After successful 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 events in Philadelphia, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2026 Philadelphia Writing Workshop — a full-day “How to Get Published” writing event in Philadelphia, PA on April 25, 2026.

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 (225 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Philadelphia 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 PWW is an in-person event happening in Philadelphia on April 25, 2026. See you there.)

To register, click the button above, or email Chuck at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Philadelphia event.

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Drexel University. 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 Ismita Hussain (Great Dog Literary)
• literary agent Eric Smith (Neighborhood Literary)
• literary agent Amy Giuffrida (Belcastro Agency)
• editor Sean deLone (Atria / Simon & Schuster)
• literary agent Veronica Goldstein (Dunow, Carlson, and Lerner)
• literary agent Emily Williamson (Williamson Literary)
• literary agent Caitlin McDonald (Donald Maass Literary)
• literary agent Jennifer Herrera (David Black Literary)
• literary agent Amanda Elliott (Movable Type Literary)
• literary agent Lindsay Guzzardo (Keystone Literary)
• literary agent Claire Elliot (FinePrint Literary)
• literary agent Donovan Levine (Neighborhood Literary)
• literary agent Kelly Bergh (Lucinda Literary)
• literary agent Marie Lamba (Jennifer De Chiara Literary)
• literary agent Dave Fessenden (Wordwise Media Services)
• 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 regional assistance from the local Philly chapter of Pennwriters.

To register, click the button above, or email Chuck at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Philadelphia event.

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026 — at Drexel University (inside the LeBow College of Business), 3220 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

(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 PWW is an in-person event happening in Philadelphia on April 25, 2026. See you there.)

THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (APRIL 25, 2026):

What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. The topics below are 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. Mastering the Art of Dialogue. This presentation will help writers learn how to format their dialogue, how to find your characters’ voices, how to make it sound natural, and how to avoid five big mistakes that writers often make.

2. How to Get a Literary Agent and Write a Query Letter. Learn the ins and outs of finding agents, contacting them, and securing representation for your work.

BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50

1. The Writer’s Journey. This class is a deep examination of the publishing process and what it’s like to make a living as a writer and find success in a multifaceted industry.

2. Writing for Young Adult and Middle Grade Audiences. In this class, you’ll learn who your audience is, hear about the “musts” of YA and MG fiction, review publication trends, and discover the pitfalls to avoid when crafting a novel for the middle grade and young adult worlds.

(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. How to Sell a Nonfiction Book Proposal. This session focuses on effective strategies for writing a nonfiction book proposal on any subject.

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 PWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.

2. Time Management For Writers. This session will give you hands-on practical methods for avoiding distraction while racking up that word count. Your bag of tools will include proven tricks and techniques for starting to write and then maintaining focus on your work

(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.)

BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00

1. The Agent/Author Relationship. This workshop, taught by a literary agent, details the happenings from “The Call” all the way to going on submission. Understand how to be a great client, how to effectively communicate with your agent, how to know what to expect in the process, and more.

2. From A to Z: Strategies for Plotting, Pacing and Structure. This class will begin with a detailed introduction to the three-act structure that lends itself to theoretical preparation for novel-writing and outlining, and then identify different tools for plot consideration.

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:

Eric Smith is a literary agent at Neighborhood Literary, with a love for young adult books, literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction. Eric is eagerly acquiring fiction and nonfiction projects. He’s actively seeking out new, diverse voices in young adult (particularly sci-fi and fantasy), middle grade, and literary and commercial fiction (again, loves sci-fi and fantasy, but also thrillers and mysteries). In terms of nonfiction, he’s interested in cookbooks, pop culture, humor, middle grade, essay collections, and blog-to-book ideas. Learn more about Eric here.

Veronica Goldstein is a literary agent with Dunow, Carlson, and Lerner. In both fiction and nonfiction, she’s drawn to distinctive voices with a fresh story to tell and a strong sense of urgency, especially Americans whose stories have been underrepresented in publishing and international writers. She represents narrative and personally-driven nonfiction about feminism, pop culture, science, technology, politics, and the natural world, as well as literary and upmarket fiction with an original, contemporary voice and can’t-put-it-down storytelling. Learn more about Veronica here.

Amanda Elliott is a literary agent with Movable Type Management. She is seeking: “Right now, I’m really excited about genre-blending fantasy, specifically in the cozy realm. Give me cozy fantasy mysteries, cozy romantasies. I’m also a sucker for a historical fantasy with a great hook. Also looking for: character-driven cozy romantasy; fantasies that feel fun, fresh and light, but don’t shy away from serious themes; anything with Christmassy magic; obsessive-compulsive representation; books that mix puzzles and riddles with magic; magical settings as characters; unique boarding schools for young adult and middle grade readers; romance with speculative backdrops; humor and silliness. Learn more about Amanda here.

