Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Minnesota Writing Workshop.

Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a literary agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA).

A life-long lover of books, she enjoys vivid memories of the exact moment she unlocked the secret code behind letters that, when combined, form words. Since those early days, it’s the rare occasion when you’ll find her without a book in her hand, a Kindle in her purse, or a pair of AirPods in her ears while she devours the works of whatever author she’s selected as her new favorite of the month.

Cathie’s journey in the publishing industry was born in 2014 after her oldest child left for college. With newfound time on her hands, she set about writing The Edge of Nowhere, a work of adult historical fiction inspired by her grandmother’s life as a widow raising fourteen children during the one-two punch of the 1930s Dust Bowl and The Great Depression. Three years later, she followed up with her sophomore novel, Roam, a young adult title inspired by the homeless community that resides in the town where she currently lives. The release of this second book coincided with Cathie’s first job as a literary agent where she spent eight years learning the industry before joining the team at Marsal Lyon in May 2024.

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Cathie is a 1992 graduate of the University of Oklahoma where she received a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in history. Not suprisingly, she’s a rabid OU Sooners football fan. During NFL season, Cathie divides her loyalties between the Kansas City Chiefs, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Minnesota Vikings. Currently, she resides in Minnesota where she and her husband of 32 years share and two grown children, a son-in-law, and the most loved dog in the whole world, Koda.

You can learn more about Cathie at the agency website at http://www.MarsalLyonLiteraryAgency.com or on her personal website at http://www.charmstrongbooks.com.

CATHIE IS ACCEPTING PITCHES IN THE FOLLOWING GENRES:

Adult Only
Romance
Domestic or Psychological Suspense
Horror
Mystery
Historical Fiction
Commercial Fiction
Women’s/Book Club Fiction

Jennifer Carlson is a literary agent with Dunow, Carlson & Lerner.

Jennifer has been agenting since 1997. Previously, she worked at Henry Dunow Literary Agency and Harold Ober Associates.

She works with narrative nonfiction writers and journalists covering current events and ideas and cultural history, as well as literary and upmarket commercial novelists. On the children’s side, her clients are primarily young adult and middle grade fiction writers. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, she divides her time between Brooklyn and Minneapolis.

*She is not currently looking for new picture books or YA fantasy.

Erin Casey Westin is a literary agent with Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency.

Erin is open to all kid lit and children’s books age groups — picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult — and is particularly drawn to work that shows the author’s world and character-building ability. She also is open to kidlit nonfiction.

She wants to believe wholeheartedly in the world of the book, whether the setting is familiar or fantastic. She wants to see authentic, thoughtful representations of all people so that every kid can find a book that speaks to them. She wants even the simplest lines of text to pluck at her heartstrings because they’re so beautifully written. Erin loves getting so engrossed in a book she forgets she’s reading entirely.

About Erin (n her own words):

I’m an escapist reader – I read to live in another person’s experience for a little while. I love magical realism and speculative novels that take our world and change one small thing or turn it on its head entirely. I love fantasy, high or low, and it’s usually what I turn to for pleasure reading. I’m eager for more fantasy and light horror inspired by non-western mythology and folklore. Please send me books that comp to the Rick Riordan Presents list or would be published by Tor Teen or Labyrinth Road.

I’m excited to be reading and representing more graphic novels, both realistic and fantastic. I prefer author-illustrators in this category and am looking for art styles that are instantly recognizable in a crowd. I’m looking for graphic novels in all the age groups I represent but I’m particularly interested in graphic novel chapter books and early readers that could sit alongside series like Ben Clanton’s Narwhal and Jelly.

I think there is a growing market for highly illustrated chapter books, particularly by marginalized creators finally getting the chance to tell their stories. The chapter book market is hard to break into, but editors are recognizing the homogeneity of that market currently and I’d love to help non-white creatives break into that space and tell stories that resonate with their childhoods.

If I’m going to read realistic contemporary, I want to learn something, broaden my perspective, or be otherwise removed from the traditional high school drama of white allocishet teenage existence. I’m not the best fit for stories that revolve around romance, though I love to swoon when the romance is part of a bigger overall plot. I’m also not the right fit for super commercial, dramatic, realistic YA plots (think The OC). I would love more contemporary sports stories with queer representation!

I’m interested in nonfiction but usually not biographies unless the world really needs to hear that person’s story.

I am committed to building a diverse list of fiction that provides mirrors, windows, and doors for all kids. I am actively looking to represent work by people from marginalized communities and I greatly appreciate the trust those creatives put in me by choosing to share their work.

No work for the adult market please! Additionally, things that are not a good fit for me: gun violence, especially as a “gotcha” moment or to escalate a final confrontation; plots that entirely revolve around a misunderstanding.
Fun facts about me:

I’ve always loved sports and still competitively play volleyball and ultimate frisbee. I love being outside and am finally starting to rack up National Park visits. I love animals, particularly dogs, whales, and horses – I dream of one day owning an animal rescue/farm (not for whales though…).

Erin graduated from Hamilton College with a B.A. in Creative Writing and an ever-growing list of books to read. She is open to all kid lit age groups, from picture books through YA, and is particularly drawn to work that shows the author’s world- and character-building ability. She wants to believe wholeheartedly in the world of the book, whether the setting is familiar or fantastic. She wants to see authentic, thoughtful representations of all people so that every kid can find a book that speaks to them. She wants even the simplest lines of dialogue to pluck at her heartstrings because they’re so perfectly written for that character. Erin loves that startled feeling you get upon reaching the end of a chapter in a really good book. You forget you’re reading when you’re so busy living, you know?

Michaela Whatnall is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, where they have worked out of the West Coast office since 2019.

They have a degree in English and linguistics from Emory University, completed the Columbia Publishing Course, and in 2023 they were selected as a Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree.

Michaela’s background in school and library marketing accounts for their strong interest in children’s literature, particularly middle grade and young adult fiction of all genres, including contemporary, fantasy, science fiction, historical, adventure, horror, and romance. In the adult fiction space, they are particularly seeking contemporary, speculative, and historical upmarket fiction, as well as character-driven, grounded fantasy and romantasy. They are also open to select narrative nonfiction for both children and adults, graphic novels, and picture books.

 

Ruth Gila Berger (she/her) is a literary agent with Red Sofa Literary.

She spent twenty-four years at Consortium Book Sales & Distribution where she worked with a wide variety of independent presses, sales reps and independent booksellers. She has a MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University, and was in the first cohort who built Water~Stone Review. In prehistory, Ruth left suburban New York for the University of Iowa, where she got a BA in Theater Arts and Psychology. She never got over the culture shock. She current resides in Minneapolis where she lives with her wife and animals.

