(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 MWW is an in-person event happening in the Detroit suburbs on May 2, 2026. See you there.)
THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (MAY 2, 2026):
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
1. How to Pitch a Literary Agent, taught by Brent Fisher. This session is a comprehensive workshop on how to pitch a literary agent. After covering the basics of what a literary agent is, we will discuss the pitch itself in regards to structure, effectiveness, and delivery. Next, we will go over questions agents might ask (aka what information you should have ready for them) as well as questions you might want to ask too. Finally, we will workshop participant pitches in order to fine tune yours and leave you feeling prepared and confident to sit down for those valuable ten minutes of facetime with someone in the industry.
2. Seven Elements of Plot Development, taught by Sara Maurer. A workshop for writers who want to strengthen the spine of their stories by mastering plot development. We’ll examine the difference between story and plot, study the seven elements of plot development (ground situation, complication, rising action, crisis, climax, falling action, and resolution), and learn how events give rise to each other, resulting in shape and meaning.
BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50
1. How to Strengthen the Crucial First Pages of Your Novel (So Readers Will Love Them), taught by Brent Fisher. This session will be focused on the crucial first pages of novel length work. What makes them effective? How can you sink your claws into a reader? How can you grip tight enough to keep them from escaping? How can you begin the process of devouring them with your book? Brent will unpack what makes those first pages tick, classic do’s and don’ts, offer tips, samples, and strategies for making those first pages shine. And then they will offer up a chance for participants to share their first pages with each other in small groups for some guided feedback in the context of “effective first pages.”
2. Beyond the Book Deal: How to Navigate Social Media and Build an Effective Brand.This workshop will discuss the importance of an author’s platform. We’ll discuss why publishers wish to see a growing one (even small) for a novelist, how you can potentially build one if you don’t have one yet, and why being an “expert” is so important. Are they selling you or selling the book? Surprise, it’s both. This class will help you understand the very basics of marketing yourself and your book(s) online, whether you’re traditionally published or self-published.
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, 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.
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 MWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.
2. Lost In Revisions—How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript. You know that before you send your work out to the world it’s going to need some adjustments, but where do you begin? How do you look at a work when you’ve been so close to it for so long. This session will teach the foundations of self-editing, focusing on high level plot and and continuing down into the nitty gritty of grammar. We’ll go over techniques that give authors the ability to distance themselves and discuss what makes one writer’s work sing while another’s falls flat.
BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00
1. What Do Agents and Editors Want?, taught by Linda Glaz. Learn how to navigate the fears and worries with a literary agent and author who once-upon-a-time did it all wrong. In this session, Linda will teach you the professional way to make contact with Agents and Editors so you will stand out (in a good way)! Laugh and learn to show yourself a consummate professional.
2. Story Lessons from Hollywood. How lessons from screenwriting, acting, directing, producing, and video editing can help prose writers craft more compelling stories and keep readers turning those pages.
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