After many previous successful Carolina events, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2024 Carolina Writing Workshops — two separate full-day “How to Get Published” writing events in North Carolina — Charlotte (March 8, 2024) and Raleigh (March 9, 2024).

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 2024 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 8, 2024; and Raleigh on Saturday, March 9, 2024. See you there.)

WHAT ARE THE EVENTS?

These are a pair of special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshops on Friday, March 8, 2024 (Charlotte) at the Charlotte Marriott SouthPark;  and Saturday, March 9, 2024 (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 Tracey Adams (Adams Literary) – CHARLOTTE
• literary agent Carey Blankenship Kramer (Belcastro Agency) – CHARLOTTE
• literary scout Grace Morrison (Booker Albert Literary Agency) – CHARLOTTE
• literary agent Brandy Vallance (Barbara Bova Literary Agency) – CHARLOTTE
• literary agent Kaylee Zou (Williamson Literary) – BOTH CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH
• literary agent Gary Heidt (Signature Literary) – RALEIGH
• literary agent Jess Regel (Helm Literary) – RALEIGH
• literary agent Andrea Hurst (Andrea Hurst Literary Management) – RALEIGH
• literary agent Nikki Terpolowski (Holloway Literary) – RALEIGH
• literary agent Melissa Jeglinski (Knight Agency) – RALEIGH
• editor Georgia McBride (Swoon Romance, Month9, Tantrum Books) – RALEIGH
  
• literary agent Zoe Howard (Howland Literary) – RALEIGH
• literary agent Lauren Albury (Holloway Literary) – RALEIGH
• and 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. E-mail him to register for the event at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com.

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 8, 2024; and Raleigh on Saturday, March 9, 2024. See you there.)

FRIDAY. MARCH 8: Charlotte Marriott SouthPark, 2200 Rexford Road, Charlotte, NC, 28211.

SATURDAY. MARCH 9: The McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State, 1101 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC 27606.

CHARLOTTE CLASSES (FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024):

What you see below is a quick layout of the days’ events (Charlotte first, then Raleigh). 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. Everything You Need to Know About Agents and Query Letters
2. Practical Tips on The Emotional Writing Journey.

BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50

1. Understanding the Publishing Industry in 2024 — From Hybrid Publishing to Artificial Intelligence and Everything in Between
2. Taking Cues from Shakespeare.

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. How to Market Yourself and Your Books: Talking Author Social Media, Blogging, and Platform

BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00

1. Act One of Your Novel: How to Build a Story World
2. 10 Evergreen Keys to Writing Success

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.

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RALEIGH CLASSES (SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024):

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. How to Prepare Your Query Package
2. Writing In The Flow State: How Mindfulness Can Make You A More Productive Writer

BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50

1. Understanding the Publishing Industry in 2024 — From Hybrid Publishing to Artificial Intelligence and Everything in Between
2. Beginning with Power: Tips on How to Start Your Novel

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.  Editing Your Novel From an Agent’s POV

BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00

1. Social Media for Authors
2. Ten Evergreen Keys to Writing Success

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.

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PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

Tracey Adams [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] (CHARLOTTE ONLY), literary agent, co-founded Adams Literary. “Our clients’ work spans every age and genre—from picture books to middle grade, young adult to new adult and adult fiction, from historical novels and fantasy to books that tackle important contemporary issues. We gravitate toward unforgettable and unputdownable titles: both the timeless and the timely. I am currently most interested in middle grade and YA contemporary with underrepresented characters (show me anything likely to be banned) and fiction for any age with magical realism, thrillers and mysteries with twists, unique voices, and intriguing settings. We do not typically represent nonfiction.” Learn more about Tracey here.

Carey Blankenship-Kramer (CHARLOTTE ONLY) is a literary agent with Belcastro Agency. While her sweet spot is horror and middle grade, Carey’s tastes are wide and varied. From mystery to fantasy to science fiction, she loves anything that can draw her in and have her rooting for the main characters. In adult and new adult fiction, she seeks: contemporary, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, and science fiction. She seeks all types of middle grade, with horror being her favorite. She also seeks many different types/genres of Young Adult, including fantasy & science fiction. Learn more about Carey here.

​Grace Morrison (CHARLOTTE ONLY) is an assistant at the Booker Albert Literary Agency, and is acting as a literary scout at the ATL conference. She is taking pitches on behalf of the agency as a whole. She is open to pitches for the following: young adult contemporary & paranormal romance, new adult contemporary & paranormal romance, contemporary adult romance, all types of young adult fiction, adult science fiction, adult fantasy, horror, LGBTQ+ romance, action, adventure, thrillers, dystopian, eco-fiction, speculative, grounded fantasy. Learn more about Grace here.

