After successful previous events in Tennessee and around the country, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2024 Tennessee Writing Workshop — a full-day in-person “How to Get Published” writing event in Nashville, TN on April 20, 2024.
This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (200 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2024 Tennessee Writing Workshop! We are very proud of our many success stories where attendees sign with agents following events — see our growing list of success stories here.
(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online and in-person events. This next TWW is an in-person event happening in Nashville, TN on April 20, 2024. See you there.)
WHAT IS IT?
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Music City Center. In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.
This event is designed to squeeze as much into one day of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s agent and editor faculty so far includes:
- literary agent Erica Bauman (Aeevitas Creative Management)
- literary agent Sophie Cudd (The Book Group)
- literary agent Stephanie Cardel (Lighthouse Literary)
- literary agent Mara Cobb (Martin Literary Management)
- editor Jenny Baumgartner (Hachette Book Group)
- literary agent Bonnie Swanson (The Purcell Agency)
- literary agent Michele Mortimer (Darhansoff and Verrill Literary Agents)
- literary agent Cate Hart (Harvey Klinger Literary)
- literary agent Julie Gwinn (The Seymour Agency)
- editor Mike Parker (Wordcrafts Press)
- and possibly more to come.
By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey. This independent event is organized by coordinator Brian Klems of Writing Day Workshops. Contact Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com to register and tell him you’re interested in the Tennessee event.
EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:
9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, April 20, 2024 — at Music City Center, 201 Rep. John Lewis Way South, Nashville, TN 37203.
(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online and in-person events. This next TWW is an in-person event happening in Nashville, TN on April 20, 2024. See you there.)
THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (APRIL 20, 2024):
What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. The topics below are mostly set, but subject to change. You can see a more detailed layout of the day’s classes on the Schedule Page here.
Please Note: There will be 2-3 classes/workshops going at all times during the day, so you will have your choice of what class you attend at any time. The final schedule of topics is subject to change, but here is the current layout:
8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.
BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30
1. How to Write a Great Query Letter for Your Novel. This session will discuss how to research agents, how to submit, what an offer of representation will look like, the role of an agent in your query, and how to make a good agent-client relationship last.
2. Revision 101—Using Feedback to Get Your Story Closer to Your Vision. Writing your manuscript’s first draft is a huge step, but only a primary one. Now it’s time to look at your creation and slowly make it amazing through overhauls, self-editing, and revision.
BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50
1. How to Plan a Successful Book Launch. This presentation is especially helpful for new authors to create a tasks timeline, set a budget, and learn what kinds of marketing options to consider when releasing their books.
2. Finding Your Voice. In this talk, attendees will learn how to identify your voice, how to deliberately and expertly finesse it, and how the best way to sharpen your voice is to write, write, write!
(What you see here is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here.)
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN: 11:50 – 1:15
Lunch is on your own during these 85 minutes.
BLOCK THREE: 1:15 – 2:30
1. “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest (room). 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. Intro to Writing Picture Books. This course provides an introduction to the key components, including: structure, plot, character development, word choice, rhyme, pacing, themes, humor, and layout.
BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45
1. Open Agent Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from TWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.
2. Plotting Magic. Using the wisdom of Aristotle, Joseph Campbell (The Hero’s Journey) and writing gurus across the country, the 15 Plot Spots will let you in on you the secrets of plotting from the masters.
(What you see here is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here.)
BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00
1. How to Write a Great Query Letter for Your Novel. This workshop is a thorough crash course in writing an awesome query letter. What things should you avoid in query writing? What beginnings are overused and don’t work? How to compose a great pitch? How do you whittle down a long query? This session will cover all those questions and more.
2. Writing Life Productivity Tips & Tools. Very few of us writers are lucky to be able to write full-time. So, the vast majority of writers need to squeeze the most productivity out of the few available hours they have. In this informative session, we’ll cover tips and tools that help you do just that.
SESSIONS END: 5:00
At 5 p.m., the day is done. Speakers will make themselves available by the workshop’s bookstore for a short while to sign any books for attendees.
Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.
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PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:
Stephanie Cardel is a literary agent with Lighthouse Literary. Lighthouse Literary represents picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as adult fiction and nonfiction trade (topical/professional/inspirational) for both the Christian and secular markets. We do not represent picture book creators who are solely illustrators. Learn more about Stephanie here.
