Agent Fest

Register Now! MWW Agent Fest Online 2023: November 1 – 4

Wednesday 10:00 am, ET through Saturday 5:00 pm, ET. {Cost: $199}

This year’s Midwest Writers Workshop Agent Fest Online offers opportunities to pitch, receive plenty of instruction, network, and join in the community that makes MWW so special.

Here’s an opportunity to pitch your book directly to vaunted agents in search of new voices! Advocate for your book in a high-energy environment, and you might just become another MWW success story. Connect with literary agents who are actively searching for the next big thing across all genres including fiction, nonfiction, young adult and more. During the Agent Fest Online 2023, you’ll have a chance to meet agents one-on-one and capture their attention with the basic concept of your book.

We’ve assembled a dynamic roster of top-tier agents to participate in our Agent Fest Online 2023. We have four days of valuable sessions; no matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the sessions will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.

More about our online conference:

  • Attendees can pitch to THREE agents of their choice. Our agents are outstanding, and you have ten to choose from.
  • From November 14, watch all sessions live via Zoom video conferencing. The sessions include a variety of content from agents and offer vital, informative, enjoyable discussions that build your skills as a writer. Chat with other attendees in the chat and join in on the Q&A!
  • ALL attendees receive archival access to ALL of the sessions. Can’t attend all the sessions live? No problem. You can watch them at your leisure from our private YouTube channel for up to 90 days after the conference.
  • Private Facebook Group for camaraderie, to ask questions and make comments, and to build connections with other attendees and faculty.
  • First Page Read – Love It or Leave It, “Okay, Stop.” This is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with our attending agents/editors commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission. Get expert feedback on your incredibly important first lines and know if your writing has what it needs to keep readers’ attention. We will choose pages at random for as long as time lasts. First Page Reads are NOT recorded.
    All attendees are welcome to SUBMIT BY EMAIL by October 23rd:

    • midwestwriters@yahoo.com / “First Page Read” in subject line
    • One submission only
    • Attach Word document without your name
    • Page MUST be in Standard Manuscript Format. Include the genre in the top right. First Page Read example)

The agents are also part of a Query Letter Critique Team — an opportunity for a one-on-one consultation!

Our agent faculty includes:

  • Eloy Bleifuss, Janklow & Nesbitt
  • Savannah Brooks, KT Literary
  • Alexandria Brown, Rising Action Publishing Collective
  • Jenniea Carter, New Leaf Literary
  • Melissa Danaczko, SK Agency
  • Sarah Gerton, New Leaf Literary
  • Zach Honey, Fine Print Literary
  • Carrie Howland, Howland Literary
  • Renée Jarvis, Triangle House Literary
  • Madeline Wallace, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates

See their bios & wish lists

Pitch Sessions

You’ll meet one-on-one (via Zoom) with THREE agents. Each pitch lasts eight minutes, composed of a 4-minute pitch and a 4-minute response/discussion from the agent with feedback.

You Will Get:

  • Immediate feedback on the merits of your book directly from agents working in that genre or category.
  • Actionable advice on perfecting your pitch, and/or ways to improve your storyline or nonfiction premise.
  • The opportunity to land representation and start on your path to a publishing deal.

Keys to Agent Fest Success:

  • Do your research. There are ten agents attending and some will be a better fit for your writing than others. Be sure to study the list of faculty and target those who handle your genre or interest.
  • Practice makes perfect. This is your chance to sell your book, so write it out, practice it and perfect your pitch. Use a stopwatch so you can keep time—and their attention!
  • Get expert advice. To help you prepare, we have Zoom sessions with willing volunteers where you can practice. You can hone your pitch and get more comfortable with presenting live. You’ll also gain the confidence you need to make a great impression.
  • Read this blog post by Jane Friedman — How to Pitch Agents at a Writers Conference.

By Saturday afternoon, you will have added more tools to help you move forward on your writing journey.

Secure your spot today. 

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