docsessIons - Writer`s Digest Annual Conference
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sessIons - Writer`s Digest Annual Conference
July 31–August 2, 2015 New York City The Roosevelt Hotel Breakthroughs Happen Here WritersDigestConference.com #WDC15 For all your book consulting needs! www.YourBookIsYourHook.com Do you and your book have what it takes to be a bestseller? Are you missing that one piece that could put you over the top with literary agents, publishers, Hollywood and Broadway producers? What You Get – As a writer, you will work with industry pros to be equipped to pitch your book or project to get published, turn it into a film or TV series, or Broadway show, and be able to talk about it confidently with the media, during a sudden meeting with an agent, publisher or producer, or in any conversation with anyone, anywhere, anytime. The Next Bestseller™ Workshop November 6-8, 2015 New York City Seats are limited to 12 writers. www.TheNextBestseller.com welcome and contents Welcome to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference! I’m so pleased you could join us. Of all the events that Writer’s Digest hosts, this one is my favorite by far. If this is your first Writer’s Digest event, prepare yourself for three action-packed days of high energy, camaraderie, learning, inspiration and fun. And if you’re a returning attendee, welcome back! We’ve worked very hard to make our 2015 event an even bigger and better experience. This year, our conference expands to five distinctive tracks that run all weekend long, ensuring that there’s something for everyone, every hour of every day. Tracks include Getting Published (both through traditional means and via self-publishing), Platform & Promotion, The Business of Being an Author, Craft, and Genre Studies. You’ll find sessions on everything from writing for magazines, getting published online, and securing an agent to building compelling characters, writing a mystery, and much more. You’ll also rub elbows with numerous award-winning writers and New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon.com bestselling authors. Many of you have opted to participate in our signature Pitch Slam, spending one nerve-wracking, energizing, fun-filled hour talking up your book to agents who are attending the show specifically to find quality writers with great stories to tell and books to write. But that’s not all. You’ll mingle and make friends during Saturday night’s cocktail party and maybe—just maybe—you’ll be selected for WD’s official mentorship program for the 2015-2016 season. Be sure to catch my introductory remarks before the opening and central keynotes on Friday and Saturday night for more on that exciting announcement! The next few days are going to be packed with inspiration and education. It can be overwhelming at times, so remember to slow down, take a breath, network with your fellow writers, and— most of all—have fun! Table of Contents Keep writing, Session Descriptions .. .. Welcome.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 01 Agenda .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 02 .. .. . 06 Agents & Editors .. .. .. .. .. 15 Phil Sexton • Publisher Writer’s Digest • @psexton1 Exhibitors .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 19 Floorplan .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 20 Restaurants .. .. .. .. .. .. 21 1 agenda FRIDAY, July 31, 2015 track 11:00 AM registration and exhibits 1:00 PM– 1:50 PM Pitch Perfect Zachary Petit, Jennifer Keishin Armstrong, Rebecca Webber, Jennings Brown Great Writing! Great Story! Author Platform? Dawn Michelle Hardy 2:00 PM– 2:50 PM Grand Ballroom Foyer & Corridor Grand Ballroom Chuck Sambuchino Pitch Slam Package Attendees Only How to Write for Magazines The Well Sold Story: An Agent’s Secrets to Writing Stories that Sell Room GP Sutton PL Vanderbilt BA Grand Ballroom CR Broadway CR Hudson GP Vanderbilt PL Sutton BA Broadway CR Grand Ballroom GS Hudson GP Sutton PL Broadway BA Grand Ballroom CR Vanderbilt GS Hudson Paula Munier Help, I Found a Cliché! Steven Harper Piziks The Magic of Sentences: How to Keep your Reader Spellbound Barbara Baig You Should Really Write a Book: How to Write, Sell, and Market Your Memoir Regina Brooks Buzz Your Book in the Ever-Changing (and Crazy) Marketplace 3:00 PM– 3:50 PM M.J. Rose The Wattpad Workshop Ashleigh Gardner How to Build Authentic & Compelling Characters Gina Panettieri 7 Steps to Stronger Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels Gabriela Pereira Fifty Shades of Publishing: All the Ways You Can Publish a Winning Book April Eberhardt Superior Cover Design with Rodrigo CorraL Rodrigo Corral 4:00 PM– 4:50 PM Ask the Agents Chuck Sambuchino (moderator), Marisa Corvisiero, Adriann Ranta, Stephany Evans, Alec Shane Plot Perfect Paula Munier Writing a Mystery: A Crash Course Hallie Ephron 5:00 PM– 5:50 PM OPENING KEYNOTE An Hour with Jonathan Maberry 6:00 PM– 6:50 PM Book Signing: Jonathan Maberry Jonathan Maberry Jonathan Maberry Grand Ballroom Grand Ballrooom Foyer See the WDC Program Ebook for the most up-to-date listings at WRITERSDIGESTCONFERENCE.COM 2 Join the conversation on twitter @writersdigest • #WDC15 agenda SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2015 8:00 AM– 6:00 PM track Grand Ballroom Foyer & Corridor registration and exhibits The Effective Query Letter Workshop GP Grand Ballroom PL Vanderbilt Take Your Pants Off and Write! The Benefits and Pitfalls of Pantsing vs. Plotting a Novel CR Sutton Growing Your Iceberg: Crafting a Secondary World That Feels Ancient GS Hudson GP Sutton PL Grand Ballroom BA BROADWAY CR Vanderbilt CR HUDSON Janet Reid Social Media for Writers Tee Morris, Pip Ballantine 9:00 AM– 9:50 AM Room Jeff Somers N.K. Jemisin Write It. Finish It. Send It Out! Steven Harper Piziks Panel: Marketing Strategies for Authors Phil Sexton (Moderator), G.P. Ching, Dan Blank, Nina Amir Writing the Hook for Your Book 10:00AM– 11:00 AM Jennifer S. Wilkov Word Painting: The Fine Art of Writing Descriptively Rebecca McClanahan From Blog to Agent to Book Deal: What All Writers Need to Know About Using Their Blog to Succeed Brian Klems Pitch Slam Session 1 Terrace Check your registration badge for your assigned Pitch Slam Session The New Model of Publishing: Combining Traditional & Partnership Publishing for Success GP Sutton PL Broadway BA Grand Ballroom CR Vanderbilt GS Hudson Kristen Harnisch, April Eberhardt Act Like a Writer Keith Strunk Writer Unboxed LIVE! 11:10 AM– 12:10 PM Jessica Strawser (moderator), Porter Anderson, Dan Blank, Donald Maass, Erika Robuck, Therese Walsh, Heather Webb, Vaughn Roycroft, Brunonia Barry Setting: More than Creating a Sense of Place Hallie Ephron Historical Fiction: Making Fiction from Faces and Places William Martin Pitch Slam Session 2 Check your registration badge for your assigned Pitch Slam Session 12:10 PM– 1:10 PM Terrace Lunch on Your Own & Exhibits T racks : G P = G e t ti n g pu b l i s h e d PL = p l at fo rm & pro m oti o n C R = c raf t GS = G en re stu dies BA = T he busin ess of bein g an author 3 agenda SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2015 How to Become a Regular Contributor to Any Publication Jessica Strawser, Zachary Petit, Susan Shapiro eBook Subscription Services and What They Mean for You Nadine Vassallo 1:10 PM– 2:10 PM After the Book Deal: All the Things You Need to Know about Book Blurbs, Marketing, Social Media and the Publishing Process TRACK Room GP Sutton PL Broadway BA Grand Ballroom CR Vanderbilt GS Hudson Brian Klems How to DIY Your MFA in Creative Writing Gabriela Pereira Crafting Crime Fiction Jane K. Cleland Pitch Slam Session 3 Terrace Check your registration badge for your assigned Pitch Slam Session Panel: Getting Real about Self-Publishing Phil Sexton (Moderator), Gwen Hernandez, G.P. Ching, Melissa Joulwan, Rachel Funk Heller Getting Discovered: Putting Your e-Books on Libraries’ e-Shelves GP VANDERBILT PL Broadway BA Sutton CR Grand Ballroom GS Hudson Porter Anderson 2:20 PM– 3:20 PM How to Create Your Bestselling Author Career Plan Nina Amir Revising a Novel: Step Away From The Blue Pencil! Hallie Ephron How, When & Why to Switch Writing Genres Susan Shapiro (Moderator), Caroline Leavitt, Naomi Rosenblatt, Seth Kugel, Joseph Salvatore, Reneé Watson, A. Zell Williams Pitch Slam Session 4 Terrace Check your registration badge for your assigned Pitch Slam Session Breaking into the Best Online Publications Susan Shapiro (Moderator) Tyghe Trimble, Eli Reyes, Christopher Robbins, Jerry Portwood, Sarah Hepola, Joanna Douglas Beyond Bookstores: Selling Your Book in Unexpected Ways and Places 3:30 PM– 4:20 PM GP Vanderbilt PL Grand Ballroom BA Sutton CR Hudson GS Broadway Kristen Harnisch, April Eberhardt, Anjali Mitter Duva How to Stay Sane During the Writing Process Nathan Bransford Scene Stealer: master Strong Scenes to Build Page-Turning Stories Jordan Rosenfeld From Me-More to Memoir: Crafting Real Life Stories Rebecca McClanahan 4:30 PM– 5:20 PM Central Keynote Behind the Books 5:30 PM– 7:00 PM Cocktail Reception 4 Jacqueline Woodson Grand Ballroom Grand Ballroom Foyer & Corridor See the WDC Program Ebook for the most