The 2023 Colorado Writing Workshop: Sept. 8-9, 2023

Screen Shot 2016-12-25 at 10.34.26 PM.pngAfter successful 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2021 events in Colorado, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2023 Colorado Writing Workshop — an online “How to Get Published” writing event on September 8-9, 2023. (Writers are welcome to attend virtually from everywhere and anywhere.)

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 online “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 2023 Colorado Writing Workshop!

ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2023 CWW is an Online Conference, on September 8-9. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback.You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on September 8-9, 2023. In other words, it’s two days 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. And even though this is the “Colorado” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually. Our WDW writers conferences have helped dozens of writers find literary agent representation — see our growing list of success stories here.

This event is designed to squeeze as much into two days of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the online classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents online to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s 2023 CWW agent & editor faculty so far includes:

  • literary agent Cindy Bullard (Birch Literary)
  • literary agent Ashley Reisinger (TriadaUS)
  • literary agent Shannon Snow (Creative Media Agency)
  • literary agent Kelly Peterson (Rees Literary)
  • literary agent Annalise Errico (Ladderbird Literary)
  • literary agent Marin Takikawa (The Friedrich Agency)
  • literary agent Carlie Webber (Fuse Literary)
  • literary agent Chelsey Emmelhainz (Copps Literary Services)
  • literary agent Stephanie Phillips (SBR Media)
  • literary agent Elisa Saphier (MacGregor & Luedeke)
  • literary agent Becky LeJeune (Bond Literary)
  • literary agent Jane Chun (Janklow & Nesbit)
  • literary agent Lori Galvin (Aevitas Creative Management)
  • literary agent Jemiscoe Chambers-Black (Andrea Brown Literary)
  • literary agent Halley Parry (The Hamilburg Agency)
  • literary agent Savannah Brooks (Jennifer De Chiara Literary)
  • literary agent Kelsey Brownlee (Gold Dust Literary)
  • literary agent Emma Dries (Triangle House Literary)
  • literary agent Leah Pierre (Ladderbird Literary)
  • literary agent Lucy Hamilburg (The Hamilburg Agency)
  • literary agent Paul Levine (Paul Levine Literary)
  • literary agent Jaidree Braddix (Park & Fine)
  • literary agent Najla Mamou (Savvy Literary Services)
  • literary agent Dani Segelbaum (Carol Mann Agency)
  • literary agent Erin Clyburn (Howland Literary)
  • literary agent Keir Alekseii (Azantian Literary)
  • literary agent Michelle Lazurek (Wordwise Media Services)
  • literary agent Cole Hildebrand (Jean V. Naggar Literary)
  • literary agent Kesia Lupo (The Bindery)
  • literary agent Gwyn Jordan (Gold Dust Literary)
  • literary agent Kiana Nguyen (Donald Maass Literary Agency)
  • and more agents 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.

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2023 CWW is an Online Conference, on September 8-9. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback.You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)

THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (SEPTEMBER 8-9, 2023):

What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on theofficial Schedule Page here.

Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023

8:30 – 9:30: Everything You Need to Know About Agents and Query Letters. After quickly going over what an agent is and what they do for writers, we will discuss resources for finding agents, how to ID the best agents for you, query letter writing, as well as the most important things to do and not to do when dealing with representatives.

9:45 – 10:45: What’s Up Readers? — Getting Started As a Book Influencer on Social Media. The introduction of social media has transformed the way we learn about and discuss books. The workshop will introduce readers to the various online communities where they can share their love of books, such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and more.

10:45 – 12:15: Break

12:15 – 1:30: 15 Reasons Your Book Keeps Getting Rejected. Make an agent say yes to your book! Whether you’ve been querying for a while or are just about to start, you always want to put your best work in front of an agent. This workshop, taught by a literary agent, will show you some common yet easily fixable mistakes that cause agents to pass on your manuscript, from query letters to opening scenes to voice.

1:45 – 2:45: Writing an Effective Synopsis .Synopsis writing is confusing, difficult, and something to which most writers procrastinate. What do you put in? What do you leave out? How should it be structured? This class breaks down the key elements of a synopsis and how to craft a summary that is clear and effective.

3:00 – 4:00: Creating Strong Compelling Female Characters. Creating fleshed-out three-dimensional female characters can be tricky. What makes a character truly memorable and unique? What is “true strength” and what is an overused cliche in manuscripts? In this class, a published author will help all writers understand how to create well-rounded, interesting female characters.

* * * * *

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2023

8:30 – 9:30: Publishing Options: Pros and Cons of Both Traditional and Indie Publishing. Learn what your publishing options are, and find out the pros and cons of both traditional and non-traditional publishing (self-publishing). There is no single correct way to be published, and you’ll get information to help you make informed choices for you and your work.

9:45 – 10:45: Why Polishing Your Prose Matters. If you’re looking to sharpen your prose, ensure the correct use of figurative language, or even to cut your word count, then this class will help you understand how effectively and correctly executing your prose can beautify but not take away from your story.

10:45 – 12:15:Break

12:15 – 1:30: “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.

1:45 – 2:45: Open Agent Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from CWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.