She is seeking:

• Adult and young adult fiction that has a hook, nuance, and heart. Characters should haunt me.
  
• Essay collections that show up in the wrong outfit, take a circuitous or unexpected route to writing, and question assumptions — yes please.
• Narrative nonfiction with a story – especially if it marries two seemly disparate fields like art and mathematics, physics and cooking, birds and language, etc. I want to read experts who can charm and surprise me, make me laugh and never take a tone of intellectual superiority.
• Memoir is where my heart lives but you have to knock my socks off and be connected to something in the larger world. Memoirists must have a platform to sell.
• Graphic Novels, only if they are original, beautiful and funny.

For all of it, if you’ve been told to shut up and stay in the margins where you belong, I want to be your champion.

On my inspiration shelf: Paradise by Toni Morrison, Festival Days by Jo Ann Beard, Apocalypse, Darling by Barrie Jean Borich, Jesus’ Son by Denis Johnson, NOLA Face by Brooke Champagne, A Secret History of World Wide Outage by Elizabeth O’Brien, There, There by Tommy Orange, Fleabag by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Crazy Like a Fox by Christi Furnas.

 

Laura Zats is a literary agent with Headwater Literary.

(Note: Concerning the 10-minute “pitch” appointments at the event, Laura’s agency handles these opportunities in a specific way. In her own words: “Headwater, as a policy doesn’t do traditional pitch sessions, but we DO perform consultations, where we meet with anyone and answer questions & give feedback, rather than just give a yes/no.”)

For over a decade, Laura has worked with books in every way from bookselling to editing to self-publishing. A literary agent since 2014, she finds the most joy in working closely with authors to build their long-term careers in ways that contribute positively to their financial and mental health, as well as the greater community. Since 2016, Laura has hosted Print Run, a publishing podcast, with Erik Hane and is increasingly passionate about teaching, mentorship, and the role books play in the fight for social justice.

In her spare time, Laura plays tabletop role-playing games, cooks elaborate meals, follows long-distance dogsled racing, and drinks a lot of tea. Connect with her on twitter @LZats.

LAURA’S REPRESENTATIVE CATEGORIES: 

• YA
• Science fiction/fantasy
• Romance
• Select mystery
• Literary fiction with speculative elements
• Select contemporary and historical fiction

“I am actively looking to flesh out the adult side of my list but am always excited to read YA. I particularly love to work on books that appeal to readers of different genres or subgenres—if you’re pitching something that crosses multiple areas of my list, I want to see it!”

IN YOUNG ADULT:

I’m interested in reading about standout characters I’ve never met before, clever twists on familiar themes, and compassionate writing. I’m also very interested in seeing marginalized creators take on “tired” tropes.

Unfortunately, 2020 has killed my interest in dystopia/big government stories, but I’m very much open to anything else. This is a category where I don’t quite know what I want until I see it, so take the above and run with it!

Favorite recent reads: WILDER GIRLS by Rory Power, GROWN by Tiffany D. Jackson

IN ROMANCE:

I gravitate towards tropes that build conflict from the roles and expectations a character brings with them at the start of the book—think enemies (or rivals) to lovers, fake relationship, and coworkers. Put another way, I like the tension to come from forces outside the relationship versus forces inside the relationship (like accidental pregnancy, love triangle, miscommunication, etc.)

I’m not a good fit for Christian romance.

I work with a lot of LGBTQ+ romance and am always excited to add more to my list in all subgenres! I particularly would love to see more f/f and would love more nb or trans characters.

Favorite recent reads: THE LADY’S GUIDE TO CELESTIAL MECHANICS by Olivia Waite, THE ROOMMATE by Rosie Danan

IN MYSTERY:

I am a life-long cozy mystery fan and am always looking for anything that hits Jessica Fletcher and/or Miss Marple notes. I am particularly looking for cozy series or standalone books that bring something fresh to the genre beyond a distinctive setting. For example, I’d love to see projects that play with romance or speculative fiction tropes as much as traditional mystery tropes, or that feature a BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ protagonist.

I will consider historical and contemporary mysteries, as well as speculative ones, as long as they hit the requirements listed above.

I am not looking for police/law enforcement heroes or love interests. I am also not looking for thrillers, even domestic thrillers.

Favorite recent reads: ARSENIC AND ADOBO by Mia P. Manansala, DEATH IN CASTLE DARK by Veronica Bond, the Below Stairs series by Jennifer Ashley, and anything by Elly Griffiths

IN SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY:

SF/F will always be my first love, and as such, I’m very open to all subgenres, as well as horror. However, submitted projects must pass the Bechdel and/or the Mako Mori test.

Forever loves for me are heists/cons, fantasy that taps into gaming culture/fandom, witches, and reluctant, flawed heroes. I prefer to see traditional settings and tropes twisted on their heads. I’m drawn to seeing progressive, community-focused politics in my SFF and would love to have more decolonized worlds come across my desk.

I am less interested in dystopian/big gov stories, superheroes, steampunk, military SFF, and traditional Tolkien-esque high fantasy, but still willing to look at these books if they’re doing something new.

Favorite recent reads: GIDEON THE NINTH by Tamsyn Muir, RETURN OF THE THIEF by Megan Whalen Turner, MAGIC FOR LIARS by Sarah Gailey, THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE THE TIME WAR by Max Gladstone and Amal El-Mohtar

IN LITERARY FICTION WITH SPECULATIVE ELEMENTS:

The primary distinction between literary fiction with speculative elements and general SFF is usually a matter of sales, not content. I’m separating this section out only in the event that you, the reader, haven’t considered querying agents who rep SFF!

I’m looking for a wide range of speculative elements here—from something as fantastical as the Cthulhu monsters in LOVECRAFT COUNTRY to something as subtle as the earth’s slowing rotation backdrop in THE AGE OF MIRACLES.

SELECT CONTEMPORARY AND HISTORICAL FICTION:

Historical with LGBTQ+ main characters (like THE PAYING GUESTS by Sarah Waters, THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid)

Historical and contemporary fiction that isn’t speculative but either feels adjacent to SFF (like LITTLE by Edward Carey) or appeals to related fandoms (like A STUDY IN SCARLET WOMEN by Sherry Thomas)

 

Michael Croy is a literary agent with Northstar Literary.

Michael is Principal of Northstar Literary, an agency he founded in 2014. He has over 25 years of experience in publishing having worked at Bantam Doubleday Dell, Random House and Simon & Schuster in a number of sales and management roles. Michael works on a wide range of content, focusing on narrative nonfiction, pop culture, music, inspirational sports biography, and cooking. Michael also represents general fiction, suspense, mystery and crime novels.

