After successful previous events in California and around the country, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2026 California Writing Workshop — an online “How to Get Published” two-day writing event on June 12-13, 2026. (Writers are welcome to attend virtually from everywhere and anywhere.)

This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of two days, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited online “seats” at the event (200 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2026 California Writing Workshop!

(ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2026 CWW is an Online Conference, on June 12-13. 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.)

To register, click the button above, or email Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the California event.

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special two-day “How to Get Published” online writing workshop on June 12-13, 2026. In other words, it’s two days full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome. And even though this is the “California” Writing Workshop, make no mistake — writers from everywhere are welcome to attend virtually. Our WDW writers conferences have helped dozens of writers find literary agent representation — see our growing list of success stories here.

This event is designed to squeeze as much into two days of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the online classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents online to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s 2026 CWW agent & editor faculty so far includes:

• literary agent Brandy Vallance (Barbara Bova Literary)
• literary agent Katie Monson (SBR Media)
• literary agent Eric Smith (Neighborhood Literary)
• literary agent Shelly Romero (Azantian Literary)
• editor Leticia Gomez (Kensington & Dafina)
• literary agent Victoria Harris (The Caldwell Literary)
• literary agent Kristina Sutton Lennon (Focused Artists)
• literary agent Nephele Tempest (The Knight Agency)
• literary agent Sarah Fisk (Tobias Literary)
• literary agent Michelle Richter (Fuse Literary)
• literary agent Morgan Hughes (FinePrint Literary)
• literary agent Caitlin McDonald (Donald Maass Literary)
• literary agent Charlotte Wenger (Prospect Agency)
• literary agent Keir Alexseii (Azantian Literary)
• literary agent Sandy Lu (Bookwyrm Literary)
• literary agent Jo Ramsay (Transatlantic Agency)
• literary agent Jessica Larios-Zarate (Wave Literary)
• literary agent Sandra Proudman (Gallt & Zacker)
• literary agent Vicky Weber (Creative Media Agency)
• literary agent Thais Afonso (Azantian Literary)
• literary agent Ismita Hussain (Great Dog Literary)
• literary agent Ritu Anand (D4E0 Literary)
• literary agent Amy Giuffrida (Belcastro Agency)
• literary agent Kara Grajkowski (3 Seas Literary)
• literary agent Tina Schwartz (Purcell Agency)
• literary agent Syrone Harvey (Belcastro Agency)
• literary agent Jessica Berg (Rosecliff Literary)
• and more agents to come.

By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey. This independent event is organized by coordinator Brian Klems of Writing Day Workshops.

To register, click the button above, or email Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the California event.

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

(ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2026 CWW is an Online Conference, on June 12-13. 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.)

THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (JUNE 12-13, 2026):

What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here.

Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:

FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026

9:30 – 10:30: Mastering the Art of Dialogue. This presentation will help writers learn how to format their dialogue, how to find your characters’ voices, how to make it sound natural, and how to avoid five big mistakes that writers often make.

10:45 – 11:45: How to Get a Literary Agent and Write a Query Letter. Learn the ins and outs of finding agents, contacting them, and securing representation for your work.

11:45 – 1:15: Break

1:15 – 2:30: The Writer’s Journey. This class is a deep examination of the publishing process and what it’s like to make a living as a writer and find success in a multifaceted industry.

2:45 – 3:45: Writing for Young Adult and Middle Grade Audiences. In this class, you’ll learn who your audience is, hear about the “musts” of YA and MG fiction, review publication trends, and discover the pitfalls to avoid when crafting a novel for the middle grade and young adult worlds.

4:00 – 5:00: Writing with A.I.: How Authors Using Artificial Intelligence Can Harm (or Help) Their Chances at Publication. Authors can lose credibility when they rely too heavily or too obviously on A.I. to write their manuscripts, but there are ways authors can use it ethically and effectively.

* * * * *

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2026

9:30 – 10:30: Time Management For Writers. This session will give you hands-on practical methods for avoiding distraction while racking up that word count. Your bag of tools will include proven tricks and techniques for starting to write and then maintaining focus on your work

10:45 – 11:45: The Agent/Author Relationship. This workshop, taught by a literary agent, details the happenings from “The Call” all the way to going on submission. Understand how to be a great client, how to effectively communicate with your agent, how to know what to expect in the process, and more.

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.

2:45 – 3:45: Open Agent Q&A Panel. Several attending literary agents will open themselves up to open Q&A from CWW attendees. Bring your questions and get them answered in this popular session.