3:00 – 4:00: 10 Things I’ve Learned From Being an Editor, Author, and Now an Agent,. This speech, taught by a new agent, examines her journey through the publishing industry, first as an editor, then as a published young adult author, and now finally as a literary agent seeking middle grade, young adult, and adult fiction. Learn from her journey through all sides of the writing world, as she offers up some insights on the industry and explores what she wishes she would have known at the beginning.

Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:

(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.)

Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.

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PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

Shannon Snow is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency. In adult fiction, she seeks: All romance fiction (including paranormal or magical realism) and all its sub-genres; Contemporary romance that can be cute, steamy, etc.; Historical romance (I have a warm fondness for medieval, and historicals set in ancient times/place such as Rome, Greece, or Egypt; Thrillers; Psychological; Speculative Fiction like sci-fi or fantasy (especially with a touch, or a lot, of romance); Fantasy (A touch of romance is great!); Soft to Medium Fantasy stories a la David Eddings, or Margaret Weiss/Tracy Hickman; Mythological stories or retellings; Science FictionSpace Operas are a favorite but I love it all; Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic (Is the world ending? Let me see!); Horror (think more eerie/creepy rather than monsters). She also seeks many types and genres of young adult fiction. Learn more about Shannon here.

Ashley Reisinger is a literary agent with TriadaUS. In adult, she is primarily looking for swoony romances, the more chaotic the protagonist, the better. In young adult, she is interested in heartfelt, character-driven stories, particularly romcoms. She can also be enticed by the odd horror, thriller, or speculative (sci-fi/fantasy) fiction. In middle grade, she is looking for a fun, quirky voice that will make her laugh. Primarily, she’s interested in contemporary, and fantasy/contemporary fantasy. Learn more about Ashley here.

Cole Hildebrand is a literary agent with Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency.  “I am now building my list, seeking adult literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, and poetry, with a particular interest in queer voices. In fiction, I’m looking for contemporary literary and experimental work, and am open to novels that blur genre elements in surprising or unconventional ways. I am drawn character and voice driven stories that play with form and narrative structure, written with stylistically distinctive prose and evocative imagery. As a reader, what engages me is not so much the plot of a story (though it certainly matters!), but the unique ways that story is told, from structure to POV to narrative voice. Overall I’m seeking works that break open the possibilities of fiction and immerse the reader in a story both unfamiliar yet utterly convincing. In nonfiction, I’m drawn to narrative and/or investigative work that blends personal, cultural, political, and historical threads. Books that engage with radical thought, queer history, art, pop culture, environmental studies, and mental health are always up my alley. I am also interested in memoirs with experimental narrative and formal structures, and well-researched accounts of understudied historical movements.” Learn more about Cole here.

Kesia Lupo [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with The Bindery. “I consider middle-grade and YA my specialty and would love to represent authors writing for these age groups. But I’d love to return to my roots and also represent adult genre fiction in science fiction / fantasy and horror. I’m an omnivore in my reading taste and I would love my list to reflect that – so, while I’ve tried to be exhaustive, if you have something that doesn’t quite fit then please don’t hesitate to pitch anyway! In general, I’m looking for fiction for middle grade, YA and adult readers – and also a smattering of popular, accessible nonfiction. Across age groups, I’m a big fan of original fantasy, accessible but smart science fiction, paranormal or creepy horror, thrillers (especially if they have a shocking twist!), dark academia and basically all stories that help me escape or make me question everything. I majored in History so I love a bit of historical fiction too, as long as it’s done in a fun and accessible way – and I enjoy romance. For nonfiction, I’m looking at narrative nonfiction with broad appeal – I love books about psychology and big political, cultural or historical topics.” Learn more about Kesia here.

Halley Dunne Parry is a literary agent with The Hamilburg Agency. A graduate of the Washington University MFA program, she has spent the last decade working at independent bookstores and in publishing. Halley is looking for fiction that plays with genre and form, for plot-driven literary novels, commercial fiction, adult speculative fiction and hybrid works of narrative nonfiction. Learn more about Halley here.

Kiana Nguyen is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency. She is seeking YA fiction across genres, particularly those with POC and queer voices. She is also interested in adult romance and domestic suspense thrillers. Regarding pitches: “If I feel uncomfortable with a pitch or an attendee with regards to racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. (whether in the context of themselves, the story, or being asked how to avoid it), I will respectfully end the conversation.” In particular, she enjoys dark, twisty narratives that explore human complexity; YA contemporary featuring lower socioeconomic backgrounds, such as poor kids who get in as much reckless mischief as their rich counterparts; YA featuring happy/hopeful queer romances; and domestic suspense thrillers. She is also seeking Adult science fiction, fantasy, and romance. For horror, she likes adult and young adult novels. Learn more about Kiana here.

Stephanie Phillips is a literary agent with SBR Media. With over two hundred clients and three times as many deals between her and her eight agents, she’s happy to see SBR Media is a force in the literary world. “The genres I prefer are Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Contemporary Romance, BDSM, Erotica, Women’s Lit.” Learn more about Stephanie here.

