After many successful past events in Seattle, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2024 Online Seattle Writing Workshop — a two-day online “How to Get Published” writing event November 1-2, 2024. (Writers are welcome to attend virtually from everywhere and anywhere.)
This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of two days, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited online “seats” at the event (200 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2024 Online Seattle Writing Workshop!
ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. This Fall 2024 SWW is an Online Conference, November 1-2, 2024. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)
WHAT IS IT?
This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop, November 1-2, 2024. In other words, it’s two days 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. And even though this is the “Seattle” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually. Our WDW writers conferences have helped dozens of writers find literary agent representation — see our growing list of success stories here.
This event is designed to squeeze as much into two days of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the online classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents online to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s 2024 SWW agent & editor faculty so far includes:
- literary agent Esty Loveing-Downes (Arthouse Literary)
- literary agent James Mustelier (The Bent Agency)
- literary agent Bonnie Swanson (FinePrint Literary Management)
- literary agent Elizabeth Kracht (Kimberley Cameron & Associates)
- literary agent Shannon Lechon (Azantian Literary Agency)
- literary agent Brandy Vallance (Barbara Bova Literary Agency)
- literary agent Jo Ramsey (Transatlantic Agency)
- literary agent Brenna English-Loeb (Transatlantic Agency)
- literary agent Megan Frayser (Creative Media Agency)
- literary agent Elisa Moles (Painted Fire Literary)
- literary agent Vicky Weber (Creative Media Agency)
- literary agent Hannah Andrade (Bradford Literary)
- literary agent Leah Moss (Steven Literary)
- literary agent Amanda Carbonell (Belcastro Agency)
- literary agent Hailey Stephens (Arthouse Literary)
- literary agent Amaryah Orenstein (Go Literary)
- literary agent Paul Levine (Paul Levine Literary)
- literary agent Cathie Hedrick Armstrong (Marsal Lyon Literary)
- literary agent Jynastie Wilson (LCS Literary Services)
- literary agent Lauren Albury (Holloway Literary)
- literary agent Trinica Sampson-Vera (New Leaf Literary + Media)
- literary agent Kelly Thomas (Serendipity Literary)
- literary agent Mindi St. Peter (BAM Management)
- literary agent Mara Cobb (Martin Literary & Media Management)
- literary agent Thais Afonso (Azantian Literary)
- literary agent Syrone Harvey (Belcastro Agency)
- literary agent Annalise Errico (Ladderbird Literary)
- literary agent Najla Mamou (Savvy Literary Services)
- literary agent Sandy Lu (Bookwyrm Literary)
- literary agent Eric Smith (PS Literary)
- and possibly more agents 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 Brian Klems of Writing Day Workshops. Contact Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com to register. Tell him you’re interested in the Seattle event.
EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:
ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. This Fall 2024 SWW is an Online Conference, November 1-2, 2024. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)
THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (NOV. 1-2, 2024):
What you see below 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.
Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024
9:30 – 10:30: From First Draft to Published Book. Attendees will gain suggestions of what they can do before, during, and after writing a manuscript to improve their chance for success as well as what they can expect from a publisher.
10:45 – 11:45: Book Marketing from Your Couch: Social Media 101. Social media can be confusing, but book marketing from the couch is easy once you learn how. Analyze your audience and ascertain the best social media vehicle to dominate.
11:45 – 1:15: Break
1:15 – 2:30: Polish Your Prose: Tips for Readying Your Manuscript for Querying or Publishing. In this presentation, a literary agent will walk new and seasoned writers through the process of final edits, ensuring their project is truly their “final” project. After all, if you only get one shot, make sure you do it right!
2:45 – 3:45: Query Letter Writing. This session will walk you through the elusive query letter and give you actionable tips and tricks to help you rise above that slushpile!
