After successful 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) and Saturday, March 9, 2024 (Raleigh), at venues to be determined. 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 La Sheera Lee (SBR Media) – BOTH CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH
- literary agent Kaylee Zou (Williamson Literary) – RALEIGH
- literary agent Andrea Hurst (Andrea Hurst Literary) – RALEIGH
- literary agent Nikki Terpolowski (Holloway Literary) – RALEIGH
- literary agent Melissa Jeglinski (Knight Agency) – RALEIGH
- editor Georgia McBride (Swoon Romance, Month9, Tantrum Books) – 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:
venues TBD
(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.)
THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (MARCH 8-9 2024):
What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. 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.
Please Note: There will be 2-3 classes/workshops going at all times during the day, so you will have your choice of what class you attend at any time. The final schedule of topics is subject to change, but here is the current layout:
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. This workshop is a thorough crash course in dealing with literary agents.
2. Leveraging Social Media To Build Your Author Brand. Building your author brand is essential for all aspiring authors, regardless of your writing level. Learn how to leverage smart content development strategy and social media management to build your platform.
BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50
1. How Do I Decide? Traditional vs. Indie Publishing
. There is plenty of information available on both traditional and self-publishing. But how do you choose between the two?
2. Four Ways Book Authors Make Money from Publishers: How Authors Go from Fingers on Keyboard to Dollars in Bank Account. Examine the four major ways authors make money from traditional book publishing.
(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.)
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, 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.
2. How to Sell a Nonfiction Book. This session is completely devoted to nonfiction that is not memoir. So if you are trying to create a nonfiction book proposal, this presentation is for you.
BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45
1. Open Agent Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from CWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.
2. Character-Centered Worldbuilding in Science Fiction and Fantasy. In this presentation, a literary agent will share his approach to crafting fantasy worlds rooted in character conflict, demonstrating an approach to let exposition flow naturally while that the same time raising the emotional stakes of the story.
(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.)
BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00
1. Decolonizing Fiction. This class will focus on challenging the notion of there being an ideal and normative writing craft method. It centers an anti-colonial worldbuilding approach to telling our stories, and why that approach is so important to the publishing industry today.
2. Ten Keys to Writing Success. Learn 10 things you can be doing right now that will help get your book(s) published and have more control over your writing destiny.
SESSIONS END: 5:00
At 5 p.m., the day is done. Speakers will make themselves available by the workshop’s bookstore for a short while to sign any books for attendees.
Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.
————-
PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:
Tracey Adams (CHARLOTTE ONLY), literary agent, co-founded Adams Literary in 2004. “Our clients’ work spans every age and every genre—from picture books to middle grade and young adult fiction, from historical novels and fantasy to books that tackle important contemporary issues. While we give every submission careful consideration, we look for unforgettable, life-changing books: literary stories, high-concept speculative fiction, unique fantasy adventure, humor, and character-driven picture books. At this time, we only consider picture book submissions from author-artists (someone who is both author and artist of their work, not a team). We gravitate toward the timeless, not the trendy. We don’t typically handle textbooks, novelty, craft, how-to or coloring books—and we don’t handle any adult works.” Learn more about Tracey here.
La Sheera Lee (BOTH CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH) is a literary agent at SBR Media. “The genres I prefer are Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Young Adult, Urban Lit, Erotica, Suspense/Thriller, Christian Fiction, & Women’s Lit. I may consider others outside of these to represent.” Award-winning blogger, La Sheera Lee, M.Ed., is a wife, mother, educator, podcaster, moderator, literary event planner, and magazine contributor. She is on a mission to help others to see the beauty of their own voices. Learn more about La Sheera 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.
Kaylee Zou (RALEIGH ONLY) 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.
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 (RALEIGH ONLY) is a literary agent and the founder of Andrea Hurst & Associates. She is seeking: Women’s Fiction: Upmarket/Book Club, Romance, Historical, Contemporary, Thriller/Suspense/Mystery, Prescriptive Non-Fiction/Memoir, Science Fiction/Fantasy (Space Opera, Military Science Fiction, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy), Cookbooks, YA Contemporary/YA Thriller. “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.
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.)
———
PRICING:
$169 — 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 $169 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:
- Editor list forthcoming
- 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, 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.