Carlisle Webber is a literary agent at Fuse Literary. Carlisle is looking for: high-concept commercial fiction in middle grade, young adult, and adult. If your book is fresh and exciting, tackles difficult topics, reads like a Shonda Rhimes show, or makes readers stay up late turning pages, she’s the agent for you. Diverse authors are encouraged to submit their fiction. Within the genres she represents, Carlisle is especially interested in stories by and about people of color; with both visible and invisible disabilities and illnesses; who are economically disadvantaged; who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer; or who are members of religious minorities. Pitch her: Middle grade (any genre), Young adult (any genre), thriller, mystery, suspense, horror, women’s fiction, and popular/mainstream fiction. Learn more about Carlie here.

Michelle S. Lazurek is a literary agent with WordWise Media Services.  Michelle is taking pitches on behalf of herself as well as her WordWise co-agents. They seek books that are both secular as well as Christian/CBA titles. In fiction, the agency seeks: Picture books, Science fiction, Fantasy, Historical fiction. Action/Adventure, Children’s, Crime, Fantasy, General, Graphic Novel, Humor, Middle Grade, Military, Mystery, Religious, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult. In nonfiction, the agency seeks: Theology, Bible studies, Professional, Church Issues, Social/Cultural Issues, Career, Reference. Biography, Cookbooks, Crafts/DIY, History, Humor, Illustrated, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Sports, Travel, True Crime. Learn more about Michelle here.

Lori Galvin is a literary agent with Aevitas Creative Management. Lori represents both adult fiction (especially women’s fiction and crime fiction) and nonfiction (memoir, food writing, and cookbooks). Prior to joining Aevitas, Galvin was executive editor at the multimedia publisher America’s Test Kitchen, where she led a team that produced dozens of landmark cookbooks. Learn more about Lori here.

Jemiscoe Chambers-Black is a literary agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She represents adult fiction, YA, MG, picture book authors, illustrators and select adult nonfiction. Adult: Romance—rom com, paranormal, and contemporary; Upmarket—commercial plot with beautiful writing; Suspense/Thriller, and a cozy mystery (think Living Single or Golden Girls with a dead body). Young Adult: Romance—rom com, paranormal, or contemporary; Contemporary—joy and struggle of everyday life, something real and gritty; Thriller/Horror. Middle Grade: Contemporary – can deal with hard themes, but with added humor for the younger reader (I am especially looking for stories that cover marginalized voices, biracial storylines, and interracial friendships); Fantasy: magical realism, paranormal, urban fantasy, but must mimic themes that young people deal with on a day-to-day; Horror – would love any kind; Graphic Novels. Illustrators: Creators that illustrate any age group from picture book, chapter book, middle grade, YA, to adult. Learn more about Jemiscoe here.

Annalise Errico is a literary agent with Ladderbird Literary. She is excited about uplifting stories by authors with marginalized voices and intersectional identities, ultimately making room for the diverse voices that have long since been ignored and suppressed in the literary world and beyond. Annalise is looking for more queer, BIPOC representation across the board, especially in romances that give happily ever afters to complex and palpable characters. She represents Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult books. In adult fiction, she is seeking romance, mysteries, thrillers, commercial, women’s, contemporary. She represents some new adult fiction. In young adult fiction, she seeks historical, graphic novels, fantasy, mystery, thriller, and contemporary. Learn more about Annalise here.

Gwyn Jordan is a literary agent and founder of Gold Dust Literary. “I represent authors of romance, women’s fiction, cozy mystery, mystery, thriller, suspense, and crime novels. I do not accept: Paranormal/fantasy/sci-fi, YA, or religious/inspirational.” Gwyn is also a freelance editor for Hallmark, Publishers Weekly, Entangled Publishing, and more. Learn more about Gwyn here.

Becky LeJeune is an agent with Bond Literary Agency. She is interested in adult and teen general fiction, horror, mystery/thriller, historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy, and cookbooks. The Bond Agency works with both first-time and previously-published authors, and their clients write adult fiction in various genres, young adult fiction, and many categories of nonfiction. They do not represent traditional romance, poetry, children’s picture books or screenplays. Learn more about Becky here.

Elisa Saphier is a literary agent at MacGregor & Luedeke Literary. As a reader and as an agent, she is open to most genres, as long as the novel or memoir is well-written, but she is partial to character-heavy stories that tell her something about herself or the world around her. She is also hoping to represent marginalized writers and their stories, doing her small part toward equalizing the publishing playing field. She is almost never interested in religious or experimental writing, but is otherwise open to being won over by just about any piece of excellent writing. While she is open to virtually any genres and types of books, here’s what she is not really looking for right now: science fiction/fantasy, any kind series (although mystery can be an exception to that), picture books, and chapter books. Learn more about Elisa here.

Marin Takikawa [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] is a literary agent with The Friedrich Agency. For fiction, I’m looking for character-driven upmarket and literary fiction. In particular, I’m always driven by the need to understand people and discover the various kinks that aren’t visible from the surface—what drives them? What do they desire most but can’t get? I’m particularly enamored by genre-bending works, fiction with a speculative or magical bent, literary suspense, narratives about complex family relationships, and those that subvert forms of power, specifically neocolonialist ones. My tastes in Young Adult are similar, although with more focus on speculative concepts and maybe surprisingly, contemporary rom-coms. In nonfiction, I gravitate toward memoirs that balance personal narratives with engaging and insightful research and/or cultural analysis. I’m also looking for narrative nonfiction that is resistant and radical in nature, that questions why we have the institutions, ideas, and systems we have in place. Learn more about Marin here.