4:00 – 5:00: The Secret of SWOT: How to Use a SWOT Analysis to Increase the Marketability of Your Story. Literary agent Jes Trudel will teach attendees what the SWOT analysis is and how writers can use it to analyze their manuscript’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This workshop will also help indie authors apply the same principles to their own marketing efforts.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024
9:30 – 10:30: Practical Tips on The Emotional Writing Journey. This class covers the five steps and realities of being a writer: 1. rejection, 2. pressure and fear, 3. encouragement, 4. self-care, and 5. perseverance.
10:45 – 11:45: Hate to Edit? Write a Better First Draft! “Writing in Deep POV” allows your reader to experience the story alongside your character. It removes many of the redundant “problems” in your first draft, and that means less time editing.
11:45 – 1:15: Break
1:15 – 2:30: “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.
2:45 – 3:45: Open Agent Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from SWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.
4:00 – 5:00: How to Build a Cast of Characters.In this class, attendees will be challenged to consider their story as an emotional journey they are taking the reader on; examine the usefulness/unhelpfulness of words like hero, villain, protagonist, and antagonist; learn the VEAH system (Vehicles, Engines, Anchors, and Hazards) that will put character growth at the center of your story; and more.
Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:
(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.)
Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day on Saturday, November 2.
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PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:
Sandy Lu is a literary agent with Book Wyrm Literary Agency. In fiction, she seeks: literary and commercial fiction, mystery, thriller, suspense, science fiction, fantasy, horror, historical fiction, family saga, upmarket women’s fiction, and YA. In nonfiction, she seeks: narrative nonfiction, history, biography, science, business, psychology, pop culture, and food writing. Sandy especially loves historical fiction and anything dark, twisted, or with a supernatural bent. In nonfiction, she’s looking for projects that can make connections about different topics in an unexpected way, explicate complex research for a general audience, introduce the reader to cutting-edged science or previously little known historical facts and figures, teach us new ways to think or clever skills that can improve our daily life, and expand our knowledge and understanding of the world—past, present, and future. Learn more about Sandy here.
Esty Loveing-Downes is a literary agent with Arthouse Literary. Esty is looking for romance, upmarket fiction, young adult, genre-blending science fiction, picture books, as well as select nonfiction and select literary fiction. In nonfiction, she’s looking for insightful social commentary. She is a good fit for fresh retellings, fairy tales, and artful, rebellious prose. Learn more about Etsy and her bio here.
Bonnie Swanson is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. Across the board for all age groups, she wants to see underrepresented authors. (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, etc). She has very eclectic tastes and sometimes doesn’t know what she’s looking for until she reads it. In adult book and young adult books, she seeks: She is dying for a good speculative psychological horror mystery! (Think a gender-bent/gay Sherlock Holmes, set in Middle Earth or outer space, with all the creepy feels of Silence of the Lambs!) Normalized queerness where it isn’t the focus of the plot or subplot. She’s a sucker for a good romantasy (HEA required). Issue-driven stories that address timeless social issues and the people who fight to change them, stories where the underdog wins, non-traditional characters who feel real (even if they are in outer space), accessible literary prose, the Oxford comma. In Picture Books, she likes: The story must be child-centered and give them all the agency. They have enough grownups telling them what to do in their real lives; in books kids should get to be the heroes. Fiction or Nonfiction is okay and if it rhymes, it must be absolutely PERFECT! In Middle Grade, she likes: Bonnie is SUPER selective! But she likes stories based on kid-focused issues that have a touch (or more) of magic. She would love to see an aged-up version of the Junie B. Jones series with a nonbinary main character in a magical school setting. No animal stories please where they are the characters. Learn more about Bonnie here.
Elizabeth Kracht is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates. in fiction, she represents literary, commercial, women’s, thrillers, mysteries, historical, and crossover YA. In nonfiction, she is interested in high concept, health, science, environment, prescriptive, investigative, true crime, voice- or adventure-driven memoir, sexuality, spirituality, and animal/pet stories. Learn more about Elizabeth here.