Mara Cobb is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. Currently, Mara is looking for adult nonfiction and women’s-driven fiction (especially main characters in their 20s). Mara is also looking for Christian fiction, Christian romance (think Hallmark-style), and Christian YA. Going into 2024, she would also love to acquire clean (light romance/no or minimal cursing) YA fiction of any genre except fantasy. She is seeking clean adult commercial romance/romcoms, compelling book club fiction, and SEL picture books. Learn more about Mara here.
Erica Bauman [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] 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.
Bonnie Swanson is a literary agent with The Purcell Agency. She is seeking: Young adult & new adult: Issue driven, romance (anything but erotica), speculative fiction (fantasy & sci-fi), magical realism, paranormal, rom-com, suspense, mystery. (If it’s not on this list and you think I’d like it, pitch it!). In adult fiction, she seeks Romance, Speculative Fiction/Suspense (think Dean Koontz), Humor (combine all three and now we’re talking!) Always accepting LGBTQ, #ownvoices, and BIPOC. She does not want any picture book submissions right now. Learn more about Bonnie here.
Sophie Cudd is a literary agent with The Book Group, after nearly four years at William Morris Endeavor. In fiction, Sophie loves compelling, high-stakes tales of love, loss, mystery and belonging. She is drawn to accessible and deeply resonant characters, plot-driven stories with a strong sense of time and place, and is a sucker for a twist she never saw coming. In nonfiction, Sophie’s interests are wide-ranging, but she is particularly interested in moving and introspective memoirs, food writing, essay collections, and well-researched narrative nonfiction. Learn more about Sophie here.
Michele Mortimer is a literary agent at Darhansoff & Verrill actively pursuing writers dedicated to: literary fiction, upmarket fiction, historical fiction, crime/mystery/thrillers, smart subversive genre fiction, biography, essays and memoir, narrative nonfiction, graphic novels and memoirs, picture books for children, and young adult fiction. Learn more about Michele and her interests here.
Jenny Baumgartner is an executive editor with Hachette Book Group. “I’m actively acquiring nonfiction, including creative or narrative nonfiction, on a variety of topics: mental health/psychology, health, science, issues specific to women and BIPOC, self-help and motivational, Christian and spiritual living, social and cultural trends, and prescriptive memoir.” Learn more about Jenny here.
Cate Hart is a literary agent with Harvey Klinger Literary Agency. She is seeking: “I specialize in historical, whether in middle grade and young adult, women’s fiction and romance, or narrative nonfiction. I am particularly drawn to oft-forgotten stories of the past and underrepresented voices, and especially personal to me is unexplored Southern history and culture. I also love high-concept fantasy in YA and adult fiction. As well, I am always looking for fun or feel good RomComs, contemporary YA, or a bit darker psychological thrillers and classic feel mysteries. I do prefer stories with strong romantic elements, or even better, a heart-pounding romance. I’ll still be looking for stand-out science fiction and fantasy as well as psychological thriller and classic-feeling mysteries.” Learn more about Cate here.
Julie Gwinn is a literary agent and vice president of The Seymour Agency. Julie has a background in editorial, launching the Pure Enjoyment line at B&H Publishing Group where she served as Fiction Publisher and was awarded Editor of the Year and Agent of the Year finalist by the American Christian Fiction Writers. She represents romance, mystery/true crime, historical and speculative/fantasy novels. In nonfiction she is looking for self-help, lifestyle, motivational and sports related books. Julie is actively looking for diverse voices in both fiction and nonfiction. Learn more about Julie here.
Mike Parker is the publisher and acquiring editor for WordCrafts Press. WordCrafts publishes fiction, nonfiction and stage plays for both the Christian and general markets. Mike is actively seeking adult and young adult fiction in the following genres: historical (including Biblical), contemporary, women’s fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, suspense, thriller, horror, romance, young adult, and middle grade. Mike is actively seeking nonfiction titles in the following categories: memoir, biography, self-help, humor, travel, business, motivation, mentoring. Learn more about Mike here.
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ADDED ONLINE PITCHING: To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2024 Tennessee Writing Workshop attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at the Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2024 TWW on our calendar.
That event is the Ohio Writing Workshop, May 10-11, 2024, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.
This means that 2024 TWW attendees can have access to pitching all those online OWW agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online May 2024 event. (That said, if you want to formally register for the Ohio conference and have access to all classes and panels, let us know, as there is a discount for confirmed Tennessee attendees.)
If you are interested in this added pitching opportunity, the first step is to get formally registered for Tennessee. Following the TWW conference on April 20, 2024, we will be in touch with all Tennessee attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2024 OWW (May 10-11). At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.
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More 2024 agents to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open.
These one-on-one meetings are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind.
