Eric is facilitating a workshop on Best Live Pitching Methods, based on his extensive experience in this field. As part of the workshop, he’s hosting a Practice Pitch Party where he’ll offer feedback on your live pitch. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity!
Brenda will be presenting The Editorial Eye: What Your Manuscript Needs Now. In this craft-focused session, she walks writers through how a developmental editor reads a manuscript: what they’re listening for in the opening pages, how they diagnose pacing and structure, and how to begin seeing your own work the way an outside reader does. Writers will come away with a practical framework for self-editing at the macro level.
Connor will host a presentation on The Dangers of AI Use in Writing for Publication. He has extensive experience in detecting AI usage and a comprehensive knowledge of its impact upon the publishing industry and authors’ careers. Join us for the do’s and dont’s of this modern tool.
Jennifer will be giving a presentation on Writing for the Current Market: How to tweak your WIP to ensure it fits market trends enough to make it exciting to publishers. Learn how to identify current publishing trends without sacrificing your unique voice or vision. Jennifer will share practical strategies for positioning your manuscript to appeal to today’s editors and agents while staying true to the story you want to tell.
Sara and fellow agent Matthew Valdez will present Evaluating Agents & Understanding Their Submission Requirements. Finding the right literary agent is about more than making a wish list—it’s about understanding who will be the best advocate for your career. Learn how to research agents, interpret submission guidelines, avoid common querying mistakes, and tailor your materials to give your manuscript its strongest chance of success.
Matthew and fellow agent Sara Megibow will present Evaluating Agents & Understanding Their Submission Requirements. Finding the right literary agent is about more than making a wish list—it’s about understanding who will be the best advocate for your career. Learn how to research agents, interpret submission guidelines, avoid common querying mistakes, and tailor your materials to give your manuscript its strongest chance of success.
Lee Ann will present Weaving Backstory Seamlessly into Your Book. Backstory adds depth to characters and enriches your world—but too much, too soon can slow the pace. Discover techniques for revealing your characters’ histories naturally through action, dialogue, and well-timed exposition to keep readers engaged while providing the context they need.
Christine will facilitate Owning Your Voice: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Writer, a presentation that explores the self-doubt, fear of inadequacy, and perfectionism that many writers experience throughout their creative journey. Participants will learn to recognize the signs of imposter syndrome, understand why it affects writers at every stage of their careers, and discover practical strategies for building confidence, embracing growth, and celebrating their unique voice. Whether you’re just beginning to write or are a published author, this session will provide encouragement and techniques to help you move forward with greater confidence in your work.
Kathleen will facilitate the following workshop: What Are You Writing? A Writer’s Guide to Genres and Tropes. This presentation/workshop will focus on helping writers understand the defining characteristics of popular genres and the necessary tropes that shape readers’ expectations. Participants will explore how tropes can be used intentionally to strengthen storytelling, create compelling characters and conflicts, and connect with their target audience. Whether drafting a first manuscript or refining an existing project, attendees will leave with practical tools for identifying where their work fits in the literary landscape and how to use genre conventions creatively while avoiding common pitfalls.
Penned By You, LLC 