(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 CLASSES (APRIL 25, 2026):
Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with the sessions below. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:
BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30
1. How to Get a Literary Agent and Write a Query Letter (Room 031—lower level), taught by Eric Smith. 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. Respectful Representation (Rooms 220/221—second floor), taught by Nisha Sharma. Now more than ever, it’s imperative for writers to understand how to develop respectful and authentic stories reflective of diverse readership. In this workshop, students will learn how to advocate for marginalized voices in their manuscripts and within publishing. Students will also engage in candid conversations about character representation as well as the skills needed to become a responsible and active literary citizen.
BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50
1. The Value of Thinking “High Concept” and Writing For the Market (Rooms 220/221—second floor), taught by Jennifer Herrera. Frequently, agents receive queries/ manuscripts where the author has simply had an idea and ran with it — thinking that if it is a good book then someone will pick it up. (And sure, many deals happen that way.) But people have a better batting average when they write for a marketplace. That is, when they examine what’s selling before they even begin to write, and find a lane. This class will examine what “high concept” means, how to create your own high concept idea, how authors can really “game” the marketplace.
2. Make Your First Impression Count: Crafting Amazing First Pages (Room 031—lower level), taught by Emily Williamson. The most common problem that agents see in their submissions is a weak opening chapter that fails to “activate” the story and hook the reader. Learn what an agent is looking for in the first pages of your novel and what elements of story must be present to make your submission stand out — including tips on how to create tension, atmosphere, and immediacy across all types of genres. We’ll also discuss common mistakes writers make when crafting a story’s beginning, and how to avoid them. The first chapter of your novel isn’t everything, but it can amount to nothing if you can’t convince an agent to keep reading.
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN: 11:50 – 1:15
You have 85 minutes on your own to break and eat.
BLOCK THREE: 1:15 – 2:30
1. “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest (Room 031—lower level), 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 novels 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. How to Sell a Nonfiction Book Proposal (Rooms 220/221—second floor), taught by Kelly Bergh. This session focuses on effective strategies for writing a nonfiction book proposal on any subject. Topics include industry standards, building your expertise, and how to prepare a winning proposal that demonstrates your understanding of the marketplace.
BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45
1. Open Agent Q&A Panel (Room 031—lower level). 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. How to Market Your Book (Rooms 220/221—second floor), taught by Ismita Hussain. Intended to be helpful to authors who are both traditionally published and self-published, this class will go through all of the things writers can do to be good promoters of their own book and stand out against all of the noise in the marketplace. This class draws on the agent instructor’s experience in publishing as a writers assistant, social media coordinator, marketer, and book publicist, as well as her experience helping clients as an agent.
BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00
1. The First Year of Publication (Room 031—lower level), taught by Katy Nyquist. Want to understand what happens after you get a book deal? This session will give an overview of the editorial process when you work for a publisher, how to advertise yourself leading up to publication date, and promotion activities afterward. How can you encourage reviews? Should you arrange a book event? How can you make connections with librarians and local booksellers? This session will guide you through everything you can expect.
2. Story Beats and Why They Matter (Rooms 220/221—second floor), taught by Zach Steele. From the inciting incident to the finale, story beats are the foundation that makes your story work. Author and Editor Zachary Steele walks you through each element, why they are important, and offers examples of popular works to show them in action.
5:00: The Day is Over
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 5 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 literary agent Carlie Webber
- “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an Online Event,” taught by literary agent Carlie Webber
- “Common First Pages Mistakes and How to Fix Them,” taught previously at the San Diego Writing Workshop
- “6 Pillars of Well-Developed Characters,” taught previously at the Texas Writing Workshop
- “How to Fix It: The Art and Craft of Revision,” taught previously at the Writing Workshop of Chicago