mandatory these days for writers of nonfiction and self-published works. Furthermore, fiction writers want a platform to sell more books, meet readers, and increase their value. This speech teaches writers the basics of what a platform is and why it is necessary. Then we delve into the building blocks of what can constitute a platform, from media appearances and speaking engagements to blogs, Facebook, Twitter and more.
“How to Get Published in Literary Magazines.” A general presentation examining what editors are looking for in your submission, common reasons for rejection, why following specified guidelines is important, and much more.
"How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript: Polish Your Work Before Submitting to Agents." Tips on how to polish different areas of writing style, consistency of prose, grammar, punctuation, typography, and layout, including nifty Microsoft Word tricks that save time.
All throughout the day: Agent & Editor Pitching
PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR! (see specific locations for guest agents and editors)
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 under each specific location.)
Click here to see a growing list of agents who have signed writers after meeting them at our conferences. We are very proud of our success stories!
PRICING
Pricing is different for different conferences. Click HERE for details about a location near you. Note that there is a basic registration fee, and then there are optional add-on elements, such as faculty meetings (pitches) and critiques.
REGISTRATION
Many workshops have limited space at the venue, or online. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.
Click HERE for details about how to register at location near you.
REFUNDS
Our refund policies are universal across all our events. They are as follows: If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason at any time, you can receive a full credit for your payment toward any future event -- including online conferences. If that is not acceptable, you can receive 50% of your total payment back. 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.)
APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR AND ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICIES
We expect all faculty and attendees to treat one another with respect at our events.
Attendees shall not direct any communications whether written, oral, or otherwise toward any representative, administrator, or staff member (e.g., attending agents or editors) of Writing Day Workshops that is of a personal nature. Communication with other attendees as well as faculty members should be professional nature, and not of a personal or romantic nature.
We adhere to the harassment policies and beliefs of SCBWI, which you can find here. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Chuck and Brian at [email protected]. Thank you.
PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR! (see specific locations for guest agents and editors)
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 under each specific location.)
Click here to see a growing list of agents who have signed writers after meeting them at our conferences. We are very proud of our success stories!
PRICING
Pricing is different for different conferences. Click HERE for details about a location near you. Note that there is a basic registration fee, and then there are optional add-on elements, such as faculty meetings (pitches) and critiques.
REGISTRATION
Many workshops have limited space at the venue, or online. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.
Click HERE for details about how to register at location near you.
REFUNDS
Our refund policies are universal across all our events. They are as follows: If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason at any time, you can receive a full credit for your payment toward any future event -- including online conferences. If that is not acceptable, you can receive 50% of your total payment back. 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.)
APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR AND ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICIES
We expect all faculty and attendees to treat one another with respect at our events.
Attendees shall not direct any communications whether written, oral, or otherwise toward any representative, administrator, or staff member (e.g., attending agents or editors) of Writing Day Workshops that is of a personal nature. Communication with other attendees as well as faculty members should be professional nature, and not of a personal or romantic nature.
We adhere to the harassment policies and beliefs of SCBWI, which you can find here. Any questions or concerns can be directed to Chuck and Brian at [email protected]. Thank you.
