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Join us! MWW Agent Fest Online 2021

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Join us for MWW Agent Fest Online 2021: October 13-16, 2021, Wednesday 10:00 am, ET through Saturday 5:00 pm, ET. 
Our first virtual 2020 MWW Agent Fest was a big success! What attendees said:
  • This was the best conference I’ve attended. The quality of the speakers and MWW Staff could not be better! I left the conference with renewed vigor and with the validation that I am not alone in this writing life!
  • These knowledgeable professionals gave me tips and up-to-date advice that would have taken years to learn, if ever. With each pitch I become more confident and gained a better understanding of what agents are looking for. I was able to mold my pitch in a way that highlighted those things. These agents weren’t afraid to be honest. The knowledge they imparted to be was priceless.
  • The absolute best aspect of these events is getting to talk to agents informally in a non-threatening environment knowing they are here to help. I cannot convey that enough. As an unpublished author, we need a level of validation that we are not crazy for pursuing our passion and our dreams. Their immediate feedback is appreciated.
  • It was a fantastic experience all the way around. My only regret is that I didn’t get over my anxiety and jump in sooner. The practice pitch sessions seemed to be a real treasure trove of input. The agents were really engaged, brimming with good advice and helpful honesty. First page read was a precious chance to peek into the mind of agents. I am astounded at how much I learned thanks to this conference.

Again, this year’s Midwest Writers Workshop Agent Fest will be held online (using video conference technology). We have designed an online version of MWW Agent Fest that offers opportunities to pitch, plenty of instruction, networking, and the sense of community that makes MWW so special.

Here’s an opportunity to pitch your book directly to agents in search of new voices! 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 2021, 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 2021. 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.

Our online conference features:
  • Agent Fest Online 2021 features a remarkable faculty and attendees can select three to pitch to.
  • From October 13-16, via Zoom video conferencing, sessions with a variety of content from agents and editors that feature lectures with vital, informative, and enjoyable discussions to build your skills as a writer.
  • Private Facebook Group for camaraderie and to build connections with other attendees and faculty.
  • Can’t attend all the sessions live? No problem. MWW Agent Fest Online 2021 offers archival video access to ALL attendees for ALL sessions and the content from other faculty members, allowing you to audit other sessions at your convenience during Agent Fest Online 2021 and for the following four weeks.
We also have a Query Letter Critique Team – an opportunity for a one-on-one consultation!
Our faculty includes: (Read their bios & wish lists)
  • Savannah Brooks, Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency
  • Claire Harris, P.S. Literary
  • Mina Hamedi, Janklow & Nesbit Associates
  • Amanda Orozco, Transatlantic Agency
  • Jeff Ourvan, Jennifer Lyons Literary Agency
  • Regina Ryan, Regina Ryan Books
  • Rita Rosenkranz, Rita Rosenkranz Literary Agency
  • Dani Segelbaum, Carol Mann Agency
  • Loan Le, editor, Simon & Schuster
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 eight agents and one editor 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. We’re offering practice sessions each morning. Join in! This is your chance to sell your book, so write it out, practice it and perfect your pitch.
  • 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 our MWW friend 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. 

Click here to register!

Join us! MWW Agent Fest Online 2020

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MWW Agent Fest Online 2020: November 18-21, 2020

Wednesday 9:30 am, ET through Saturday 5:00 pm, ET. {Cost: REDUCED! $199}

Our 2019 MWW Agent Fest was a big success! What attendees said:

To have one-on-one time with an agent is invaluable. The agents were all great and attentive. The conference was packed with useful information and opportunities.

A caring, professional organization for debut authors as well as accomplished authors.

A great and welcoming event with enthusiastic people and agents ready to give you real feedback.

I love how relaxed it was. The agents were friendly and engaged and it did wonders to calm my nerves. I really felt that they wanted to see me succeed.

So helpful! Really tangible and practical advice.

