(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 WWOC is an in-person event happening in Chicago on June 20, 2026. See you there.)
THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (JUNE 20, 2026):
Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with the sessions below. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates. The classes here are all on Central Time.
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 and what they are looking for, 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. The Deep Outlining Method: How to Write a Great Book Faster. While there are many different ways to write a book, laying the groundwork through outlining can allow you to avoid writer’s block and focus on the task at hand — completing that book! In this session, writer and editor Victoria Griffin will teach you the Deep Outlining Method and how to use it to write faster and better drafts.
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, taught by Audrey Wilson. Your publishing journey doesn’t end when you sign the contract, it begins. For many authors, branding, marketing, and social media can feel intimidating. This session teaches you how to build your brand as an author. From growing an organic following on social media, to setting up a website and sending out a monthly newsletter, you’ll walk away with the tools you need to build an author brand that’s sure to sell.
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 TWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.
2. From Story to Screen: Adapting Your Book into a Screenplay, taught by Audrey Wilson. Taught by an award-winning fiction and screenplay writer, this session will show authors how to adapt their book into a screenplay by structuring their story for film, developing their characters, and crafting a scene using dialogue and visuals to forward their plot. From formatting your screenplay using industry-standard screenwriting software, to pitching your work and seeking representation, you’ll leave feeling prepared to take the first steps into the world of screenwriting.
BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00
1. Revision: Selling Your Book Before You Submit, taught by Jenna Satterthwaite. Do you find it hard to see your own writing mistakes? Are you your own worst editor? Become a writer that wows a prospective agent or editor by enhancing your manuscript and proposal submission with targeted editing geared to make your submission shine above the competition. Learn how to tackle this all-important part of the writing process!
2. Conquering the Novel. Many writers want to write a novel, but are daunted by how to conquer something so long and unwieldy. This workshop helps writers develop a plan for organizing, writing, re-writing, and finishing their novel.
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