Sean deLone (He/Him) is an associate editor with Atria (part of Simon & Schuster). He is seeking fiction and nonfiction: Biography, Business, General fiction, General nonfiction, History, Horror, Humor, Licensed/Media Tie-In, Literary fiction, Memoir, Music, Mystery/Crime, Narrative Nonfiction, Politics/Current Affairs, Pop Culture, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Science, Sports, Thriller, and True Crime. Learn more about Sean here.

Emily Williamson is a literary agent with Williamson Literary. In adult fiction, her agency seeks:  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. Send 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. In nonfiction, her agency seeks: 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. Learn more about Emily here.

Dave Fessenden is a literary agent with Wordwise Media Services. What I’m looking for: “I’m interested in representing Science fiction, Fantasy, Historical fiction, Theology, Bible studies, Professional, Church Issues, Social/Cultural Issues, Career, Reference. I am the author of seven books; I’ve written hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, and edited numerous books for others.” Learn more about Dave here.

Jennifer Herrera is a literary agent with David Black Literary Agency. Her authors have been awarded the Harriet Tubman Prize, nominated for the J. Anthony Lukas Prize, appeared on NPR’s Fresh Air, and been New York Times bestsellers. Jennifer is on the hunt for upmarket and genre fiction. She is also seeking nonfiction books about big ideas and is particularly drawn to smart, issue-driven books, especially those from journalists as well as writers with professional expertise, including science, psychology, philosophy, economics, prescriptive, lifestyle, history, and the stories of underrepresented groups. Learn more about Jennifer here.

Caitlin McDonald is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency. She is looking for: all types of science fiction and fantasy for adult, young adult, and middle grade, especially secondary world fantasy and 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.

Ismita Hussain is a literary agent & social media manager with Great Dog Literary. In adult fiction, she seeks literary fiction, upmarket, new adult, and short story collections. She enjoys fiction in all genres that is informed by, or inspired by, the myths and superstitions of a culture. Ismita is open to novels that fit these categories but have some genre-fiction elements (i.e., literary fiction with a speculative twist). In adult nonfiction, she seeks narrative, pop culture, humor, memoir, travel, cookbooks, history, and sports. In young adult, she seeks contemporary, rom com, novel in verse, and commercial. In all pitches, she seeks Southern settings, Italian settings, gritty and realist writing, and books that explore health/disability. Learn more about Ismita here.

Lindsay Guzzardo is a literary agent with Keystone Literary. She will consider any adult fiction and select nonfiction with a clear, marketable, compelling hook, and strong voice, and her personal tastes align with the following wish list. Lindsay is also interested in working with proven genre writers (i.e. previously published, award-winning/nominated, placement in contests, strong platform, etc.) from the elevator pitch onward. Bring her your pitches and she will help direct you which one to pursue, or she can provide you with one to flesh out into a proposal. Things she enjoys include: fiction that elevates diverse/marginalized voices; WWII-era fiction; retellings of classic stories (either modern retellings or classic stories told from a different character’s perspective); beach reads; fiction exploring family dynamics and relationships (particularly mothers/daughters and sisters); Amish romance/fiction;cozy, charming, small-town romance/fiction; rich, evocative historical fiction; fiction featuring historical figures; European-set fiction, any era and tone; dark psychological and domestic suspense; family dramas that interweave past and present; gorgeous, lyrical literary fiction; and wholesome, clean fiction and romance. Learn more about Lindsay here.

Marie Lamba is a senior literary agent at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. She represents fiction and nonfiction picture books, middle grade, YA and adult works, plus graphic novels and memoir. She likes general adult fiction, women’s fiction.  Across the genres, she’s on the hunt for works that are moving, original and funny, and she’d love to find a fresh rom-com or a witty romantasy work. She also seeks engrossing memoirs, as well as nonfiction works that are eye-opening from authors with a strong platform. Learn more about Marie here.

Claire Elliot is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. In fiction, Claire is interested in fantasy, historical, thriller, and mystery. She loves a romantic or political subplot (even if the subplot is very small) and an immersive and messed-up setting.  In nonfiction, Claire is interested in pop-science books that use data to tell clear stories (if you can compare your book to Emily Negoski, she wants to see it!) Claire is also interested in narrative nonfiction that walks the line between long-form journalism and ethnography. Finally, Claire is looking for new and unexpected histories that are timeless but touch on present issues. She’s also keen to discuss dissertation-to-book projects. Learn more about Claire here.

