Workshops

All workshops will be available on both Friday and Saturday. If you are signing up for both conference days, you will be assigned to four workshops based on the top six picks listed in your questionnaire. Applicants signing up for one day will be assigned to two workshops based on their top picks. Please be sure to list your top six workshop choices in our questionnaire. 

Please do not hesitate to email us at editors@slicemagazine.org if you have any questions about workshops, panels, or scheduling.

Crafting the Perfect Pitch

Agents and editors field dozens of pitches every day. With so many prospective authors vying for their attention, what does it take to really catch their attention? In this class, agents or editors discuss the secrets to a stop-what-you're-doing-and-sign-up-this-author pitch. In-class writing exercises will be followed by workshop discussions of each writer's work.

First Chapters in Novels and First Scenes in Stories

Nothing is more important than the opening pages of a book. With attention spans shrinking by the minute, it's more crucial than ever to grab readers with your first sentence—and keep their attention every moment thereafter. Seasoned fiction editors, authors, or agents will work closely with participants on the key elements of successful opening chapters. Tone, characters, plot, and pacing will all be discussed within this context.

Writing Dialogue

Writing dialogue sounds easy. We participate in conversations every day—writing them down shouldn’t be a problem. In truth, writing dialogue is one of the most difficult parts of the craft. In this workshop, participants work closely with experienced editors, authors, or agents on the fine art of dialogue-writing: how to craft believable conversations, tackle pacing, and fine-tune transitions from prose to dialogue. The class will include guided writing exercises, discussions on successful dialogue, and group workshopping of each participants’ work.

Writing a Non-Fiction Book Proposal

Non-fiction book publishing is an entirely different world from that of fiction. And not surprisingly, pitching a non-fiction book to agents and editors is nothing like pitching a novel. In this class, participants will master each element of the non-fiction book proposal, from overview, annotated table of contents, and competition analysis, to crafting the perfect pitch letter and sample chapter. Writers should arrive prepared with a non-fiction book idea to discuss with the group and write about during in-class exercises.

Pacing in a Novels and Stories—Plot, Action Scenes, Etc.

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges in novel writing. It's not enough to have a great story with interesting characters. The pace at which you tell that story can make or break the entire book. In this workshop, participants work closely with experienced fiction editors, agents, or authors on the crucial elements of a well-timed novel. In-class writing exercises will be followed by workshop discussions of each writer's work.

The Fine Art of Revising

Hemingway told the Paris Review in a 1956 interview that he rewrote the ending of Farewell to Arms 39 times before he was satisfied. He’s certainly not the only writer to ever struggle with revising. Rewriting often requires more time and frustration than an original draft, but an author’s best work usually only emerges after several rounds of editing. This workshop focuses on the craft of revising: how to know if you’re taking your work in the right direction; when to follow your gut instead of others’ advice; and how to look at your work with objective eyes. Participants should come to class with a portion of their work they’d like help revising. In-class exercises and discussions will help writers look at their work with confidence and a fresh perspective.

Elements of Memoir

Truth is often stranger than fiction, but that does not make it easier to write. There is a creative art to capturing a real story. Consequently, this form of nonfiction presents many of the same challenges as the novel. In this workshop, consider all of the elements that make memoirs compelling. Work with an experienced writer to develop your own true story. In-class exercises and discussion will explore the many facets of memoir writing.

Character Development

How close do your characters come to jumping off the page? It can be very difficult to help them make that leap. There are so many essential elements to consider, from physical appearance and dialogue to idiosyncrasies and back story. In this workshop, discover how to transform characters from cardboard cutouts into engaging personalities. In-class exercises will serve as a launching pad for discussion led by a top publishing professional.

Then We Came to an End

You’ve almost made it. You have a powerful concept, a compelling opening, a plot with twists and turns, and an ensemble of colorful characters. But what about the ending? You can still lose your reader on that last page if you’re not careful. In this workshop, investigate how to effectively wrap up a novel. In-class exercises and discussion will be led by an experienced author or top publishing professional.

Panels

Panels will be divided between Friday and Saturday. Participants are welcome to attend any panels they'd like throughout the weekend. You do not have to list panels in your questionnaire. 