4:00 – 5:00: From A to Z: Strategies for Plotting, Pacing and Structure. This class will begin with a detailed introduction to the three-act structure that lends itself to theoretical preparation for novel-writing and outlining, and then identify different tools for plot consideration.

Agent pitches and critique consultations overlap with Saturday sessions. The schedule of presentation topics below is subject to change and updates:

(What you see here is a quick layout of the day’s events. See a full layout of the day’s sessions, with detailed descriptions, on the official Schedule Page here.)

Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.

PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:

Sandy Lu is a literary agent with Book Wyrm Literary Agency. In fiction, she is seeking stories that will draw her in with a unique voice, make her miss her bedtime with a thrilling plot, and characters that will stay with her long after she turns the last page. Bonus points if you can make her laugh out loud or unable to hold back tears in public. She especially loves historical fiction, atmospheric world-building, and anything dark, twisted, or with a supernatural bent. In nonfiction, she’s looking for projects that can make connections about different topics in an unexpected way, explicate complex research for a general audience, introduce the reader to cutting-edged science or previously little known historical facts and figures, teach us new ways to think or clever skills that can improve our daily life, or expand our knowledge and understanding of the world—past, present, and future. Learn more about Sandy here.

Charlotte Wenger is a literary agent with Prospect Agency. “I represent authors, illustrators, and author-illustrators of children’s books—board books through graphic novels and middle-grade, but especially picture books—as well as select YA fiction and adult nonfiction, particularly biographies and memoirs. I’m always seeking stories from diverse voices – those that have been historically marginalized and/or underrepresented in publishing, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, people living in and/or from marginalized/underrepresented cultures and countries, neurodiverse persons, disabled persons, and more. I’m on the lookout for what hasn’t been done yet – stories that haven’t been told and voices that haven’t been heard.” Learn more about Charlotte here.

Jessica Berg is a literary agent with Rosecliff Literary. In fiction, she seeks: Alternate History/Historical Fantasy, Contemporary Fantasy, Contemporary Romance, Historical Fiction, Twisty Thrillers, Upmarket/Book Club Fiction, YA, and Women’s Fiction. In nonfiction, she seeks: Cookbooks, Travel Guides, Memoir – Military Women Adjacent, and Self-Help with a Witchy Vibe. Learn more about Jessica here.

Kara Grajkowski is a literary agent with 3 Seas Literary Agency. “As an elementary classroom teacher turned elementary behavioral interventionist, I am always looking to expand my classroom library with high-interest, low-readability books. If I can see my students and their interests in the project, it is a good fit for my classroom and a better fit for my query box. Please send me #OwnVoices stories!” She seeks all types of middle grade and young adult books (with the exception of fantasy and time travel). She represents picture books, especially funny titles or those that highlight the beauty in diversity, community, and childhood. “I (very selectively) take new adult rom coms. Fresh takes on traditional narratives are a plus for me, but I really look for sharp, witty storytelling. In nonfiction, I would love any nonfiction about education/issues in schools or mental health/trauma. No memoirs, please!” Learn more about Kara here.

Eric Smith is a literary agent at Neighborhood Literary, with a love for young adult books, literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and nonfiction. Eric is eagerly acquiring fiction and nonfiction projects. He’s actively seeking out new, diverse voices in young adult (particularly sci-fi and fantasy), middle grade, and literary and commercial fiction (again, loves sci-fi and fantasy, but also thrillers and mysteries). In terms of nonfiction, he’s interested in cookbooks, pop culture, humor, middle grade, essay collections, and blog-to-book ideas. Learn more about Eric here.

Vicky Weber is a literary agent with Creative Media Agency. In adult and young adult fiction, she seeks: horror, psychological suspense, thrillers, commercial, upmarket, historical, women’s fiction, romance, fantasy (dark/high/epic), magical realism, speculative, and paranormal/supernatural. In middle grade and picture books, she seeks highly giftable, commercial fiction with a strong voice—stories that feel like they always should have been on the shelf. Learn more about Vicky here.

