November 2022 – The 2023 Seattle Writing Workshop

After successful 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022 events in Seattle, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2023 Seattle Writing Workshop — a full-day “How to Get Published” writing event in Seattle, WA on April 29, 2023.

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 (200 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2023 Seattle 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 SWW is an in-person event happening in Seattle on April 29, 2023. See you there.)

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Seattle Convention Center. 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 Garrett Alwert (Emerald City Literary)
literary agent Amy Levenson (Blue Heron Literary) [NEW ADDITION]
literary agent Jenna Land Free (Folio Literary)
literary scout Kate MacGregor (MacGregor & Luedeke Literary)
literary agent Anjanette Barr (Dunham Literary)
editor Kjersti Egerdahl (Amazon Original Stories)
literary agent Leslie Varney (Prentis Literary)
literary scout Rae Loverde (Donald Maass Literary)
literary agent Chelsey Emmelhainz (Copps Literary Services)
editor Nicole Kimberling (Blind Eye Books)
and hopefully 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 Brian Klems of Writing Day Workshops, with local help with the amazing Seattle Writers Meetup. E-mail Brian to register for the event at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com.

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, April 29, 2023 — at the Seattle Convention Center, 705 Pike Street Seattle, WA 98101-2310.

THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (APRIL 29, 2023):

What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. The topics below are mostly set, but 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. The Paths to Publishing. Find a way to get your book published, one way or another. But which path is right for you — traditional, indie, or hybrid? Now more than ever, writers have publishing path options, though each one possesses its own distinct pros and cons.

2. In Love with Writing: Tips for Beginning Romance Novelists You love to read romance and you’d like to write it. Good news! You can do it. However, finding the path forward can be intimidating. This class will review romance genre basics, things to consider as you move forward, and tips/pitfalls (including recent successes and failures from the presenter’s own journey).

BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50

1. Everything You Need to Know About Agents and Query Letters. In this class, attendees will understand the basics of query letters, synopses, the difference of pitching fiction vs. nonfiction, agent submission pet peeves, and more.

2. How to Write Amazing Fantasy and Science Fiction. In this class, a literary agent instructor will guide you through the tips, tools, and tropes of writing speculative fiction. Let what cliches and beginnings are overused; learn about light sci-fi vs hard sci-fi; understand SF/F word counts; learn about how much worldbuilding is just enough.

(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. 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. This session is completely devoted to nonfiction that is not memoir. So if you are trying to create an awesome nonfiction book proposal, this presentation is for you.

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

2. Writing Is Not A Solitary Act: Understanding Writing Groups, Beta Readers, and Exchanging Critiques. How do you find writing peers? How do you gauge a peer’s skill? How do you give and take useful feedback? This class will help you find writing group friends who can aid your journey and help you improve your work, whether you meet with those people online or in-person.

(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. How to Market Yourself and Your Books: Talking Author Social Media, Blogging, and Platform. Whether you’re traditionally published or self-published, everyone could use some helpful guidance on how to effectively market themselves and sell more books. This session includes easy-to-understand advice on social media (Twitter, Facebook, more), blogging, and other simple ways you can market your work online cheaply and easily.

2. Failure to Launch. Have you ever spent a year or two or ten writing a book, and then let it sit on your hard drive or in your drawer without ever sending it out? If so, you’re not alone. This class offers advice and exercises to help writers of all genres and experience levels get out of their own way and share their work.

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.

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PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

Jenna Land Free is a literary agent with Folio Literary. Jenna is seeking nonfiction only (no fiction). She is drawn to books that help us see longstanding issues in entirely different ways. From politics, to end-of-life care, to parenting, education, travel, and history, Jenna looks for ideas that break us out of the mold and change the way we think. She’s also interested in stories that challenge us to be better citizens, and better humans. Learn more about Jenna here.

Amy Levenson is the founding literary agent of Blue Heron Literary. She represents: mainstream literary and commercial fiction, and nonfiction in the areas of memoir, biography, narrative nonfiction, popular culture, and cookery. She is actively seeking non-fiction, especially with topics in heath and nutrition, cookbooks, lifestyle and popular culture. She is especially drawn to new trends or new takes on old favorites, strong voice and dynamic platforms, and is always susceptible to a good solid tug on the heart strings. Learn more about Amy here.