Lucy Hamilburg is a literary agent at The Hamilburg Agency. Lucy is looking for picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction. As a former middle school teacher, she knows what flies off the shelves and is always seeking novels, graphic novels, lyrical prose, and picture books that make kids and young adults laugh out loud and simultaneously pull at their heart strings She is open to all genres and categories within kidlit books — including fantasy, suspense/thriller, romance, contemporary, humor, paranormal, historical fiction, and everything in between. Learn more about Lucy here.

Emma Dries is a literary agent with Triangle House Literary. Emma is interested in literary fiction and narrative nonfiction that grapples with climate change; ambitious multigenerational novels; speculative fiction; and dark or darkly comic domestic fiction. In nonfiction, she is interested in institutional corruption; memoirs incorporating science or policy; essays and longform journalism; and environmental and travel writing. She likes to work with academic writers with great narrative sensibilities, such as historians who can target an understudied era and spin an incredible yarn. Most importantly, she seeks to be immersed—whether in our own world or a world that’s entirely invented. Learn more about Emma here.

Leah Pierre is a literary agent with Ladderbird Literary. Leah is exclusively looking for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander voices with or without LGBTIQA+ intersectionality—basically anyone underrepresented and/or marginalized. For Picture Books, she is selectively searching for an author who is writing diverse, heartfelt and emotionally resonant stories about family, heritage, and tough, complex topics (i.e loss, identity, divorce, disabilities, etc). She is also looking for stories that are fun, adventurous, and creative. For Young Adult/Crossover/Adult, she is looking to acquire across the following genres: sci-fi, fantasy, speculative, contemporary, romance, mystery, thriller, suspense, fairytale or classic retellings/reimaginings. Learn more about Leah here.

Kelly Peterson is a literary agent with Rees Literary. She is very interested in representing authors with marginalized own voices stories, witty and unique characters, pirates, witches, and dark fantasies. In Middle Grade, she’s looking for: Fantasy and sci-fi; Contemporary that touches on tough issues for young readers. In YA, she’s looking for: Genres from contemporary, to high fantasy, to sci-fi (not the space kind) to paranormal (all the ghost stories, please!) and historical all the way back to rom-coms. In Adult, Kelly represents: Romance, fantasy, and sci-fi. Learn more about Kelly here.

Screen Shot 2019-09-27 at 1.37.27 PMPaul S. Levine is a literary agent and the founder of Paul S. Levine Literary. He is also an attorney. His fiction interests include adventure novels, mainstream fiction, mysteries, romance, thrillers, and women’s fiction. His nonfiction interests include business/commerce, pop culture, how-to, self-help, politics/law, relationships, and sports. Learn more about Paul here.

Dani Segelbaum is a literary with the Carol Mann Agency. Dani joined the agency in 2021 as a literary agent and subrights manager. She is interested in both fiction and nonfiction. Dani is seeking nonfiction titles with an emphasis on politics, women’s issues, popular culture, and current events. Dani also loves memoir, narrative nonfiction, lifestyle, and cookbooks. In fiction, she is looking for literary and upmarket adult fiction including debut, historical, rom-coms, mysteries, and women’s fiction. In both fiction and nonfiction, Dani hopes to work with authors from diverse backgrounds to tell stories that are important to them. She loves compelling narrators and is drawn to writing that is voice-driven, highly transporting, and features unique perspectives and marginalized voices. Learn more about Dani here.

Keir Alekseii is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. Keir is seeking young adult and adult science fiction & fantasy, as well as young adult contemporary. She is only open to receiving queries from writers who identify as belonging to a marginalized or underrepresented group such as (but not limited to) BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrants, ND, folks who speak English as a second language, and DIS people. She has a fondness for disaster bi/pan characters, being one herself, and appreciates seeing diverse representations of queerness. She’d also love to read more books with nonbinary characters and love that runs deep even without a romantic element (yes, that means aro characters and stories with friendships that don’t turn romantic are welcome). Learn more about Keir here.

Kelsey Brownlee is a literary agent with Gold Dust Literary.  “I accept MG and YA fantasy, light paranormal of all ages, MG and YA advenutre fiction, and all kinds of romance (with the exception of bully romance and anything promoting abusive relationships). I’m not the best fit for inspirational/religious, nonfiction, or mystery. (However I will look at cozy fantasy/cozy mystery fantasy). I love most fantasy however especially love anything witchy. I love atmospheric novels that take me to another world. I also love epic fantasy. I also love retellings that stray from the norm and offer a unique perspective. For romance, I love a good enemies to lovers vibe. I want characters who are raw with real complications. I’m always down for a good romcom or fun paranormal romance (especially involving witches and magic!) However, I’m not too picky with romances as long as they have the required happy ending!” Learn more about Kelsey here.

Erin Clyburn is a literary agent with Howland Literary. Erin represents middle grade fiction, YA fiction, and adult fiction and nonfiction. In MG and YA, she is looking for horror, mystery, thriller, big-hearted contemporary, and grounded stories with magical or speculative (light sci-fi or fantasy) elements. In adult fiction, she is most interested in upmarket and literary fiction, and she gravitates toward the dark and strange: horror, thriller, mystery, and grounded stories with speculative or magical elements. Send her your weirds. In nonfiction, she’s interested in intersectional perspectives and is looking for narrative nonfiction, memoir, and deep dives into topics including pop science, nature, food and culinary history, and sports and adventure. An Alabamian with Louisiana roots, Erin is particularly interested in Southern literary and upmarket fiction from diverse voices in the above genres. Learn more about Erin here.

