After many successful Minnesota events, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2026 Online Minnesota Writing Workshop — a two-day online “How to Get Published” writing event September 11-12, 2026. (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 2026 Online Minnesota Writing Workshop!

(ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2026 Fall MWW is an Online Conference, Sept. 11-12, 2026. 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.)

To register, click the button above, or email Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Minnesota event.

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop, September 11-12, 2026. 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 “Minnesota” 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 2026 MWW agent & editor faculty so far includes:

• literary agent Bethany Jett (MacGregor & Luedeke)
  
• literary agent Jane Chun (Transatlantic Agency)
  
• literary agent Renee Runge (Spencerhill Associates)
  
• literary agent Ritu Anand (D4E0 Literary)
  
• literary agent Nephele Tempest (The Knight Agency)
  
• literary agent Kat Kerr (Donald Maass Literary)
  
• literary agent Gordon Warnock (Fuse Literary)
• literary agent Geffen Semach (Westwood Creative Artists)
  
• literary agent Alex Land (Mad Woman Literary)
  
• literary agent Jeanne De Vita (Martin Literary)
  
• literary agent Erica Bauman (Aevitas Creative Management)
  
• literary agent Stephanie Katz (GiraffeLight Media Agency)
  
• literary agent Tali Shammas (Storm Literary)
  
• literary agent Tara Kimberly (D4E0 Literary)
• literary agent Megan Frayser (Creative Media Agency)
  
• literary agent Danielle Marshall (Jane Rotrosen Agency)
  
• literary agent Des Salazar (Metamorphosis Literary)
  
• literary agent Diego Harrison (SBR Media)
  
• literary agent Mindi St Peter (BAMbooks)
  
• literary agent Rachel Estep (D4E0 Literary)
  
• literary agent Paul Levine (Paul Levine Literary)
  
• literary agent Nicole Payne (Confluence Literary)
  
• literary agent Sheila Madonia Mayberry (BAMbooks)
  
• literary agent Frannie Dove
 (Caldwell Agency)
  
• literary agent Shannon Lechon (Azantian Literary)
  
• literary agent Rebecca Love (Booker Albert Literary)
  
• literary agent Jacqui Lipton (Raven Quill Literary)
  

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 coordinators Brian Klems and Chuck Sambuchino of Writing Day Workshops.

To register, click the button above, or email Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Minnesota event.

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

(ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2026 Fall MWW is an Online Conference, Sept. 11-12, 2026. 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 (SEPT. 11-12, 2026):

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, MAY 8, 2026

9:30 – 10:30: Launching & Promoting Your Book. Once you have a release date from your publisher, your work isn’t finished. In fact, your work might just be starting! Here you’ll learn tried and true strategies to sell more books, build your community, and have fun while doing it.

10:45 – 11:45: How to Write Great Characters: Character 365 Workshop. In this class, you’ll learn to identify a character’s core thread—the non-negotiable drive or value that persists no matter the genre—and then watch how that thread expresses differently from world to world.

11:45 – 1:15: Break

1:15 – 2:30: The Question Every Agent Asks Concerning Your Project: Why THIS Book? Why should your book get plucked out of an agent’s slush pile? What makes your story compelling enough for an agent to want to read it? To represent it?

2:45 – 3:45: How to Compose an Amazing Query Letter. 
What goes into a great query letter, and how can you be expected to pitch yourself (and your book) in one page?

4:00 – 5:00: Think Outside the Cover: Your Publishing Options in 2026 Explained. Agent Laurie McLean will examine how your book is not simply a book, but a story that can be released and told through different iterations. Also, what’s the best option for you in 2026? Traditional presses? Hybrid? Self-publishing?

SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026

9:30 – 10:30: Think Like a Screenwriter: Lessons from Hollywood for Fiction Writers. This workshop will go behind the scenes of Hollywood to uncover tools and tips that screenwriters use to make their writing energetic, efficient, and entertaining.

10:45 – 11:45: 15 Reasons Why Your Book is Getting Rejected. At this workshop, you’ll hear fifteen of the most common reasons an agent rejects your book, from length to audience to query letters that don’t do what they need to.

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

4:00 – 5:00: Sharpen Your Story. Take advantage of an editor’s perspective with these simple strategies to keep your novel enticing, engaging, and on point.

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.

PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

Kat Kerr is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency. Kat feels strongly about supporting programs like We Need Diverse Books and is passionate about creating space in this industry for those from historically marginalized communities. She is actively seeking to grow her client list and is particularly hungry for magical realism, literary leaning speculative (fantasy) and science fiction, women’s fiction, YA works with a lot of heart, and narrative nonfiction with something to say. In fiction, she seeks literary, upmarket, women’s, rom-coms, multicultural, speculative, magical realism, family saga, young adult, and select sci-fi and fantasy. In nonfiction, she seeks narrative nonfiction and journalistic nonfiction tackling current affairs and social justice issues, particularly covering topics of racism, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, and poverty. She also represents select biographies and memoirs. Learn more about Kat here.

