Writing Day Workshops
Frequently Asked Questions
If I have a question not answered on this page, what should I do?
You can email us (Chuck and Brian) anytime at [email protected] with any specific questions or concerns. We pride ourselves on being open and communicative.
What is your organization?
Created by former editors at Writer's Digest, WDW plans writers conferences to help educate writers, and also bring them face-to-face with literary agents and editors.
Are your writers conferences in-person or online/virtual?
Both. See our full current list of events here. We have one online conference every month. We have dozens of in-person writers conferences around the U.S. and Canada, though the exact city schedule changes year to year.
Have attendees signed with literary agents because of a Writing Day Workshops conference?
Yes, many have. We have well over 100 success stories (that we know of), and our growing list of successes is online for all to see.
Am I allowed to share news of a writers conference with my writing group or on social media?
Yes, please! Our organization counts on word-of-mouth from kind attendees. If you know area writers (especially writing groups), thank you for considering to spread the word about a regional event.
If I am part of a writing group, do you offer discounts if our members come in a group?
Usually yes. Email us at [email protected] and explain the specifics -- which conference, how many members you estimate you can bring, etc. -- and we can discuss a group discount.
Can I register now but add more things (like pitches) later?
Yes. You can add on elements at any time, but be aware that agents and critiques can sell out over time. If you have already registered and been confirmed through our Registration Portal, just email us directly at [email protected] to discuss adding elements and payment.
How long are the writers conferences?
In-person conferences are one full day long (9:30-5:00). Online conferences are two days long (usually Friday & Saturday 9:30-5:00). Please note that all online conferences classes are recorded and sent out afterward, meaning you can miss some of the teaching and still enjoy the instruction later.
Can anyone attend an online conference from anywhere?
Yes, absolutely. It's common for each of our online events to have attendees from all over the U.S. and also around the world. Everyone is welcome.
What cities will have in-person events in the coming year?
The best thing to do is check the updated schedule here.
How do classes work at an event? Do I have to sign up for specific classes beforehand?
If you are attending an in-person event that has 2-3 tracks of events, you can attend whichever class you want at any time, meaning you do not have to sign up in advance.
If I want to pay by check, what do I do?
We welcome payments by check or money order. Email us -- [email protected] -- and explain what conference you're interested in, and we can help you get registered over email.
How do I receive updates about upcoming writers conferences?
Anyone who signs up for any of our conferences will get our newsletter. That said, check your spam filter periodically and make sure our occasional emails don't end up there. This is especially important for the last week before an event, because that is when most important communication from us will arrive to you over email. If you signed up for an event, look for several important emails from us in the final days.
What kind of writers would benefit from a WDW event?
You can benefit if you are writing any kind of novel, any kind of book for children, or any nonfiction book. We plan general conferences to help all kinds of book writers. We usually do not have instruction on poetry or article writing.
How do I know which literary agents are sold out at a particular event?
Sold out literary agents are clearly marked on a conference website. It should be pretty clear and obvious which attending agents are sold out vs. not.
How many agents/editors can I pitch at an event?
There is no limit.
Do I send anything in advance for my agent pitch sessions?
No.
How long is a pitch session with an attending agent or editor?
10 minutes, whether in person or online.
Can I book multiple sessions with the same agent?
As long as the agent in question is not about to sell out of pitches, then yes, you can book 20 minutes with an agent. But no more -- 20 minutes is the limit.
What’s your guidance on how to pitch to literary agents in a one-to-one session?
You can find some basic tips here. But also, in the week leading up to your event, you will get access to a webinar (taught by an agent) that shares helpful tips and strategy.
What happens during an agent meeting?
The most common use of a face-to-face meeting is for an attendee to pitch their book. But you can also use the meeting to ask questions, or get feedback on your pitch.
How do I know which agents or editors are a good fit for my book?
On the home page of every conference, we list all attending agents & editors, as well as what genres and categories they seek. Then you can go one step further and click through to individual bio pages, where you'll find a more in-depth wishlist for each agent/editor. This will help you decide who would be interested in what you're writing.
Will you add more agents or editors to an event faculty over time?
We may add agents or editors at any time. Keep an eye on the event website.
How do the additional online agent pitches work?
To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, attendees of any in-person conference have the ability to also pitch literary agents at a specific Writing Day Workshops online event that follows. (Each conference website lists out the specifics on this.) This means in-person attendees can later have access to pitching many online agents without being a formal registrant for the subsequent online event.