Najla Mamou is a literary agent with Savvy Literary Services. Najla represents adult fiction and some YA. She’s most interested in mystery, romance, crime, and thriller. She’s most interested in main characters that are BIPOC or immigrants or expats, anything set in rural and inner city areas, and historical fiction genres/categories/settings. She also is interested in narrative and creative nonfiction. She enjoys stories about: rags to riches, overcoming discrimination, fish out of water, forbidden love, secret babies, arranged marriage, redemption, road trips or stories where the discovery happens away from home and more expat books where a POC moves to another place. Learn more about Najla here.

Chelsey Emmelhainz is a literary agent with Copps Literary Services.  Chelsey is building a highly selective list, focused mainly on adult fiction and nonfiction. Regardless of genre, she is always looking for authentic storytelling and to elevate diverse voices. Fiction: Chelsey loves high-concept adult fiction that expertly weaves complex, layered conflicts into a fast-paced narrative. She wants to see what your characters do when pushed to their limits. Her target genres include: horror, supernatural thriller, suspense, mystery, romance, and upmarket commercial fiction. Nonfiction: While drawn to adult narrative nonfiction that features strong storytelling and author voice, Chelsey is ultimately seeking projects that aim to entertain while they educate. She gravitates toward American history, hidden history, true crime, platform-driven nonfiction in the social sciences (especially concerning politics, feminism, and social justice), as well as deep dives into specific subjects with a prescriptive approach, aiming to help the reader live a better life. Learn more about Chelsey here.

Jaidree Braddix is a Literary Agent with Park & Fine Literary & Media. Jaidree represents a broad range of nonfiction authors who are changing the ways we think about, talk about, and move through the world we live in. Her clients are Guinness World Record-holding athletes, activists who are challenging societal standards and institutions, trailblazers who have created globally trending wellness movements, and acclaimed thought leaders in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, business, and organizational behavior. Specializing in platform-driven nonfiction, Jaidree is committed to helping authors turn their assets—be they courageous ideas, academic studies, foundations for social good, popular podcasts, transformative programs, or online communities—into compelling proposals and noteworthy books. Learn more about Jaidree here.

Savannah Brooks is an agent with KT Literary. Savannah represents all types of children’s books as well as adult contemporary/commercial fiction, romcoms, thrillers/mystery/suspense, and horror. She’s especially interested in stories that teach her something new, add to a larger sociopolitical conversation, and highlight underrepresented identities and cultures. In kidlit, she seeks picture books, chapter books, middle grade, young adult fiction, and also young adult nonfiction (from authors with platforms). Learn more about Savannah here.

Jane Chun is a literary agent with Janklow & Nesbit. For fiction, she is seeking commercial, upmarket, and literary works in both adult and MG/YA about the search for and rebuilding of identity, diaspora, family and community, and examinations of power in relationships. She is also looking for fantasy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction that delve into sharp social commentary and have meticulous worldbuilding and settings that don’t feel like Western Europe. For historical fiction, she likes hidden histories and anything that is set in a time or place she’s not familiar with or focuses on a community that has been often overlooked if it’s a time/place she knows. In terms of nonfiction, she is looking for memoirs, essay collections, and narrative nonfiction with a nuanced, intersectional approach and similar themes to her interests in fiction. She also is interested in books about food, travel, pop culture, and cultural criticism that dive deeply and thoughtfully into culture and traditions. In addition to traditional prose, she is very interested in graphic novels and nonfiction. She is looking for stylistically engaging, unique art that feels either nostalgic without being derivative or fresh and boundary-pushing. Learn more about Jane here.

Cindy Bullard is a senior literary agent with Birch Literary. She is seeking: Please do not submit unfinished work. In adult fiction, Cindy is looking for traditional mysteries (standard PI, classic detective, or cozy), true crime, police procedural, thriller, and suspense. In children’s fiction, Cindy would like to see middle grade and YA (sweet, quirky, mystery, cozy). Please do not pitch MG or YA that has dark or heavy topics. At this time, please do not pitch romance or picture books. In nonfiction, Cindy loves books about nature (kids and adults), memoir, self-help from experts, and personal narrative. Learn more about Cindy here.

 

            More 2023 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:

$189 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the 2023 CWW and access to all workshops, all days. (You also get 10+ additional free pre-recorded webinars on writing and publishing.) As of 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. There is no limit. Here are 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 can be seen here.