Brandy Vallance is a literary agent with Barbara Bova Literary Agency. “I represent these genres but I am also not limited to these genres: historical fiction, historical romance, historical mystery, romance, literary, women’s fiction, Southern fiction, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, adventure, speculative, inspirational, thriller. I’m a fan of: atmospheric writing; stories set in the British Isles, Europe, or exotic locations; Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian romance; Victorian time period in general (other centuries are welcome too); archaeology / artifacts / history’s mysteries; stories that explore Biblical themes without being preachy (ex. Charles Martin books); Appalachian stories / mountain culture; fantasy & sci-fi in almost every sub-category; characters who are writers, artists, or have a unique profession; and more.” Learn more about Brandy here.
Jo Ramsay (they/she) is a literary agent with Transatlantic Agency. Jo is seeking: Upmarket fiction (book club conversation starters, fresh take on friendships, relationship, and family); Sci-fi (Black Mirror-esque, commentary on society, genre blending); Speculative fiction; Gothic / Neo-Gothic; Psychological horror / thriller; Light horror (no heavy gore please); Dystopian; Mysteries (with unique POV, character-driven); Graphic Novels; Select literary fiction (less quiet realism, and more unusual or unique storytelling); Select romance (new spin or genre subversion); Select fantasy (fabulism, light world building); and Select historical fiction (unique concept or genre blending). In nonfiction, she seeks: Pop Culture Deep Dives, Politics and Social Sciences, Cultural Critique, Investigative Journalism, Eco-Nonfiction and Naturalist writing, Expedition accounts of professional mountaineers and adjacent sports, Off-Grid Living or Survivalist writing, Travelogues from a unique perspective; Pop Science; and Graphic memoir. Learn more about Jo here.
James Mustelier is a literary agent with The Bent Agency. I’m looking for a range of commercial and literary fiction and nonfiction. In all genres (but particularly in literary fiction) I prize economical prose, complex characters, steadily building tension, narrative gravity, and the momentary relief of dark humor, even (or especially) amid dire circumstances. In commercial fiction I’m looking for compact horror and mysteries with big hooks and intricate plotting. In sci-fi and fantasy I’m drawn to stories that are grounded in reality and have high stakes that touch on contemporary issues — more speculative fiction and alternate histories than high fantasy or space opera. In nonfiction I’m looking for books that give me a vivid look into subcultures and events I might not otherwise have had the chance to explore. Much of my favorite nonfiction melds a distinct narrative voice with rigorous research. In young adult and middle grade I’m interested in epic fantasy, grounded sci-fi, and irreverent retellings of fairy tales, classic myths, and historical events. I’m specifically seeking stories written from diverse perspectives that draw from underrepresented cultures.” Learn more about James here.
Hailey Stephens is a literary agent with Arthouse Literary Agency. She is seeking romance, literary fiction, upmarket fiction, commercial fiction, thriller, and horror. She focuses on adult books but also rarely considers middle grade. In nonfiction, she is looking for both trade and literary proposals. She is especially interested in memoirs that play with the concept of time and structure. She would also love to champion authors from rural areas, especially authors from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and/or any other community that tends to be overlooked in rural areas. Learn more about Hailey here.
Amaryah Orenstein is a literary agent and founder of Go Literary. Amaryah represents a wide array of literary and commercial fiction and narrative nonfiction. She is actively seeking works that wed beautiful writing with a strong narrative and tackle big issues in engaging, accessible, and even surprising ways. Thematic interests include but are not limited to: contemporary + historical fiction; family relationship + coming-of-age stories; history + current affairs; social + cultural issues; memoir; food. Learn more about Amaryah here.
