(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 24, 2027. See you there.)
THIS YEAR’S CLASSES (APRIL 24, 2027):
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. The Basics of Publishing. This class will offer an overview of the publishing process, spotlighting the different paths to publication for different types of writers, and demystify the role of the agent. In addition to other key tips on how to secure an agent, you will learn how (and how not) to pitch your work, and how to make a great first impression with your opening pages.
2. 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.
BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50
1. How to Write a Great Query Letter to an Agent. Ever wonder what makes an agent read a query letter and be immediately hooked? In this class, you will learn essential elements of an effective query letter, and share some dos and don’ts when sending this all-important initial communication to agents.
2. Revision and Self Editing: Get Your Work Ready for an Agent. You have some chapters, maybe even a first draft. You want to get an agent, but is your writing actually ready to be seen by one? This intensive workshop offers tips and tools to take your fiction writing to the next level. The workshop will cover: tips on genre and story structure; the importance of showing not telling, and how to enact it in your writing; beats in fiction; scene writing versus summary, and striking the right balance in your prose; book genres and their norms. At the end of the session, you’ll have valuable insight that will not only help you become a better writer, but also help you get noticed by industry professionals.
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, 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. 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. Rejection — Why It’s Happening to You, and How to Avoid It. It’s common knowledge that rejection rates in this industry can be over 90% percent, and you have likely felt this bitter sting on more than one occasion, but do you really know why? Learn what some standard rejection phrasing means (i.e. agent-speak), why so many rejections are simply a form letter; find out of you are guilty of one or more of the top twenty reasons for rejection, participate in a frank discussion about second chances with agents and publishers, learn when to listen to advice and when to chalk things up to subjective difference, and how best to turn a no into a yes or a maybe.
BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00
1. Creating Perfectly Imperfect Characters. The loveable rogue, the hardboiled detective, the beautiful assassin: all recognizable and entertaining tropes. Let’s go deeper into character. In this session, we’ll cover creating a dynamic character who lives on the page, who breaks just enough rules to not only garner the love of a reader but also to secure the interest of an agent and publisher.
2. Social Media For Authors. The myriad of social media options can send writers running for the hills. Do our publishers expect us to use all of these? This workshop highlights the pros and cons of popular sites like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram and examines how authors can use each to promote themselves and/or their books.
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 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