Tali Shammas is a literary agent with Storm Literary Agency. In adult fiction, she seeks fantasy (all sub-genres), horror, science fiction, thriller, mystery, romance, rom-com, suspense, women’s fiction, upmarket / book club fiction, and genre blends combining any of the above. She also represents pockets of both young adult and middle grade fiction. In nonfiction, she seeks funny, authentic, and brutally honest stories, like anything by Jenny Lawson and Belle Burden’s STRANGERS; unique and niche topics; and coffee table books. Learn more about Tali here.

Rebecca Love is a literary agent with Booker Albert Literary Agency. From a young age, she has been fascinated with epic worlds like LOTR and The Way of Kings. Books with romantic elements like Ella Enchanted, The Goose Girl, and The Cruel Prince all have places in her top ten. She also adores historical fiction like The Wednesday Wars and iconic masterpieces like Monica Hesse’s They Went Left, but her all-time favorite novel has to be the grounded fantasy The Scorpio Races. Her favorite tropes are houses-with-personality (think House of Leaves or The Haunting of Hill House), zombie apocalypses like in the book World War Z, and underwater worlds. Regardless of genre, Rebecca is looking for stories that have good pacing, grounded worlds, and believable characters. She is interested in fantasy of all kinds and anything that has a good hook. She loves YA and MG historical fiction. Learn more about Rebecca here.

Jeanne De Vita is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. I’m currently open to most commercial genre fiction, and I especially encourage new authors, indie authors, and authors underrepresented in traditional publishing to pitch. I am always open to LGBTQIA+ authors and #OwnVoices stories. Genre fiction is my happy place: romance, romantasy, thriller, horror, mysteries, speculative fiction, and more. (She is not a good fit for contemporary YA, most memoir, middle grade, picture books, or Christian/inspirational.) Learn more about Jeanne here.

Diego Harrison is a literary agent with SBR Media. He is seeking romantasy, horror (love zombies!), thriller (domestic, crime, high concept — not paranormal), young adult (including YA across genres), middle grade, children’s picture books from author-illustrators, nonfiction and memoir with a properly construction prospectus / front matter, romance and romantic suspense, military action, crime fiction, mystery and cozies. He will consider select fantasy and science fiction if it has exceptional writing and a high concept pitch. Learn more about Diego here.

Erica Bauman is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. Erica represents a wide variety of authors across middle grade, young adult, and commercial adult fiction. She is most interested in commercial novels that feature an exciting premise and lyrical, atmospheric writing; imaginative, genre-blending tales; speculative worlds filled with haunting, quietly wondrous magic; fresh retellings of mythology, ballet, opera, and classic literature; sharply funny rom-coms; graphic novels for all ages; fearless storytellers that tackle big ideas and contemporary issues; and working with and supporting marginalized authors and stories that represent the wide range of humanity. Learn more about Erica here.

Danielle Marshall is an agent at the Jane Rotrosen Agency. An avid reader and editor, she is known as a strong advocate for her authors and for building bestselling brands. Danielle is looking for fresh voices in women’s fiction, literary fiction, book club fiction, contemporary romance, historical fiction, mystery and suspense, as well as memoir and selected self-help nonfiction.  Her acquisitions include the #1 Amazon Charts, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellerBeneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan, Everything We Keep by Kerry Lonsdale, Leftie and Agatha Award–winningIn Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen, and Wreckage by Emily Bleeker. Learn more about Danielle here.

Sheila Madonia-Maberry is a literary agent with BAM Management. Sheila is seeking fresh voices across several genres. “I enjoy manuscripts that allow readers to experience cultures and perspectives different from their own. “I am primarily interested in representing: crime, thriller, psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, domestic thrillers; mystery (traditional and cozy); domestic fiction; historical fiction (covering adult, young adult, and middle grade); fantasy (historical fantasy, fantasy grounded in reality, cozy fantasy); horror; dystopian and speculative fiction (including middle grade and YA).” She also reps select young adult and middle grade projects across her genres. Learn more about Sheila 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. With almost 40 years of experience in the entertainment and book industries, Levine is one of the few lawyers on the West coast who also understands the world of book publishing; as such, he is able to act as both literary agent and publishing attorney for his clients. Learn more about Paul here.

Ritu Anand is a literary agent with D4E0 Literary. In Kidlit, she seeks: Picture books, Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels. In Literary Fiction, she seeks: Drama, Fairy Tales and Fiction in Verse. In General Fiction, she seeks: Women’s Fiction, Drama, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Satire and Tragedy. In Historical Fiction, she seeks: Women’s Historical Fiction, Historical Romantic Fiction and Historical Fantasy. Diverse and underrepresented Voices are encouraged to submit. Learn more about Ritu here.