Kelly Thomas is a literary agent with Serendipity Literary. Kelly considers herself a generalist who is drawn to lyrical writing and strong voices. She is interested in nonfiction (narrative nonfiction, memoirs, true crime, self-help, business, travel writing, photography, medical, STEM, psychology, health and fitness, music, food & drinks, cooking) and adult fiction (psychological thrillers, suspense, comedies). She enjoys working with musicians, television personalities, athletes, and other pop culture figures to help translate their stories or expertise onto the page. She also represents children’s books including picture books, middle grade, and young adult. The truth is often stranger than fiction, so Kelly is actively looking for the next great true crime manuscript with a murderous and methodical plot. Learn more about Kelly here.
Paul S. Levine is a literary agent and the founder of Paul S. Levine Literary. He is also an attorney. His fiction interests include adventure novels, mainstream fiction, mysteries, romance, thrillers, and women’s fiction. His nonfiction interests include business/commerce, pop culture, how-to, self-help, politics/law, relationships, and sports. Learn more about Paul here.
Shannon Lechon is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. In middle grade, Shannon is looking for spooky stories only. In young adult, she is mostly interested in stories with a speculative element, but is always on the lookout for a creative or original mystery. Dark, gothic fantasy or horror is well-loved, as well as morally gray or antihero protagonists. In adult, she is looking for literary books with a speculative element that feel lush and magically possible, like new worlds exist just on the periphery of our vision. Books that combine fantasy with societal inequalities in a way that doesn’t feel exploitative are high on their list of interests. For graphic novels, Shannon is looking for young adult fantasy that is grounded in our world, ones that focus on found families, platonic relationships, and the power of friendship. Graphic novels are the only place Shannon is looking for general fiction submissions. She is interested in select adult nonfiction proposals. She’s looking for memoirs about specialized careers like the beekeepers of Honey and Venom, as well as proposals on medicine and mental health, such as The Sleeping Beauties and What My Bones Know. Mental health and trauma recovery narratives like In the Dream House are also welcome. Learn more about Shannon here.
Brenna English-Loeb is a literary agent with Transatlantic Literary Agency. Brenna has always gravitated to unique stories with a strong point of view. She is specifically looking for works of adult and select YA science fiction, fantasy, mystery, romcom and gothic horror. She’s interested in crime and suspense that does not center the police, military or state intelligence agencies and Westerns from a queer and/or BIPOC POV. She loves character-driven space operas, rare myth and fairy tale retellings, nature survival stories, epistolary novels, and heists. She also has a soft spot for stories that blend multiple genres and she is always looking for works by underrepresented groups and identities. For nonfiction: Brenna is looking for serious, groundbreaking sociological work that holds our culture up to the magnifying glass. She also loves accounts of historical events and people that deserve to be better known, as well as unusual and influential object histories. Learn more about Brenna here.
Eric Smith is a literary agent at P.S. Literary Agency, 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.
Megan Frayser is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency. In adult books, she is seeking: contemporary romance, women’s fiction, book club fiction, mystery, thriller, horror, mythological retellings, dark academia, fantasy, and some nonfiction (true crime, sociology). In young adult books, she is seeking: contemporary, romance, fantasy, mystery, and horror. “Pitch me anything with found families, stories about a close group of friends, or a quirky cast of characters. I’m also always looking for stories that focus on minority voices, including neurodivergent, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disability, and mental health.” Learn about Megan here.
Annalise Errico is a literary agent with Ladderbird Literary. Annalise has a specific focus on representing queer and BIPOC voices in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult books. She loves books with academic settings, books with a warm and cozy feeling, books about books, and books with a prominent romantic plot. In adult fiction, she seeks romance, mystery, thriller, commercial, women’s, and contemporary. In new adult fiction, she seeks romance and contemporary fiction that focuses on found family and a during- or post-college bildungsroman plot with a romance.In young adult fiction, she enjoys historical, fantasy, mystery, thriller, and contemporary. Learn more about Annalise here.