up-to-date listings at WRITERSDIGESTCONFERENCE.COM Join the conversation on twitter @writersdigest • #WDC15 agenda SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2015 8:00 AM– 1:00 PM TRACK Room Grand Ballroom Foyer & Corridor registration and exhibits Self-Publishing on a Shoestring: Where to Skimp and Where to Splurge for Maximum Exposure GP Sutton PL Hudson BA Vanderbilt CR Grand Ballroom GS Broadway GP Grand Ballroom PL Vanderbilt BA Hudson CR Sutton GS Broadway G.P. Ching How to Leverage Your Blog Content into a Successful Book Nina Amir 9:00 AM– 9:50 AM The Persistent Writer: Strategies to Succeed in a Changing Publishing Landscape Jordan Rosenfeld A Stronger Outline for a Stronger Story Gabriela Pereira, Bess Cozby How to Craft an Irresistible Nonfiction Book Proposal Phil Sexton Breaking In: First Time Novelists Share How They Got Their Book Published Kristen Harnisch, Anjali Mitter Duva, Kim van Alkemade, Therese Walsh, Rachel Shane, Pia Padukone Getting into the Act: Make Your Readers Your Marketers 10:00AM– 10:50 AM Gina Panettieri Writing Your Way With Scrivener Gwen Hernandez Exposition & Economy Jon McGoran Panel: The Glorious World of Steampunk Tee Morris, Pip Ballantine, Steven Harper Piziks 10:50AM– 11:10 AM PROMENADE CORRIDOR Morning Break & Exhibits First Line, First Paragraph, First Page William Martin Amazon for Savvy Authors Erica Nye 11:10 AM– 12:00 PM Dirty Little Secrets: Learn How the Publishing Industry Really Works in Order to Become a More Successful Author GP Sutton PL Hudson BA Grand Ballroom CR Vanderbilt GS Broadway Phil Sexton Writing the Truth: Persuading through Prose Jane K. Cleland Beyond Castles, Crowns and Corsets: Writing the Non-Western Past April Eberhardt (Moderator), Anjali Mitter Duva, Nomi Eve, Frances de Pontes Peebles 12:10 PM– 1:00 PM Nail By Nail: A Carpenter’s Guide to Building the Debut Bestseller at Midlife Grand Ballroom 1:00 PM– 2:00 PM Book Signing Grand Ballroom Foyer Tim Johnston T racks : G P = G e t ti n g pu b l i s h e d PL = p l at fo rm & pro m oti o n C R = c raf t GS = G en re stu dies BA = T he busin ess of bein g an author 5 SESSIONS T racks: GP =Gettin g publ ished, PL =p l atform & p ro m ot i o n, BA =T h e b u s i nes s o f b ei ng a n au t h o r , CR = c ra ft, GS =G e n re st u d i es FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015 CR T he Magic of Sentences: How to Keep Your Reader Spellbound 1:00 PM–1:50 PM Pitch Perfect Chuck Sambuchino, Editor/Author, Writer’s Digest This can’t-miss session is one of our most popular. Chuck will give you insights into exactly what you need to be thinking about as you prepare to pitch your work. If you intend on participating in Saturday’s massive Pitch Slam, this session is crucial to your success. Get guidelines for honing your pitch to a razor’s edge, feel comfortable presenting, and find the confidence you need to make a great impression! Note: This session is for Pitch Slam/Basic Conference Package registrants only. 2:00 PM–2:50 PM GP PANEL: How to Write for Magazines Zachary Petit, Editor, Print; Jennifer Keishin Armstrong, Writer/Author; Rebecca Webber, Freelance Journalist; Jennings Brown, Staff Writer, Vocativ In this invaluable session, you’ll learn what it takes to break into the business of writing for magazines. Find out how to target markets, pitch them successfully, and build a regular portfolio of work—and related income. It’s an open discussion where we’ll be answering your questions. If you want to write for magazines, it’s one session you can’t afford to miss. Barbara Baig, Author/Writing Instructor When you write, do you find yourself groping for the right word? Do you wish your sentences had more flow, more energy, more variety? Skilled writers command a large repertoire of sentenceconstruction techniques, enabling them to produce sentences that grab readers and make them turn pages. This workshop will introduce you to some of these techniques, so you can use them to create your individual voice on the page and captivate your readers. 3:00 PM–3:50 PM GP Y ou Should Really Write a Book: How to Write, Sell, and Market Your Memoir Regina Brooks, Founder and President of Serendipity Literary Agency, LLC. If you’ve ever been told that “You should really write a book,” this session is for you. Learn the three key measures necessary for aspiring authors to conceptualize, sell, and market their memoirs. Designed especially for those who don’t happen to be celebrities, this session reveals why and how so many relatively unknown memoirists are making a name for themselves. PL B uzz Your Book in the Ever-Changing (and Crazy) Marketplace PL Great Writing! Great Story! Author Platform? M.J. Rose, Author In this interactive, high-energy session, bestselling Author and Marketing Guru M.J. Rose will show you how to brainstorm a variety of ideas and techniques for promoting your work, building your brand, and selling books. Bring your own books to the session, for a chance at Rose’s idea generation treatment! BA T he Well Sold Story: An Agent’s Secrets to Writing Stories that Sell Ashleigh Gardner, Head of Content, Wattpad Writers at all stages of their careers are joining the Wattpad community to reach new fans and connect with their readers. Whether you’re just starting your first draft or are promoting your bestselling novel, we’ll discuss the best ways to use Wattpad and how to integrate it into your social media strategy. Leave with an understanding of the opportunities available on Wattpad and how writers are finding success! CR Help, I Found a Cliché! Gina Panettieri, President and Executive Editor of Talcott Notch Literary Create fresh, vivid and memorable characters and take your writing to the next level. Panettieri will focus on character trait clusters, personal history, motivation, and fatal flaws using Jung’s archetypes and how those are reflected in fiction. Participants will be allowed to ask questions about their own projects. Dawn Michelle Hardy, Associate Literary Agent, Serendipity Literary Agency, LLC. You’ve worked so hard to complete your manuscript. Now you need to create a publicity plan that will help you connect with readers, impress agents and editors. In this session, you’ll learn about author platforms (and how to establish one), publicity tips, setting up book tours, and more! Paula Munier, Senior Literary Agent, Talcott Notch Literary Services In today’s tough and volatile publishing environment, what you don’t know about the commercial viability of your story can definitely hurt you. Literary Agent Paula Munier reveals the little-known factors that affect your ability to sell your work, and what you can do about it. Steven Harper Piziks, Author Everyone says to avoid clichés like the plague, but what does that mean? Harper covers character clichés, including what they are, how to avoid them, and what to do when you discover one lurking in your novel. BA The Wattpad Workshop CR How to Build Authentic and Compelling Characters See the WDC Program Ebook for the most up-to-date listings at WRITERSDIGESTCONFERENCE.COM 6 Join the conversation on twitter @writersdigest • #WDC15 SESSIONS 3:00 PM–3:50 PM continued CR Plot Perfect GS 7 Steps to Stronger Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels Gabriela Pereira, Creative Director and Instigator of DIY MFA Trying to write for children but don’t know where to start? In this workshop, you’ll learn seven fundamental steps that will get you going. You’ll dig into the theory behind the techniques so you can understand why they work, but you’ll also see practical examples so that you can apply these tools to your own project. You’ll leave the session with a seven-step plan to help you craft stories that will dazzle and delight! 4:00 PM–4:50 PM GP Fifty Shades of Publishing: All the Ways You Can Publish a Winning Book April Eberhardt, Literary Agent, April Eberhardt Literary There have never been more options and opportunities than there are right now—it’s no longer either/or, traditional vs. self-publishing. Learn how to develop a publishing strategy. Start thinking about your publishing options by project rather than career goal! PL Superior Cover Design with Rodrigo Corral Rodrigo Corral, Designer, Rodrigo Corral Studio As more authors take responsibility for developing the covers of their books, it becomes vitally important that those same authors learn the basics of good cover design, how to speak the language of designers, and understand the creative thought process that can transform a good cover idea into something spectacular. In this special session, Rodrigo Corral, award winning designer of covers and Creative Director for iconic publishing house Farrar, Straus and Giroux, explores what having a “well designed cover” means, how to design process works, and effective ways to partner with designers to get your jacket done right. BA PANEL: Ask the Agents Chuck, Editor/Author, Writer’s Digest Marisa A. Corvisiero, Founder and Senior Literary Agent, Corvisiero Literary Agency Stephany Evans, Literary Agent, FinePrint Literary Adriann Ranta, Literary Agent, Wolf Literary Services Alec Shane, Literary Agent, Writers House This Q&A with literary agents provides you with an opportunity to find out what agents look for in sample chapters, what makes them stop reading, what they can do for self-published authors, what they want to hear during a live pitch, and much more. You’ll get the chance to ask the agents about any topic, from platform and marketing to self-publishing and series writing. Paula Munier, Senior Literary Agent, Talcott Notch Literary Services Learn the keys to creating a story structure that works—no matter what your genre. Get the strategies you need to build a scene-by-scene blueprint that will help elevate your fiction, earn the attention of agents and editors, and keep readers entranced from Page One to The End. GS Writing a Mystery: A Crash Course Hallie Ephron, Author You know you’re reading a great mystery novel when you’re up at three in the morning, unable to put it down. This session will demystify the art and artifice and get down to the nuts and bolts of writing a killer mystery novel. 