After many previous successful Carolina events, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2026 Carolina Writing Workshops — two separate full-day “How to Get Published” writing events in North Carolina — Charlotte (March 13, 2026) and Raleigh (March 14, 2026).
These writing events are 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 events. All questions about the events regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Carolina Writing Workshops! 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 these are in-person events. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next CWW events are in-person event happening in Charlotte on Friday, March 13, 2026; and Raleigh on Saturday, March 14, 2026. See you there.)
To register, click the button above, or email Chuck at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Carolina event.
WHAT ARE THE EVENTS?
These are a pair of special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshops on Friday, March 13, 2026 (Charlotte) at the Charlotte Marriott SouthPark; and Saturday, March 14, 2026 (Raleigh), at the The McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State. In other words, the workshops are both 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 Kaitlyn Katsoupis (Belcastro Agency) – CHARLOTTE
- literary agent Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana (Strachan Literary Agency) – CHARLOTTE
- literary agent Kelly Dyksterhouse (Tobias Literary) – CHARLOTTE
- literary agent Sarah Fisk (The Tobias Agency) – BOTH CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH
- literary agent Vicky Weber (Creative Media Agency) – BOTH CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH
- literary agent Erica Bauman (Aevitas Creative Management) – BOTH CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH
- literary agent Sorche Fairbank (Fairbank Literary) – BOTH CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH
- literary agent Andrea Hurst (Andrea Hurst Literary) – RALEIGH
- literary agent Shelly Romero (Azantian Literary) – RALEIGH
- literary agent Melissa Jeglinski (Knight Agency) – RALEIGH
- literary agent Jamie Chambliss (Folio Literary) – RALEIGH
- literary agent Lydia Caudill (Andrea Hurst Literary) – RALEIGH
- 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 Chuck Sambuchino of Writing Day Workshops.
To register, click the button above, or email Chuck at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Carolina event.
EVENT LOCATIONS & DETAILS:
(Please note that these are in-person events. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next CWW events are in-person event happening in Charlotte on Friday, March 13, 2026; and Raleigh on Saturday, March 14, 2026. See you there.)
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2026: Charlotte Marriott SouthPark, 2200 Rexford Road, Charlotte, NC, 28211.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2026: The McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State, 1101 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC 27606.
CHARLOTTE CLASSES (FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2026):
What you see below is a quick layout of the days’ events (Charlotte first, then Raleigh). The topics below are subject to change. You can see a more detailed layout of the day’s classes on the Schedule Page here. There will be 1-3 classes/workshops going at all times during the day, so sometimes you may have your choice of what class you attend.
8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.
BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30
1. How to Write a Query Letter That Gets Agent Attention.
2. Beyond the Book Deal: How to Navigate Social Media and Build an Effective Brand.
BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50
1. Conquering the Novel.
2. Plotting Arcs and Compelling Narratives.
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
2. How to Sell a Nonfiction Book Proposal.
BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45
1. Open Agent Q&A Panel
2. Lost In Revisions—How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript.
BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00
1. Make Your First Five Pages Amazing.
2. Story Lessons from Hollywood.
SESSIONS END: 5:00
(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.
RALEIGH CLASSES (SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2026):
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. There will be 1-3 classes/workshops going at all times during the day, so sometimes you may have your choice of what class you attend.
8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.
BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30
1. Inspiration as an Author.
2. Anatomy of a Successful Query.
BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50
1. Revision and Self Editing: Get Your Work Ready for an Agent.
2. Knock ’em Dead: Tips on Writing Mystery, Thriller, and Crime.
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
2. Nonfiction Intense: Book Proposal Tips.
BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45
1. Open Agent Q&A Panel.
2. Creating Compelling Conflict in Your Fiction.
BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00
1. Twenty Questions You Need Answered Before You Seek an Agent or Self-Publish Your Book.
2. Tips on How to Write Like the Pros.
SESSIONS END: 5:00
(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.
PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:
Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana [CHARLOTTE] is a literary agent with Strachan Literary Agency. In fiction, she seeks: debut fiction, romance, upmarket & commercial women’s fiction, upmarket mainstream fiction, apocalyptic, thrillers, fantasy, and upper young adult. In nonfiction, she seeks: memoir, narrative nonfiction, investigative journalism, platform-driven nonfiction, diet and health, Christian spirituality, inspirational, food and cookbooks, self-help and humor. She is particularly interested in finding nonfiction authors to build her client list and is only taking on a limited amount of fiction. Marisa is currently seeking to champion new talent who create memorable characters with unforgettable words, and she has a soft spot for writers in marginalized communities and persons with disabilities. Learn more about Marisa here.