Screen Shot 2018-11-26 at 11.11.29 AM.png“I met my client, Alison Hammer, at the Writing
Workshop of Chicago and just sold her book.”
– literary agent Joanna Mackenzie of Nelson Literary

Screen Shot 2017-05-02 at 11.47.54 PM.png“Good news! I signed a client [novelist Aliza Mann]
from the Michigan Writing Workshop!”
– literary agent Sara Mebigow of KT Literary

Screen Shot 2018-11-05 at 12.56.10 PM“I signed author Stephanie Wright from
the Seattle Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kathleen Ortiz of New Leaf Literary

Screen Shot 2018-05-17 at 9.07.44 PM“I signed an author [Kate Thompson] that I
met at the Philadelphia Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kimberly Brower of Brower Literary

Screen Shot 2016-10-16 at 2.54.50 PM.png“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 workshop’s former instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Colorado 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 get a phone/Zoom critique meeting with the faculty member. Options:

  • Young adult fiction, middle grade fiction, children’s picture books: Faculty member Shelli Johannes, an author and freelance editor, 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 submitting a picture book, make the submission 1000 words maximum, and it can include illustrations (optional).
  • Romance, women’s fiction, domestic suspense, and young adult fiction: Faculty member Swati Hegde, an author and freelance editor, 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.
  • Mystery (any type), thriller, horror, historical, speculative, science fiction: Faculty member Laura Benedict, an award-winning novelist, 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.
  • Historical fiction, women’s fiction, romance and contemporary fiction: Faculty member Diana Giovinazzo, 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.
  • Young adult, adult realistic fiction, romance, and mystery/suspense (for either YA or adult, please no fantasy, sci-fi, or horror): Faculty member Kristin Bartley Lenz, 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.
  • 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 PayPal or check or credit card. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Colorado workshop specifically.

REGISTRATION:

ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2023 CWW is an Online Conference, on September 8-9. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)

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 PayPal or check or credit card. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The CWW 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 Colorado 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 or CC refund]. 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 started edited your work.)

Screen Shot 2014-06-12 at 4.10.21 PM

Thank you for your interest in the 2023 Colorado Writing Workshop.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Leah Pierre of Ladderbird Literary

Leah Pierre is a literary agent with Ladderbird Literary.

Leah graduated from Rosemont College with a B.A. in English and History and soon after became an agent at Ladderbird Literary Agency. She then went on to receive her M.A. in Publishing from her alma mater. Leah likes to spend her time enjoying the company of fictional characters more than people.

A Texas native, Leah briefly moved to the East Coast to attend Rosemont College to pursue her dream of working in publishing. Not long after graduating with her B.A. in English and History, Leah found an agency home at Ladderbird Literary Agency where she has grown to become a Senior Agent. Leah has since gone on to pursue and receive her M.A. in Publishing from her alma mater. And having accomplished her dream of working in publishing, she moved back to Texas to begin her next adventure and continue searching for the next PB, YA, or Adult project that will hook her (or make her cry). Leah likes to spend her time enjoying the company of fictional characters more than
people. But when not in the company of fictional characters, she likes to crochet, travel,hang out with friends and family, and catch up on the movies and tv shows she is always behind on.

Her projects include forthcoming books from H.D.Hunter, Ravynn K. Stringfield, Kay Sohini Sen, a number of IP projects, and more! She is a tenacious advocate for BIPOC writers and is always looking for ways to bring more diverse intersectionality to the publishing industry.

She is seeking:

Leah is exclusively looking for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander voices with or without LGBTIQA+ intersectionality—basically anyone underrepresented and/or marginalized.

For Picture Books, she is selectively searching for an author who is writing diverse, heartfelt and emotionally resonant stories about family, heritage, and tough, complex topics (i.e loss, identity, divorce, disabilities, etc). She is also looking for stories that are fun, adventurous, and creative.

For Young Adult/Crossover/Adult, she is looking to acquire across the following genres:
● SFF/Speculative
● Contemporary
● Romance
● Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
● Fairytale or classic retellings/reimaginings

She is specifically interested in stories that contain elements of and are in the vein of
the following:

● The Half of It
● Behind Her Eyes
● Crimson Peak x Yellow
Wallpaper x The Haunting of Bly
Manor
● Reality dating rom-com
● Reimagined Macbeth (or even
just a take solely on Lady
Macbeth)
● MC with Lizzie Borden vibes
● Emily in Paris
● Schitt’s Creek

● Archive 81
● The Mummy
● Sex Education
● Sadie
● Roll Bounce or a skate rink
setting
● Julie and the Phantoms
● Leverage or anything heist
related
● Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
● Circe x The Lost Queen
● Atlantis

● Cruella and/or Black women
getting to be angry and/or evil
● Knives Out
● Practical Magic
● Addams Family
● Derry Girls
● Jumanji
● Nancy Drew/Enola Holmes
● Social horror (something similar
to MASTER but better executed
or anything with Jordan Peele
vibes)
● Reimagined Picture of Dorian
Gray
● Edgar Allan Poe
● Sex Lives of College Girls
● Do Revenge
● WandaVision

More generally, she loves diverse and unique work that is fast-paced and has a complex cast of diverse characters. She loves a good plot twist and is a huge sucker for camaraderie, banter, and the tight-knit, family-like group of friends trope. She is pretty much a fan of all the tropes.

She loves a good romantic meet-cute, coming of age, and/or self-discovery story, especially in or post-college. Specifically, how one’s expectations drastically differ from reality or how a recent college grad is blindsided after entering the adult world, the working force, and how they slowly manage to navigate it and get on their feet. She is also really interested in plots that deal with the struggles of today’s online dating culture, about how couples deal with growth and life pulling them in two different directions, or how society’s views can impact interracial relationships. This can also apply to platonic friendships (especially F/F friendships) as she thinks they are affected in the same ways. She’d also love something realistic, raw, introspective, and family- centered. Think To All the Boys I’ve Loved, Just One Day, Darius the Great Is Not

For mystery, thrillers, and suspense, she is here for unreliable narrators and dark academia! She’d also love something along the lines of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, Behind Her Eyes, And Then There Were None, When No One is Watching, One of Us is Lying, Sadie, and anything Tiffany D. Jackson. She’d also really love a heist in the veins of Leverage, Now You See Me, or Six of Crows.