5:00 PM–5:50 PM Opening Keynote: An Hour with Jonathan Maberry Jonathan Maberry, Author Jonathan Maberry, New York Times Bestselling author and four-time Stoker award-winner shares his insights into the contemporary business of publishing and how one’s dedication to the craft—and to one’s fellow writers—trumps every other factor when it comes to being a successful author. SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 8:00 am–6:00 pm Registration and Exhibits 9:00 AM–9:50 AM GP The Effective Query Letter Workshop Janet Reid, Literary Agent, FinePrint Literary Management Learn to craft a compelling query that introduces your work and entices a literary agent to ask for more. Find out the key things to avoid, plus what you must include. After the lecture, bring your own query if you want it used as a class example. (Not required, of course, but oh, what an opportunity!) PL Social Media for Writers Tee Morris, Social Media Expert/Author Pip Ballantine, Author In this session, Authors and Social Media Experts Tee Morris and Pip Ballantine examine the most popular applications of social networking and introduce new tools that connect not just with other applications but with a community that carries influence and impact. Beginning with set up and ending with Best Practices and Online Etiquette, you’ll build your network, incorporate third-party applications, and build a community through your thoughts, opinions, and online resources. See the WDC Program Ebook for the most up-to-date listings at WRITERSDIGESTCONFERENCE.COM 8 Join the conversation on twitter @writersdigest • #WDC15 sessions CR T ake Your Pants Off and Write! The Benefits and Pitfalls of Pantsing vs. Plotting a Novel Jeff Somers, Author/Writer Some writers who are content to make it up as they go— flying by the seat of their pants. Stephen King, for example, is an author who develops a situation, then allows his characters to lead him. Others need a more tangible plot outline to follow closely, keeping them on track.There are pros and cons to both “pantsing” and “plotting,” however. In this session, you’ll see how each works, how to overcome each method’s weaknesses, and how to determine which is the right one for you. GS G rowing Your Iceberg: Crafting a Secondary World That Feels Ancient N.K. Jemisin, Author In this workshop, Jemisin will guide you through the process of creating the planet, politics, and people of a complete and original secondary world, using principles that you can easily apply to creating your own. 10:00 AM–11:00 AM GP Write It. Finish It. Send It Out! Steven Harper Piziks, Author So the book is done. Now what? This fast-paced workshop will cover the nuts and bolts of submitting a manuscript. Author Steven Harper goes over how to find an agent or editor, how to write a query letter, proper manuscript format, and what to say when you get the magic phone call from a publisher. PL PANEL: Marketing Strategies for Authors Phil Sexton, Publisher, Writer’s Digest (Moderator) Nina Amir, Author Dan Blank, Founder, WeGrowMedia C.P. Ching, Author The biggest challenge facing an author—whether traditionally published or self-published—is effectively promoting your work and motivating the public to buy it. Learn the best and latest strategies, plus have an opportunity to ask your own questions at this invaluable session. BA Writing The Hook For Your Book Jennifer S. Wilkov, Author/Writer, Your Book is Your Hook Every book has a hook! But reducing that 300 page manuscript into your hook to get it out into the marketplace, attract attention and sell can seem like a mystery of its own. In this presentation, Jennifer Wilkov, host of the radio talk show, “Your Book Is Your Hook!,” will show you how to master the art of writing your hook along with your book! Break through the bottlenecks, build your platform and use it to attract more readers, agents, publishers, and press! CR Word Painting: The Fine Art of Writing Descriptively Rebecca McClanahan, Author No matter your genre, you can benefit from improving your skills in description. Learn how to create precise, imaginative, and effective word pictures to engage your reader—plus how to use description to bring characters and settings to life, discover original images, reveal theme, and shape the narrative line. GS F rom Blog to Agent to Book Deal: What All Writers Need to Know About Using Their Blog to Succeed Brian Klems, Author, Online Editor, Writer’s Digest Have a blog or thinking of starting one? Learn how to take your blog to the next level, attract an audience AND a publisher by following these rules developed by Brian Klems, whose parenting blog, TheLifeOfDad.com, landed him an agent and a book deal. 10:00 AM–11:00 AM Pitch Slam 11:10 AM–12:10 PM GP T he New Model of Publishing: Combining Traditional & Partnership Publishing for Success April Eberhardt, Literary Agent, April Eberhardt Literary Kristen Harnisch, Author Traditional and alternate publishing are often viewed as an either/or proposition, but hybrid publishing is becoming more and more popular. There are a growing number of options— ones that savvy writers are prepared to take advantage of.In this eye-opening session, author Kristen Harnisch details how her first novel came to be partner published in the United States and traditionally published in Canada. Learn how to determine which publishing choice is best for you, as well as tips and pitfalls to avoid. PL Act Like a Writer Keith Strunk, Author, Actor, Teacher Learn how to be a celebrity even if you’re not famous yet! Discover your public persona that draws people to you and your words through fine tuning your own personal style as a public presenter, interview subject, and reader/interpreter of your own work. BA Writer Unboxed LIVE! Jessica Strawser (moderator), Editor, Writer’s Digest Magazine Porter Anderson, Journalist, Speaker and Consultant Specializing in Book Publishing Brunonia Barry, Author Dan Blank, Founder, WeGrowMedia Donald Maass, Author/Founder, Donald Maass Literary Agency Erika Robuck, Author Vaughn Roycroft, Writer/Writer Unboxed Facebook Community Manager Therese Walsh, Co-Founder, Writer Unboxed Whether you’re a not-yet-published writer or an experienced author, wading through online writing advice can be overwhelming. At this panel, Writer Unboxed presents a diverse lineup of savvy specialists to advise you on platform, craft, industry and community, to help you find the empowering information you need. T rack s: GP =Getting p ubl ished, PL =p l atform & p ro mot i o n, BA =T h e b u s i nes s o f b ei ng a n au t h o r , CR = c ra ft, GS =G e n re st u d i es 9 SESSIONS 11:10 AM–12:10 PM continued CR Setting: More than Creating a Sense of Place Hallie Ephron, Author In this workshop, you’ll examine the best techniques for creating a vivid sense of place and the many uses of setting that go beyond simply describing where your characters are. Explore the crucial link between viewpoint and setting, and the decisions a writer makes about which characters filter settings. GS H istorical Fiction: Making Fiction from Faces and Places William Martin, Author In storytelling, research matters. This is especially true in historical fiction, in which a writer must create worlds that no longer exist. Or do they? William Martin will take you through his photographic research for The Lincoln Letter to demonstrate what he learns when he studies historical imagery. Along the way, you’ll explore larger research issues, discuss strategies for the use of primary sources, and demonstrate new ways of seeing the visual material that all historical novelists must study 11:10 AM–12:10 PM BA A fter the Book Deal: All the Things You Need to Know about Book Blurbs, Marketing, Social Media and the Publishing Process Brian Klems, Author, Online Editor, Writer’s Digest Your manuscript is finished and you’ve landed a book deal. Now what? Klems walks you through the publishing process, explaining what publishers do, what they don’t do and what you need to do to give your book the best chance at success. You’ll learn about the editorial process, how book covers and jacket copy are created, the importance of your bio, promotions and generating buzz! CR How to DIY Your MFA