After successful previous events in Ohio and around the country, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2026 Ohio Writing Workshop — an online “How to Get Published” writing event on April 10-11, 2026. (Writers are welcome to attend virtually from everywhere and anywhere.)
This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited online “seats” at the event (200 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Ohio Writing Workshop!
(ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2026 OWW is an Online Conference, on April 10-11. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)
To register, click the button above, or email Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Ohio event.
WHAT IS IT?
This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on April 10-11, 2026. In other words, it’s two days full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. And even though this is the “Ohio” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually. Our WDW writers conferences have helped dozens of writers find literary agent representation — see our growing list of success stories here.
This event is designed to squeeze as much into two days of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the online classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents online to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s 2026 OWW agent & editor faculty so far includes:
- literary agent Des Salazar (Metamorphosis Literary)
- literary agent Nikki Carrero (The Rights Factory)
- literary agent Arizona Bell (Rosecliff Literary)
- literary agent Hailey Stephens (Rosecliff Literary)
- literary agent Renee Runge (Spencerhill Associates)
- literary agent Josh Foreman (FinePrint Literary)
- literary agent Jane Chun (Transatlantic Agency)
- literary agent Eric Smith (Neighborhood Literary)
- literary agent Ismita Hussain (Great Dog Literary)
- literary agent Michelle Lazurek (WordWise Media)
- literary agent Mason Rowlee (DeFiore & Company)
- literary agent Elisa Moles (Painted Fire Literary)
- literary agent Frannie Dove (Caldwell Literary)
- literary agent Nour Sallam (Caldwell Literary)
- literary agent Olga Filina (5 Otters Literary)
- literary agent Thais Afonso (Azantian Literary)
- literary agent Lee Melillo (Dunham Literary)
- literary agent AJ Van Belle (Booker Albert Literary)
- literary agent Alexandra Grana (PS Literary)
- literary agent Tamara Kawar (DeFiore & Company)
- literary agent Jo Ramsay (Transatlantic Agency)
- literary agent CoCo Freeman (Linda Chester Literary)
- literary agent Rachel Beck (Liza Dawson Associates)
- literary agent Nicole Payne (Copps Literary)
- literary agent Geffen Semach (Westwood Creative Artists)
- literary agent Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana (Strachan Literary Agency)
- and possibly more agents to come.
By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey. This independent event is organized by coordinator Brian Klems of Writing Day Workshops.
To register, click the button above, or email Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Ohio event.
EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:
(ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2026 OWW is an Online Conference, on April 10-11, 2026. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)
THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (APRIL 10-11, 2026):
What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here.
Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
9:30 – 10:30: How to Write a Query Letter That Gets Agent Attention. If you want an agent to represent your work, it all starts with a compelling query letter.
10:45 – 11:45: Beyond the Book Deal: How to Navigate Social Media and Build an Effective Brand. This workshop will discuss the importance of an author’s platform. This class will help you understand the very basics of marketing yourself and your book(s) online, whether you’re traditionally published or self-published.
11:45 – 1:15: Break
1:15 – 2:30: Conquering the Novel. This workshop helps writers develop a plan for organizing, writing, re-writing, and finishing their novel.
2:45 – 3:45: Plotting Arcs and Compelling Narratives. A great work of fiction requires excellent pacing to move the reader past those first pages and to propel them to the very end.
4:00 – 5:00: Getting Published in Today’s World: 10 Tips to Make You the Writer Agents and Publishers Want. If you want to land an agent and a book deal in today’s market, you’re going to have to do a lot more than just write a great book (though that’s a good start).
SATURDAY, APRIl 11, 2026
9:30 – 10:30: Lost In Revisions—How to Self-Edit Your Manuscript. This session will teach the foundations of self-editing, focusing on high level plot and and continuing down into the nitty gritty of grammar.
10:45 – 11:45: Make Your First Five Pages Amazing. You have five pages to impress an agent–make them count.