Kaitlyn Katsoupis [CHARLOTTE] is a literary agent with Belcastro Agency. She likes historical fiction for all ages. She enjoys horror novels for all ages (less gore, more psychological/haunting). For contemporary stories, she welcomes them for all ages and is interested in mental health angles. Fantasy welcome, but she leans toward MG/YA and crossover rather than for adults only (BIPOC voices welcome).She seeks suspense & thriller for young adult and adult books. Graphic novels welcome for all ages, though she leans toward kidlit GNs. Learn more about Kaitlyn here.
Kelly Dyksterhouse [CHARLOTTE] is a literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency. I am looking to acquire middle grade and young adult novels and narrative nonfiction, as well as author-illustrator created picture books. I am especially looking for high-concept middle grade and young adult novels with high-level writing. For picture books, I am drawn to books that are character driven and have a strong narrative arc, and I particularly love stories with a surprise or subversive twist to them that make me laugh. In terms of nonfiction, I am looking for books about a little known period of history or that focus on the natural world and STEAM concepts. For both MG and YA, I am drawn to high concept, character driven books with a strong hook, a compelling plot, and strong writing. I am looking for books that stay with the reader long after they’ve turned the last page. Learn more about Kelly here.
Vicky Weber [CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH] is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency. In adult and young adult fiction, she seeks: horror, psychological suspense, thrillers, commercial, upmarket, historical, women’s fiction, romance, fantasy (dark/high/epic), magical realism, speculative, and paranormal/supernatural. In middle grade and picture books, she seeks highly giftable, commercial fiction with a strong voice—stories that feel like they always should have been on the shelf. Learn more about Vicky here.
Erica Bauman [CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH] 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.
Sarah N. Fisk [CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH] is a literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency, and is open to pitches for young adult of all genres, middle grade of all genres, adult romance, science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, and select nonfiction (see wishlist for more specifics). They also take pitches for mysteries and thrillers via conferences only. Sarah especially loves fiction that is compulsively readable and social justice issues woven into commercial plots. Particular areas of interest include atmospheric fantasies, speculative mysteries, books that challenge societal norms, especially gender norms. Learn more about Sarah here.
Sorche Fairbank [CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH] is a literary agent and the founder of Fairbank Literary. Our tastes tend toward literary and international fiction; voice-y novels with a strong sense of place; big memoir that goes beyond the me-moir; topical or narrative nonfiction with a strong interest in women’s voices, global perspectives, and class and race issues; children’s picture books & middle grade from illustrator/artists only; quality lifestyle books (food, wine, and design); pop culture; craft; and gift and humor books. We are most likely to pick up works that are of social or cultural significance, newsworthy, or that cause us to take great delight in the words, images, or ideas on the page. Lately we have been doing extremely well in the humor/gift/pop culture category, international fiction, and children’s picture books by illustrator artists, and we’d love to take on more projects in those categories. Above all, we look for a fresh voice, approach, story, or idea. Learn more about Sorche here.
Melissa Jeglinski [RALEIGH] is a literary agent with The Knight Agency. Melissa is currently seeking projects in the following areas: Romance (contemporary, category, historical, inspirational) Young Adult, Middle Grade, Women’s Fiction and Mystery. Looking to work with a variety of authors and genres, she joined The Knight Agency in 2008. With over two decades experience in the publishing industry, Melissa has fostered her clients to National prominence including a recent Newbery Honor. She is a member of RWA and AALA. Learn more about Melissa here.
Andrea Hurst [RALEIGH] is a literary agent and the founder of Andrea Hurst Literary Management. She is seeking: Women’s Fiction: Upmarket/Book Club, Romance, Historical, Contemporary, Thriller/Suspense/Mystery/Crime, Prescriptive Nonfiction/Memoir, Adult Science Fiction/Fantasy (Space Opera, Military Science Fiction, LitRPG), Cookbooks. “We are always on the lookout for #OwnVoices authors, writing about their own experiences.” Andrea works as a literary agent with both bestselling and emerging new authors to help polish their book, obtain publication, increase sales, and build their author brand. Learn more about Andrea here.
Shelly Romero [RALEIGH] is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. She is seeking: science fiction; speculative fiction; horror (almost all subgenres & especially for all age categories); Honduran authors; stories by Latine/x authors from Central America and the Caribbean (including Afro-Latine & Indigenous Latine stories); playing with formatting such as mixed-media & epistolary novels that give the story a “found footage” type of vibe; anything comped to Guillermo del Toro, David Cronenberg, Clive Barker, John Carpenter, or Wes Craven; Catholic horror; gothic romance; grounded fantasy; midwestern gothic; southern gothic; vampires; Jewish stories especially if they are intersectional with BIPOC and/or queer characters; thrillers/mysteries (with non-cop protagonists); commercial fiction; slice-of-life a la One Tree Hill, OG Gossip Girl, The Sandlot, Real Women Have Curves, What We Do in the Shadows; historical fiction set during: Regency, Edwardian, & Victorian eras; post-WWII; 80s – 00s…but featuring BIPOC and/or queer characters; adult erotic fiction, especially featuring BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA characters in kink spaces; set during college and non-college bound post-high school. Learn more about Shelly here.