Sandra Proudman is a literary agent with Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency. She is seeking: I am continuing to look to diversify my list this year as its important to me to continue to strive for all kids to see themselves on the page as the heroes of their own stories. I am especially looking for marginalized and underrepresented voices and am especially looking for clients from Middle Eastern, South Asian, South American, and Indigenous backgrounds. Picture Books and Early Readers: I would love to sign an author-illustrator that is doing work like Flavia Z. Drogo or Ben Clanton. I love character-driven stories full of light and humor. I also really enjoy STEAM topics, so if there is a chance for a kiddo to learn in your work, that’s always a plus! Middle Grade: I would love to find a graphic novelist that is working on a speculative project in the vein of Wendell and Wild or Sweet Tooth. Young Adult: I am particularly looking for romcoms and horror/thrillers in this age group. In terms of horror, I like the entire genre and am OK with body horror. Adult fiction: I would love to find a horror like The Hacienda or Mexican Gothic. Or a beautifully written speculative story that’ll make me feel ALL of the feels. Learn more about Sandra here.

Nephele Tempest is a literary agent at The Knight Agency. Nephele continues to actively build her client list and looks for fiction with both strong, well-developed characters and a story that pulls her in and won’t let go. She primarily represents women’s contemporary or historical fiction; contemporary, paranormal, and historical single-title romance; and adult fantasy and science fiction. More generally, Nephele always looks for work with diverse cultural influences, #ownvoices projects, and stories that inspire and/or make her think. Learn more about Nephele here.

Ritu Anand is a literary agent with D4E0 Literary. In Kidlit, she seeks: Picture books, Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels. In Literary Fiction, she seeks: Drama, Fairy Tales and Fiction in Verse. In General Fiction, she seeks: Women’s Fiction, Drama, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Satire and Tragedy. In Historical Fiction, she seeks: Women’s Historical Fiction, Historical Romantic Fiction and Historical Fantasy. Diverse and underrepresented Voices are encouraged to submit. Learn more about Ritu here.

Tina P. Schwartz is a literary agent with The Purcell Agency. She seeks adult fiction, young adult fiction, new adult fiction, and middle grade fiction. Within those age categories, she enjoys women’s fiction, realistic/contemporary fiction, coming of age, sports, romance, friendship, family. BIPOC, LGBTQ, as well as some memoir and narrative nonfiction. Schwartz is an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI), Chicago Writer’s Association, Author’s Guild, and the American Association of Literary Agents. Learn more about Tina here.

Caitlin McDonald is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency. She is looking for: all types of science fiction and fantasy for adult, young adult, and middle grade, especially secondary world fantasy and alternate history; genre-bending or cross-genre fiction, and stories that examine tropes from a new angle; diversity of all kinds, including (but not limited to) race, gender, sexuality, and ability, in both characters and worldbuilding. Learn more about Caitlin here.

Keir Alekseii is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. As a neurodivergent, queer person of color, Keir is invested in discovering engaging work with similar representation, and passionate about creating space for voices not often recognized. They are especially interested in stories from BIPOC who are born and raised in the Global South. She is open to science fiction, fantasy, and horror in adult, young adult, and middle grade. She also seeks historical young adult and middle grade. Learn more about Keir here.

Katie Monson is a literary agent with SBR Media. In kidlit, she seeks: hilarious, offbeat picture books (looking for something new that hasn’t been done before); books that want to be read over and over again by all ages; books that include penguins; middle grade that is hilarious (I’m in dire search of MG). In adult fiction, she seeks hilarious rom-coms with a 90’s feel; epic love stories (I want to swoon along with the FMC); women’s fiction with a romantic subplot that does not end happily; jaw-dropping psychological thrillers; and book club fiction. She is not seeking speculative sci-fi / fantasy in any way. Learn more about Katie here.

Syrone Harvey is a literary agent at Belcastro Agency and also a children’s book author. In Adult, YA and Middle Grade Fiction, she is eagerly seeking diverse, underrepresented voices and perspectives, stories with strong, distinct and multi-dimensional characters, compelling stories of friendships, coming-of-age, emotional angst, family saga. Throw in a little fun, adventure, humor, edginess and stories that are overall engaging. In Children’s she is seeking books filled with humor, whimsy, are heartfelt, offer make-me-giggle storytelling, and absolutely crazy fun. Areas of interest- BIPOC Literature, Book Club, Children’s, Commercial, Contemporary, Family Saga, General, Humor, Literary, Middle Grade, New Adult, Picture Books, Inspiration, Romance, Romcom, Women’s Fiction, and Young Adult. Learn more about Syrone here.