11:45 – 1:15: Break
1:15 – 2:30: “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest, with participating literary agents and editors. In the vein of “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent,” this is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with attending agents commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission.
2:45 – 3:45: Open Agent Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from OWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.
4:00 – 5:00: Story Lessons from Hollywood.How lessons from screenwriting, acting, directing, producing, and video editing can help prose writers craft more compelling stories and keep readers turning those pages.
Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:
(What you see here is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here.)
Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.
PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:
Tamara Kawar is a literary agent with DeFiore & Company. Tamara is actively seeking graphic novels for all ages and across genres; science fiction, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction for middle grade, young adult, and adult readers; upmarket and book club fiction, especially genre-bending stories, and those with an international bent; and adult & YA rom-coms and romance featuring LGBTQ+ characters. She also represents select nonfiction, including illustrated projects. Across all categories, she is passionate about championing marginalized voices and perspectives. Learn more about Tamara here.
Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana is a literary agent with Strachan Literary Agency. In fiction, she seeks: debut fiction, romance, upmarket & commercial women’s fiction, upmarket mainstream fiction, apocalyptic, thrillers, fantasy, and upper young adult. In nonfiction, she seeks: memoir, narrative nonfiction, investigative journalism, platform-driven nonfiction, diet and health, Christian spirituality, inspirational, food and cookbooks, self-help and humor. She is particularly interested in finding nonfiction authors to build her client list and is only taking on a limited amount of fiction. Marisa is currently seeking to champion new talent who create memorable characters with unforgettable words, and she has a soft spot for writers in marginalized communities and persons with disabilities. Learn more about Marisa here.
Olga Filina is a literary agent with 5 Otter Literary. Olga is currently looking for narrative and prescriptive nonfiction projects across all categories, literary and book club fiction, historical fiction, crime, mystery, suspense, and memoir with exceptional writing, focusing on underrepresented voices. In the children’s space, she is looking for middle grade fiction with memorable characters, contemporary young adult, and nonfiction across all categories. Learn more about Olga here.
Elisa Moles is a literary agent with Painted Fire Literary Agency. She is seeking: Especially interested in upmarket fiction. “In one word, what defines fantastic fiction narrative? Consequences. Consequences give structure. And stories with cohesive and creative structures, true to each writer’s background and voice, stand the test of time beyond the trendy topics and gimmicks of the day. I especially love psychologically complex characters. I’m looking for distinctive and compassionate voices who are telling organically unexpected stories in a wide variety of styles and genres. Surprise me.” Things you should NOT pitch her include: nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, middle grade, young adult, graphic novels, screenplays, westerns, horror, nihilist, or erotic work. Learn more about Elisa here.
Eric Smith is a literary agent at Neighborhood Literary, with a love for young adult books, literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction. Eric is eagerly acquiring fiction and nonfiction projects. He’s actively seeking out new, diverse voices in young adult (particularly sci-fi and fantasy), middle grade, and literary and commercial fiction (again, loves sci-fi and fantasy, but also thrillers and mysteries). In terms of nonfiction, he’s interested in cookbooks, pop culture, humor, middle grade, essay collections, and blog-to-book ideas. Learn more about Eric here.
CoCo Freeman is a literary agent with Linda Chester Literary Agency. “I am a graduate of Bard College with a B.A. in Written Arts. Before joining Linda Chester, I worked for Tom Yoon Productions developing projects and editing existing material. I am very happy to have entered the world of my first love, books. I am looking for smart adult commercial fiction in a variety of genres, including mystery/thriller/suspense, fantasy, romance, women’s fiction and historical, Young/New Adult, Middle Grade and select picture books.” Learn more about CoCo here.