 

This year’s Midwest Writers Workshop Agent Fest will be held online (using video conference technology). We have designed an online version of MWW Agent Fest that offers opportunities to pitch, plenty of instruction, networking, and the sense of 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 2020, 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 2020. 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.

The cost for our MWW Agent Fest Online 2020 experience has been reduced to $199. No more choosing among breakout sessions. Attend ALL 18 sessions live or watch recorded sessions for up to one month later. You can even rewatch sessions you find particularly helpful. You’re getting more sessions for less money, and you can attend in your PJs!

Our online conference features:

  • Opportunity to pitch to three of our remarkable faculty of agents and editors who know their stuff, providing information for aspiring writers to help move their writing forward.
  • A total of 18 sessions, via Zoom video conferencing. The sessions include a variety of content from agents and editors that feature lectures with vital, informative, enjoyable discussions that build your skills as a writer.
  • Private Facebook Group for camaraderie and to build connections with other attendees and faculty.
  • Can’t attend all the sessions live? No problem. MWW Agent Fest Online 2020 is offering archival video access to ALL attendees for ALL sessions and the content from other faculty members, allowing you to audit other sessions at your convenience during Agent Fest Online 2020 and for the following four weeks.

We also have a Query Letter Critique Team — an opportunity for a one-on-one consultation!

Our faculty includes: (Read their bios & wish lists)

  • Jennifer Grimaldi, Charlberg & Sussman
  • Jolene Haley, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
  • Eric Myers, Myers Literary Management
  • Latoya Smith, LCS Literary Services
  • Abby Saul, The Lark Group
  • Alice Speilburg, Speilburg Literary
  • Amy Stapp, Wolfson Literary
  • Cherry Weiner, Cherry Weiner Literary Agency
  • Shannon Kelly, Associate Editor, Abrams

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.

Sessions:

  • Working With Your Agent – Eric Myers, Myers Literary Management
  • Agents/Author Conversation – Agents Cherry Weiner and Latoya Smith and author Larry D. Sweazy
  • The Nonfiction Book Proposal – Alice Speilburg, Speilburg Literary
  • The Do’s and Don’ts of Querying Agents – Amy Stapp, Wolfson Literary
  • Working With An Agent – Latoya Smith, LCS Literary Services
  • Building Your Author Platform to Elevate Your Career – Jolene Haley, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
  • Ask the Agent About Publishing – Cherry Weiner, Cherry Weiner Literary Agency
  • What an Editor Wishes Every Author Knew – Shannon Kelly, Associate Editor at Abrams
  • 360 View of the Path to Publication – Jennifer Grimaldi, Charlberg & Sussman
  • Agent/Author Conversation – Agent Alice Speilburg with author Angela Jackson-Brown
  • How to Create a Believable World in SFF – Jennifer Grimaldi, Charlberg & Sussman
  • You’ve Got A Book Deal, Now What? – Latoya Smith, LCS Literary Services

Evening sessions: (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)

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.

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 eight agents and one editor 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 our MWW friend 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. Registration Now Available!

 

MWW 2020 Agent Fest, March 13-14

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The 2nd Annual MWW Agent Fest: March 13-14, 2020

Friday 12:30 pm through Saturday 5:00 pm. {EARLY BIRD COST: $259 / $299 after 12/31/19}

Prepare. Pitch. Publish. #preppitchpub

Our first MWW Agent Fest was a big success! What attendees said:

To have one-on-one time with an agent is invaluable. The agents were all great and attentive. The conference was packed with useful information and opportunities.

A caring, professional organization for debut authors as well as accomplished authors.

A great and welcoming event with enthusiastic people and agents ready to give you real feedback.

I love how relaxed it was. The agents were friendly and engaged and it did wonders to calm my nerves. I really felt that they wanted to see me succeed.

So helpful! Really tangible and practical advice.

So, now MWW 2020 Agent Fest is another wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of two days, pitch a literary agent, get your query letter evaluated, get your questions answered, and more.

With 15 sessions, plus an All-Agent Panel Q&A, participants will learn how to write a dynamite query letter and tackle a one-page synopsis. The instructing literary agents will also explain the author experience and how to navigate the agent/author relationship, and the etiquette in dealing with an agent and manuscript basics.