What Really Happens in Editorial Meetings?

Have you ever wondered what really goes on when publishers discuss submissions behind closed doors? In this panel, editors speak candidly about that moment-of-truth meeting: what they look for, deal breakers (and how to avoid them), and those surprise bits of feedback that never leave the boardroom. 

Literary Magazines—Why They Matter

Perhaps the Paris Review is but a pipe dream, and the New Yorker has rejected everything you’ve sent since 1986. Should you bother with those tinier lit mags? Who even reads them? Editors, agents, authors, and leading professionals discuss the value of publishing in literary journals, what magazines they’re reading, and why those little publication credits in your byline really make a difference.  

You Have a Book Deal—Now What?

A writer’s work never ends—not even after you pen a book deal. Discover how to make the most of your relationship with your editor and agent throughout the publishing process. Learn what happens after the manuscript is finished, how to work with a publicist to get the best results, and helpful platform-building techniques leading up to your book launch. 

Finding an Agent 101—What Really Turns Agents Off

The internet makes it seem easier than ever to connect with agents. They’re blogging, tweeting, and communicating their likes, dislikes, and publishing history right on their websites. But if they’re so accessible, why is it still so hard to get an agent? In this panel, agents speak openly about the wild world of fielding queries: what turns them off, what perks them up, and what you can do to get their attention (in a good way). 

The Future of Publishing – Unlocking the Mystery of E-Books, Online Publishing, and the Fall of Brick-and-Mortar Bookstores

As news of bookstore closings dominate headlines, e-books only keep growing in popularity. There will always been a need for content, but what do these radical shifts in the publishing industry mean for authors? In this panel, agents, editors, and publishing professionals discuss their hopes and concerns for the industry, the future of ebooks, online publishing, and what these changes mean for authors moving forward.  

What Agents and Editors are Looking for Tomorrow

Everyone is on the lookout for the next Stephenie Meyer, Stieg Larsson, or David Sedaris. But what are agents and editors looking for in tomorrow’s literary legends? And how will they know when they’ve found it? Join the discussion as they reveal what they’d like to see in tomorrow’s bestselling writers and what they think is lacking in the market right now.

Building Buzz: Extra Steps Agents and Editors Take to Help First-Time Authors Thrive

One of the greatest hurdles in publishing is building buzz for first-time authors. In today’s world, information moves at lightning speed to a wide variety of media outlets, and it can be difficult for a book to shine in such a crowded environment. In this panel, you’ll hear about the tactics agents and editors use to ensure that debut books find their moment in the spotlight.

Breaking into Publishing: Tips, Tricks & Shenanigans

In this panel, you’ll hear true tales about breaking into the business. Sometimes it seems like the best route to getting your book published is the most unconventional one, and yet daring tactics might scare away agents and editors. Discover what will help your book move out of the slush pile and onto the right person’s desk.

Mock Auction

You’ve heard about this happening, it’s an author’s dream come true: a manuscript goes to auction!  So what really happens once editors are vying for the best bid?  In this panel, you’ll discover, step by step, how a submission moves from an agent’s hand to editors’ desks, and then to auction. Learn about the different strategies each editor and an agent employ, all to ensure that a book lands in the best home possible.

Building a Career with Your Agent, Book by Book

In the best scenarios, an agent’s work extends far beyond book one. Oftentimes, authors have to jump from one publishing house to another, but their agents are there, ready to help figure out the next best steps. If you are banking on a career as a writer, you should find a good agent. Agents help you land your first book deal, but there’s a lot to think about once you’ve found a home for your debut. Listen to agents discuss how they work with authors to plot out a career path.

Before the Book Deal

You’ve finished your manuscript, revised and revised, and it’s on submission to literary agents. So what should you do between now and the time you land a book deal?  Listen to a discussion about building your platform as an emerging author, so that you are poised for success once your book finds a home.

The Publishing Process: Beyond Editing

What happens to a book once it has been edited, but before it hits bookstores?  A discussion about the different factors that are involved in the creation of a book, from art and production to sales and publicity. Publishing professionals will take you through the process step by step, offering a behind-the-scenes look at which departments could make or break your book.