in Creative Writing Gabriela Pereira, Creative Director and Instigator of DIY MFA Here’s a secret no MFA program wants you to know: most of what you learn about writing in grad school, you can actually teach yourself. This session will show you how to apply MFA principles to your writing life so you can get the “knowledge without the college.” Gabriela will debunk major myths about writing and take you through the step-by-step of a technique that will help you write more, better, and smarter. GS Crafting Crime Fiction Pitch Slam 12:10pm–1:10pm Lunch on your own & Exhibits 1:10 PM–2:10 PM GP H ow to Become a Regular Contributor to Any Publication Zachary Petit, Editor, Print Susan Shapiro, Author/Journalism Professor Jessica Strawser, Editor, Writer’s Digest Magazine Successful freelance writers don’t spend their days coldquerying untapped markets. Instead, they think of every assignment they land as the potential start of a long-term relationship. Editors love having a stable of trusted freelancers they can turn to. So how do you become one of those writers? This panel of both magazine editors and professional freelancers will give you simple insider tips from both sides of the desk! GP eBook Subscription Services and What They Mean for You Nadine Vassallo, Project Manager for Research & Information, Book Industry Study Group (BISG) Publishing ’s rapid evolution continues to reinvent how books are marketed and sold . One of the recent seismic shifts is the growth in popularity of subscription models for selling digital books. Vendors like Oyster, Scribd, and Kindle Unlimited are fighting for market share, while the authors most affected by this new business model often know very little about it, how it works, how sales are tabulated, and how they are paid. In this eye-opening session, you’ll learn how these businesses work and which models pay the best. It’s necessary information for succeeding in the new ebook economy! Jane K. Cleland, Author All sub-genres of crime fiction share these qualities: the plot is engaging; the characters believable; and the narrative draws readers in. Get a detailed overview of readers’ and publishers’ expectations for all major crime fiction sub-genres—and how to satisfy them. Topics include: Plot: When and how to introduce the “narrative question”; how to use foreshadowing; avoiding “saggy middles”; Characterization: Creating a protagonist with depth to carry your story; Integrating your characters’ back stories in seamlessly; Developing memorable secondary characters; Narrative: Balancing dialogue, description, and action; Creating believable worlds; and the difference between suspense and surprise. 1:10 PM–2:10 PM Pitch Slam 2:20 PM–3:20 PM GP PANEL: Getting Real about Self-Publishing Phil Sexton, Publisher, Writer’s Digest (Moderator) G.P. Ching, Author Rachel Funk Heller, Author/Illustrator Gwen Hernandez, Author Melissa Joulwan, Author Victoria Strauss, Author Listen in as this panel of award-winning and bestselling selfpublished authors discusses indie publishing. You’ll hear the real dirt on just what it takes to succeed, how much it costs, pitfalls to avoid, and small victories you might experience along the way to success. This panel consists of those authors who have succeeded as both artists and businesspeople. Ask your questions, get real, unvarnished answers! See the WDC Program Ebook for the most up-to-date listings at WRITERSDIGESTCONFERENCE.COM 10 Join the conversation on twitter @writersdigest • #WDC15 sessions PL G etting Discovered: Putting Your e-Books on Libraries’ e-Shelves Porter Anderson, Journalist, Speaker, Consultant Specializing in Book Publishing The folks at Library Journal have created a new program—at no cost to writers—to submit ebooks, have them curated for busy librarians, and then presented to your state’s libraries and the US national library system. In this session, journalist Porter Anderson will walk you through exactly the steps to take to become part of the new SELF-e program, so some of the most avid readers in the world can…check you out! BA How to Create Your Bestselling Author Career Plan Nina Amir, Author To succeed as an author, you must have a plan in mind for each and every book you write. In this eye-opening session, Nina Amir lays out a proven plan for turning your story idea into a business strategy that gets results. Learn to evaluate yourself and your book ideas through the eyes of acquisitions editors. Find out how to create a business plan and writing guide for a marketable book project that that sells! CR R evising a Novel: Step Away From the Blue Pencil! Hallie Ephron, Author It’s so tempting to pick up a blue pencil after you finish a first draft of your novel. But line editing should be the last step in revising a novel, not the first. This workshop presents an iterative revision process that works from large to small, examining a novel through multiple lenses while soliciting and processing feedback from trusted readers. Learn to separate the big issues from the small and evaluate and identify fixes easily. GS PANEL: How, When and Why to Switch Writing Genres Seth Kugel, Grugal Traveler Columnist, The New York Times Caroline Leavitt, Author Naomi Rosenblatt, President and Publisher, Heliotrope Books Joseph Salvatore, Author/Editor Susan Shapiro, Author/Jourmalism Professor Reneé Watson, Author A. Zell Williams, Resident Playwright with New Dramatists and Writer for NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” No matter how much you love your genre, it can only benefit you to stretch your literary muscles and make more money by publishing in a different arena (or two.) Moderated by an author of 10 books (who reinvents herself every 5 years), this panel includes top literary agents, book editors and bestselling authors who will reveal the secrets of successful reinvention and why you might want to consider moonlighting too. 2:20 PM–3:20 PM Pitch Slam 3:30 PM– 4:20 PM GP PANEL: Breaking into the Best Online Publications Sarah Hepola, Author/Writer Jerry Portwood, Executive Editor, Out Magazine and Out.com Eli Reyes, Editor Christopher Robbins, Editor and Reporter, Gothamist.com and Impose Magazine Susan Shapiro, Author/Journalism Professor Tyghe Trimble, Editorial Director, Mensjournal.com Joanna Douglas, Senior Beauty Editor, Yahoo Beauty We all know there are fewer pages of magazines and newspapers printing shorter pieces from freelance writers for less money. On the upside, there are more editors than ever before at top publications who will pay for your work. It’s much easier to add your byline if you know what to write, who exactly to send it to and how to pitch correctly. Including editors from nytimes.com, nymagazine.com, newyorker.com, atlantic.com, newsday.com, marieclaire.com, mensjournal.com, gothamist. com and out.com, this exciting panel will teach you what you need to know. PL B eyond Bookstores: Selling Your Book in Unexpected Ways and Places April Eberhardt, Literary Agent, April Eberhardt Literary Kristen Harnisch, Author Anjali Mitter Duva, Author/Co-Founder, Chhamdika Think that bookstores are the best way to reach readers? Think again. Imaginative authors are finding new ways to connect with readers eager to read and experience their books—in venues where there’s not the usual intense competition for readers’ attention. Coffee shops, street fairs, museum gift shops, dance festivals, theme parties, ethnic celebrations, cookware stores and even wineries provide innovative venues for showcasing your book! Discover out-of-the-bookstore channels to promote your own book. BA How to Stay Sane During the Writing Process Nathan Bransford, Author Writing is hard. The entire process is fraught with rejection. How do you keep your head up? Author and former Agent Nathan Bransford will share his 10 commandments for happy writing, including secrets for enjoying every step, embracing the Internet and social media, and cultivating relationships with your fellow writers. CR S cene Stealer: Master Strong Scenes to Build Page-Turning Stories Jordan Rosenfeld, Author Not all scenes are created equal. Each scene type has strengths and weaknesses and satisfies the needs of key moments in your novel in uniquely different ways. Learn the difference between when to use a suspense scene over an epiphany scene, a contemplative scene rather than a dialogue scene. A solid grasp of the wide variety of scene types available broadens a writer’s story choices, gives cadence to the overall piece and helps you construct a pitch-perfect plot. T rack s: GP =Getting p ubl ished, PL =p l atform & p ro mot i o n, BA =T h e b u s i nes s o f b ei ng a n au t h o r , CR = c ra ft, GS =G e n re st u d i es 11 SESSIONS 3:30 PM– 4:20 PM continued GS From Me-More to Memoir: Crafting Real Life Stories Rebecca McClanahan, Author Many memoirists struggle with what to include, exclude, and how to shape a life-based narrative that invites readers in. In this session, you’ll learn how to read your life for clues, select the most essential elements, and shape the material for your audience. Whether you’re writing a personal or lyric essay, a hybrid text, or book-length narrative, this session will suggest ways to begin the journey! 