Victoria Harris (they/them/theirs) is a literary agent with The Caldwell Agency. “I’m primarily seeking adult literary and upmarket fiction, particularly stories that feature LGBTQ+ and BIPOC characters. I’m also open to literary-leaning queer romance, soft sci-fi, and historical fiction set in the recent past. When it comes to nonfiction, I’m interested in memoirs.” She is drawn to: LGBTQ+ characters, BIPOC characters, mentally ill characters, neurodivergent characters, chronically ill and physically disabled characters, characters who’ve had difficult childhoods, characters who are repressed, characters who’ve felt like an outsider for their whole life, chosen family, friends to lovers, pining, late-stage coming of age stories, and dysfunctional family dynamics. Learn more about Victoria here.

Morgan Hughes is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary Management. Morgan believes that books can change the world and is committed to discovering and uplifting underrepresented voices. She is seeking Middle Grade and YA fantasy/adventure with a particular interest in graphic novels. She is also interested in picture books, YA, New Adult, and Adult romance. She loves unique narratives, strong voices, and impressive world-building but is also drawn to small-town vibes and sports settings. She is currently not seeking science fiction, thrillers/mysteries, or nonfiction. Learn more about Morgan here.

Shelly Romero is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. She is seeking: science fiction; speculative fiction; horror (almost all subgenres & especially for all age categories); Honduran authors; stories by Latine/x authors from Central America and the Caribbean (including Afro-Latine & Indigenous Latine stories); playing with formatting such as mixed-media & epistolary novels that give the story a “found footage” type of vibe; anything comped to Guillermo del Toro, David Cronenberg, Clive Barker, John Carpenter, or Wes Craven; Catholic horror; gothic romance; grounded fantasy; midwestern gothic; southern gothic; vampires; Jewish stories especially if they are intersectional with BIPOC and/or queer characters; thrillers/mysteries (with non-cop protagonists); commercial fiction; slice-of-life a la One Tree Hill, OG Gossip Girl, The Sandlot, Real Women Have Curves, What We Do in the Shadows; historical fiction set during: Regency, Edwardian, & Victorian eras; post-WWII; 80s – 00s…but featuring BIPOC and/or queer characters; adult erotic fiction, especially featuring BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA characters in kink spaces; set during college and non-college bound post-high school. Learn more about Shelly here.

Amy Giuffrida is a literary agent with The Belcastro Literary Agency. “I am especially seeking stories written by diverse creators—BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, and disabled creators are encouraged to query me. Send me your stories of joy, where your characters and their worlds can be celebrated by the reader.” In nonfiction, she seeks: business, social media, tech, cookbooks, and also anything by an author with a strong platform and a love for their subject. She seeks upper middle grade fiction. In young fiction, she seeks fantasy, horror, sci-fi, contemporary, contemporary romance, mystery, thriller, historical, and novels-in-verse. In adult fiction, she seeks women’s fiction, book club / commercial fiction, non-political thriller, horror, contemporary romance, and rom-com. Learn more about Amy here.

Michelle Richter is a literary agent with Fuse Literary. Michelle is seeking: suspense, mystery,  psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, women’s fiction, book club fiction, YA mystery/thriller, and select contemporary YA. She’s especially eager to find suspense and psychological thrillers with complex lead characters. BIPOC, LGBTQ, and disabled voices in fiction always welcome. Michelle loves unreliable narrators, stories of family secrets, friendships, and sibling relationships. Learn more about Michelle here. 

Ismita Hussain is a literary agent & social media manager with Great Dog Literary. In adult fiction, she seeks literary fiction, upmarket, new adult, and short story collections. She enjoys fiction in all genres that is informed by, or inspired by, the myths and superstitions of a culture. Ismita is open to novels that fit these categories but have some genre-fiction elements (i.e., literary fiction with a speculative twist). In adult nonfiction, she seeks narrative, pop culture, humor, memoir, travel, cookbooks, history, and sports. In young adult, she seeks contemporary, rom com, novel in verse, and commercial. In all pitches, she seeks Southern settings, Italian settings, gritty and realist writing, and books that explore health/disability. Learn more about Ismita here.

Jo Ramsay (they/she) is a literary agent with Transatlantic Agency. Jo is seeking: Upmarket fiction (book club conversation starters, fresh take on friendships, relationship, and family); Sci-fi (Black Mirror-esque, commentary on society, genre blending);  Speculative fiction; Gothic / Neo-Gothic; Psychological horror / thriller; Light horror (no heavy gore please); Dystopian; Mysteries (with unique POV, character-driven); Graphic Novels; Select literary fiction (less quiet realism, and more unusual or unique storytelling); Select romance (new spin or genre subversion); Select fantasy (fabulism, light world building); and Select historical fiction (unique concept or genre blending). In nonfiction, she seeks: Pop Culture Deep Dives, Politics and Social Sciences, Cultural Critique, Investigative Journalism, Eco-Nonfiction and Naturalist writing, Expedition accounts of professional mountaineers and adjacent sports, Off-Grid Living or Survivalist writing, Travelogues from a unique perspective; Pop Science; and Graphic memoir. Learn more about Jo here.