Brandy Vallance [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] (CHARLOTTE ONLY) is a literary agent with Barbara Bova Literary Agency. “I represent these genres but I am also not limited to these genres: historical fiction, historical romance, historical mystery, romance, literary, women’s fiction, Southern fiction, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, adventure, speculative, inspirational, thriller. I’m a fan of: atmospheric writing; stories set in the British Isles, Europe, or exotic locations; Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian romance; Victorian time period in general (other centuries are welcome too); archaeology / artifacts / history’s mysteries; stories that explore Biblical themes without being preachy (ex. Charles Martin books); Appalachian stories / mountain culture; fantasy & sci-fi in almost every sub-category; characters who are writers, artists, or have a unique profession; and more.” Learn more about Brandy here.

Kaylee Zou (BOTH CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH) is a literary agent with Williamson Literary. In Adult Fiction, the agency seeks:  upmarket, contemporary, literary, and commercial; character-driven women’s fiction, book club fiction, domestic suspense, adventure, international, upbeat, feel-good, dark and dangerous, fiction with fantastical elements or magical realism, poignant social commentaries, humor, satire, new takes on old tropes. Pitch us writing that sings rather than tells, take us on an emotional journey, build vivid scenes for us, craft strong voices and unusual and unforgettable settings (we love stories where place is a character too). Any subject is welcome. In Nonfiction, the agency seeks: history, sports, science, environmental, biographies, travel, culture, adventure, educational, motivational (i.e. work that informs or inspires social change or advocates for women and BIPOC). Give thought to your author platform and develop a strong marketing section for your book proposal. Learn more about Kaylee here.

Melissa Jeglinski (RALEIGH ONLY) is a literary agent with The Knight Agency. She is seeking: “I would really love to find a project that captures my attention immediately. For me, this means a strong opening chapter, wonderfully engaging characters, unexpected twists and turns, and a very satisfying ending. No projects over 100k words, please. She is seeking Contemporary Romance which is lighter in tone, has a sense of humor and a premise that is out of the box. Diverse characters welcome. She enjoys Historical Fiction set in periods other than WWII. Also looking for contemporary and historical intertwined timelines. Prefer strong female protagonists. She enjoys Cozy Mysteries with a unique premise but no paranormal edge. Planned series a plus. She also represent Middle Grade fiction with a heartwarming message or just pure entertainment. Fun and flawed realistic characters. Contemporary and historical settings but no paranormal or fantasy. Learn more about Melissa here.

Lauren Albury (RALEIGH ONLY) is an literary agent with Holloway Literary. She is seeking: literary fiction, historical fiction, book club fiction, women’s fiction, upmarket fiction. She has a soft spot for: Caribbean stories and voices, Southern settings, romantic themes, and rich immersive settings like Where the Crawdads Sing and lyrical prose like All the Light We Cannot See. “Give me compelling characters with unexpected story arcs. Immerse me in another culture so I feel like I grew up there. Make me laugh with sharp wit and cry at poignant subtleties. Teach me something new about the human experience and what it means to be alive.” Learn more about Lauren here.

Zoe Howard (RALEIGH ONLY) is a literary agent with Howland Literary. In adult fiction, she is seeking voice-driven stories that subvert reader expectations of their subject matter. Zoe is especially interested in unashamed characters; characters at their breaking point; literary fiction with speculative elements, especially those that tend dark and underground (Sharks in the Time of Saviors); joyous girlhood; body horror & transformations of the body; and insular settings (small towns, amusement parks, summer camps, hotels). In adult nonfiction, Zoe is looking for narrative nonfiction, memoir, and essay collections that blend personal narratives with research or questions about the larger world. She would love to see more nonfiction that reads like fiction. Her niche interests include material culture, why & how we use objects, celebrities, pop culture, parasocial relationships, and the connections between people and the places they inhabit. Pitch Zoe your off-kilter, heartfelt, lyrical, and literary work. Learn more about Zoe here.

Gary Heidt (RALEIGH ONLY) is a literary agent with Signature Literary Agency. In fiction, he seeks: high-quality literary fiction, science fiction and the occasional thriller. He is interested in exceptional nonfiction proposals in the following areas: history, science, popular culture, narrative nonfiction, psychology, religion, reference,  spirituality, cultural criticism, memoir, politics, and Fortean/High Strangeness/paranormal. Learn more about Gary here.

Georgia McBride (RALEIGH ONLY) is the creator of Georgia McBride Media Group is home of Month9Books, Swoon Romance, and Tantrum Books. Swoon Romance is a digital-first romance imprint from Georgia McBride Media Group that publishes romance for all audiences from Teen to Mature audiences. We practice a hybrid distribution model of self distribution, but also work with InScribe and IPG. Month9Books publishes speculative fiction for teens and tweens, where nothing is as it seems. We published our first title in 2012 and our first full list published in 2013. From concept to cover, Tantrum Books brings kidlit stories to life for readers aged 7+. Learn more about Georgia here.