BONUS: You can register for a Query Letter Critique! For an additional fee of $50, you will meet for a 10-minute one-on-one consultation with an agent/editor to discuss your query letter AND the first page of your manuscript. NOTE: ONLY 40 critique spots left! Register soon!

You’ll meet one-on-one with two agents and possibly three, depending on the number of registrants. Each pitch lasts three minutes, composed of a 90-second pitch and a 90-second response from the agent with feedback.

  • Ian Bonaparte, Janklow & Nesbit Associates
  • Kerry D’Agostino, Curtis Brown, Ltd.
  • Jennifer Grimaldi, Charlberg & Sussman
  • Amanda Luedeke, MacGregor & Luedeke
  • Eric Myers, Myers Literary Management
  • Patricia Nelson, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
  • Abby Saul, The Lark Group
  • Dani Segelbaum, New Leaf Literary & Media
  • EDITOR: Erin Calligan Mooney, Senior Editor, Lake Union Publishing, Amazon Publishing
 
Kerry D’Agostino, Curtis Brown, Ltd.
  • “Six Steps from Query to Publication”
  • “Subsidiary Rights”
Jennifer Grimaldi, Charlberg & Sussman
  • “Common Pitching Mistakes”
  • “360 view of the path to publication”
Amanda Luedeke, MacGregor & Luedeke
  • “When to Self-Publish”
  • “When You Can’t Find Time to Write”
Eric Myers, Myers Literary Management
  • “How Much Is Too Much in YA And Middle Grade?”
  • “Working With Your Agent”
Patricia Nelson, Marsal Lyon Literary Agency
  • “Rookie Submission Mistakes (and how to avoid them)”
  • “Capturing the YA and MG Voice”
Abby Saul, The Lark Group
  • “Please Read My Manuscript: Quick Tips for Query Questions”
  • “Finding, Working with, and Keeping an Agent”
Dani Segelbaum, New Leaf Literary & Media
  • “How to Write A Non-Fiction Proposal”
  • “The Do’s and Don’ts of Querying Agents”
Erin Calligan Mooney, Senior Editor, Lake Union Publishing
  • “Trust Falls: The Editor/Author Relationship”

Friday Evening Program:

“First Paragraph Read – Love It or Leave It, “Okay, Stop” – with all agents. “A Paragraph One Critique-Fest.” This is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously – no bylines given) with our 9 attending faculty 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.)

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 will be eight agents attending and some will be a better fit for your writing than others. Be sure to study the list of agents 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 a room 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.

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

Come join us!

REGISTER HERE!

MWW Agent Fest, May 10-11, 2019

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Prepare. Pitch. Publish. #preppitchpub
You want agents. We’ve got agents.

MWW Agent Fest: May 10-11, 2019

Friday 1:00 pm through Saturday 4:30 pm. {$249 / $289 after 4/1/19}

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, children’s, young adult and more. During the Agent Fest, 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 new MWW Agent Fest. We have two days of valuable sessions on how to write a query letter and a synopsis, what agents are looking for, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. 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.

Our Agent Fest is designed to squeeze as much into two days of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the sessions, and get your specific concerns addressed. The literary agents will give feedback and take pitches from writers. Our faculty includes: (Read their bios & wish lists)

  • Noah Ballard (Curtis Brown, Ltd.)
  • Elizabeth Bewley (Sterling Lord Literistic)
  • Savannah Brooks (Jennifer De Chiara)
  • Brenna English-Loeb (Transatlantic Agency)
  • Joanna MacKenzie (Nelson Literary)
  • Devin Ross (New Leaf Literary)
  • JL Stermer (New Leaf Literary)

You’ll meet one-on-one with at least one agent and possibly two depending on the number of registrants. Each pitch lasts three minutes, composed of a 90-second pitch and a 90-second response from the agent with feedback.

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

Secure your spot today. Register HERE.