4:30 PM–5:20 PM Central Keynote: Behind the Books Jacqueline Woodson, New York Times Bestselling Author National Book Award Winner and New York Times bestselling Author Jacqueline Woodson discusses her lifelong journey as a writer with humor and poise, revealing her own writing process and where she finds inspiration. As she reads passages from her diverse body of work, this rousing, interactive talk will motivate you to read, write, revise, and read some more. 5:30 PM–7:00 PM Book Signing and Cocktail Networking Reception SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 BA T he Persistent Writer: Strategies to Succeed in a Changing Publishing Landscape Jordan Rosenfeld, Author What makes the difference between a successful writer and a struggling one? Persistence—the art of learning how not to give up. Today’s writer can’t expect the publishing landscape to look the same from year to year. In this workshop, Jordan E. Rosenfeld will walk you through key strategies to help you find your core sense of purpose, carve away distractions and energy drains, commit to your writing practice, and get back on the horse after rejection, criticism and more in order to be successful at your craft. CR A Stronger Outline for a Stronger Story Bess Cozby, Web Editor, DIYMFA.com Gabriela Pereira, Creative Director and Instigator, DIY MFA Whether you’re a plotter, “pantser” or somewhere in-between, an outline can make your story stronger while making your writing life easier. Many writers think of an outline as either too daunting or too stifling but, if done correctly, it can be a powerful addition to your writing toolkit. During this session, Gabriela will teach you how to create a strong, flexible outline that’s custom-designed for your style, your process, and your story. You’ll leave knowing how to use your outline to perfect your plot, deepen your characters and guide your story from draft to done. GS How to Craft an Irresistible Nonfiction Book Proposal 8:00 AM–1:00 PM Registration and Exhibits 9:00 AM–9:50 AM GP S elf-Publishing on a Shoestring: Where to Skimp and Where to Splurge for Maximum Exposure G.P. Ching, Author Self-publishing is an investment business model where authors put in all of the work upfront for a reward that is far from guaranteed. With so many competing priorities, how can authors create a quality product while keeping an eye on profitability? In this session, we’ll discuss when do-it-yourself will suffice and when it will doom your project, along with simple strategies to start small and scale fast as an author/entrepreneur. PL H ow to Leverage Your Blog Content into a Successful Book Nina Amir, Author Today more bloggers are landing deals than ever before. Acquisition editors continue to scour the internet looking for blogs to turn into books because they want projects that are as close to a sure thing as possible. Learn how you can blog your way to a book deal or create a blog that attracts readers, agents and publishers. This session will touch on how to book a blog, how to blog about your book and why a successful blog ensures a successful self-published book. Phil Sexton, Publisher, Writer’s Digest It’s become more competitive than ever to get your book traditionally published. Selling your nonfiction book idea, however, is as much a matter of positioning and platform as it is writing skill. And while you don’t necessarily need a completed manuscript in hand to get a book deal, you do need a compelling business plan that shows editors and agents that you’ve done your homework and have a truly salable idea. Assessing your idea, your competition, and your place in the market is what this presentation is all about. In this session, Phil Sexton, Writer’s Digest publisher and former book sales executive, outlines the key components of a successful nonfiction book proposal. You’ll discover how to craft a proposal that’s worthy of your great idea, while providing the information that publishers, editors, agents, and salespeople— even readers—need in order to commit to your book. In addition, Phil will take volunteers from the audience and workshop their book ideas live to illustrate these principles at work. 10:00 AM–10:50 AM GP P ANEL: Breaking In: First Time Novelists Share How They Got Their Book Published Kristen Harnisch, Author Anjali Mitter Duva, Author/Co-Founder, Chhandika Pia Padukone, Author Rachel Shane, Author Kim van Alkemade, Author, Therese Walsh, Co-Founder, Writer Unboxed See the WDC Program Ebook for the most up-to-date listings at WRITERSDIGESTCONFERENCE.COM 12 Join the conversation on twitter @writersdigest • #WDC15 sessions Each year, thousands of writers try to break through the wall of agents, editors, and other gatekeepers to get their novels published. Only a small percentage succeed. In this panel, you’ll hear from a variety of authors who either just broke through or have been producing work for years, with publishing houses both small and large. You’ll learn what it took for each of them to finally secure a deal, what the reality of that experience was, the disappointments and the victories, and the lessons learned along the way. It’s a crash course on the real-world issues of getting an agent, getting published, and making a life as a writer. PL G etting into the Act: Make Your Readers Your Marketers Gina Panettieri, President and Executive Editor of Talcott Notch Literary Discover new and innovative ways to promote your book that won’t break the bank, and won’t devour all your writing time, by using your readers to do most of the work for you. Tired of ARC giveaways that seem to attract only people looking for freebies? Not sure your blogging is actually doing anything to sell books? Time to start growing, and using, your own ‘secret sales army,’ and have fun doing it! BA Writing Your Way with Scrivener Gwen Hernandez, Author Scrivener is excellent for both plotters and pantsers. Want to find out what makes this software so popular, or learn a few new tricks? The author of Scrivener For Dummies walks you through the basics and covers some of her favorite features, including how to track your progress, color code your scenes, write in distraction-free mode, mark up your manuscript, set up a series, create an e-book, and more. Feel free to bring your laptop, loaded with Scrivener, so you can follow along. CR Exposition and Economy Jon McGoran, Author In this engaging workshop, Author Jon McGoran helps you identify and eliminate excessive exposition in your narratives, determine the difference between desirable and undesirable exposition, and recognize alternative ways of conveying important information. Learn how to turn boring info dumps into highly anticipated answers to compelling mysteries by integrating information into your narrative, so it adds nuance, depth and tension to your story, instead of interrupting it. GS Panel: The Glorious World of Steampunk Pip Ballantine, Author Steven Harper Piziks, Author Tee Morris, Social Media Expert/Author Steampunk, a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy literature, is also one of the most popular. Not only has the genre begun to dominate shelves, but it has also generated its own cultural movement. Readers seem to have an endless hunger for all things steampunk. In this session we’ll discuss what it takes to write successful steampunk, the pitfalls and challenges of the genre, how to get it published, and more. Join our illustrious panel of steampunk authors and get the inside scoop on the most exciting realm of science fiction and fantasy today. 10:50 AM–11:10 AM Morning Break and Exhibits 11:10 AM—12:00 PM GP First Line, First Paragraph, First Page William Martin, Author In today’s minute-by-minute, 140-character, handheld culture, you don’t get much time to grab anyone’s attention. Most readers decide very quickly whether they will read your book or go back to Twitter. And most professional readers—agents, editors, other writers—know just as quickly, sometimes in the first line, often in the first paragraph, and usually by the end of the first page, if a writer has ‘it,’ the third eye, that special instinct that will make readers read to the bottom of that first page, then turn it. William Martin will discuss his techniques for getting that best seller kicked into action. PL Amazon for Savvy Authors Erica Nye, National Accounts Executive, F+W, A Content & eCommerce Company Between ebook and print book sales, Amazon is one of the biggest influencers of book sales in the history of publishing. But for the most part, how Amazon does what it does remains a mystery to all but Amazon “insiders.” In this session, Amazon expert Erica Nye shares her best practices for authors and publishers to ensure that your book has the best possible discoverability on the site, increasing your potential sales and consumer awareness. Learn what you and your network can do to increase how often your book is found on the site and purchased. Discover what it is that your publisher should be doing that they probably aren’t. This session can transform what happens to your book with the biggest book retailer in the country! BA D irty Little Secrets: Learn How the Publishing Industry Really Works in Order to Become a More Successful Author Phil Sexton, Publisher, Writer’s Digest Back by popular demand, this eye-opening presentation examines those things that take place behind closed doors at publishing houses, in meetings with bookstore buyers, and on the bookstore sales floor that will determine the success or failure of your book. Writer’s Digest Publisher Phil Sexton will also provide advice, tips, and strategies for ensuring that your book receives the best treatment and the best opportunities for success. He’ll also tell you what questions you should be asking. You’ll learn what publishers aren’t proactive about sharing, sometimes forget to do, or purposefully ignore; and many more “dirty little secrets.” T rack s: GP =Getting p ubl ished, PL =p l atform & p ro mot i o n, BA =T h e b u s i nes s o f b ei ng a n au t h o r , CR = c ra ft, GS =G e n re st u d i es 13 SESSIONS 11:10 AM—12:00 PM continued CR Writing the Truth: Persuading through Prose Jane K. Cleland, Author This presentation examines the nature of truth and perception surrounding issues of racism and civil rights; religious freedom and assimilation; sex and promiscuity; and mainstreaming children with disabilities; among others. You’ll know which underlying structures will best support your rhetorical position. By examining how four authors writing in four different modes approached the challenge, you’ll discover strategies you can use in your work, specific tactics to help hone your unique writer’s voice. GS B eyond Castles, Crowns and Corsets: Writing the Non-Western Past April Eberhardt (Moderator), Literary Agent, April Eberhardt Literary Frances de Pontes Peebles, Author Nomi Eve, Author Anjali Mitter Duva, Author/Co-Founder, Chhandika Europe and North America feature prominently in historical fiction. For writers of fiction set in historic times in Asia, Africa, South America and other regions, what are the challenges and rewards of presenting doubly unfamiliar settings, where both the time period and the culture are likely foreign to the reader? What are reader expectations, and what do these stories deliver? Are writers of these “exotic” novels at a relative advantage or disadvantage with regard to publishing, finding an audience and garnering reviews? 12:10 PM–1:00 PM Nail by Nail: A Carpenter’s Guide to Building the Debut Bestseller at Midlife Tim Johnston, Author New York Times bestselling Author Tim Johnston discusses how he built a career as an author while building houses for a living, and what he learned along the way about crafting stories and novels that move and challenge readers—inspiring you to do the same. 1:00 PM–2:00 PM Book Signing Self-Published e-Book Authors: Enter the Competition for You! Exclusively In 2015, more and more authors are taking their work into their own hands—and finding a wider audience than ever before. If you’ve independently published an e-book, Writer’s Digest wants to read it. You could win money and major exposure for your work! Submit your e-book today to find out how your work compares to the best of today’s self-published e-books! WRITER’S DIGEST Selƒ-Published e-BOOK AWARDS If you win the Grand Prize, you’ll: • Receive $5,000 • Be interviewed for Writer’s Digest magazine • Score a trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference in New York City • See your name on the cover of Writer’s Digest (subscriber issues) • Receive $200 worth of Writer’s Digest Books • Get a 1-year subscription to Writer’s Digest PLUS: Each of the 8 category winners Deadline: September 1, 2015 earn $1,000! For complete prizes, categories, rules and to enter, visit writersdigest.com/competitions/writers-digest-self-published-ebook-awards See the WDC Program Ebook for the most up-to-date listings at WRITERSDIGESTCONFERENCE.COM 14 Join the conversation on twitter @writersdigest • #WDC15 AGENTS/EDITORS Kimberly Brower How the Pitch Slam Works: Meet literary agents eager to sign new writers! With agents representing every genre, you have absolute control over whom you’d like to meet. Make your list, and you’ll have 90 seconds to pitch your work. Then, you’ll get 90 seconds of immediate feedback from the agent: enthusiasm for your idea, suggestions for improvement or, who knows — maybe a request to see more of your work! Then, you’ll move onto the next agent on your list and start the process all over again! NOTE: In order to participate in the Pitch Slam, you must have registered for the Pitch Slam/ Basic Conference Package. Check your registration badge for your assigned session. Rebecca Friedman Literary Kimberly specializes in both commercial and upmarket fiction, with an emphasis in contemporary/erotic romance, women’s fiction, mysteries/thrillers, new adult and young adult, as well as narrative non-fiction. Although she loves all things romance, she is also searching for books that are different and will surprise her, with empathetic characters and compelling stories. Bethany Burke Editor, Blushing Books Bethany seeks well written historical fiction romance. She would love to be pitched time travel romances, stories with cowboys, and westerns. Our books are mainly erotic romance with elements of BDSM and domestic discipline. They range from “Sweet” to “Smoking.” We like our books to have a “Happily Ever After” or “Happily for Now.” Linda Camacho Prospect Agency Linda specializes in middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, and adult fiction across all genres (romance, horror, fantasy, realism, and sci-fi). She’s also seeking select literary fiction (preferably with commercial bent), narrative nonfiction, and memoir. Diversity of all types (ethnicity, disability, sexuality, etc.) welcome! Leila Campoli Marilyn Allen Allen O’Shea Literary Marilyn seeks young adult fiction and nonfiction books with solid marketing platforms in the areas of health, cooking, history, lifestyle, business, science, current affairs, crafts and narrative nonfiction. Kurestin Armada P.S. Literary Kurestin is actively acquiring upmarket and commercial fiction, magic realism, science fiction, fantasy, alternative history, historical fiction, LGBTQ (any genre), select young adult and middle grade, graphic novels, mystery (including mystery with elements of SF/F), and romance. In nonfiction, she is looking for design, cooking, pop psychology, humor, narrative, photography, and pop science. Stonesong Literary Leila represents nonfiction books in the areas of business, science, technology, and current affairs. Kirsten Carleton Waxman Leavell Literary Kirsten is seeking upmarket young adult, speculative, and literary fiction with strong characters and storytelling. She’s particularly interested in novels that bend and blur genres; literary takes on high concept world-building; diverse characters in stories that are not just about diversity; antiheroes she find herself rooting for; characters with drive and passion; girls and women in STEM fields; settings outside the US/Europe; wellresearched historical settings; YA noir/ thriller/mystery; stories that introduces her to a new subculture and makes her feel like a native. She is not interested in horror, romance, erotica, poetry, or picture books. Marisa A. Corvisiero, Esq Corvisiero Literary Agency Marisa specializes in romance and women’s fiction, thrillers and adventure, science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and any combination thereof for adults, new adults, young adult and middle grade. In nonfiction she enjoys business, environmental, mainstream science, self improvement, and parenting. Kaylee Davis Dee Mura Literary Kaylee is actively acquiring MG, YA, and Adult fiction; particularly sci-fi, fantasy, contemporary, literary, and LGBTQ. She is drawn to exciting, thought-provoking stories with a fresh perspective that explores what it means to be human. She loves plot twists, genre-bending, unlikely allies, flawed heroes, and stories that are both literally and figuratively out of this world. Stephanie Delman Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, Inc. Stephanie is building her client list with a focus on literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, voice-driven memoirs, upmarket women’s fiction, and historical fiction (particularly WWII stories). She is open to quirky voices and dark comedy, and she loves expansive, interwoven narratives that traverse time and place. She is excited to develop long-term relationships with new writers. Allison Devereux Wolf Literary Services Allison seeks fiction spanning the spectrum from upmarket commercial to literary, historical and contemporary, and stories set firmly in reality but with a surreal or fantastical bent. For nonfiction, she looks for examinations in pop culture, pop science, cultural history, and female entrepreneurial perspectives; humor and blog-to-book; illustrated novels or memoir; and narrative nonfiction that uses a particular niche topic to explore larger truths about our culture. Please note: Agents & editors with a * red asterisk by their name are confirmed only for the second, third, and fourth Pitch Slams. 