Andrea Hurst [SOLD OUT OF PITCH APPOINTMENTS] (RALEIGH ONLY) 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.” Learn more about Andrea here.

Nikki Terpilowski (RALEIGH ONLY) is a literary agent with Holloway Literary. She is seeking: romance; women’s fiction; Southern gothic; alternate histories; grounded science fiction and fantasy; speculative thrillers, Westerns (traditional and fresh takes in contemporary, historical, mystery, romance); multi-generational women’s fiction (standalone or series) about an African-American family (showing Black joy, family dynamics/relationships, etc. not racism, discrimination and oppression as part of their experience); young adult fiction; and nonfiction on the craft of writing or screenwriting, North Carolina history, culinary, hobbies, arts and crafts, plants/herbs. Learn more about Nikki here.

Jess Regel (RALEIGH ONLY) is a literary agent and founder of Helm Literary. Jess represents novels for all age groups (adult, young adult, and middle grade), but with a focus on upmarket fiction with characters who jump off the page and thought-provoking storylines. She wants books that are conversation starters. She represents books for a general commercial audience, but she loves a genre twist. LGBTQIA+ and #OwnVoices very much welcome. She’s usually closed to unsolicited queries, but for the 2024 Carolina Writing Workshop she is open! Learn more about Jess here.

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ADDED ONLINE PITCHING: To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2024 Carolina Writing Workshop attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at the Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2024 CWWs on our calendar.

That event is the 2024 Online Writing Workshop of San Francisco, April 5-6, 2024, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.

This means that 2024 CWW attendees can have access to pitching all those online San Francisco agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online April 2024 WWSF. (That said, if you want to formally register for the April 5-6 WWSF 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. Following the CWW conferences on March 8-9, 2024, we will be in touch with all Carolina attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2024 WWSF (April 5-6). At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.

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        More 2024 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 2024 CWW event and access to all workshops, all day. Pricing is the same for both workshops. As of fall 2023, registration is now OPEN. The $189 price is the same for both separate events: Charlotte (March 8, 2024) and Raleigh (March 9, 2024).

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 my client, Alison Hammer, at the Writing
Workshop of Chicago and just sold her book.”
– literary agent Joanna Mackenzie of Nelson Literary

“Good news! I signed a client [novelist Aliza Mann]
from the Michigan Writing Workshop!”
– literary agent Sara Mebigow of KT Literary

“I signed author Stephanie Wright from
the Seattle Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kathleen Ortiz of New Leaf Literary

“I signed an author [Kate Thompson] that I
met at the Philadelphia Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kimberly Brower of Brower Literary

“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 Chuck Sambuchino, one of the day’s 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 10-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

• Literary fiction, short stories, and poetry (in-person for Raleigh only): Faculty member Maureen Sherbondy, an author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book or story collection, talk with you virtually (Zoom/phone) for 15 minutes sometime around workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes. Poetry stipulations: You may send up to 10 pages of poetry, maximum 40 lines per page, using 12-pt font.
• Romance, women’s fiction, science fiction, young adult, or memoir (virtual critiques): Faculty member Jenny Bardsley, an author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, talk with you virtually (Zoom/phone) for 15 minutes sometime around workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes.
• Middle grade, young adult; adult fiction in the areas of low fantasy, literary fiction, romance, contemporary fiction, women’s fiction, historical fiction, and mainstream fiction (virtual critiques): Faculty member Joel Brigham, 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 around the workshop to discuss his thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Women’s, mainstream, science fiction, fantasy, romance, crime, thriller, mystery (virtual critiques): Faculty member Michelle McGill-Vargas, 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 around the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• 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 around the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Children’s picture books, middle grade, young adult, memoir, historical fiction, general fiction of almost any kind (virtual critiques): Faculty member Eve Porinchak, a former agent turned publishing coach, 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 around the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. Children’s picture books should be 1,000 words maximum, and can or cannot have illustrations.
• More critique options possibly forthcoming.

How to pay/register — Registration is now open. Reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com, and he will provide specific instructions for payment and registration to get you a reserved seat at the event. Payment is by credit card, PayPal, or check. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Carolina workshops specifically.

REGISTRATION:

Because of limited space at the venues (Friday at the Charlotte Marriott SouthPark; Saturday at the The McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State, in Raleigh), 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 8, 2024; and Raleigh on Saturday, March 9, 2024. 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: The easy first step is simply to reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com. Brian 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 workshops 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 2024 Carolina Writing Workshop.