(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.)
The schedule below is on Eastern time.
THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS:
Friday, April 10, 2026
9:30 – 10:30: The Art of a Page-Turner: How to Craft an Unputdownable Book, taught by Ava Roberts. Once your book is in the hands of a reader, agent, or editor — you don’t want them to be able to put that book down. This session focuses on the dynamics of a page-turner, including how to write chapter cliffhangers, build tension and promise, write unexpected twists, and what common mistakes to avoid — no matter what kind of book you’re writing.
10:45 – 11:45: Nail Your Query Letter: How to Pitch Your Book Like a Bookseller, taught by Rachel Estep. This class breaks down how to craft a sharp, compelling pitch by thinking like a bookseller. You’ll learn to understand things like attention, market, and reader relationship — and how you can apply them to the way you pitch. Get ready to learn how to position your book quickly, clearly, and confidently so agents and editors are immediately hooked, understand what you’re selling, and why readers will want it.
11:45 – 1:15: Break
1:15 – 2:30: How to Create a Long-term Writing & Publishing Plan, taught by Sara Megibow. Taught by a literary agent, this class will show how passion for data analysis comes in handy when planning a long-term writer career. This workshop will look at the factors that influence opportunities for authors both in their writing and in their publishing paths.
2:45 – 3:45: Developing Compelling Characters, taught by Ritu Anand. This sessions teaches how acting out a role helps in developing the character from the inside out. Flesh out your characters with character analysis, backstory, empathizing with the character, and using both improvisation and exercises to show how a character would react in different ways.
4:00 – 5:00: The Essential of Book Marketing, taught by Ismita Hussain. Looking for a way to cut through the noise and be able to promote your book successfully? This class is intended for both traditionally published authors and those who are self-publishing, and will go through all of the things writers can do to be good promoters, create buzz, and ensure their book has a long shelf life.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
9:30 – 10:30: Your Must-Do Checklist Before You Submit, taught by Angie Hodapp. From researching agents to evaluating agency agreements and accepting an offer of rep, this class will demystify the submissions process and increase your chances of landing a traditional publishing deal.
10:45 – 11:45: Dial Up Your Dialogue: The Nuts and Bolts of Effective Fictional Convos, taught by Katherine Monasterio. Learn exactly how to drive character, propel the plot, and keep readers hooked thanks to memorable, effective dialogue.
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. Get expert feedback on your incredibly important first page, and know if your writing has what it needs to keep readers’ attention. (All attendees are welcome to bring pages to the event for this session, and we will choose pages at random for the workshop for as long as time lasts. All submissions should be novels or memoir—no prescriptive nonfiction or picture books, please. Do not send your pages in advance. You will bring printed copies with you, and instructions will be sent out approximately one week before the event.)
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: Four Ways Book Authors Make Money from Publishers: How Authors Go from Fingers on Keyboard to Dollars in Bank Account, taught by Paul S. Levine, Esq. Examine the four major ways authors make money from traditional book publishing. This session, taught by a literary agent and attorney, will explain advances, royalties, subsidiary rights, and much more. If you’re curious how money works in the publishing process, this class is for you.
FREE ADDITIONAL RECORDED CLASSES:
We will actually send attendees extra FREE pre-recorded classes as part of their attendance. In addition to getting the weekend’s classes to enjoy live and in person, we will also send you 10 more free recorded classes on the side, from amazing instructors. In the week leading up to your in-person conference, we will send all confirmed attendees these classes below, some of which will aid in your pitching efforts:
- “How Do I Decide: Traditional vs. Indie Publishing,” taught previously at the Pittsburgh Writing Workshop
- “Common First Pages Mistakes and How to Fix Them,” taught previously at the San Diego Writing Workshop
- “6 Pillars of Well-Developed Characters,” taught previously at the Texas Writing Workshop
- “How to Make Money as a Writer,” taught previously at the Pittsburgh Writing Workshop
- “How an Acquisitions Editor Reads and Examines Your Manuscript,” taught previously at the California Writing Workshop
- “How to Fix It: The Art and Craft of Revision,” taught previously at the Writing Workshop of Chicago
- “Build an Irresistible Author Platform for Long-Term Success,” taught previously at the Ohio Writing Workshop
- “Demystifying Science Fiction and Fantasy,” taught previously at the San Diego Writing Workshop
- “How to Write Engaging Books for Children: Tips for Writing Picture Books,” taught previously at the Texas Writing Workshop
- “Writing and Editing Young Adult and Middle Grade,” taught previously at the Ohio Writing Workshop
- “Writers Got Talent—a Page 1 Critique Fest,” taught previously at the Pittsburgh Writing Workshop
- “Ask an Agent Anything: Open Q&A Panel with Literary Agents,” taught previously at the California Writing Workshop