15 AGENTS/EDITORS Melissa L. Edwards Thomas Flannery, Jr. Jill Grosjean Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency Melissa’s taste ranges in genre from classic Victorian literature to hardboiled crime dramas. She is interested in reading international thrillers with likeable and arresting protagonists, light-hearted women’s fiction and YA, female-driven (possibly small-town) suspense, completely immersive fantasy, and select pop-culture nonfiction. AGI Vigliano Literary Thomas reps adult fiction, and is especially interested in historical, literary, horror and fantasy, but open to all genres as long as the writing is top notch. He actively seeks all areas of nonfiction, especially relating to entertainment, music, comedy and sports genres as well as memoirs with a comedic edge. Jill Grosjean Literary Jill Grosjean’s interests are mysteries, women’s fiction and literary fiction, both contemporary and historical. At this time, she is not interested in Science fiction, children’s literature or serial killer novels. Moe Ferrara Connor Goldsmith BookEnds, LLC Moe is interested in science fiction and fantasy for all age groups (no picture books). She loves a bit (or a lot!) of romance in her fiction, so the right contemporary or historical romance will spark her interest. She’s LGBTQ friendly, so send her that male/male erotic romance in your back pocket! At this time she’s not looking for nonfiction, women’s fiction, or cozy mysteries. Fuse Literary Connor is seeking sci-fi/fantasy/horror, thrillers, ‘upmarket’ commercial fiction, and literary fiction with a unique and memorable hook. He is especially interested in books by and about people from marginalized perspectives, such as LGBT people and/or racial minorities. Connor does not represent young adult, middle grade, or children’s manuscripts at this time. In nonfiction, Connor is only seeking authors who are recognized experts with established platforms. Fields of interest include history (particularly of the ancient world), theater, cinema, music, television, mass media, popular culture, feminism and gender studies, LGBT issues, race relations, and the sex industry. He is not interested in memoir. Diana Finch Diana Finch Literary Agency Diana represents many journalists and has good success recently with books about environmental issues, business (both narrative and how-to), politics— especially the progressive kind—sports and science. In fiction, she looks for a distinctive voice and strong storytelling. One of her newest clients is a YA novelist with a fantasy dystopian trilogy, and she is happy to say that she signed a novelist from the 2012 Writer’s Digest Pitch Slam. Heather Flaherty The Bent Agency Heather is looking for authors of middle grade and young adult fiction. For YA, she’s looking across all genres, and loves an excellent and authentic teen voice. For MG, she’s looking for more realistic stories (either contemporary or period), about coping, coming-of-age, or situations seen through the eyes of a young person. Mark Gottlieb Trident Media Group Mark represents the following fiction genres: African-American, comedy, humor, comix, graphic novels, historical, horror, literary, mystery, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy, Western, and women’s. In nonfiction, he seeks arts, cinema, photography, biography, memoir, history, mind, body, spirit, narrative nonfiction, politics, current affairs, pop culture, entertainment, relationships, family, science, technology, self-help, sports, travel, world cultures, true crime, children’s and young adult, picture books, middle grade, young adult, and new adult. Erin Harris Folio Literary Erin represents literary, upmarket commercial and historical fiction, as well as YA and narrative non-fiction. On the adult side in fiction she is looking for: literary novels, especially with a multi-cultural bent; upmarket suspense novels with a strong female protagonist; historical novels written from a unique perspective. On the YA side, she likes to represent edgy YA thrillers and suspense novels; speculative YA or YA fantasy with impeccable worldbuilding; and contemporary literary YA with heart. On the nonfiction side, she looks for compelling narratives that reveal underlying yet unexpected truths about our world. Jennifer Johnson-Blalock Liz Dawson Associates Jennifer is focusing on nonfiction but takes some fiction. For fiction, she is interested in thrillers, especially ones that are psychological or have a literary bent, and she is also looking for smart upmarket women’s fiction and contemporary YA with a unique voice. In nonfiction, she is looking for seasoned writers with strong platforms and is excited by narrative nonfiction and memoirs that use a unique story to explore a larger issue. Particular areas of interest include current events, social sciences, women’s issues, law, business, history, the arts and pop culture, lifestyle, sports, and food, including cookbooks and health/wellness. She is actively seeking a political book on the liberal/progressive end of the spectrum, and she loves books that explain why we act the way we do and/or how we can live life better. See the WDC Program Ebook for the most up-to-date listings at WRITERSDIGESTCONFERENCE.COM 16 Join the conversation on twitter @writersdigest • #WDC15 AGENTS/EDITORS Jennifer Letwack Kate McKean Dee Mura Thomas Dunne/St. Martin’s Press Jennifer is currently looking for fantasy, especially dark fairy tale retellings, historical, and epic fantasy, as well as science fiction in both adult and YA. She is interested in creative and detailed world building, complex, diverse characters and strong female heroines. On the nonfiction side, she is interested in narrative biographies and histories focused on dynamic personalities in American history as well as anything concerning feminism and video games. Howard Morhaim Literary Agency Kate is seeking the following adult fiction genres: contemporary romance, contemporary women’s fiction, literary fiction, historical fiction set in the 20th Century, high fantasy, magical realism, and science fiction. For children/teens, she likes middle grade, young adult, and new adult full length novels only in the areas of: mystery, thriller, horror, romance, LGBTQ issues, contemporary fiction, sports, magical realism, fantasy, and science fiction. For adult nonfiction, she seeks books by authors with demonstrable platforms in the areas of sports, food writing, humor, design, creativity, and craft (sewing, knitting, etc.). She will also consider narrative nonfiction by authors with or without an established platform. Dee Mura Literary Dee is currently seeking high-stakes, character-driven fiction in the genres of: mystery, thriller, espionage, action/ adventure, and military. For nonfiction, she is seeking: history, politics, true crime, biography, and memoir. She also has a soft spot for any genre that celebrates humor, animals, and contemporary life. Victoria Lowes The Bent Agency Victoria represents both children’s and adult titles. For adult, she’s most interested in mysteries/suspense, contemporary romance, upmarket women’s fiction and historical fiction. For children’s, she specializes in YA titles and has a keen interest in realistic contemporary titles, romance and suspense. Catherine Luttinger Darhansoff & Verrill Catherine is primarily interested in science fiction and fantasy. To her, that includes anything that could even remotely be labeled as such. Viable submission material includes everything from classic space operas to the apocalypse; alternative universes, dystopias, and eco-thrillers—as well as the paranormal, horror, zombies, plagues, and time travel. She is also willing to look at historical fiction, mythology re-told, YA, thrillers and mysteries. You may also pitch her pop-science nonfiction. Laura Mamelok Susanna Lea Associates Laura is chiefly interested in literary fiction, high-end commercial fiction, women’s fiction, literary crime/thrillers, and young adult fiction with crossover appeal. On the nonfiction side, she is looking for narrative nonfiction, current affairs/journalism, memoir, and humor. She’s drawn to international stories and settings, in both fiction and nonfiction. Penny Moore FinePrint Literary Management Penny specializes in children’s books, including young adult, middle grade, and picture books, with a strong interest in fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, and contemporary romance. She’s a proponent of We Need Diverse books, and is always on the lookout for books with memorable voices. Her adult categories include Women’s fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction. Sam Morgan * JABberwocky Literary Agency Sam specializes in fantasy and science fiction novels, though he is willing to look at general fiction (mainstream / literary) that doesn’t it take itself too seriously (like Thank You For Smoking or This is Where I Leave You). He is a fan of books that can make him laugh or that feature sarcasm. He also seeks diverse books (race, religion, sexuality). Paula Munier Talcott Notch Literary Services Paula seeks mystery/thriller, women’s fiction, historical fiction, high-concept SF/fantasy, and YA/MG. For nonfiction, she seeks