For fantasy, she loves it with elements of myth and legends; preferably lesser-known myths/legends i.e. Middle Eastern, Indigenous, African, and South American. I would love a fairytale retelling or re-imagining. For sci-fi, something in the vein of Red Rising, Black Mirror, The Fifth Wave, and Orphan Black. She’s also searching for gothic and atmospheric horror—think Mexican Gothic, Year of the Witching, The Addams Family, The Yellow Wallpaper, White Smoke, Edgar Allan Poe, The Haunting of Hill House and of Bly Manor, The Bloody Chamber, and Crimson Peak.

No’s for her would be MG, dystopian, legal or spy thrillers, and non-fiction. Please no cliche romances where the plot is centered around cheating, parental disapproval, or high school drama. Give me something out of the ordinary, and conflict that’s hard- hitting and really makes me wonder if anyone is right.

Note: While Leah is open to SFF, she is being extremely selective in the works she
takes on due to her wish to expand in the romance, mystery/suspense, and gothic
spaces.

 

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Kelsey Brownlee of Gold Dust Literary

Kelsey Brownlee is a literary agent with Gold Dust Literary.

“After years in the healthcare industry, I finally embraced my true passion: books. There’s nothing quite like curling up by a warm fire with a book in one hand and an iced coffee in the other. I have a strong foundation in writing and editing, and have even developed a writers workbook to help authors navigate story structure. When I’m not immersed in the world of words, you’ll often find me enjoying the company of my dogs and horses or watching movies with my hubby.”

She is seeking:

“I accept MG and YA fantasy, light paranormal of all ages, MG and YA advenutre fiction, and all kinds of romance. (With the exception of bully romance and anything promoting abusive relationships). I’m also interested in light horror (Think House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland).

I’m not the best fit for inspirational/religious, nonfiction, or mystery. (However I will look at cozy fantasy/cozy mystery fantasy).

“I love most fantasy however especially love anything witchy. Think Rachel Griffin’s Wild is the Witch. I love atmospheric novels that take me to another world. I also love epic fantasy. I also love retellings that stray from the norm and offer a unique perspective. Think These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong.

“For romance, I love a good enemies to lovers vibe. I want characters who are raw with real complications. I’m always down for a good romcom or fun paranormal romance (especially involving witches and magic!) However, I’m not too picky with romances as long as they have the required happy ending!”

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Michelle Lazurek of Wordwise Media Services

Michelle Lazurek is a literary agent with Wordwise Media Services.

“In 2009, I felt a calling on my life to start writing. Apart from some poems in high school, I had never written anything before. As I studied and wrote down my thoughts, I soon published my first book. Today, with nine titles in print and hundreds of articles (and a few awards along the way), I teach aspiring authors at writers’ conferences. Now I get the privilege to journey with them more closely, and help them achieve their dreams. I have a Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Relations from Liberty University.

“When not occupied with literary pursuits, you can find me sipping a hot latte at Starbucks, reading a good book, or collecting records from the 1980s and 90s. I live in Pennsylvania with my husband, two children and our crazy dog, Cookie.

What I’m looking for: I’m interested in representing Christian nonfiction for adults, and picture books for children.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Kesia Lupo of The Bindery

Kesia Lupo is a literary agent with The Bindery.

“I’m currently Associate Literary Agent at the Bindery, a boutique agency based in Colorado – although I’m personally based in the Bay Area. I am actively building my list of primarily fiction writers. Although I started at the Bindery in May 2023, I have over ten years of experience in the publishing industry.

“In my last job, I was Senior Editor at UK children’s book publisher Chicken House, where I’d been working my way up from Junior Editor since 2015. Here, I acquired and edited children’s fiction for middle-grade and YA readers and worked with wonderful writers including Jasbinder Bilan, James Nicol and Emma Read (MG) and Ben Oliver, Molly Morris, Naomi Gibson and Mellissa Welliver (YA). I consider middle-grade and YA my specialty and would love to represent authors writing for these age-groups.

“I started my career as an assistant at Pan Macmillan London back in 2013, largely working for wonderful SFF/Horror imprint Tor – I loved the authors I worked with there who included Adrian Tchaikovsky, Adam Nevill and Genevieve Cogman. I’d love to return to my roots and represent adult genre fiction in SFF and Horror.”

She is seeking:

“I’m an omnivore in my reading taste and I would love my list to reflect that – so, while I’ve tried to be exhaustive, if you have something that doesn’t quite fit then please don’t hesitate to query anyway! In general, I’m looking for fiction for middle-grade, YA and adult readers – with a smattering of popular, accessible non-fiction.

“Across age groups, I’m a big fan of original fantasy, accessible but smart science fiction, paranormal or creepy horror, thrillers (especially if they have a shocking twist!), dark academia and basically all stories that help me escape or make me question everything.