Michael is interested in acquiring general/mainstream fiction – stories told with heart and humor that have a strong sense of place with characters you quickly cheer for (or against!). Recent fiction favorites like Whiskey When We’re Dry by John Larison, When All is Said by Anne Griffin or The Bear by Andrew Krivak.

On the narrative nonfiction side he is looking for thoughtful pop culture commentary, or cultural history, think Valeria Luiselli’s powerful Tell Me How It Ends, or Chuck Klosterman’s The Nineties, or This Woman’s Work by Sinead Gleeson and Kim Gordon. Sports biographies that are less about sport and more about personal struggles to overcome political, cultural, or physical hurdles – think of Path Lit By Lightning: The life of Jim Thorpe by David Maraniss

These are some of our growing list of success stories regarding workshop attendees who have found their agent (or editor) match at a Writing Day Workshops event:

“I met Mai Nguyen at the Toronto Writing Workshop and sold her manuscript in early 2022 in a pre-empt to Atria Books/S&S for six-figures. It’s called SUNSHINE NAILS and will be out in 2023.”
– literary agent Carly Watters (she/her) of P.S. Literary Agency

“I attended the Writing Conference of Los Angeles and used the information, and manuscript critique from Chuck Sambuchino, to pitch my novel The Things We Didn’t Know to Simon & Schuster’s ‘Books Like Us’ Contest. The book won the $50,000 grand prize, which includes publication. My agent is Laurie Liss from Sterling Lord.” [Update: Elba’s book became a USA Today bestseller in Feb. 2024.]
– writer Elba Iris Perez

“I got to attend your L.A. Conference [The Writing Conference of Los Angeles] and it was a great experience. Thank you for all the information!”
– Tomi Adeyemi, author of #1 New York Times bestseller CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE (Henry Holt Books, Jimmy Fallon’s Summer Reads Choice). Her agent is Alexandra Machinist of ICM Partners

“I signed Lex Lamb from the
2025 Pittsburgh Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kat Kerr of Donald Maas Literary Agency

“I signed Laura Allen after meeting her
at the 2025 Seattle Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Eric Smith of Neighborhood Literary

“I attended the 2025 Sacramento Writing Workshop and just signed with an agent! Thank you for all your help and advice and support through the process.”
– writer Rachelle Ginee

“I just signed Tamatha Cain for her YA historical novel.
She pitched to me at the 2025 Pittsburgh Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Brandy Vallance of Barbara Bova Literary

(See a list of upcoming Writing Day Workshops conferences, both in-person and online.)

“I signed with agent Elisa Saphier from MacGregor & Luedeke. I met with her at the 2024 Ohio Writing Workshop. Thank you for providing this fantastic opportunity that was crucial in helping me find my agent.”
– writer Steven Gellman

“I attended a Writing Day Workshops conference. I used the critique and information to help find my agent, Jacklyn Saferstein-Hansen of Renaissance Management. I now have three books bought by Thomas Mercer. My first book, BROKEN BAYOU, has 31,000 reviews on Amazon.”
– writer Jennifer Moorhead

“I signed author Sarah Mead after I met her
at the 2024 in-person Buffalo Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Katie Manson of SBR Media

“I signed novelist Greg Hammond from the 2025 Philadelphia Writing Workshop. And I am still considering other submissions from the event.”
– literary agent Madison Smartt Bell of Ayesha Pande Literary

“I attended the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Alabama Writing Workshops. The workshops were filled with a treasure trove of valuable information. I also paid for a query letter critique by Brian Klems. With his critique, my query letter received 30 full requests and three offers of representation! I signed with my dream agent, Alexandra D’Amico. My book, The Southern Sorority of Superstitious Witches, is out on submission with publishers!”
– writer Katie Ortiz

“I signed writer Robert Cimera from
the 2025 San Diego Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Brenna English-Loeb of Transatlantic Agency

“I signed with agent Elizabeth Copps from Copps Literary Services after meeting her at the 2025 Colorado Writing Workshop. We’re going on sub this fall! Thanks for introducing us!”
– writer Abby J. Reed

“Exactly one week after the 2024 Carolina Writing
Workshop in Raleigh, we signed an attending writer.”
– literary agent Andrea Hurst of Andrea Hurst & Associates Literary Management

“I signed writer Elienne Lawson after she pitched
me at the 2024 Houston Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Jennifer Chen Tran of Glass Literary

“THANK YOU for the 2024 Colorado Writing Workshop. I received an offer from an agent I pitched. Any testimonials you need — I’m your girl!”
– writer Arianna Siddiqui

“I’m so grateful to the 2024 Boston Writing Workshop for connecting me with my agent, Eric Smith of Neighborhood Literary! Many thanks to the WDW coordinators for making it possible!”
– writer Madison Lessard

(See a list of upcoming Writing Day Workshops conferences, both in-person and online.)

“I signed with agent Maggie Sadler after
pitching her at the 2024 Michigan Writing Workshop.”
– writer Garrett Mostowski

“I recently secured representation for my novel with Trident Media Group in NYC. Thank you for your help with my query letter as well as the excellent feedback I received at the Cleveland Writing Workshop, especially the critique on my first 10 pages!”
– writer Mike Piero

“I was at the 2025 San Diego Writing Workshop
and got an offer of representation!”
– writer Kalynn Harrington

“I am thrilled to share this great news. Today, I announced my newest client – Nicola Joshua! I met Nicola at the 2025 Florida Writing Workshops. Thank you and Writing Day Workshops for bringing us together.”
– literary agent Sheila Fernley of Storm Literary

“I am SO excited to announce that I’m represented by agent Amy Giuffrida of  after pitching her at the 2025 Texas Writing Workshop.”
– writer Makayla Leigh

“My novel garnered interest from ALL four of my choice of agents at the 2024 Ohio Writing Workshop. I ultimately signed with Stephanie Phillips of SBR Media! Thank you so much for this wonderful program!”
– writer Joel Ramirez aka J.R. Sarita (pen name)

“Kat Foxx of The Rights Factory is officially my agent as of today! I honestly don’t think this would have happened without the [2025] San Diego Writing Workshop. I can’t thank you enough for organizing the workshop and creating this opportunity. The chance to pitch my novel there made all the difference.”
– writer Nadezh Frank

“I’m now represented by Cindy Bullard of Birch Literary after pitching her at 2023 San Diego Writing Workshop. Thank you for putting on this event. It made all the difference.”
– writer Benjamin Mark Adams

“I signed Allyson Shaw after meeting her
at the 2025 Portland Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Beck Leigh of BAM Literary Management