Arizona Bell is a literary agent with Rosecliff Literary. She’s seeking daring nonfiction that pushes boundaries and changes conversations. Arizona’s list centers on voice-driven narrative and creative nonfiction, big-idea books, high-stakes journalism with receipts, fresh slants on culture and creativity, and meaningful explorations of spirituality, religion, or philosophy. And yes—she’s also a sucker for anything astrology! At the core, she’s hunting for writing that tackles resilience, belief, and the human spirit under pressure, and does so with literary pizazz. Whether it’s a survival memoir that doubles as cultural critique, a narrative that blows open an underground world hiding in plain sight, or a political exposé that keeps you turning pages like a thriller—she wants true stories that refuse to look away. Learn more about Arizona here.
Nour Sallam is a literary agent with The Caldwell Agency. In terms of fiction, I am seeking voice-driven commercial and upmarket titles, contemporary fiction with fabulist elements, speculative fiction, edgy psychological thrillers, as well as mysteries, horror and rom-coms featuring underrepresented characters of any background. I am always drawn to characters who are haunted by something, whether figuratively (a secret, a past, an obsession) or literally (a ghost, a demon, etc.). I am also actively seeking character-driven stories featuring women in power, unhinged women, and female rage. I have a soft spot for unreliable narrators, family sagas with dysfunctional families silently navigating trauma, protagonists in their 20s-30s navigating adulthood, protagonists on the cusp of major life changes, and stories that focus on friendship dynamics. Nonfiction interests: I welcome fresh and accessible perspectives on big ideas or industry deep dives as well as narrative nonfiction on pop culture, art, and nature. I also appreciate books that offer incisive commentary on culture, socio-economic structures, corporate underbellies, health and wellness, and lifestyle. My taste in nonfiction gravitates towards books that generally challenge what we know or explain what we might not know. Learn more about Nour here.
Nikki Carrero is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. At the moment, I only represent: Adult, New Adult, and YA Romance, Romcom, Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance; Adult, New Adult, and YA Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Chicklit; Adult, New Adult, and YA Thrillers, Suspense, Mystery, Domestic, Psychological, Paranormal. I have a passion for reading and representing books with characters that have disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental illnesses, are neurodivergent, LGBTQIA++, or are a part of other marginalized communities. Learn more about Nikki here.
Ismita Hussain is a literary agent & social media manager with Great Dog Literary. In adult fiction, she seeks literary fiction, upmarket, new adult, and short story collections. She enjoys fiction in all genres that is informed by, or inspired by, the myths and superstitions of a culture. Ismita is open to novels that fit these categories but have some genre-fiction elements (i.e., literary fiction with a speculative twist). In adult nonfiction, she seeks narrative, pop culture, humor, memoir, travel, cookbooks, history, and sports. In young adult, she seeks contemporary, rom com, novel in verse, and commercial. In all pitches, she seeks Southern settings, Italian settings, gritty and realist writing, and books that explore health/disability. Learn more about Ismita here.
A.J. Van Belle (they/them) is a literary agent at the Booker Albert Literary Agency. A.J. is actively building a diverse list and welcomes queries from marginalized writers. In young adult and adult fiction, they’re seeking horror, thriller, and science fiction / fantasy with dark and atmospheric elements. They’re also open to select MG across all genres. In all categories, they’re drawn to books that merge literary sensibilities with compelling plotlines. Some of their favorite authors include Paolo Bacigalupi, Nnedi Okorafor, Jordanna Max Brodsky, Yangsze Choo, Natasha Pulley, T. Kingfisher, and Jenna Satterthwaite. In nonfiction, they’re seeking fresh ideas in science, popular science, self-help, and health/wellness from authors with established platforms. As a scientist who has published NSF-funded research in ecology, they welcome queries from authors whose expertise links with evolution, ecology, statistics, microbiology, and biogeoscience. Learn more about AJ here.
Renee Runge is a literary agent at Spencerhill Associates. She is actively building her list in all genres of middle grade and young adult fiction. Her taste can be summed up as “eclectic,” and she is drawn to high-concept commercial projects with a literary aura, unexpected hooks, strong A/B plots, and distinct voices. She’s especially passionate about supporting diverse and underrepresented creators from all backgrounds, with the hope that every child can one day see themselves in the pages of a book. A lover of anthropomorphic characters, she dreams of repping the next blockbuster animal novel or series. Her favorite feeling is being moved to tears by a book’s last chapter. Learn more about Renee here.
