(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next PWW is an in-person event happening in St. Paul, MN on April 17, 2027. See you there.)
THIS YEAR’S CLASSES (APRIL 17, 2027):
Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with the sessions below. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:
BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30
Coming soon
BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50
Coming soon
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN: 11:50 – 1:15
You have 85 minutes on your own to break and eat.
BLOCK THREE: 1:15 – 2:30
1. “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest (Room 031—lower level), with participating literary agents and editors. In the vein of “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent,” this is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with attending agents commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission. Get expert feedback on your incredibly important first page, and know if your writing has what it needs to keep readers’ attention. (All attendees are welcome to bring pages to the event for this session, and we will choose pages at random for the workshop for as long as time lasts. All submissions should be novels or memoir—no prescriptive nonfiction or picture books, please. Do not send your pages in advance. You will bring printed copies with you, and instructions will be sent out approximately one week before the event.)
2. How to Sell a Nonfiction Book Proposal (Rooms 220/221—second floor). This session focuses on effective strategies for writing a nonfiction book proposal on any subject. Topics include industry standards, building your expertise, and how to prepare a winning proposal that demonstrates your understanding of the marketplace.
BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45
1. Open Agent Q&A Panel (Room 031—lower level). Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from MWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.
2. Coming soon
BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00
Coming soon
5:00: The Day is Over
FREE ADDITIONAL RECORDED CLASSES:
We will actually send attendees extra FREE pre-recorded classes as part of their attendance. In addition to getting the weekend’s classes to enjoy live and in person, we will also send you more free recorded classes on the side, from amazing instructors. In the week leading up to your in-person conference, we will send all confirmed attendees these classes below, some of which will aid in your pitching efforts:
- “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an In-Person Event,” taught by former literary agent Carlie Webber
- “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an Online Event,” taught by former literary agent Carlie Webber
- “How Do I Decide: Traditional Publishing vs. Self Publishing”
- “How to Create a Long-term Writing & Publishing Plan”
- “The Art of a Page Turner: How to Craft an Un-Put-Downable Book”
- “Understanding the Differences between Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult Fiction”
- “Creating a Remarkable Narrative Arc in Fiction or Memoir”
- “Think Like a Screenwriter: Lessons from Hollywood for Fiction Writers”
- “Dial Up Your Dialogue: How to Craft Dialogue Readers Love”
- “How Writers Can Build a Network of Support”
- “Writers Got Talent” — A Page 1 Critique Fest,” as recorded at the online San Diego Writing Workshop
- “Ask an Agent Anything: Open Agent Q&A Panel,” as recorded at the online Pittsburgh Writing Workshop