“Agent Bridgette Kam of Westwood Creative Artists signed me after I pitched her at the 2024 Toronto Writing Workshop.”
– writer Tasneem Jivanji

“I attended the 2024 Michigan Writing Workshop, where I pitched agent Rachel Beck of Liza Dawson Associates. With her representation, I’ve signed a new three-book contract with Harlequin Romantic Suspense. Thank you for this event that brings publishing professionals to authors.”
– writer Dana Corbit Nussio

“I signed writer Arthur Haynes after meeting him
at the 2023 Writing Workshop of Chicago.”
– literary agent Vicky Weber  of Creative Media Agency

“I went 6/6 pitching my novel at a Writing Day Workshops event. (Three fulls and 3 partials.) I have been offered representation by my dream agent at D4E0! Thank you so much for coordinating this wonderful writing event that allows authors and publishing professionals to connect! I owe it all to Writing Day Workshops.”
– writer Nancy Laney Skultety

“Thanks to the 2025 Minnesota Writing Workshop, I had the opportunity to pitch my novel to agent Brandy Vallance of Barbara Bova Literary Agency. I officially signed with the agency this week. I can’t recommend Writing Day Workshops highly enough!”
– writer Derek Davidson

“I signed a writer from the Philadelphia Writing Workshop. Her debut novel came out from Putnam Children’s.”
– literary agent Kelly Dyksterhouse of Tobias Literary Agency

“I signed writer Jennie Burke after meeting her at the 2023 Chesapeake Writers Conference. She’s written a gorgeous memoir and I can’t wait to share the proposal with editors. I also signed Sarah G. Pierce from the 2023 Seattle Writing Workshop, and we recently sold her book in a pre-empt, two-book deal to Orbit/Redhook. Her premise hooked me immediately when we met, and once I started reading the sample  pages I couldn’t stop.”
– literary agent Pam Gruber of Highline Literary

“I found my agent, Bonnie Swanson of FinePrint Literary
Management, at the 2024 Kentucky Writing Workshop.”
– writer Joel Shoemaker

(See a list of upcoming Writing Day Workshops conferences, both in-person and online.)

“Your Writing Day Workshops have been fantastic and so helpful. I signed with agent Kristen Terrette for my horror manuscript after meeting her at the 2025 Atlanta Writing Workshop. This would not have happened without WDW!”
– writer Mischa Fox

“I signed with literary agent Madison Smartt Bell after pitching
him at the 2025 Philadelphia Writing Workshop”
– writer Brianna Hall

“I signed author Lee Ann Jung from the
2025 Kentucky Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Amanda Wooden of SBR Media

“I found my literary agent Beck Leigh through Writing Day
Workshops at the 2025 Ohio Writing Workshop.”
– writer Katie Lee

“I signed with a literary agent after pitching her at the 2024 Writing Workshop of Chicago. I got my query and 10 pages critiqued. Thank you so much for your help!”
– writer Pamela Pan

“I signed an author who pitched me at the 2023 Seattle Writing Workshop. I am so excited to work with this author and can’t thank you and your team enough for hosting such a great event!”
– literary agent Andie Smith of Booker Albert Literary Agency

“Saher Eeshat pitched to me at the 2024 Colorado Writing
Workshop, and I HAD to read her story! So excited and
honored to now represent her.”
– literary agent Morgan Hughes of Fineprint Literary Management

“I signed with agent Syrone Harvey of Belcastro Agency. I pitched her at the 2025 Writing Conference of Los Angeles and she is amazing. I am thrilled with this partnership and am so glad that I attended the event.”
– writer Erika Davis Wien

“Just wanted to reach out and let you know I’ve signed Jenna Hanington
from the 2025 New England Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Hunter Strickland of Focused Artists

“I signed with a literary agent I pitched at
at the 2025 Portland Writing Workshop.”
– writer Kathrin Classen

“I signed Madeline Anthony from The 2024 Buffalo Writing Workshop and I started querying her novel this past week.”
– literary agent Marisa Zeppieri of Strachan Literary Agency

“Thank you so much for all you have done. I am happy to
let you know that I am now working with and agent and
your advice aided greatly.” [James attended the Chesapeake Writing Workshop.]
– writer James Speights

“I attended the Florida Writing Workshop and Ohio Writing Workshop, and used the help and feedback I received during to land my agents Susan Velazquez Colmant and Christina Zobel ​of Jabberwocky Literary. My speculative romance is currently on submission with editors.”
– writer Kassandra Alexander

“Thought you would like to know that I have offered representation to Carla Susan Smith, whom I met through the Colorado Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Mindi St. Peter of BAMBooks

“I have attended two of the Writing Workshop of Chicago conferences, one in person and one virtual, and had wonderful experiences with both. I signed with an agent I pitched at your event.” [UPDATE: Lina’s debut mystery novel, PLAY THE FOOL, came out in 2023.]
– writer Lina Chern

“I signed a client, Frances Denny, after meeting her at the [online] 2023 Florida Writing Workshop! (Her book should be going out on sub soon!)”
literary agent Kate Davids of Arc Literary Management

“I signed writer Nicole Nixon after she pitched me
at the 2025 Ohio Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Ritu Anand of D4E0 Literary

“I signed Leland Myrick, one of the authors I met
at the 2023 Writing Workshop of San Francisco.”
– literary agent Renee C. Fountain of GH Literary

“I found my agent, Vicky Weber, at
the 2024 Writing Workshop of Chicago.”
– writer C.E. Santiago

“I signed with agent Emmy Nordstrom Higdon of Westwood Creative Artists! I first met Emmy at a Writing Day Workshops conference several years ago. I can’t thank you enough for everything!”
– writer Dr. Arien Skiba

“I signed Caroline Fowler Davis at the [online] Pittsburgh Writing Workshop, and we are working on her book MAY IT PLEASE THE SEA to get it ready for publishers. Very exciting!”
– literary agent Allison Hellegers of Stimola Literary Studio

“I signed author Katie Stahl-Kovell, who pitched to me
at the 2024 Carolina Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Shania Soler of Metamorphosis Literary

“I signed Christina Mercer from the 2025 Sacramento
Writing Workshop. Thought you’d like to know!”
– literary agent Katie Reed of Katie Reed Literary

“I wanted to share the good news with you. I signed a client, Yosha Gunasekera, who I met at the Florida Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Michelle Richter of Fuse Literary

“I signed Julie Tyler who pitched to me via your
[online] Tennessee Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Felice Laverne

“I was at the Writing Workshop of Chicago and pitched my agent Amanda Luedeke. I’ve had a couple of books published with her.” [John’s latest book is The 53rd Man: Fighting to Make It in the NFL. As of 2025, Amanda has sold a second book of his.]
– writer John Vampatella