Garrett Alwert [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent at Emerald City Literary Agency. Garrett is looking for smart, funny, contemporary stories with fresh voices, a strong hook and awesome dialogue. He enjoys romance and stories that focus on friendship, family, and all the ways those relationships come together. He also likes well paced psychological thrillers as well as stories with unique story structures and timelines. He is actively looking for projects by POC authors or with LGBTQ+ themes. Learn more about Garrett here.

Anjanette Barr [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a Literary Agent at Dunham Literary, Inc. Anjanette has an eclectic reading taste and a love for literature that “baptizes the imagination” (C.S. Lewis) and begs to be shared. She loves genre and popular fiction with substance, and literary and nonfiction titles infused with living ideas that leave readers with a new desire to immerse themselves in the subject matter. This could look like an historical fiction that uses captivating detail and relatable characters to bring times-gone-by to life, or it could be a SF/F world that highlights virtues like empathy and self-sacrifice. A romance set in a place so vivid she feels she’s traveled there and wants to take up the protagonists hobbies will definitely get her attention. In nonfiction she is looking for well-researched biography written in beautiful literary prose, popular science and other disciplines titles that make lay-people enchanted and invested in topics previously over their heads, and memoir with the ability to connect diverse readers. She’s also interested in books that shed light on poverty and justice in a new way. She prefers picture books that are winsome and pleasant to read aloud. Particular interests of Anjanette’s are the exploration of culture, history, faith, myth, fine arts, and nature. Learn more about Anjanette here.

Rae Loverde [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is an agent assistant at Donald Maass Literary Agency. At the 2023 SWW, she will be acting as a literary scout — taking pitches at the workshop on behalf of one or multiple co-agents at her agency. Her co-agent Cameron McClure is seeking the following: projects that combine genre style plotting with literary quality writing. She’s up for anything speculative, and is interested in seeing science fiction and fantasy, mystery and suspense, horror, and projects with multi-cultural, international, environmental, and LGBTQIA+ themes. Learn more about Rae and her co-agents here.

Leslie Varney [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent and co-president of Prentis Literary. She specializes in adult speculative fiction — science fiction and fantasy — for adults, young adult, and middle grade. Leslie has also established herself as a specialist in genre-bending fiction, enthusiastically representing authors whose works defy easy classification. “I am pleased as punch that now I get to help authors bring new worlds, new ideas, and new magic to the literary world. I will always love the oral story-telling tradition, but my appreciation for the written work knows no bounds and I love being a part of bringing that passion to new readers.” Learn more about Leslie here.

Kate MacGregor [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is part of the team at MacGregor & Luedeke Literary Agency. Kate is the agency’s in-house editor, and is happy to take pitches at the 2023 SWW on behalf of several co-agents actively building their client lists. If Kate thinks that a writer-attendee has a book that a co-agent will enjoy, she will request materials from the attendee, and then pass those submission materials directly to the best agent at the agency. On behalf of co-agent Alina Mitchell, Kate is taking pitches for: nonfiction proposals including memoir, biographies, how-to, elementary & secondary education topics, religion/spirituality, narrative nonfiction, and new perspectives in history, arts & culture. On behalf of co-agent Elisa Saphier, Kate is taking pitches for: Elisa is open to most genres, as long as the novel or memoir is well-written, but she is partial to character-heavy stories that tell her something about herself or the world around her. She is hoping specifically to represent marginalized writers and their stories. On behalf of co-agent Colleen Oefelein, Kate is taking pitches for: Colleen is looking for romance–heart-rending love stories in most sub-genres (no erotica) and romantic suspense, as well as young adult and adult fiction: harsh and sobering contemporary, low fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, unusual re-tellings, suspense and thriller. In nonfiction, she’s interested in proposals for high-profile crime memoir, whistleblower memoir and narrative nonfiction on the subjects of science or medicine. Learn more about Kate here.