(Please note that Agent/Editor Pitching is an add-on, separate aspect of the day, for only those who sign up. Spaces are limited for these premium meetings, and pricing/detail is explained below.)
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PRICING:
$199 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the 2024 TWW and access to all workshops, all day. As of fall 2023, registration is now OPEN.
Add $29 — to secure a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with any of our literary agents or editors in attendance. Use this special meeting as a chance to pitch your work and get professional feedback on your pitch. (Spaces limited.) If they wish, attendees are free to sign up for multiple 10-minute pitch sessions at $29/session — pitching multiple individuals, or securing 20 minutes to pitch one person rather than the usual 10. Here are four quick testimonials regarding writers who have signed with literary agents after pitching them at prior Writing Day Workshops events. (Our bigger, growing list of success stories an be seen here.)
“I met my client, Alison Hammer, at the Writing
Workshop of Chicago and just sold her book.”
– literary agent Joanna Mackenzie of Nelson Literary
“Good news! I signed a client [novelist Aliza Mann]
from the Michigan Writing Workshop!”
– literary agent Sara Mebigow of KT Literary
“I signed author Stephanie Wright from
the Seattle Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kathleen Ortiz of New Leaf Literary
“I signed an author [Kate Thompson] that I
met at the Philadelphia Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kimberly Brower of Brower Literary
“I signed novelist Kathleen McInnis after meeting her
at the Chesapeake Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Adriann Ranta of Foundry Literary + Media
Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Brian Klems, one of the day’s instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Tennessee Writing Workshop attendees only.) Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of the specially-priced critique, so they can send out their query letter with confidence following the workshop. Also, if you are meeting with an agent at the event, you’re essentially speaking your query letter aloud to them. Wouldn’t it be wise to give that query letter (i.e., your pitch) one great edit before that meeting?
Add $89 — for an in-depth personal critique of the first 10 pages of your novel. Spaces with faculty for these critiques are very limited, and participating attendees will either 1) get an in-person meeting at the workshop, if the faculty member is attending the live event, or 2) get a 10-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:
- Middle grade fiction; young adult fiction; and adult fantasy, historical, and romance (in-person meetings): Faculty member Erica Ivy Rodgers, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you in-person at the event for 15 minutes to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the April 20 meeting.
- Romance of all kinds (in-person meetings): Faculty member Anna Harrington, a published author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you in-person at the event for 15 minutes to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the April 20 meeting.
- Creative nonfiction (think Joan Didion), historical fiction, literary fiction, romantic comedy (no memoir) (in-person meetings): Faculty member Sara Wigal, a literary journal editor, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you in-person at the event for 15 minutes to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the April 20 meeting.
- Women’s, mainstream, science fiction, fantasy, romance, crime, thriller, mystery (virtual critiques): Faculty member Michelle McGill-Vargas, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
- All types & genres of fiction for adults and young adults (virtual critiques): Faculty member Kristi Belcamino, a published mystery author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
- All types & genres of fiction for adults, young adults, and middle grade readers (virtual critiques): Faculty member Lorin Oberweger, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
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Children’s picture books and middle grade (virtual critiques): Faculty member Brittany Thurman, a published author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
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More critique options possibly forthcoming.
How to pay/register — Registration is now open. Reach out to workshop organizer Brian Klems via email: WDWconference@gmail.com, and he will provide specific instructions for payment and registration to get you a reserved seat at the event. Payment is by credit card, PayPal, or check. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Tennessee workshop specifically.
REGISTRATION:
Because of limited space at the venue (Music City Center), the workshop can only allow 200 registrants, unless spacing issues change. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.
(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online and in-person events. This next TWW is an in-person event happening in Nashville, TN on April 20, 2024. See you there.)
Are spaces still available? Yes, we still have spaces available. We will announce RIGHT HERE, at this point on this web page, when all spaces are taken. If you do not see a note right here saying how all spaces are booked, then yes, we still have room, and you are encouraged to register.
How to Register: The easy first step is simply to reach out to workshop organizer Brian Klems via email: WDWconference@gmail.com. He will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The TWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Tennessee workshop specifically.
Refunds: If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason at any time, you will receive 50% of your total payment back [sent by check or PayPal]. The other 50% is nonrefundable and will not be returned, and helps the workshop ensure that only those truly interested in the limited spacing sign up for the event. (Please note that query editing payments and manuscript editing payments are completely non-refundable if the instructor has already edited your work.)
Thank you for your interest in the Tennessee Writing Workshop.
Bonnie Swanson is a literary agent with 