“I signed Shayna Bryan after she pitched me
at the 2025 Colorado Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Elizabeth Copps of Copps Literary

“I signed a client I met at the 2023 Writers
Conference of Los Angeles! Huzzah!”
– literary agent Halley Dunne Parry

“I have signed with Ariana Philips of Jean V. Naggar Literary! I pitched my novel to Ariana over Zoom at the 2021 online Tennessee Writing Workshop. It was a great experience, and because of WDW, I have an agent!”
– writer Melissa Collings

“I found my literary agent at the [online]
2022 Michigan Writing Workshop.”
– writer Najla Mamou

“I scored my agent, Cameron McClure of Donald Maass Literary Agency, pitching at the 2023 Florida Writing Workshop!”
– writer K. Valentin

“I signed writer Kevin Ramirez through a
Writing Day Workshops conference in 2024.”
– literary agent Elisa Saphier of MacGregor & Luedeke

“I pitched someone much cooler than me at the 2023 online Writing Workshop of Chicago: Eric Smith of Neighborhood Literary. Now he is my agent and I am forever grateful.”
– writer Brenton Fisher

“I attended the 2024 Kansas City Writers Workshop and pitched to Stephanie Hansen from Metamorphosis Literary Agency. I signed with her yesterday! I am over the moon excited! Thanks for all your help and for the great workshop!
–  writer Teresa Lorenz-Do

“I signed a client from the 2023 Philadelphia Writing Workshop! Erica Vanstone and I are working on her narrative nonfiction about the Philly roller derby scene.”
– literary agent Amy Giuffrida of Belcastro Literary Agency

“I’m grateful for the WDW conferences I attended in 2021! They were instrumental to the start of my publishing career and I recommend them regularly. I received an offer of representation from an agent I pitched at one of your conferences.”
– writer Clare Marie Edgeman

“I signed client Dawn Berson from your Writing Workshop of San Francisco in 2023. Thank you for all you do to bring writers and agents together!”
– literary agent Bonnie Swanson of Fineprint Literary Management

(See a list of upcoming Writing Day Workshops conferences, both in-person and online.)

“I wanted to let you know that I signed client Lia Upton
Kidder from the 2024 Portland Writing Workshop!”
– literary agent Jynastie Wilson of LCS Literary Services

“I signed with my agent after pitching her at
the 2024 Writing Conference of Los Angeles.”
– writer Melissa Demirel

“I signed a client (novelist Janet Barrow) that I met
at the 2023 Writing Workshop of Chicago!”
– literary agent Elisa Moles of Painted Fire Literary

“The 2024 Tennessee Writing Workshop was a fantastic event. I received a book deal offer from an editor at the conference.”
– writer Rachel Gates

“I signed with a literary agent after pitching
her at the 2024 Florida Writing Workshop.”
– writer D. Ajayi

“If it were not for your great Writing Day Workshops conferences, I would not have learned so much in a short span of time. I think these workshops have given me the necessary tools to be successful.”
– writer Soma Kar, agented by Selwa Anthony of Selwa Author Management

“An agent at the [online] 2021 Carolina Writing Workshop offered representation and I parlayed that into another offer at the [online] 2021 Pittsburgh Writing Workshop. I’m now represented by Dani Segelbaum at Arc Literary. I am so grateful for the opportunity to meet agents at your workshops. It’s a great program!”
– writer Jennifer Davis

“I wanted to let you know that we’ve agreed to a deal with one of the writers who pitched me during the 2022 online Writing Workshop of Chicago. Sourcebooks will be publishing a new edition of Cathy Livingstone’s Best Grandmother Names book, and she will be writing a Best Grandfather Names book for us as well. This is very exciting!”
– Anna Michels, editorial director of Sourcebooks and Poisoned Pen Press

“I signed writer Patricia Beadle from the
(online) 2022 San Diego Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Michelle Jackson of Jackson Literary

“Writing Day Workshops has been a game-changer for my writing. I attended the 2024 online Writing Workshop of San Francisco. Within two weeks, I had multiple offers from agents I pitched there. I’m thrilled to say I’ve signed with ArtHouse Literary. I could not be more excited. Thank you!”
– writer Janilise Lloyd

“I signed an author named Lauren Bell, who I met
at a Writing Day Workshops online conference!”
– literary agent Tori Sharp of The Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency

“I’m thrilled to have signed writer Maggie Lafreniere to 5 Otter Literary, who I had an instant connection with in our pitch session at the [online] 2022 Writing Workshop of Chicago! She’s such a talent, and we expect big things for her! Looking forward to finding more amazing authors at future Writing Day Workshops conferences!”
– literary agent Ali McDonald of 5 Otter Literary

“I have BIG news. I just signed with a literary agent I met through the 2021 [online] Minnesota Writing Conference. I want to thank you for all the support you have shown me over this year and the wonderful conferences you put on.”
– writer Maria Costanzo Palmer

“I can’t thank you enough. The [online] 2021 Chesapeake Writing Workshop was really a great venue to meet my literary agent.”
– writer Hamsa Buvaraghan

“Last week I signed Sarah Elisabeth Brown who pitched to me via your [online] 2021 Michigan Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Darlene Chan of Linda Chester Associates

“I am the co-author of On the Rocks: The Primadonna Story. My writing partner and I found our literary agent at the [online] 2021 Minnesota Writing Workshop”
– writer Ruthie Robbins

“After pitching him at the 2022 [online] Atlanta Writing
Workshop, I signed with agent Daniel Cramer of
Page Turner Literary Agency.”
– writer Melody Plan

“I found my agent through your [online] 2021 Pittsburgh Writing Workshop! I signed with agent Leticia Gomez back in April and signed a contract with HCI Books. My book came out September 2023.”
– writer Laura K. Connell

“Because of the Minnesota Writing Workshop, and the ability to pitch an agent one-on-one, I signed with agent Debbie Alsdorf from Books & Such. Thank you for the opportunity and for being a piece of my road to success. I truly appreciate it.”
– writer Chelsea Ohlemiller

“I attended the 2019 Seattle Writing Workshop and found my agent at that event! I have since published my book, Per My Last E-Mail. I am thankful for the agent pitch sessions Writing Day Workshops provided.”
– author Stephanie K. Wright

“Highly recommend these workshops! This is how I got my agent! The live pitch definitely gave more opportunity to be passionate & talk about the book than my query letter ever could.” [S.E. found her agent, Eric Smith of Neighborhood Literary, at the online 2021 San Diego Writing Workshop.]
– writer S.E. Doster of Geeky Acrylics

“I attended the 2023 Writing Conference of Los Angeles and
signed with agent Darlene Chan after pitching her at the event.”
– writer Esther Dixon

“This year I signed Natasha Khan, who pitched her story to
me at the Atlanta Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kortney Price

“Excited to announce that Megan Davies-Ostrom is my newest client!
Her horror and horror-adjacent work is wickedly fun and I know you’ll
all love it! She pitched me at the 2020 [online] Toronto Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Becky LeJeune of Bond Literary

(See a list of upcoming Writing Day Workshops conferences, both in-person and online.)