Mason Rowlee is a literary agent with DeFiore & Company. Mason only represents adult books. He is seeking innovative, boundary-pushing literary fiction, engrossing upmarket and commercial fiction, and nonfiction that amplifies traditionally underrepresented voices in publishing. He is particularly interested in working with queer authors. For adult fiction, he loves: literary novels with genre elements (romance, fantasy, horror); explorations of LGBTQIA+ relationships, chosen families, and communities; expansive, big-hearted family sagas; unputdownable thrillers and horror novels with social commentary; coming-of-age adventures with small town antics; and novels that embrace the absurd. For adult nonfiction, he loves: narrative nonfiction about the inequity faced by marginalized communities; savvy pop culture reporting; biographies of obscure or underappreciated historical figures; well-researched, paradigm-shifting journalism; memoirs with strong, voice-driven writing; and disruptive self-help with a social justice component. Learn more about Mason here.
Lee Melillo is a literary agent with Dunham Literary. Lee represents YA, New Adult, and Adult Fiction written by, for, and about marginalized communities (#OwnVoices) in both commercial and upmarket categories. In Adult Fiction, Lee is searching for book club and upmarket fiction from BIPOC women, neurodiverse, and queer authors. She is also open to contemporary or historical fiction centered around myth (but NOT Greek/Roman/Norse!!), either through retellings of classics or the invention of new mythologies for the modern age; dark magical realism; bubblegum thrillers; and socially-conscious horror. In Young and New Adult Fiction, Lee looks for YA that has crossover potential and NA stories set in college or directly post-grad. Diversity is a must, as are well-developed, loveable (or love-to-hateable) characters. She enjoys meticulously-researched, atmospheric historical fiction with an element of mystery/suspense or other propulsive plot engines. She also loves dystopian fiction, but it must be grounded in real life issues and critique our present-day socio-political systems. For contemporary fiction, she’s open to stories centering queer characters, characters with mental illness and particularly OCD, or rom-com heroines with autism in interesting, off-beat settings. Learn more about Lee here.
Michelle S. Lazurek is a literary agent with WordWise Media Services. Michelle is taking pitches on behalf of herself as well as her WordWise co-agents. They seek books that are both secular as well as Christian/CBA titles. In fiction, the agency seeks: Picture books. Science fiction, Fantasy, Historical fiction. Action/Adventure, Children’s, Crime, Fantasy, General, Graphic Novel, Humor, Middle Grade, Military, Mystery, Religious, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult. In nonfiction, the agency seeks: Christian nonfiction. Theology, Bible studies, Professional, Church Issues, Social/Cultural Issues, Career, Reference. Biography, Cookbooks, Crafts/DIY, History, Humor, Illustrated, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Sports, Travel, True Crime. Michelle herself is looking specifically for Christian nonfiction and children’s genres, including: Christian living, spiritual growth, leadership, picture books, marriage, family, and other general topics related to faith. Learn more about Michelle here.
Josh Foreman is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. Josh primarily represents works of Fantasy, Horror, and Science Fiction for YA and adult. He wants forbidden magic, ancient rituals, epic space battles, and everything in between. Gothic fantasy and horroromance are high on Josh’s wishlist, but he is open and interested in all subgenres of fantasy, horror, and science fiction. Josh has always been drawn to stories with a strong voice and three-dimensional characters. He is a big believer in uplifting and supporting authors from marginalized backgrounds, particularly those with disabilities. If you are blind, in a wheelchair, or have any other disabilities, he would love to hear your pitch. Learn more about Josh here.