Frannie Dove is a literary agent at The Caldwell Agency. “I love books that change and challenge the way we interact with the world, especially stories that explore the margins of the history books. I’m eager to champion stories that stir book club conversation, inspire readers to engage with their local communities, and bring people together around the dinner table. Genres I seek: historical fiction, narrative history, historical fantasy, comedic mystery, book club fiction, genre bended and blended fiction (especially with some history), science for the non-scientist, and essays with wisdom to share.” Learn more about Frannie here.

Alex Land is a literary agent with Mad Woman Literary Agency. She is seeking adult fiction, young adult fiction, and middle grade fiction in the areas of: Action/Adventure, BIPOC Literature, Fantasy, Folklore, Gothic, Historical, Horror, Humor, LGBTQ, Magical Realism, Mystery, New Adult, Psychological Thriller, Romcom, Science Fiction, South East Asian Literature, Speculative, Thriller. She is always enthusiastic about representing diverse writers. Learn more about Alex here.

Rachel Estep is a literary agent with D4EO Literary Agency. She is seeking: literary fiction; mainstream fiction; all types of middle grade and young adult (especially that centers underrepresented voices); voicey, high-stakes psychological thrillers; stories that mess with your head in the best way; gothic fiction that blends deep senses of foreboding with modern themes; true crime projects that dig deeper than the headlines and center empathy alongside the horror; queer romcoms that bring the banter, the swoon, the spice, and a whole lot of heart; historical fiction driven by complex, unforgettable women in the style of Marie Benedict. Learn more about Rachel here.

Tara Kimberly is a literary with D4E0 Literary. She seeks: Romantasy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, New Adult, Young Adult, Romance & Dark Romance. Tara is interested in primarily Romantasy (adult and young adult and new adult) with a focus on strong female characters and all consuming stories. She is a self diagnosed Romantasy addict and loves diving into lush worlds with complex characters and messy interpersonal relationships that teach us about our own lives. Learn more about Tara here.

Nicole Payne is a literary agent with Confluence Literary. “In general, I represent young adult and adult fiction novels, preferably in romance, women’s fiction, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, and speculative fiction. They hold a special place in my heart. As I slowly delve into nonfiction, I would love to see more science-based books, especially biology and forensic, as well as medicine, travel, and cookbooks in my queue. I’m also actively seeking diverse voices and stories across the board. Give me all the books!” Learn more about Nicole here.

Bethany Jett is a literary agent with MacGregor & Luedeke. She seeks a variety of adult fiction, adult nonfiction, Christian works, and children’s picture books. In adult fiction, she seeks: psychological thriller, domestic thriller, suspense, cozy mysteries, historical, book club / upmarket, women’s fiction, romantic comedy, historical romance, romantic suspense, Regency romance, and magical realism. In adult nonfiction, she seeks cookbooks, how-to, self-help, Christian living, lifestyle, home & garden, gift, Bible studies. In children’s picture books, she leans heavily toward 1) Highly commercial concepts with strong hook appeal, like How to Babysit a Grandpa or How to Catch a Unicorn; and 2) Classic, literary-type prose or emotionally layered storytelling like BIG or The Rough Patch. Learn more about Bethany 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.

Geffen Semach is a literary agent with Westwood Creative Artists. Fiction: I am looking for general upmarket fiction; horror, thriller and suspense; sci fi, speculative, fantasy and romantasy; as well as select concept-driven romance and literary novels. I am drawn to genre-blending novels that tackle human complexity, thoughtful world-building, strong emotional resonance, and bold voices and concepts. I love novels with teeth that make me feel viscerally—either grounded or unsettled—and nuanced characters that feel both fresh and challenging.   Nonfiction: I am interested in journalism in the vein of social commentary, pop culture, politics, art and media; expert-driven writing relating to medicine and mental health, sex and relationships, and money; as well as exceptional memoir. For me it is the balance of an authoritative voice with accessibility. Particularly books that explore complex, often systemic issues—from politics to psychology to culture—told from a personal or human-centered lens. Please connect with me if you are an expert with a strong voice and an idea to share. I am happy to chat with writers who are at the beginning stages of forming an idea to craft a proposal together. I encourage submissions from underrepresented writers including 2SLGBTQI+, BIPOC, and/or disabled. Learn more about Geffen 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 more about Megan here.

Gordon Warnock is a literary agent at Fuse Literary. Gordon seeks large-platform nonfiction in which the book itself is not the primary goal but instead is the result of a greater, sustained effort. In nonfiction, he seeks: memoir and biography; food narrative/studies/history; graphic and illustrated nonfiction; essays on social issues; pop/punk/geek culture; historical narrative; pop-science; humor; and how-to. In fiction, he represents high-concept suspense, psychological thrillers, horror, book club women’s fiction, literary fiction from marginalized perspectives, and graphic novels for adults / young adults / middle grade. Learn more about Gordon here.