“I signed novelist Kathleen McInnis after meeting her at the 2016 Chesapeake Writing Workshop.” (Update: Kathleen’s novel THE HEART OF WAR: MISADVENTURES IN THE PENTAGON (A NOVEL) came out in 2018.)
– literary agent Adriann Ranta

“I attended the 2025 Portland Writing Workshop and signed with agent Elisa Saphier after pitching her at the event.”
– writer Amelia Nason

“I just signed client Kyle Reardon from the [online] 2021 San Diego
Writing Workshop. Online virtual pitches DO WORK!!!”
– literary agent Lynnette Novak of The Seymour Agency

“I attended the Colorado 2020 and Michigan 2021 events. A conference editor evaluated the first 10 pages of my novel. Thanks to the feedback I received, my novel found a home with Historium Press. The Curse of Maiden Scars was released on June 4, 2023.”
– writer Nicolette Croft

“I met author M. David Flanagan at the 2019 Writing Workshop of  San Francisco and will be representing his middle grade series,  Maggie Monday! How exciting!”
– literary agent and partner Laurie McLean of Fuse Literary

“Fun fact: I have offered representation to at least one attendee
per Writing Day Workshops conference. There’s always one gem
(at least!). So excited for your events!”
– literary agent Cecilia Lyra of P.S. Literary Agency

“After pitching to book agent Nikki Terpilowski through the [online]
2020 Colorado Writing Workshop, she wants to represent my book. Thank
you for your wonderful online conference and for making this possible.”
– writer Karen Harlin

“I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Anne Christopher to
#TeamSpencerhill. We first met at the 2020 Atlanta Writing Workshop,
and I absolutely fell in love with her Southern-flavored reunion romance.”
– literary agent Ali Herring of Spencerhill Associates

“I ended up signing up with agent Michael Carr of Veritas
Literary following the [online] 2020 Boston Writing Conference.
As a non-US author and non-native English speaker living
outside the big literary hubs, the opportunity to connect with
industry professionals via Zoom was invaluable for me.”
– writer Didem Tali

“I’m thrilled to announce that Sandra Knisely Barnidge has signed with me!
I met Sandra in Birmingham [2020 Alabama Writing Workshop] in March.
She pitched me her story about a group of girlfriends & what happens
when one girl becomes convinced she can levitate—I was hooked.”
– literary agent Erin Clyburn of Howland Literary

“I just signed a writer from the 2019 North Carolina Writing
Workshop! Her name is Sarah Warburton and we’ll be working
together on her women’s fiction. Thanks!”
– literary agent Melissa Jeglinski of The Knight Agency

“A big shout out to Writing Day Workshops. Their 2024 Ohio Writing Workshop
helped me escape the query trenches. Seriously, sign up for their pitch
sessions!” [Christina’s agent is Lesley Sabga of The Seymour Agency.]
– writer Christina Paschyn

“I signed Andrea Kessler, a picture book
writer I met at the 2019 Chesapeake Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Shari Maurer of The Stringer Agency

“I am happy to report that I signed a writer after meeting
them through a pitch session at the 2016 Writing Workshop of Chicago.”
– literary agent Marcy Posner of Folio Literary

“I got an offer of representation from an agent at the [online]
2020 Boston Writing Workshop. I can’t thank you enough for
your incredible hard work in organizing the conference.”
– writer Anoop Ahuja Judge

“I signed writer Julie Tuovi after we met
in person at the 2016 Cleveland Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Moe Ferrara of BookEnds Literary

“I signed author Stephanie Wright from
the 2018 Seattle Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kathleen Ortiz of K.O. Media Management

“I signed writer Mia Lazarewicz after she pitched
me at the 2018 Boston Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Amelia Appel of TriadaUS Literary

“I signed an author from the 2016 Toronto Writing Workshop. I
requested her manuscript during a pitch session, read it overnight,
and loved it so much that I offered representation the next day!”
– literary agent Rachel Letofsky of Transatlantic Agency

“I went to the Kansas City Writing Workshop, and that’s how I got
my agent! Also, your encouraging critique of my query letter and
synopsis helped me have the confidence to put myself out there.”
– writer Angela Crocker

“I recently signed Cathy Collison & Janis Campbell, who I met at the 2019
Michigan Writing Workshop. We’re starting out with a MG nonfiction
project and have a lot of other things in the pipeline after that!”
– literary agent Jacqui Lipton of The Tobias Agency

“Good news! I signed a client [novelist Aliza Mann]
from the 2017 Michigan Writing Workshop!”
– literary agent Sara Megibow of Megibow Literary

“I wanted to let you know I signed a writer who
I met at the 2017 Writing Workshop of Chicago,
Rebecca Rissman. It was a quality conference.”
– literary agent Jennifer Unter of The Unter Agency

(See a list of upcoming Writing Day Workshops conferences, both in-person and online.)

“I first met my agent, Lindsay Guzzardo from Martin Literary, at the 2019
Seattle Writing Workshop. She sold my novel, ALL THE LIGHTS ABOVE US
(May 2022) to Alcove Press, a women’s fiction offshoot of Crooked Lane Publishing.”
– writer Melinda Burns-Henry

“I truly loved doing the 2019 San Diego Writing Workshop
and signed writer Marie Lavanier from the conference!”
– literary agent Jessica Watterson of Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency

“I am writing to say thank you for organizing these writing workshops.
I attended in 2019 and 2020, and I learned so much. My book,
Own Your Opportunities, is scheduled to be released in 2022. Attending
your workshops gave me so much information. I appreciated the
opportunity to speak directly to agents and get feedback. All in all, your workshops
helped me secure an agent and get a book deal. Dreams do come true. I encourage
everyone I know who desires to write a book to attend your workshops.”
– writer Juliet Hall

I recently signed on Daniel Stuart Olmes, whom I met at the
2021 [online] Chesapeake Writers Conference for his book Reflections of
an Ordinary Guy: The Everyday Experiences That Changed My Life.”
– literary agent Leticia Gomez of Savvy Literary