Hailey Stephens is a literary agent with Rosecliff Literary. In general, Hailey is only looking for Adult novels, but she will selectively take on Middle Grade books if the manuscript will inspire a passion for reading. She would also love to champion authors from rural areas, especially authors from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and/or any other community that tends to be overlooked in rural areas. (This doesn’t mean the manuscript itself has to be based in a rural setting, although she always appreciates a good rural horror.) For Literary, Upmarket, and Contemporary fiction, Hailey wants vivid stories that pull the reader in right away, immersing them in the work the author has created. For thriller and horror, she wants stories that linger in the corners of the mind, with characters that feel like they’re in the room with the reader (for better or worse). Hailey will also selectively take on Adult Romance, and is hopeful there are still love story tropes out there that can be discovered or re-explored in a way that redefines the genre. In nonfiction, she is looking for both trade and literary proposals. She is especially interested in memoirs that play with the concept of time and structure. Learn more about Hailey here.
Geffen Semach is a literary agent with Westwood Creative Artists. Fiction: I am looking for general upmarket fiction; horror, thriller and suspense; sci fi, speculative, fantasy and romantasy; as well as select concept-driven romance and literary novels. I am drawn to genre-blending novels that tackle human complexity, thoughtful world-building, strong emotional resonance, and bold voices and concepts. I love novels with teeth that make me feel viscerally—either grounded or unsettled—and nuanced characters that feel both fresh and challenging. Nonfiction: I am interested in journalism in the vein of social commentary, pop culture, politics, art and media; expert-driven writing relating to medicine and mental health, sex and relationships, and money; as well as exceptional memoir. For me it is the balance of an authoritative voice with accessibility. Particularly books that explore complex, often systemic issues—from politics to psychology to culture—told from a personal or human-centered lens. Please connect with me if you are an expert with a strong voice and an idea to share. I am happy to chat with writers who are at the beginning stages of forming an idea to craft a proposal together. I encourage submissions from underrepresented writers including 2SLGBTQI+, BIPOC, and/or disabled. Learn more about Geffen here.
Frannie Dove is a literary agent at The Caldwell Agency. “I love books that change and challenge the way we interact with the world, especially stories that explore the margins of the history books. I’m eager to champion stories that stir book club conversation, inspire readers to engage with their local communities, and bring people together around the dinner table. Genres I seek: historical fiction, narrative history, historical fantasy, comedic mystery, book club fiction, genre bended and blended fiction (especially with some history), science for the non-scientist, essays with wisdom to share, and memoir with a strong narrative arc.” Learn more about Frannie here.
Jo Ramsay (they/she) is a literary agent with Transatlantic Agency. Jo is seeking: Upmarket fiction (book club conversation starters, fresh take on friendships, relationship, and family); Sci-fi (Black Mirror-esque, commentary on society, genre blending); Speculative fiction; Gothic / Neo-Gothic; Psychological horror / thriller; Light horror (no heavy gore please); Dystopian; Mysteries (with unique POV, character-driven); Graphic Novels; Select literary fiction (less quiet realism, and more unusual or unique storytelling); Select romance (new spin or genre subversion); Select fantasy (fabulism, light world building); and Select historical fiction (unique concept or genre blending). In nonfiction, she seeks: Pop Culture Deep Dives, Politics and Social Sciences, Cultural Critique, Investigative Journalism, Eco-Nonfiction and Naturalist writing, Expedition accounts of professional mountaineers and adjacent sports, Off-Grid Living or Survivalist writing, Travelogues from a unique perspective; Pop Science; and Graphic memoir. Learn more about Jo here.
Thais Afonso is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. She intends to represent marginalized authors, and she’s especially seeking to uplift indigenous voices and voices from the Global South. In adult and young adult fiction, Thais is looking to represent Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Contemporary Romance, and Suspense/Thrillers. She’s particularly keen on growing her contemporary and horror list right now, so if you have a project that doesn’t have any of her triggers and hard ‘no’s, pitch her! Even if it doesn’t a match an item in the wish list, she very much welcomes surprises here (as long as there are no elements from her anti-MSWL). Learn more about Thais here.
