(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 WWSF is an in-person event happening on April 11, 2026. See you there.)
THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS (APRIL 11, 2026):
Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with the sessions below. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates. There will be 2-3 classes happening at all time, and you can pick which class you attend.
9:30 – 10:30: Session 1
1. Author Blueprint: Forging a Pathway to a Publishing Career (Cypress 2), taught by Jeanne De Vita. From self-publishing to traditional publishing, small press or hybrid, there have never been more options–and more accessible options for authors to make money writing. In this workshop, we’ll discuss the parts of the market, how to analyze opportunities best suited to your work, and how to create an author career blueprint to ensure you keep writing (profitably) for the long run.
2. How to Think Like a Developmental Editor (Cypress 1), taught by Lisa Manterfield. Congratulations. You’ve finished a draft of your novel and you’re ready to start revising. But where to begin? In this class, you’ll take off your writer’s hat and learn to see your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses through the eyes of a developmental editor. You’ll discover the three problems editors most often see and ways to find solutions. In addition to discussing plot, structure, and character development, you’ll examine key elements that make a compelling narrative, such as a cause-and-effect trajectory, stakes, pacing, and tension. Finally, you’ll learn the secret to making a revision feel less overwhelming and understand why starting your revision on page one might be a mistake. You’ll leave with a game plan to take your manuscript to the next level.
10:45 – 11:50: Session 2
1. How to Get a Literary Agent and Write a Query Letter (Cypress 1), taught by Carlie Webber. This workshop is a thorough crash course in dealing with literary agents. After quickly going over what an agent is and what they do for writers, we will discuss resources for finding agents, how to ID the best agents for you, query letter writing, as well as the most important things to do and not to do when dealing with representatives.
2. Plot Beforehand or Write by the Seat of Your Pants? The Pros and Cons of Both (Cypress 2), taught by Susan Bickford. Are you a Plotter like J.K. Rowling, Dan Brown, and James Patterson, who write detailed, comprehensive, scene-by-scene plans for their work? Our do you prefer to write by the seat of your pants–aka a Pantser–like Stephen King, George R.R. Martin, and Margaret Atwood, so that you discover as you write and let the story build organically? Or perhaps you are one of the many authors who blend the two. We’ll discuss the benefits and potential problems with each style, and an overview of tools and techniques that can help your personal path to successful story development.
11:50 – 1:15: Lunch on Your Own
You have 85 minutes on your own to break and eat.
1:15 – 2:30: Session 3
1. “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest (Cypress 1), 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. Elements of a Nonfiction Book Proposal (Cypress 2), taught by Andy Ross. If you are seeking to get your nonfiction book published, you will have to write a book proposal. Writing the proposal isn’t as daunting as it sounds. A book proposal is a business plan. It needs to be written in a standard structured form and should answer the questions that an acquisition editor will be asking: What is the book about? Why do we need it? Who is the audience for the book? Why do you have the authority to write it? How will you market and promote the book once it is published? Instructor Andy Ross is a literary agent and author of The Literary Agent’s Guide to Writing a Nonfiction Book Proposal.
2:45 – 3:45: Session 4
1. Open Agent and Editor Q&A Panel (Cypress 1). Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from WWSF attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.
2. 10 Best Ways to Market Your Book (Cypress 2), taught by Laurie McLean.
4:00 – 5:00: Session 5
1. You Have an Agent Offer or Book Contract — Now What? (Cypress 1) taught by Carlie Webber. Many writers seek to get an agent and book deal. But what happens after these steps? Hear from former literary agent Carlie Webber on how to effectively work with an agent, what to expect in the submission process, what it’s like to work with a publishing house editor, how to sell multiple books in your career, and much more.
2. Understanding Publishing Contracts (Cypress 2), taught by Maeve MacLysaght. This class is a a deep dive into all of the clauses typically found in traditional book deals and how authors and their agents can negotiate better terms. Come learn how to navigate the legalese of the writing world.
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 5 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 literary agent Carlie Webber
- “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an Online Event,” taught by literary agent Carlie Webber
- “Common First Pages Mistakes and How to Fix Them,” taught previously at the San Diego Writing Workshop
- “6 Pillars of Well-Developed Characters,” taught previously at the Texas Writing Workshop
- “How to Fix It: The Art and Craft of Revision,” taught previously at the Writing Workshop of Chicago