If I suddenly cannot make an event, how do refunds work?
You have two choices. You can transfer your full payment to another WDW event (including an upcoming online conference). Or if you want a refund, we offer a refund of 50% of monies paid, at any time.
How can I connect with WDW on social media to stay abreast of news and updates?
Connect with us on Twitter here. Connect with us on Instagram here.
What do I need to bring to a conference? What is expected when I arrive at a event?
About one week before a conference (whether in-person or online), we send out an email explaining everything you need to know, and anything you need to bring.
Does it cost money to submit my first page to the "Writers Got Talent" panel?
No. Every attending writer can submit their first page for free to the panel. Those submissions are shuffled, and we get through as many as we can during the panel, which means we will not get to every page.
Can an underage writer attend an in-person event?
Yes, but not without a guardian. Email us to talk -- [email protected] -- because we have a special discount for guardians.
If I purchased agent pitches, when will I know my pitching times and schedule?
The pitching schedule is created in the week leading up to the event. All attendees will have it emailed out to them in the final week. (This is why it's important to check your Spam Filter in the final week -- to make sure you're getting the crucial final week communication from us.)
If I purchased an add-on critique, how does that work?
In the 10-30 days preceding a conference, we will put out a call for that work. You submit what's needed, and explain next steps.
For an in-person conference, does the hotel venue offer discounted guest rooms?
Sometimes. On an in-person event's home page, look for the big subhead that says "Event Location & Details." That explains the venue. If a hotel venue has a courtesy or discount block of rooms, you will find a hyperlink there for it.
Can I book a registration for someone else?
Sure. Just make sure the attendee’s specific email is given to us, so that attendee can receive updates, not just the person who paid for it. Any worries about this -- just email us at [email protected].
When does early bird pricing end?
It varies from event to event, and the website will reflect that change as quickly as we know.
How do I know if a conference is sold out?
If a conference sells out, we say so very clearly at the top of the home page, as well as on the Registration page.
If I am an agent or editor or traditionally published author, how do I get involved with the conferences?
We're happy to chat. Email us and explain more -- [email protected].
If I have a question not answered on this page, what should I do?
You can always email anytime us (Chuck and Brian) at [email protected] with any specific questions or concerns. We pride ourselves on being open and communicative.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I have a question not answered on this page, what should I do?
You can email us (Chuck and Brian) anytime at [email protected] with any specific questions or concerns. We pride ourselves on being open and communicative.
What is your organization?
Created by former editors at Writer's Digest, WDW plans writers conferences to help educate writers, and also bring them face-to-face with literary agents and editors.
Are your writers conferences in-person or online/virtual?
Both. See our full current list of events here. We have one online conference every month. We have dozens of in-person writers conferences around the U.S. and Canada, though the exact city schedule changes year to year.
Have attendees signed with literary agents because of a Writing Day Workshops conference?
Yes, many have. We have well over 100 success stories (that we know of), and our growing list of successes is online for all to see.
Am I allowed to share news of a writers conference with my writing group or on social media?
Yes, please! Our organization counts on word-of-mouth from kind attendees. If you know area writers (especially writing groups), thank you for considering to spread the word about a regional event.
If I am part of a writing group, do you offer discounts if our members come in a group?
Usually yes. Email us at [email protected] and explain the specifics -- which conference, how many members you estimate you can bring, etc. -- and we can discuss a group discount.
Can I register now but add more things (like pitches) later?
Yes. You can add on elements at any time, but be aware that agents and critiques can sell out over time. If you have already registered and been confirmed through our Registration Portal, just email us directly at [email protected] to discuss adding elements and payment.
How long are the writers conferences?
In-person conferences are one full day long (9:30-5:00). Online conferences are two days long (usually Friday & Saturday 9:30-5:00). Please note that all online conferences classes are recorded and sent out afterward, meaning you can miss some of the teaching and still enjoy the instruction later.
Can anyone attend an online conference from anywhere?
Yes, absolutely. It's common for each of our online events to have attendees from all over the U.S. and also around the world. Everyone is welcome.
What cities will have in-person events in the coming year?
The best thing to do is check the updated schedule here.
How do classes work at an event? Do I have to sign up for specific classes beforehand?
If you are attending an in-person event that has 2-3 tracks of events, you can attend whichever class you want at any time, meaning you do not have to sign up in advance.
If I want to pay by check, what do I do?
We welcome payments by check or money order. Email us -- [email protected] -- and explain what conference you're interested in, and we can help you get registered over email.