Nicole Payne is a literary agent with Copps Literary. “In general, I represent young adult and adult fiction novels, preferably in romance, women’s fiction, literary fiction, mystery, suspense, thriller, and speculative fiction. They hold a special place in my heart. As I slowly delve into nonfiction, I would love to see more science-based books, especially biology and forensic, as well as medicine, travel, and cookbooks in my queue. I’m also actively seeking diverse voices and stories across the board. Give me all the books!” Learn more about Nicole here.
Des Salazar is a literary agent with Metamorphosis Literary. They seek: Romance, Fantasy, Horror, LGBTQ+, Literary Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, New Adult, Science Fiction, and Young Adult. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Des Salazar holds an MFA in Fiction having completed a thesis containing translations of stories and poems from an archived journal and reflection essays. Learn more about Des here.
Alexandra Grana is a literary agent with Corvisiero Literary. In fiction, she seeks: science fiction, fantasy, and horror for middle grade, young adult, and adult; LGBTQ stories in all genres; mysteries and thrillers; historical fiction; magical realism; weird queer. In nonfiction, Alex Is looking for: occult history/mysteries; narratives about deconstruction. Alex’s favorite genres are fantasy and horror. She is a sucker for a good magic system, reimagined fairy tales, and poetic prose. Stories by marginalized writers are of particular interest to her. Learn more about Alexandra here.
Jane Chun is a literary agency with Transatlantic Agency. Jane is particularly interested in stories that center marginalized communities and prose that is cinematic and atmospheric with good rhythm. In both fiction and nonfiction, she is drawn towards compelling, fresh voices that make her feel as though the writer is in the room with her, telling her their story with intimacy as if they were already acquainted. Regardless of how plot-driven a story is, characters with rich inner worlds and emotional depth are a must for her. She is interested in literary, upmarket, and commercial fiction across adult, MG, and YA and select nonfiction. She is also seeking graphic novels/nonfiction. In the fiction space, she is open to contemporary, historical, fantasy, sci-fi, speculative, and horror. In nonfiction, she is looking for memoirs; narrative nonfiction; history; investigative journalism; books about nature, climate, and science; and books about food, travel, pop culture, and cultural criticism. Learn more about Jane here.
Rachel Beck is a literary agent with Liza Dawson Associates. In fiction, she seeks upmarket/book club women’s fiction; smart contemporary romance and romcoms; historical fiction this side of World War II (dual timeline welcome); nongenre fiction; speculative fiction/magical realism; gripping thrillers/psychological or domestic suspense; and contemporary young adult. For selection nonfiction, she seeks narrative nonfiction, though always open to prescriptive as well. She also enjoys gifty pop culture books; cultural criticism books/essays, social justice issues, advocacy, politics, feminist material, etc.; narrative nonfiction by BIPOC writers, non-cishet authors, immigrants; career/personal growth/self-help books with new focus points; extreme underdog, survival, accomplishment or rising-from-poverty type stories; select health and wellness books (particularly rare or underrepresented conditions); books about athletes, particularly football players (or anything examining the NFL) and endurance athletes such as marathoners; select parenting books that bring something new to the conversation; books that explore cult life or extreme religion; 9/11 survival stories; anything about Anne Frank. Learn more about Rachel here.
More 2026 agents to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open.
These one-on-one meetings are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind.
(Please note that Agent/Editor Pitching is an add-on, separate aspect of the day, for only those who sign up. Spaces are limited for these premium meetings, and pricing/detail is explained below.)
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PRICING:
$189 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the 2026 OWW and access to all workshops, all days. (You also get 10+ additional free pre-recorded webinars on writing and publishing.) As of fall 2025, registration is now OPEN.
To register, click the button above, or email Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Ohio event.