“I majored in History so I love a bit of historical fiction too, as long as it’s done in a fun and accessible way – and I enjoy romance. For nonfiction, I’m looking at narrative nonfiction with broad appeal – I love books about psychology and big political, cultural or historical topics.”

 

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Cole Hildebrand of Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency

Cole Hildebrand is a literary agent with Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency.

“I began my publishing career as an Assistant Editor at YesYes Books, going on to become Managing Editor for the press, whose list includes award-winning authors such as Ocean Vuong, Elizabeth Acevedo, Justin Phillip Reed, Danez Smith, Michael Wasson, Kayleb Rae Candrilli, and many others. I joined JVNLA in 2021, working alongside agency President Jennifer Weltz, and am now building my list, seeking adult literary fiction, narrative non-fiction, and poetry, with a particular interest in queer voices.

“In fiction, I’m looking for contemporary literary and experimental work, and am open to novels that blur genre elements in surprising or unconventional ways. I am drawn character and voice driven stories that play with form and narrative structure, written with stylistically distinctive prose and evocative imagery. As a reader, what engages me is not so much the plot of a story (though it certainly matters!), but the unique ways that story is told, from structure to POV to narrative voice. Overall I’m seeking works that break open the possibilities of fiction and immerse the reader in a story both unfamiliar yet utterly convincing.

“In nonfiction, I’m drawn to narrative and/or investigative work that blends personal, cultural, political, and historical threads. Books that engage with radical thought, queer history, art, pop culture, environmental studies, and mental health are always up my alley. I am also interested in memoirs with experimental narrative and formal structures, and well-researched accounts of understudied historical movements.”

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Emma Dries of Triangle House Literary

Emma Dries is a literary agent with Triangle House Literary.

Emma is a writer and editor, and an agent at Triangle House Literary. She has worked on bestselling and award-winning books in editorial at Alfred A. Knopf, Doubleday Books, Ecco, and Flatiron Books. She has a B.A. in History from the University of Chicago and an M.F.A in Fiction from Johns Hopkins University. She grew up in Lower Manhattan, above the Fulton Fish Market, and now lives in the Hudson Valley.

Emma is interested in literary fiction and narrative nonfiction that grapples with climate change; ambitious multigenerational novels; speculative fiction; and dark or darkly comic domestic fiction. In nonfiction, she is interested in institutional corruption; memoirs incorporating science or policy; essays and longform journalism; and environmental and travel writing. She likes to work with academic writers with great narrative sensibilities, such as historians who can target an understudied era and spin an incredible yarn. Most importantly, she seeks to be immersed—whether in our own world or a world that’s entirely invented.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Elisa Saphier of MacGregor & Luedeke Literary

Elisa Saphier is a literary agent at MacGregor & Luedeke Literary.

As a reader and as an agent, she is open to most genres, as long as the novel or memoir is well-written, but she is partial to character-heavy stories that tell her something about herself or the world around her. She is also hoping to represent marginalized writers and their stories, doing her small part toward equalizing the publishing playing field. She is almost never interested in religious or experimental writing, but is otherwise open to being won over by just about any piece of excellent writing.

While she is open to virtually any genres and types of books, here’s what she is not really looking for right now: science fiction/fantasy, any kind series (although mystery can be an exception to that), picture books, and chapter books.

When Elisa was home sick from school in third grade, her mom gave her two Nancy Drew books to read, and while she’d loved books before, now there was no looking back. She thought maybe she’d be a writer (and tried publishing some pretty bad poetry) but knew that no matter what, she wanted to be around books, words, and writing.

From her first job in a library, to being the editor-in-chief of her high school literary magazine, to working in four bookstores (and owning one), Elisa has always managed to surround herself with books and writers.

Elisa long dreamed of opening her own bookstore and in 2012, after her wife decreed that no more bookshelves were allowed in their house, she took the leap. Elisa and her bookstore, Another Read Through, quickly became known as champions of local writers and local small publishers, and as community builders. She works toward equity in publishing and in writers’ career development with the nonprofit she is co-launching in 2022, Amplify Writers. She believes that books and writers have important things to say, and she wants to help writers get their work out there, and for readers to find them.

 

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Ashley Reisinger of TriadaUS

TriadaUS Literary Agent Ashley Reisinger is interested in a variety of fiction across adult, young adult, and middle grade.

She began her career in publishing as an avid writer before interning at Triada in 2020 and discovering her passion for championing authors. Based in Canada, she can often be found complaining about how cold the winters are and trying her very best not to unironically say “eh” out loud.

In adult, she is primarily looking for swoony romances, the more chaotic the protagonist, the better (think Boyfriend Material, The Love Hypothesis, You Had Me at Hola, Book Lovers, Weather Girl).

In young adult, she is interested in heartfelt, character-driven stories, particularly romcoms (think To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, What I Like About You). She can also be enticed by the odd horror, thriller, or spec fic (think Wilder Girls, Cemetery Boys, The Darkness Outside Us, The Whispering Dark).

In middle grade, she is looking for a fun, quirky voice that will make her laugh. Primarily, she’s interested in contemporary (think Front Desk, From the Desk of Zoe Washington), and fantasy/contemporary fantasy (think Amari and the Night Brothers, Ghost Squad).