Jamie Chambliss [RALEIGH] is a literary agent with Folio Literary. She is seeking the following: I’m drawn to literary and upmarket/book club fiction; nonfiction; narrative nonfiction, especially dealing with food, pop culture, the quirks of human nature, the stories within the worlds of science and sports, and the forgotten corners of history; and memoir. She is not seeking sci-fi or high-concept fantasy; legal- or political thrillers; poetry; romance; screenplays. Learn more about Jamie here.
Lydia Caudill [RALEIGH] is a literary agent with Andrea Hurst & Associates. Lydia is primarily looking for YA and Adult contemporary fiction, YA and Adult fantasy (she can appreciate both an urban setting or an immersive new world, and bonus points if there’s a romantic element, but the plot must shine regardless), light and cozy science fiction, mysteries with a strong and innovative protagonist, domestic suspense, and historical fiction that is not war-based or rooted in medical/medicinal history. As a hopeless romantic at her core, Lydia holds the romance genre close to her heart and is always on the lookout for raw and intimate depictions of love—all kinds by all voices. She also appreciates rom-coms with a good trope or two, and any period piece that provides a much-needed escape from reality. Learn more about Lydia here.
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ADDED ONLINE PITCHING: To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2026 Carolina Writing Workshop attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at a specific Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2026 CWWs on our calendar.
That event is the 2026 (Online) Ohio Writing Workshop, April 10-11, 2026, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.
This means that 2026 CWW attendees (both cities) can have access to pitching all those online Ohio agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online April 2026 OWW. (That said, if you want to formally register for the April 10-11 Ohio Writing Workshop and have access to all classes and panels, let us know, as there is a discount for confirmed Carolina attendees.)
If you are interested in this added pitching opportunity, the first step is to get formally registered for Carolina (either Charlotte or Raleigh or both). Following the conferences on March 13-14, 2026, we will be in touch with all Carolina attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2026 OWW (April 10-11). At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.
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More 2026 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 either 2026 CWW event and access to all workshops, all day. Pricing is the same for both workshops. As of fall 2025, registration is now OPEN. The $189 price is the same for both separate events: Charlotte (March 13, 2026) and Raleigh (March 14, 2026).
To register, click the button above, or email Chuck at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Carolina event.
$309 — EARLY BIRD discounted base price for registration to BOTH the March 13 Charlotte event and the March 14 Raleigh event. To register, email coordinator Chuck Sambuchino at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Carolina events.
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 Mai Nguyen at the Toronto Writing Workshop
and sold her manuscript to Simon & Schuster for six figures.”
– literary agent Carly Watters of P.S. Literary Agency
“I signed Sarah G. Pierce from the Seattle Writing Workshop,
and we recently sold her book to Orbit/Redhook.”
– literary agent Pam Gruber of Highline Literary Collective
“I met Amber Cowie at a Writing Day Workshops conference. We sold
her best-selling crime novel to Lake Union / Amazon.”
– literary agent Gordon Warnock of Fuse Literary
“I met my client, Dana Corbit Nussio, at the Michigan Writing Workshop.
Dana signed a new three-book contract with Harlequin Romantic Suspense.”
– literary agent Rachel Beck of Liza Dawson Associates
“I signed Nedda Lewers from a Writing Day Workshops event. Her debut
novel from Putnam Children’s was an Indie’s Introduce Best Book of 2024.”
– literary agent Kelly Dyksterhouse of Tobias Literary Agency
Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Chuck Sambuchino, one of the day’s former instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Carolina 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 15-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:
- All types of middle grade; all types of young adult; and adult fantasy, sci-fi, and historical fiction (no horror or thriller) (virtual critiques): Faculty member Jillian Boehme, 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.
- Fantasy, historical fiction, horror, literary fiction, magical realism, mystery, romance, sci-fi, thriller, upmarket, women’s fiction, memoir, and young adult (virtual critiques): Faculty member Victoria Griffin, 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.
- Children’s picture books (virtual critiques): Faculty member Rosie Pova, a published author, will get your work in advance, critique your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime around 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).
- Romance, women’s fiction, domestic suspense, and young adult fiction (virtual critiques): 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.
- More critique options possibly forthcoming.
How to pay/register — Registration is now open.
To register, click the button above. Or reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: WritingDayWorkshops@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 CWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Carolina workshop specifically.
REGISTRATION:
Because of limited space at the venues, each one-day workshop can only allow 150 registrants. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.
(Please note that these are in-person events. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next CWW events are in-person event happening in Charlotte on Friday, March 13, 2026; and Raleigh on Saturday, March 14, 2026. 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:
To register, click the button above. Or reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: WritingDayWorkshops@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 CWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Carolina 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 2026 Carolina Writing Workshops.