“I found a fabulous client at the
2019 Florida Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Cricket Freeman of The August Agency

“I’m signing a writer, Jason Hendricks, who I met
through the Seattle Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Leslie Varney of Prentis Literary

“I attended the 2019 Philadelphia Writing Workshop. The conference and
one-on-one session with agent John Willig reaffirmed my belief in my book
idea and book proposal. About a year ago I earned representation from
Waterside Productions; my book APA Style & Citations was released
by Wiley in May 2021. Thank you for the encouragement.” [UPDATE: Joe’s second book,
College Writing For Dummies, comes out in 2022.]
– writer Joe Giampalmi

“I signed Lew Schrager, an author from
the 2015 Chesapeake Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Laura Strachan of The Strachan Literary Agency

“I signed a client, Claudia Sorsby, from the
2019 Boston Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Charlotte Wenger of Prospect Agency

“I signed an attendee from the 2018 Writing Workshop
of San Francisco! Her name is Justine Macauley, and we are
very excited to have made the match!”
– literary agent Jennie Kendrick of Red Fox Literary

“After attending the [online] 2020 Colorado Writing Workshop, I signed
with a literary agent! I am so delighted. I received interest from multiple
agents and signed with Keely Boeving from WordServe Literary. I am thrilled.”
– writer Brie R. Doyle

“Hi WDW team, I just wanted to let you know that
I signed an author I met at the 2017 Michigan
Writing Workshop: Theresa Grant. Thanks so much!”
– literary agent Alice Speilburg of Speilburg Literary

“I pitched two agents at the 2019 Florida Writing Workshop. Both
agents requested my manuscript and, less than a week later, one of
them offered representation! I ultimately received five (!!) offers of
representation on the manuscript. I’ve always said the WDW conference
was the ‘first domino’ in getting my agent, Stefanie Lieberman of Janklow & Nesbit.
My debut novel sold in a pre-empt.”
– author Sarah L. Penner

“I just signed a writer E.J. Lawrence, who I met
at the 2017 Tennessee Writing Workshop!”
– literary agent Lesley Sabga of The Seymour Agency

“I met my client, Alison Hammer, at the 2017 Writing
Workshop of Chicago and just sold her book.”
– literary agent Joanna Mackenzie of Nelson Literary

(See a list of upcoming Writing Day Workshops conferences, both in-person and online.)

“I love the quality of clients I find at the Writing Day
Workshops events. I signed writer Alicia Bernasconi
from the Indiana Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Cyle Young of Hartline Literary

“[Author] Amber Cowie met [agent] Gordon Warnock of Fuse
Literary and [editor] Alison Dasho of Lake Union Publishing
at the 2017 Seattle Writing Workshop. Amber’s debut
RAPID FALLS is due out from Lake Union in fall 2018.”
– literary agent Gordon Warnock writing on the Fuse Literary blog.
[UPDATE: RAPID FALLS was released and quickly gathered more than
900 reviews on Amazon, reaching #1 on some categories.]

“After meeting him at the 2019 Writing Conference of Los Angeles,
I signed with agent Steven Hutson as a client. I’m so stoked to move
into the next leg of my writing career. Such a blessing.”
– writer Mya Douglas

“I made an offer of representation to Sarah Kaminski,
who pitched me at the 2018 Writing Workshop of Chicago.
A million thanks for introducing us.”
– literary agent Tina P. Schwartz of The Purcell Agency

“I got my agent at the 2018 Pittsburgh Writing Workshop. The
conference was a great opportunity to connect with agents in person.”
– writer Caitlin M. Smith

“Yay! I signed two clients from the
2017 Minnesota Writing Workshop!”
– literary agent Mary Cummings of Great River Literary

“I signed with a literary agent after pitching her at
the 2017 Alabama Writing Workshop.”
– writer Laura W. Carter

“I was at the Philadelphia Writing Workshop. I pitched two
agencies that day, and today I signed with one of them! I am now
represented by Brower Literary! Thank you for all you do to
support writers trying to get their stories out in the world.”
– writer Jenny Raphael

“I signed with Beth Marshea of Ladderbird Literary Agency! I
pitched her at the 2018 Florida Writing Workshop. It was a perfect match.”
– writer Erica Shaw

“I attended the 2017 Alabama Writing Workshop. With the instruction
I received at your conference, I was better prepared to submit my novel. I
landed a great NY-based agent, got a book deal, went on a book tour,
and was picked as a columnist by a women’s magazine!”
– author Lorna Hollifield

“Agent Julie Gwinn of The Seymour Agency signed me from the 2017
Kentucky Writing Workshop! I feel so blessed and am thrilled beyond
belief!” [Update: Sue’s memoir, THE ATHLETE INSIDE, was sold
to Fortress Press.]
– writer Sue Reynolds

“I signed with Fuse Literary after pitching my
manuscript at the 2016 Atlanta Writing Workshop.”  
– writer Renee Barrow

“I signed an author from the 2016 Writing Workshop of Chicago.
Her name is Georgina Cross and I’m delighted I found her.” (UPDATE:
“Georgina is now writing suspense novels for Penguin Random
House and Bookouture. So grateful I met her there at a pitch
session, as we’ve had a fantastic relationship and friendship for 6 years!”)
See all Georgina’s books here.
– literary agent Rachel Beck of Liza Dawson Associates

“I signed with a literary agency after pitching
them at the the 2018 Michigan Writing Workshop.”
– writer Makiko Orser

“I just wanted you to know that I signed writer Brian Roth,
whom I met at your Indiana Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Amanda Luedeke of MacGregor & Luedeke Literary

“I signed a writer-illustrator after meeting her
at the Atlanta Writing Workshop in 2016.”
– literary agent Sally Apodedak

“I signed a client after he pitched me
his novel at a Writing Day Workshops event.”
– literary agent Elizabeth Kracht of Kimberley Cameron & Associates

“Three positive agent pitches led to two offers of representation,
following the Chesapeake Writing Workshop.”
– writer Andrea Kessler

“I signed writer Joe Stowitschek after meeting him
at the 2017 Seattle Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Paul S. Levine of Paul S. Levine Literary

“My newest client’s name is Leslie Vedder. She pitched me
during the 2016 Colorado Writing Workshop. I read her story afterward
and loved it. I offered representation the week following the event!”
– literary agent Alex Barba

“I signed an author [Kate Thompson] that I
met at the 2017 Philadelphia Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kimberly Brower of Brower Literary

“I signed a client from the 2016
Writing Workshop of Chicago.”
– literary agent Abby Saul of The Lark Group

“This is easily the best spent money I’ve ever spent on a writing conference.
Period. I can’t sing enough praise for Writing Day Workshops. Their help
directly led to signing with agent Sharon Belcastro. Even if you don’t
find your match at an event, the connections you get will be life-changing.”
– writer Robert Blaine

“I attended the 2019 Atlanta Writing Workshop and loved it. I pitched
my book to an agent, and through one of them, I signed with her
agency. We got a book deal with Skyhorse and my book will be
published this spring! I’m so thankful for this workshop!”
– writer Leah Weber

“I signed with The Seymour Agency after pitching one
of their agents at the 2017 Tennessee Writing Workshop.”
[UPDATE: Tera’s memoir, Swimming for Freedom, was
released in 2020 by Broadstreet Publishing.]
– writer Tera Bradham

“I met my client Lindsey Smith (The Food Mood Girl)
at the 2016 Philadelphia Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Eric Smith of Neighborhood Literary

(Update: Eric sold Lindsey’s book to St. Martin’s Press, and it came out in fall 2017.)