Add $29 — to secure a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with any of our literary agents or editors in attendance. Use this special meeting as a chance to pitch your work and get professional feedback on your pitch. (Spaces limited.) If they wish, attendees are free to sign up for multiple 10-minute pitch sessions at $29/session — pitching multiple individuals. There is no limit. Here are quick testimonials regarding writers who have signed with literary agents after pitching them at prior Writing Day Workshops events. Our bigger, growing list of success stories can be seen here.
“I met Mai Nguyen at the Toronto Writing Workshop
and sold her manuscript to Simon & Schuster for six figures.”
– literary agent Carly Watters of P.S. Literary Agency
“I signed Sarah G. Pierce from the Seattle Writing Workshop,
and we recently sold her book to Orbit/Redhook.”
– literary agent Pam Gruber of Highline Literary Collective
“I met Amber Cowie at a Writing Day Workshops conference. We sold
her best-selling crime novel to Lake Union / Amazon.”
– literary agent Gordon Warnock of Fuse Literary
“I met my client, Dana Corbit Nussio, at the Michigan Writing Workshop. Dana signed a new three-book contract with Harlequin Romantic Suspense.”
– literary agent Rachel Beck of Liza Dawson Associates
“I signed Nedda Lewers from a Writing Day Workshops event. Her debut novel from Putnam Children’s was an Indie’s Introduce Best Book of 2024.”
– literary agent Kelly Dyksterhouse of Tobias Literary Agency
Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Brian Klems, one of the workshop’s former instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Ohio Writing Workshop attendees only.) Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of the specially-priced critique, so they can send out their query letter with confidence following the workshop. Also, if you are meeting with an agent at the event, you’re essentially speaking your query letter aloud to them. Wouldn’t it be wise to give that query letter (i.e., your pitch) one great edit before that meeting?
Add $89 — for an in-depth personal critique of the first 10 pages of your novel. Spaces with faculty for these critiques are very limited, and participating attendees will either 1) get an in-person meeting at the workshop, if the faculty member is attending the live event, or 2) get a 15-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:
- All types of middle grade; all types of young adult; and adult fantasy, sci-fi, and historical fiction (no horror or thriller) (virtual critiques): Faculty member Jillian Boehme, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
- Fantasy, historical fiction, horror, literary fiction, magical realism, mystery, romance, sci-fi, thriller, upmarket, women’s fiction, memoir, and young adult (virtual critiques): Faculty member Victoria Griffin, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
- Children’s picture books (virtual critiques): Faculty member Rosie Pova, a published author, will get your work in advance, critique your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime around the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
- Romance, women’s fiction, domestic suspense, and young adult fiction (virtual critiques): Faculty member Swati Hegde, an author and freelance editor, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
- More critique options possibly forthcoming.
How to pay/register — Registration is now open.
To register, click the button above. Or reach out to workshop organizer Brian Klems via email: WDWconference@gmail.com. He will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The OWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Ohio workshop specifically.
REGISTRATION:
(ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2026 OWW is an Online Conference, on April 10-11, 2026. Online events are easy and awesome, and the virtual events we’ve done thus far have received wonderful feedback. You do not have to be tech-savvy to do this, and understand we are keeping all aspects of a traditional in-person event, including one-on-one agent & editor pitching, which will now be done by Zoom or phone. Learn all details about what it means to have a writers conference online.)
Are spaces still available? Yes, we still have spaces available. We will announce RIGHT HERE, at this point on this web page, when all spaces are taken. If you do not see a note right here saying how all spaces are booked, then yes, we still have room, and you are encouraged to register.
How to Register:
To register, click the button above. Or reach out to workshop organizer Brian Klems via email: WDWconference@gmail.com. He will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The OWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Ohio workshop specifically.
Refunds: If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason at any time, you will receive 50% of your total payment back [sent by check or PayPal or CC refund]. The other 50% is nonrefundable and will not be returned, and helps the workshop ensure that only those truly interested in the limited spacing sign up for the event. (Please note that query editing payments and manuscript editing payments are completely non-refundable if the instructor has already started edited your work.)
Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Ohio Writing Workshop.
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