Kelly Bergh is a literary agent with Lucinda Literary. In nonfiction, her agency represents: mind/body/spirit, pop psych, health and wellness, gift books, business, health, lifestyle, popular science, narrative nonfiction, memoir, narrative nonfiction (especially popular science and history, pop culture, and big idea books with personal stakes), and food books & cookbooks with a fresh perspective on cuisine or culture — all with a strong hook and takeaway for the reader. Learn more about Kelly here.

Donovan Levine is an associate literary agent with Neighborhood Literary, and AALA member based in Philadelphia. Donovan is looking for genre fiction, such as Mystery/Thriller, Historical, YA contemporary, and New Adult, as well as Narrative Nonfiction and Memoir, with a particular interest in underrepresented voices, untold multicultural stories, and any high concept or genre-bending works. When not doing agent work, he can probably be found at a local dive bar cheering for Philly sports teams. Learn more about Donovan here.

Amy Giuffrida is a literary agent with The Belcastro Literary Agency. “I am especially seeking stories written by diverse creators—BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, and disabled creators are encouraged to query me. Send me your stories of joy, where your characters and their worlds can be celebrated by the reader.” In nonfiction, she seeks: business, social media, tech, cookbooks, and also anything by an author with a strong platform and a love for their subject. She seeks upper middle grade fiction. In young fiction, she seeks fantasy, horror, sci-fi, contemporary, contemporary romance, mystery, thriller, historical, and novels-in-verse. In adult fiction, she seeks women’s fiction, book club / commercial fiction, non-political thriller, horror, contemporary romance, and rom-com. Learn more about Amy here.

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ADDED ONLINE PITCHING: To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2026 Philadelphia Writing Workshop attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at the Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2026 PWW on our calendar.

That event is the Online New England Writing Workshop, in July 2026, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.

This means that 2026 PWW attendees can have access to pitching all those online NEWW agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online July 2026 event. (That said, if you want to formally register for the New England conference and have access to all classes and panels, let us know, as there is a discount for confirmed Philadelphia attendees.)

If you are interested in this added pitching opportunity, the first step is to get formally registered for Philadelphia. Following the PWW conference on April 25, 2026, we will be in touch with all Philadelphia attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2026 NEWW (July 2026). At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.

* * * * *

        More 2026 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.)

———

PRICING:

$199 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the 2026 PWW and access to all workshops, all day. As of fall 2025, registration is now OPEN.

To register, click the button above, or email Chuck at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Philadelphia 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.)

“I met Mai Nguyen at the Toronto Writing Workshop
and sold her manuscript to Simon & Schuster for six figures.”
– literary agent Carly Watters of P.S. Literary Agency

“I signed Sarah G. Pierce from the Seattle Writing Workshop,
and we recently sold her book to Orbit/Redhook.”
– literary agent Pam Gruber of Highline Literary Collective

“I met Amber Cowie at a Writing Day Workshops conference. We sold
her best-selling crime novel to Lake Union / Amazon.”
– literary agent Gordon Warnock of Fuse Literary

“I met my client, Dana Corbit Nussio, at the Michigan Writing Workshop.
Dana signed a new three-book contract with Harlequin Romantic Suspense.”
– literary agent Rachel Beck of Liza Dawson Associates

“I signed Nedda Lewers from a Writing Day Workshops event. Her debut
novel from Putnam Children’s was an Indie’s Introduce Best Book of 2024.”
– literary agent Kelly Dyksterhouse of Tobias Literary Agency

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 Philadelphia 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 15-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 adult fiction genres and categories (except for sci-fi) (virtual critiques): Faculty member Tayler Hill, an author and publishing house assistant, 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, 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 before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Memoir, as well as children’s picture books (virtual critiques): Faculty member Eve Porinchak, a published author and former agent, will get your work in advance, critique your picture book (or 10 pages if memoir), 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. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
• All types of adult fiction (except erotica); all types of young adult fiction and middle grade; Christian fiction; screenplays and TV scripts (virtual critiques): Faculty member Jaimie Engle, a screenwriter, 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 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.

To register, click the button above. Or reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com. He 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 PWW 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 Philadelphia workshop specifically.

REGISTRATION:

Because of limited space at the venue (Drexel University), the workshop can only allow 225 registrants, unless spacing issues change. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.

(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 PWW is an in-person event happening in Philadelphia on April 25, 2026. See you there.)

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:

To register, click the button above. Or reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com. He 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 PWW 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 Philadelphia 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 2026 Philadelphia Writing Workshop.