Syrone Harvey is a literary agent at Belcastro Agency. In fiction, she seeks: BIPOC Literature, Bookclub, Children’s, Commercial, Contemporary, Family Saga, General, Graphic Novel, Humor, Literary, Middle Grade, New Adult, Picture Books, Religious, Romance, Romcom, Women’s Fiction, and Young Adult. In nonfiction, she seeks: Crafts/DIY, Humor, Memoir, Relationships and family, Self-help, Wellness, Inspirational, Food, and Lifestyle. Learn more about Syrone here.
Jynastie Wilson is a literary agent at LCS Literary Services. Jynastie is looking for a variety of projects in both adult and children’s genres. In addition to what is listed below, she is always interested in stories written by LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and/or other marginalized authors. In adult fiction, she seeks: new adult, and contemporary romance. In young adult, she seeks: contemporary, romance, science fiction, fantasy, historical, and horror. In middle grade, she seeks: contemporary, science fiction, fantasy, historical, and horror. In kidlit, she seeks children’s picture books and chapter books. Learn more about Jynastie here.
Lauren Albury is an literary agent with Holloway Literary. She is seeking: literary fiction, historical fiction, book club fiction, women’s fiction, upmarket fiction. She has a soft spot for: Caribbean stories and voices, Southern settings, romantic themes, and rich immersive settings like Where the Crawdads Sing and lyrical prose like All the Light We Cannot See. “Give me compelling characters with unexpected story arcs. Immerse me in another culture so I feel like I grew up there. Make me laugh with sharp wit and cry at poignant subtleties. Teach me something new about the human experience and what it means to be alive.” Learn more about Lauren here.
Amanda Carbonell is a literary agent with Belcastro Agency. In middle grade, she seeks all categories buy especially contemporary, horror, fantasy and adventure. In young adult, she enjoys thrillers, contemporary, horror, fantasy, literary fiction, and genre mashups. In new adult, she seeks contemporary, romance, genre mashups, thriller, and horror. In adult fiction, she likes commercial fiction, thriller, rom-coms, horror, and stories about millenials. “ALL marginalized communities, especially Latinx are highly encouraged to submit!” Learn more about Amanda here.
Thais Afonso is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. In Adult Fiction, Thais is looking to represent Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Contemporary Romance, and Suspense/Thrillers. She still loves an element of speculative or the utter unsettling in this age category, and would love to find an unsettling story that defies genre, like Our Wives Under the Sea, Catherine House, Helen Phillips’ The Need or TV show Yellowjackets. In Yong Adult, she’s currently open to Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, and Supernatural Mysteries/Thrillers. She’s predominantly interested in anything with a speculative bent. Across all genres, Thais is especially interested in intersectionality. She wants to sign working class, Queer, BIPOC, disabled authors, and is keen on supporting authors whose marginalization intersect with other marginalizations, as she knows the paths to success in this industry get more limited if you have an intersectional identity. Learn more about Thais here.
Mara Cobb is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. Currently, Mara is looking for adult nonfiction and women’s-driven fiction (especially main characters in their 20s). Mara is also looking for Christian fiction, Christian romance (think Hallmark-style), and Christian YA. Going into 2024, she would also love to acquire clean (light romance/no or minimal cursing) YA fiction of any genre except fantasy. She is seeking clean adult commercial romance/romcoms, compelling book club fiction, and SEL picture books. Learn more about Mara here.
Vicky Weber is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency. As a Latinx agent and author, she strongly prefers to work with traditionally underrepresented voices whenever possible. In adult fiction, she seeks: fantasy, dark fantasy, high/epic fantasy, magical realism, dystopian/speculative, romantasy, horror, thriller, psychological, paranormal/supernatural, Gothic, and domestic. In young adult, she seeks: horror, fantasy, dystopian. In picture books, she seeks highly giftable, commercial fiction by underrepresented authors; puns and playful “picture book magic” moments, full of heart; and familiar storylines with a fresh twist or perspective. Learn more about Vicky here.