true crime, business, humor, pop culture, health & wellness, cooking, self-help, pop psych, New Age, inspirational, memoir, technology, and science. Kimiko Nakamura Dee Mura Literary Kimiko represents fiction in YA and Adult within the genres of Historical, Contemporary, Literary, and Women’s Fiction. She loves thought-provoking projects that reimagine what’s possible, characters with something (or nothing) to lose, unique viewpoints, trailblazing heroines, and anything with elements of magical realism. For nonfiction she represents cookbooks and memoirs. On her bookshelf and in her inbox, she looks for cookbooks she can read like the Sunday morning paper and daring memoirs of people making their mark on the world. Gina Panettieri Talcott Notch Literary Services Gina represents a full range of adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction, with a particular interest in young adult fantasy, young adult realistic fiction, middle-grade humor, adult mystery and thriller, women’s fiction, cookbooks, memoir, history, popular science, parenting, true crime and health and fitness. Veronica Park Corvisiero Literary Veronica seeks young adult and new adult (anything with a unique voice, but especially contemporary), as well as adult thrillers, romance, and romantic suspense. She also seeks humorous nonfiction. In particular, Veronica loves: dark, edgy YA/NA that deals with real issues, romances that make you laugh out loud and deeply love—or love to hate—some of the characters, gender swapping and/or seriously twisted fairytale retelling. Please note: Agents & editors with a * red asterisk by their name are confirmed only for the second, third, and fourth Pitch Slams. 17 AGENTS/EDITORS Beth Phelan Adriann Ranta Katharine Sands The Bent Agency Beth represents authors of fiction and nonfiction. She is most interested in smart, voice-driven young adult fiction, from contemporary to fantasy; adult contemporary romance as well as upmarket suspense and thrillers; the occasional middle-grade project, preferably with a literary bent; and select nonfiction, particularly cookbooks and pop culture/humor. Wolf Literary Services Adriann is actively acquiring all genres for all age groups with a penchant for edgy, dark, quirky voices, unique settings, and everyman stories told with a new spin. She loves gritty, realistic, true-to-life stories with conflicts based in the real world; women’s fiction and nonfiction; accessible, pop nonfiction in science, history, and craft; and smart, fresh, genre-bending works for children. Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Katherine likes books that have a clear benefit for readers’ lives in categories of food, travel, lifestyle, home arts, beauty, wisdom, relationships, parenting, and fresh looks, which might be at issues, life challenges or popular culture. For compelling reads in faction, memoir and femoir, she likes to be transported to a world rarely or newly observed; for fiction, she wants to be compelled and propelled. Maria Ribas Lydia Shamah Stonesong Literary Maria specializes in nonfiction, with a focus on cooking, home, health/diet, lifestyle, business, personal development, psychology, and humor. She does not represent any fiction. Carol Mann Agency Lydia seeks adult, young adult and middle grade fiction, as well as nonfiction projects. Lydia is looking for timely plots inspired by the headlines, effortless magical realism, unreliable narrators, and mysteries/psychological thrillers set in small communities (no CIA/FBI/MI5, please). She is always on the hunt for intriguing female voices and characters. In YA and MG, she is looking for strong hooks and modern themes. Most importantly, she wants fiction that is impossible to put down. She is not looking for high fantasy, political thrillers or romance. In nonfiction, Lydia is looking for books that are both inspirational and modern in the areas of self-improvement, lifestyle, relationships and business. She is also looking for unique blogs, Tumblrs and Instagram profiles to transform into gift books. She is particularly interested in feminism and women’s issues. Rebecca Podos * Rees Literary Agency Rebecca is interested in Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction of all kinds, including contemporary, emotionally driven stories, mystery, romance, urban and historical fantasy, horror, and sci-fi. She likes books with compelling characters whose journeys feel eminently human, whether they’re high school seniors, were-dragons or space travelers. Lana Popovic * Chalberg & Sussman Lana has an abiding love for dark themes and shamelessly nerdy fare— Battlestar Galactica and Joss Whedon are two of her great loves. Lana is looking for a broad spectrum of young adult and middle grade projects, from contemporary realism to speculative fiction, fantasy, horror, and sci-fi. For the adult market, Lana is interested in literary thrillers, horror, fantasy, sophisticated erotica and romance, and select nonfiction. An avid traveler, she has a particular fondness for stories set in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, although she also loves reading about American subcultures. Michelle Richter Fuse Literary Michelle represents mystery, thriller, and women’s fiction. For nonfiction, she seeks narrative nonfiction about health, science, economics/business, social trends, and pop culture. Rita Rosenkranz Rita Rosenkranz Literary Rita seeks adult nonfiction, including health, history, parenting, music, how-to, popular science, business, biography, popular reference, memoir, cooking, spirituality, sports and general interest titles. Rita works with major publishing houses, as well as regional publishers that handle niche markets. She looks for projects that present familiar subjects freshly or lesser-known subjects presented commercially. Eric Ruben The Ruben Agency Eric is currently most interested in young adult, all romance, erotica, LGBT, mystery and more. He does not want screenplays, picture books, children’s, short stories, novellas, graphic novels or poetry. What’s currently hot does not matter. First and foremost, he’s looking for good writing. Alec Shane Writers House Alec seeks mystery, thriller, suspense, horror, historical fiction, literary fiction, and books geared toward young male readers (both young adult and middle grade). On the nonfiction side, he seeks humor, biography, history (particularly military history), true crime, “guy” reads, and all things sports. See the WDC Program Ebook for the most up-to-date listings at WRITERSDIGESTCONFERENCE.COM 18 Join the conversation on twitter @writersdigest • #WDC15 AGENTS/EDITORS Jessica Sinsheimer Allison Travis, Editor John Willig Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Jessica is most excited about finding literary fiction, women’s fiction, thrillers, speculative fiction, and edgy young adult fiction. With nonfiction, she seeks psychology, parenting, and works that speak to life in the 21st century. LazyDay Publishing Allison is looking for historical inspirational fiction, inspirational or Christian fiction for our Faith & Family imprint, young adult and new adult, especially with dystopian and/or futuristic themes. Sci-fi is also fine. She would love to hear some current ‘Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys or 3 Investigator’ stories. Note that she is not looking for anything with vampires, zombies, werewolves or angels. Literary Services, Inc. John is primarily interested in narrative nonfiction that shines a light on new topics, events or perspectives and research-based prescriptive nonfiction. Categories of interest include: science, psychology, history, politics, current events, business, travel, food/cooking, crafts, lifestyle/personal growth (please no memoirs), and reference. John’s also interested in historical fiction— crime/mystery and literary. Stacy Testa Writers House Stacy is looking for upmarket commercial women’s fiction and literary fiction, particularly character-driven stories with an international setting, historical bent, or focus on a unique subculture. She also represents realistic young adult (no dystopian or paranormal, please!). For non-fiction, she is particularly interested in young “millennial” voices with a great sense of humor and a strong platform and voice-driven narratives about little-known moments or people in history. Roseanne Wells Jennifer De Chiara Literary Roseanne is interested in narrative nonfiction, science (popular or trade, not academic), health, history, true crime, religion, travel, food/cooking, and similar subjects. She also seeks strong literary fiction, YA, sci-fi, fantasy, and detective mysteries (more Sherlock Holmes than cozies). Terrie Wolf AKA Literary Management Terrie represents adult fiction including, but not limited to historical, mystery, and upmarket women’s fiction. Her nonfiction interests include animals, food/celebration/cooking, and pop culture. She is always on the lookout for exciting children’s fiction and nonfiction. EXHIBITORS Thank you to the following exhibitors who have helped make Writer’s Digest Annual Conference possible. 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