(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 1, 2027. See you there.)
THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (MAY 1, 2027):
Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with the sessions below. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:
BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30
1. Understanding the Publishing Industry in 2027 — From Hybrid Publishing to Artificial Intelligence and Everything in Between. Writers today have lots of choices and options, but that doesn’t mean your publishing journey is an easy path to navigate. How are traditional publishing and self-publishing changing? What kind of writer is attractive to an agent currently? What is hybrid publishing? How will A.I. (artificial intelligence) help or hurt writers in the years to come? Which social media sites and publishing resources are worth the time and effort in 2027? All these questions, and more, will be addressed during the speech.
2. The Twelve Rules for Writing Sentences. Beginning writers don’t get enough training at the sentence level and consequently develop unhelpful habits that are difficult to break. This session will get down to literary molecular basics and help writers form great sentences and prose, and develop their voice in the process.
BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50
1. Literary Agents 101. This session covers everything you need to know about literary agents: who they are, what they do, when and where to find one to represent your writing, and how they fit into the traditional book publishing model. You will learn why you do (or don’t) need a literary agent, the various paths you can take to getting your book published, how a literary agent is paid, and what exactly it is literary agents are looking for in potential clients.
2. Creating an Authentic Kidlit Voice. What does it mean to have an authentic voice? How does one improve their “voice” in a manuscript? In this workshop, we will go over the different types of voice, use sample texts as case studies, and talk about the different elements that help create voices and characters you can’t stop thinking about for the children’s book market.
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. This session focuses on effective strategies for writing a nonfiction book proposal on any subject. Topics include industry standards, building your expertise, and how to prepare a winning proposal that demonstrates your understanding of the marketplace.
BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45
1. Open Agent Q&A Panel. 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. You Have an Agent Offer or Book Contract — Now What? Many writers seek to get an agent and book deal. But what happens after these steps? Understand how to effectively work with your representation, 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.
BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00
1. Inspiration as an Author. Inspiration is a fundamental part of any creative process. Pop culture would have us believe that inspiration is out of our control: the lightbulb moment, the rush to put pen to paper in the middle of night, the inimitable a-ha feeling that lends wings to our creativity, but that also shows up unannounced. Almost as if it’s … magic. And, to a certain degree, it is. But inspiration can also be learned, honed, and even stored. Join Cecilia Lyra’s class to learn practical tips on how writers can boost their inspiration levels—and improve their writing in the process.
2. How to Market Yourself and Your Books: Talking Author Social Media and Platform. Whether you’re traditionally published or self-published, everyone could use some helpful guidance on how to effectively market themselves and sell more books. This session includes easy-to-understand advice on social media, newsletters, public speaking, and other simple ways you can market your work online cheaply and easily.
5:00: The Day is Over
FREE ADDITIONAL RECORDED CLASSES:
We will actually send attendees extra FREE pre-recorded classes as part of their attendance. In addition to getting the weekend’s classes to enjoy live and in person, we will also send you more free recorded classes on the side, from amazing instructors. In the week leading up to your in-person conference, we will send all confirmed attendees these classes below, some of which will aid in your pitching efforts:
- “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an In-Person Event,” taught by former literary agent Carlie Webber
- “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an Online Event,” taught by former literary agent Carlie Webber
- “How Do I Decide: Traditional Publishing vs. Self Publishing”
- “How to Create a Long-term Writing & Publishing Plan”
- “The Art of a Page Turner: How to Craft an Un-Put-Downable Book”
- “Understanding the Differences between Middle Grade, Young Adult, and Adult Fiction”
- “Creating a Remarkable Narrative Arc in Fiction or Memoir”
- “Think Like a Screenwriter: Lessons from Hollywood for Fiction Writers”
- “Dial Up Your Dialogue: How to Craft Dialogue Readers Love”
- “How Writers Can Build a Network of Support”
- “Writers Got Talent” — A Page 1 Critique Fest,” as recorded at the online San Diego Writing Workshop
- “Ask an Agent Anything: Open Agent Q&A Panel,” as recorded at the online Pittsburgh Writing Workshop