Elisa Moles is a literary agent with Painted Fire Literary Agency. She is seeking: Especially interested in upmarket fiction. “In one word, what defines fantastic fiction narrative? Consequences. Consequences give structure. And stories with cohesive and creative structures, true to each writer’s background and voice, stand the test of time beyond the trendy topics and gimmicks of the day. I especially love psychologically complex characters. I’m looking for distinctive and compassionate voices who are telling organically unexpected stories in a wide variety of styles and genres. Surprise me.” Please do not pitch: nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, middle grade, YA, graphic novels, screenplays, westerns, horror, nihilist, or erotic work. No previously self-published works please. Learn more about Elisa here.
Leah Moss is a literary agent with Steven Literary. She is seeking children’s picture books and board books, many types of young adult novels (including retellings), and adult fiction. In adult fiction, she likes books with YA crossover appeal (new adult), swoonworthy romance and rom-coms, stories set at college, and fantasy. “Across the board, I am looking for stories from marginalized writers. I’m particularly interested in uplifting BIPOC voices, but I also really want to see work from LGBTQ+, disabled, neurodivergent, and other marginalized writers as well.” Learn more about Leah here.
Hannah Andrade is a literary agent with Bradford Literary. Her wishlist includes dark and transporting young adult fantasy; atmospheric and whimsical middle grade; young adult & adult mysteries with a unique hook; clever retellings of folklore/legends/myths; stories that feature diverse voices and multicultural experiences; and graphic novels. She likes to think of herself as an editorial-focused agent and is particularly eager to acquire BIPOC/underrepresented voices. She is prioritizing stories of joy where identity isn’t the focus and is especially excited about stories rooted in history, mythology, and legends, particularly those that are lesser-known or underrepresented in traditional publishing. Learn more about Hannah here.
Najla Mamou is a literary agent with Savvy Literary Services. Najla represents adult fiction and some YA. She’s most interested in mystery, romance, crime, and thriller. She’s most interested in main characters that are BIPOC or immigrants or expats, anything set in rural and inner city areas, and historical fiction genres/categories/settings. She also is interested in narrative and creative nonfiction. She enjoys stories about: rags to riches, overcoming discrimination, fish out of water, forbidden love, secret babies, arranged marriage, redemption, road trips or stories where the discovery happens away from home and more expat books where a POC moves to another place. Learn more about Najla here.
Mindi St. Peter is a literary manager at BAMbooks. In fiction, she seeks: action/adventure, children’s, commercial, crime, domestic thriller, erotica, family saga, fantasy, general, graphic novel, historical, horror, humor, LGBTQ, literary, middle grade, mystery, new adult, picture books, psychological thriller, romance, thriller, women’s fiction, young adult. In nonfiction, she seeks: humor, LGBTQ, memoir, pop culture. Favorite sub-genres: contemporary romance, contemporary YA, literary, middle grade, magical realism, narrative nonfiction, psychological thrillers. Learn more about Mindi here.
Trinica Sampson-Vera is a literary agent with New Leaf Literary & Media. Trinica is accepting children’s and adult fiction and nonfiction. Across age groups, she loves adventurous, character-driven stories with largely emotional stakes. Trinica is passionate about championing diverse and marginalized voices. Some of the things she is specifically seeking include: speculative fiction (especially horror, cozy-to-high fantasy, hopepunk, and near future science fiction); romance and romcoms (especially featuring sapphic/queer relationships); Caribbean (especially Trinidad & Tobago) characters/settings; reality TV premises; and retellings. Learn more about Trinica here.
Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a literary agent with Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. A prolific reader of many genres, Cathie represents Romance in all categories; Commercial, Book Club, and Women’s Fiction; Domestic and Psychological Suspense; “light” Horror; and Mystery. She deliberately keeps her client list small to give her authors the attention each deserves. Cathie looks for manuscripts that catch her attention within the first few pages. If you can evoke an emotional response in the opening pages—make her laugh out loud, cause her pulse to race, make her cry, make her curious—you’ve got a winner. Cathie is never interested in Science Fiction or High Fantasy in any genre; however, “accessible” fantasy with paranormal or supernatural elements, and without excessive world building or difficult magic systems, are often a good fit. Learn more about Cathie here.