Des Salazar is a literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary. They seek: Romance, Fantasy, Horror, LGBTQ+, Literary Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, New Adult, Science Fiction, and Young Adult. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Des Salazar holds an MFA in Fiction having completed a thesis containing translations of stories and poems from an archived journal and reflection essays. Learn more about Des here.

Renee Runge is a literary agent at Spencerhill Associates. She is actively building her list in all genres of middle grade and young adult fiction. Her taste can be summed up as “eclectic,” and she is drawn to high-concept commercial projects with a literary aura, unexpected hooks, strong A/B plots, and distinct voices. She’s especially passionate about supporting diverse and underrepresented creators from all backgrounds, with the hope that every child can one day see themselves in the pages of a book. A lover of anthropomorphic characters, she dreams of repping the next blockbuster animal novel or series. Her favorite feeling is being moved to tears by a book’s last chapter. Learn more about Renee here.

Shannon Lechon is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. In middle grade, I’m looking for horror, thrillers, mysteries, and action-packed adventure. I’m happy to receive both speculative stories with fantastical or sci-fi elements, or grounded ones set entirely in our world. In young adult, I am looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery/thrillers. In adult fiction, I am looking for fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery/thrillers. In graphic novels, I am looking for young adult and adult fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. For graphic novels, I am only interested in taking on author/illustrators or author/illustrator duos. Please do not submit graphic novel proposals or scripts without either being an artist or having an artist attached. In nonfiction, I am looking for select adult nonfiction proposals. I’m very interested in memoirs about specialized careers like the beekeepers of Honey and Venom, as well as proposals (both memoir or entirely research-centric) on health and the medical industry, such as The Sleeping Beauties and What My Bones Know. Mental health, illness, and trauma recovery narratives like In the Dream House are also welcome. Learn more about Shannon here.

Nephele Tempest is a literary agent at The Knight Agency. Nephele continues to actively build her client list and looks for fiction with both strong, well-developed characters and a story that pulls her in and won’t let go. She primarily represents women’s contemporary or historical fiction; contemporary, paranormal, and historical single-title romance; and adult fantasy and science fiction. More generally, Nephele always looks for work with diverse cultural influences, #ownvoices projects, and stories that inspire and/or make her think. Learn more about Nephele here.

Jane Chun is a literary agency with Transatlantic Agency. Jane is particularly interested in stories that center marginalized communities and prose that is cinematic and atmospheric with good rhythm. In both fiction and nonfiction, she is drawn towards compelling, fresh voices that make her feel as though the writer is in the room with her, telling her their story with intimacy as if they were already acquainted. Regardless of how plot-driven a story is, characters with rich inner worlds and emotional depth are a must for her. She is interested in literary, upmarket, and commercial fiction across adult, MG, and YA and select nonfiction. She is also seeking graphic novels/nonfiction. In the fiction space, she is open to contemporary, historical, fantasy, sci-fi, speculative, and horror. In nonfiction, she is looking for memoirs; narrative nonfiction; history; investigative journalism; books about nature, climate, and science; and books about food, travel, pop culture, and cultural criticism. Learn more about Jane here.

Stephanie Katz is a literary agent with GiraffeLight Media Agency. In fiction, she seeks comedy, traum-com, genre twists, classic Goth literature, contemporary women’s fiction, messy family dramas, coming-of-age stories, contemporary war dramas (post 1910; particularly with female protagonists), Cold war or contemporary espionage thrillers with female protagonists, fantasy, speculative fiction, magical realism, alternate realities, mysteries (female protagonists); LGBTQ fiction that is character driven (not agenda driven), unreliable narrators, and anything set in Ireland or Antarctica. In nonfiction, she seeks business leadership, macro-economics, investing, personal development, thematic memoirs, culinary nonfiction (excluding cookbooks), narrative nonfiction, narratology, self-help that is strongly researched, psychology, living with AI, inspirational nonfiction, Christian living that is well researched and open minded, social justice topics, wellness, travel, landmark legal cases, intelligence and whistleblowers, and journalism. Learn more about Stephanie here.

Jacqui Lipton is a literary agent with Raven Quill Literary Agency. Jacqui represents authors of novels, novels-in-verse, and nonfiction from middle grade through adult. She is particularly interested in nonfiction titles for both children and adults. She is not currently seeking high fantasy, and considers science-fiction selectively. Children’s stories with animal protagonists are not the best fit for her. She holds an M.F.A. in Fiction from Vermont College of Fine Arts and regularly teaches classes on writing and on legal aspects of publishing around the country. Learn more about Jacqui here.