Kjersti Egerdahl is the editorial director for Amazon Original Stories, which “brings unforgettable short fiction and nonfiction to Kindle.” Amazon Original Stories publishes single-sitting reads (5-20K words) from bestselling authors, acclaimed storytellers, and new voices. Stories are available in ebook and audio, free with Prime. Kjersti is interested in a wide range of adult categories: everything from twisty thrillers to immersive memoirs to conversation-starting science fiction and fantasy, and even some YA with strong adult crossover appeal. She is often commissioning for thematic collections. Learn more about Kjersti here.

Chelsey Emmelhainz [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with Copps Literary Services. Chelsey is building a highly selective list, focused mainly on adult fiction and nonfiction. Regardless of genre, she is always looking for authentic storytelling and to elevate diverse voices. Fiction: Chelsey loves high-concept adult fiction that expertly weaves complex, layered conflicts into a fast-paced narrative. She wants to see what your characters do when pushed to their limits. Her target genres include: horror, supernatural thriller, suspense, mystery, romance, and upmarket commercial fiction. Nonfiction: While drawn to adult narrative nonfiction that features strong storytelling and author voice, Chelsey is ultimately seeking projects that aim to entertain while they educate. She gravitates toward American history, hidden history, true crime, platform-driven nonfiction in the social sciences (especially concerning politics, feminism, and social justice), as well as deep dives into specific subjects with a prescriptive approach, aiming to help the reader live a better life. Learn more about Chelsey here.

Nicole Kimberling is a novelist and the senior editor at Blind Eye Books. Wish List: We publish science fiction, fantasy, mystery and thriller featuring LGBT+ protagonists so that’s what I’d like to see. Learn more about Nicole here.

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ADDED ONLINE PITCHING: To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2023 Seattle Writing Workshop attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at the Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2023 SWW on our event calendar.

That event is the 2023 Online Florida Writing Workshop, May 12-13, 2023, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.

This means that 2023 Seattle attendees can have access to pitching all those online Florida event agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online May 2023 FWW. (That said, if you want to formally register for the FWW and have access to all classes and panels, let us know, as there is a discount for confirmed Seattle attendees.)

If you are interested in this added pitching opportunity, the first step is to get formally registered for Seattle. Following the SWW one-day conference on April 29, 2023, we will be in touch with all Seattle attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2023 FWW (May 12-13). At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.

* * * * * * * *

More 2023 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:

$199 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the 2023 SWW and access to all workshops, all day. As of fall 2022, registration 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, 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 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 Chuck Sambuchino, one of the day’s instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Minnesota 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 10-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

Children’s picture books (virtual critiques): faculty member Denise McConduit, an 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 around the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you are submitting a picture book, make the submission 1,000 words or fewer, and it can or cannot include illustrations.
Young adult, middle grade, children’s picture books, adult romance (virtual critiques): Faculty member Gabrielle Prendergast, an author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you at the event in person for 15 minutes during the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you are submitting a picture book, make the submission 1000 words maximum, and it can or cannot include illustrations.
Romance, women’s fiction, science fiction, young adult, or memoir (in-person meetings): Faculty member Jenny Bardsley, an author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you at the event in person for 15 minutes during the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
Picture books, middle grade, adult science fiction & fantasy. Also young adult contemporary, magical realism, fantasy and sci-fi (nothing too dark; no horror) (virtual critiques): Faculty member Amanda Sun, an author as well as editor at Scholastic Canada, 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. If you are submitting a picture book, make the submission 1000 words maximum, and it can or cannot include illustrations.
Thrillers, psychological thrillers, horror, mysteries, suspense, general contemporary adult fiction; and lastly some romance and women’s fiction (virtual critiques): Faculty member S.Z. Estavillo, a writing coach and former literary agent, 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 to discuss her 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: WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com, and he will provide specific instructions for payment and registration to get you a reserved seat at the event. Payment is by credit card, PayPal, or check. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Seattle workshop specifically.

REGISTRATION:

Because of limited space at the venue (Seattle Convention Center), the workshop can only allow 200 registrants, unless spacing issues change. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.

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: WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com. Brian 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 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]. 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 2023 Seattle Writing Workshop.

The 2023 Seattle Writing Workshop

Get Your Writing Published: April 29, 2023

Month: November 2022

The 2023 Seattle Writing Workshop: April 29, 2023