Pitches happen during the SATURDAY daytime hours of the online conference. More 2024 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.)
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PRICING:
$189 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the Fall 2024 Online SWW and access to all workshops, all days. (You also get 5-10 additional free pre-recorded webinars on writing and publishing.) As of spring 2024, registration for fall 2024 is now OPEN.
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. There is no limit. Here are 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 can be seen here.
“I met my client, Alison Hammer, at the Writing
Workshop of Chicago and just sold her book.”
– literary agent Joanna Mackenzie of Nelson Literary
“Good news! I signed a client [novelist Aliza Mann]
from the Michigan Writing Workshop!”
– literary agent Sara Mebigow of KT Literary
“I signed author Stephanie Wright from
the Seattle Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kathleen Ortiz of New Leaf Literary
“I signed an author [Kate Thompson] that I
met at the Philadelphia Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kimberly Brower of Brower Literary
“I signed novelist Kathleen McInnis after meeting her
at the Chesapeake Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Adriann Ranta of Foundry Literary + Media
Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Brian Klems, one of the workshop’s former instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Seattle 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 get a phone/Zoom critique meeting with the faculty member. Options:
- Young adult (contemporary, thriller, romance only), romance/romcoms, mysteries/thrillers, general/literary fiction, book club fiction, women’s fiction (virtual critiques): Faculty member Jilly Gagnon, a published author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you in person at the event for 15 minutes sometime during the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
- Children’s picture books (virtual critiques): Faculty member Rosie Pova, a published author, will get your work in advance, critique your book, 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).
- Children’s picture books and middle grade (virtual critiques): Faculty member Brittany Thurman, a published author, 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. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
- Commercial women’s fiction, thriller/suspense, thriller with romantic elements, cozy mystery, YA thriller, young adult in general, middle-grade, literary fiction, and fantasy (virtual critiques): Faculty member Amberly Finarelli, a former literary agent and current writing coach, 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.
- 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. Reach out to workshop organizer Brian Klems via email: WDWconference@gmail.com, and he will provide specific instructions for payment and registration to get you a reserved seat at the event. Payment is by PayPal or check or credit card. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Seattle workshop specifically.
REGISTRATION:
ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. This Fall 2024 SWW is an Online Conference, November 1-2, 2024. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)
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: The easy first step is simply to reach out to workshop organizer Brian Klems via email: WDWconference@gmail.com. He will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by PayPal or check or credit card. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The SWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Seattle 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 or CC refund]. 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 started edited your work.)
Thank you for your interest in the Online 2024 Seattle Writing Workshop.
Kesia Lupo [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with The Bindery. “I consider middle-grade and YA my specialty and would love to represent authors writing for these age groups. But I’d love to return to my roots and also represent adult genre fiction in science fiction / fantasy and horror. I’m an omnivore in my reading taste and I would love my list to reflect that – so, while I’ve tried to be exhaustive, if you have something that doesn’t quite fit then please don’t hesitate to pitch anyway! In general, I’m looking for fiction for middle grade, YA and adult readers – and also a smattering of popular, accessible nonfiction. Across age groups, I’m a big fan of original fantasy, accessible but smart science fiction, paranormal or creepy horror, thrillers (especially if they have a shocking twist!), dark academia and basically all stories that help me escape or make me question everything. I majored in History so I love a bit of historical fiction too, as long as it’s done in a fun and accessible way – and I enjoy romance. For nonfiction, I’m looking at narrative nonfiction with broad appeal – I love books about psychology and big political, cultural or historical topics.” 
“Good news! I signed a client [novelist Aliza Mann]
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“I signed novelist Kathleen McInnis after meeting her