“I signed with my agent, Patricia Nelson [of Marsal Lyon Literary
Agency], after meeting her at the 2014 Arizona Writing Workshop.”
(Update: Patricia has sold several Axie’s novels to publishers, such
as HarperTeen. See all her books here.)
– writer Axie Oh

“I officially signed with agent Renee Nyen of KT Literary.
I met her at the 2014 Colorado Writing Workshop.” (Update:
Jessie’s novel, THE CALCULUS OF CHANGE, was released
from Clarion Books.)
– writer Jessie Hilb Akos

“I signed writer Beka Passauer, who I met at a pitch
session at the 2017 Seattle Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Adria Goetz of KT Literary

“I found my literary agent through the
2018 Writing Workshop of Chicago.”
– writer Joel Brigham

“I’m happy to report that I signed an author from the 2019
Chesapeake Writing Workshop! She’s terrific. I sold her book to
Simon & Schuster! It will be out in spring 2022.”
– literary agent Emily Williamson of Williamson Literary

“I’m proud to say I signed Andrew Southwick, one of the writers
who pitched me at the Philadelphia Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Michelle Lazurek of Wordwise Media Services

“I signed writers Laura Barnaby and Anitra Schulte after
meeting them at the 2017 Kansas City Writers Workshop.”
– literary agent Stephanie Hansen of Metamorphosis Literary Agency

(Update: Attendee Anitra Schulte has two books out with Two Lions [Amazon imprint]. Also, attendee Laura Barnaby (pen name Laura Snider) has a book series out with Severn River Publishing.)

“I signed with a literary agent I met at the
2018 Writing Workshop of Chicago”
– writer Ryann Roberts

“I attended the 2018 Chesapeake Writing Workshop and I
signed with a literary agent from the event. It was the
first conference I’ve been to, and I found it super helpful.”
– writer Katie Mastin

“I met my literary agent, Alice Speilburg of Speilburg Literary, at
the 2015 Kentucky Writing Workshop in Louisville. She is awesome
and I can’t recommend Writing Day Workshops events highly enough.
Book four of my #1 Amazon-bestselling Horizon Alpha series
releases April 2020, and the fifth and final book will hit stores in November 2020.”
– writer Wendy Vogel

“I signed with an agent at the Michigan Writing Workshop.”
UPDATE: Kyle’s book, HOW TO PISS OFF MEN, became a New
York Times best-seller in 2024.
– writer Kyle Prue

“I found my agent at the 2018 Boston Writing Workshop. She and I hit it
off right away, and I knew she was the right agent for me. I’m happy I
made the trip from North Carolina and would highly recommend WDW
conferences for anyone who needs an agent.”
– writer Dawn Reno Langley

“At the 2017 Tennessee Writing Workshop, I signed a number
of new authors whose books will be published in 2018.”
– editor Mike Parker of WordCrafts Press

“I am a success story! I attended the 2018 Michigan Writing
Workshop and it thrills me to announce that I am now
represented by an agent I pitched at the event.”
– writer Kristiana Sfirlea

“I enjoyed last year’s 2018 Pittsburgh Writing Workshop so much,
and from it I was able to sign a book deal with a great publisher!
I see now that I would never be where I am if it wasn’t for the workshop.”
– writer Addison Schmitt

“After taking pitches at the 2016 Alabama Writing Workshop, I met
Erin Brown Hollis at a pitch session, and she is now my client.”
[UPDATE:] “I got two publishing contracts for Erin — Broadstreet
Publishing and Vinspire Publishing.”
– literary agent Julie Gwinn of The Seymour Agency

We will continue to update the list as success stories trickle in. Will our next success story be you? Join us at an event and pitch your work to agents and editors seeking new writers now!

(See a list of upcoming Writing Day Workshops conferences, both in-person and online.)

 

 

If you are coming to the 2025 Minnesota Writing Workshop, you may be thinking about pitching one of the literary agents or editors in attendance. An in-person pitch is an excellent way to get an agent excited about both you and your work. Here are some tips (from one of a previous year’s instructors, Chuck Sambuchino) that will help you pitch your work effectively at the event during a 10-minute consultation. Chuck advises that you should:

• Try to keep your pitch to 60-90 seconds. Keeping your pitch concise and short is beneficial because 1) it shows you are in command of the story and what your book is about; and 2) it allows plenty of time for back-and-forth discussion between you and the agent. Note: If you’re writing nonfiction, and therefore have to speak plenty about yourself and your platform, then your pitch can certainly run longer.
• Practice before you get to the event. Say your pitch out loud, and even try it out on fellow writers. Feedback from peers will help you figure out if your pitch is confusing, or missing critical elements. Remember to focus on what makes your story unique. Mystery novels, for example, all follow a similar formula — so the elements that make yours unique and interesting will need to shine during the pitch to make your book stand out.
• Do not give away the ending. If you pick up a DVD for Die Hard, does it say “John McClane is victorious at the story’s end”? No. Because if it did, you wouldn’t buy the movie. Pitches are designed to leave the ending unanswered, much like the back of any DVD box you read.
• Have some questions ready. 10 minutes is plenty of time to pitch and discuss your book, so there is a good chance you will be done pitching early. At that point, you are free to ask the agent questions about writing, publishing or craft. The meeting is both a pitch session and a consultation, so feel free to ask whatever you like as long as it pertains to writing.
• Remember to hit the big beats of a pitch. Everyone’s pitch will be different, but the main elements to hit are 1) introducing the main character(s) and telling us about them, 2) saying what goes wrong that sets the story into motion, 3) explaining how the main character sets off to make things right and solve the problem, 4) explaining the stakes — i.e., what happens if the main character fails, and 5) ending with an unclear wrap-up.