How do I receive updates about upcoming writers conferences?
Anyone who signs up for any of our conferences will get our newsletter. That said, check your spam filter periodically and make sure our occasional emails don't end up there. This is especially important for the last week before an event, because that is when most important communication from us will arrive to you over email. If you signed up for an event, look for several important emails from us in the final days.
What kind of writers would benefit from a WDW event?
You can benefit if you are writing any kind of novel, any kind of book for children, or any nonfiction book. We plan general conferences to help all kinds of book writers. We usually do not have instruction on poetry or article writing.
How do I know which literary agents are sold out at a particular event?
Sold out literary agents are clearly marked on a conference website. It should be pretty clear and obvious which attending agents are sold out vs. not.
How many agents/editors can I pitch at an event?
There is no limit.
Do I send anything in advance for my agent pitch sessions?
No.
How long is a pitch session with an attending agent or editor?
10 minutes, whether in person or online.
Can I book multiple sessions with the same agent?
As long as the agent in question is not about to sell out of pitches, then yes, you can book 20 minutes with an agent. But no more -- 20 minutes is the limit.
What’s your guidance on how to pitch to literary agents in a one-to-one session?
You can find some basic tips here. But also, in the week leading up to your event, you will get access to a webinar (taught by an agent) that shares helpful tips and strategy.
What happens during an agent meeting?
The most common use of a face-to-face meeting is for an attendee to pitch their book. But you can also use the meeting to ask questions, or get feedback on your pitch.
How do I know which agents or editors are a good fit for my book?
On the home page of every conference, we list all attending agents & editors, as well as what genres and categories they seek. Then you can go one step further and click through to individual bio pages, where you'll find a more in-depth wishlist for each agent/editor. This will help you decide who would be interested in what you're writing.
Will you add more agents or editors to an event faculty over time?
We may add agents or editors at any time. Keep an eye on the event website.
How do the additional online agent pitches work?
To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, attendees of any in-person conference have the ability to also pitch literary agents at a specific Writing Day Workshops online event that follows. (Each conference website lists out the specifics on this.) This means in-person attendees can later have access to pitching many online agents without being a formal registrant for the subsequent online event.
If I suddenly cannot make an event, how do refunds work?
You have two choices. You can transfer your full payment to another WDW event (including an upcoming online conference). Or if you want a refund, we offer a refund of 50% of monies paid, at any time.
How can I connect with WDW on social media to stay abreast of news and updates?
Connect with us on Twitter here. Connect with us on Instagram here.
What do I need to bring to a conference? What is expected when I arrive at a event?
About one week before a conference (whether in-person or online), we send out an email explaining everything you need to know, and anything you need to bring.
Does it cost money to submit my first page to the "Writers Got Talent" panel?
No. Every attending writer can submit their first page for free to the panel. Those submissions are shuffled, and we get through as many as we can during the panel, which means we will not get to every page.
Can an underage writer attend an in-person event?
Yes, but not without a guardian. Email us to talk -- [email protected] -- because we have a special discount for guardians.
If I purchased agent pitches, when will I know my pitching times and schedule?
The pitching schedule is created in the week leading up to the event. All attendees will have it emailed out to them in the final week. (This is why it's important to check your Spam Filter in the final week -- to make sure you're getting the crucial final week communication from us.)
If I purchased an add-on critique, how does that work?
In the 10-30 days preceding a conference, we will put out a call for that work. You submit what's needed, and explain next steps.
For an in-person conference, does the hotel venue offer discounted guest rooms?
Sometimes. On an in-person event's home page, look for the big subhead that says "Event Location & Details." That explains the venue. If a hotel venue has a courtesy or discount block of rooms, you will find a hyperlink there for it.
Can I book a registration for someone else?
Sure. Just make sure the attendee’s specific email is given to us, so that attendee can receive updates, not just the person who paid for it. Any worries about this -- just email us at [email protected].
When does early bird pricing end?
It varies from event to event, and the website will reflect that change as quickly as we know.
How do I know if a conference is sold out?
If a conference sells out, we say so very clearly at the top of the home page, as well as on the Registration page.
If I am an agent or editor or traditionally published author, how do I get involved with the conferences?
We're happy to chat. Email us and explain more -- [email protected].
If I have a question not answered on this page, what should I do?
You can always email anytime us (Chuck and Brian) at [email protected] with any specific questions or concerns. We pride ourselves on being open and communicative.