Brandy Vallance is a literary agent with Barbara Bova Literary Agency. “I represent these genres but I am also not limited to these genres: historical fiction, historical romance, historical mystery, romance, literary, women’s fiction, Southern fiction, science fiction, fantasy, young adult, adventure, speculative, inspirational, thriller. I’m a fan of: atmospheric writing; stories set in the British Isles, Europe, or exotic locations; Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian romance; Victorian time period in general (other centuries are welcome too); archaeology / artifacts / history’s mysteries; stories that explore Biblical themes without being preachy (ex. Charles Martin books); Appalachian stories / mountain culture; fantasy & sci-fi in almost every sub-category; characters who are writers, artists, or have a unique profession; and more.” Learn more about Brandy here.

Sarah N. Fisk  is a literary agent with The Tobias Literary Agency, and is open to pitches for young adult of all genres, middle grade of all genres, adult romance, science fiction, fantasy, speculative fiction, and select nonfiction. They also take pitches for mysteries and thrillers via conferences only. Sarah especially loves fiction that is compulsively readable and social justice issues woven into commercial plots. Particular areas of interest include atmospheric fantasies, speculative mysteries, books that challenge societal norms, especially gender norms. Learn more about Sarah here.

Thais Afonso is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. She intends to represent marginalized authors, and she’s especially seeking to uplift indigenous voices and voices from the Global South. In adult and young adult fiction, Thais is looking to represent Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, Contemporary Romance, and Suspense/Thrillers. She’s particularly keen on growing her contemporary and horror list right now, so if you have a project that doesn’t have any of her triggers and hard ‘no’s, pitch her! Even if it doesn’t a match an item in the wish list, she very much welcomes surprises here (as long as there are no elements from her anti-MSWL). Learn more about Thais here. 

Leticia Gomez is the editorial director for Kensington Books and Dafina. Leticia is the Editorial Director for Dafina Books, an imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp., which focuses on high-quality fiction and nonfiction that centers on race, identity, and its impact on our experiences. Launched in 2000 as the first African-American imprint, Dafina has led the market for more than twenty years in highlighting voices of color. Leticia is actively seeking to acquire multicultural fiction and nonfiction of all genres, including literary fiction, commercial fiction, historical fiction, romance, mystery, and narrative nonfiction of all genres with a focus on authors of color (BIPOC) hailing from all walks of life, as well as specific nonfiction projects for marginalized communities. As a literary agent, Savvy Literary is now an industry leader specializing in Self-help, Narrative Non-fiction, Memoir, True Crime, Spiritual/Inspirational, Political/Current Affairs, Suspense/Thriller, Family Drama, and the Young Adult market. Championing the work of minority writers continues to be a top priority for the agency. Blending her experience as an author, literary/film/television agent and acquisition editor, she is truly excited to spearhead her very own Hispanic book imprint Café con Leche Books. Learn more about Leticia here.

Jessica Larios-Zarate is a literary agent with Wave Literary. In regards to fiction, Jessica gravitates towards: commercial fiction, contemporary upmarket fiction, literary fiction, mystery/thrillers, and speculative fiction. She is particularly invested in stories that feature LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, and/or disabled protagonists, especially when the books are not issue-driven. As for nonfiction, Jessica is interested in: narrative nonfiction and historical nonfiction. In terms of historical nonfiction, she seeks: Ancient History, Historical Expeditions, Civil Rights Movements, and Indigenous History Books; no War History, please. Learn more about Jessica here.

Kristina Sutton Lennon is a literary agent with Focused Artists. “I am drawn to upmarket fiction, picture books (particularly already illustrated), and non-fiction self-improvement books. I seek to champion underrepresented voices and am particularly scouting multicultural content, Indigenous and Latiné voices. I am not accepting screenplays, pitch decks, loglines or pilots.” In fiction, she seeks young adult fiction and romantasy (especially Hollywood Gilded Age, Regency era or Roaring 20s). In nonfiction, she seeks women’s wellness (menopause, perimenopause, pregnancy, and postpartum); career advancement; parenting; relationships; motherhood; climate tech; trad wives; foraging; financial literacy; crafting (beadwork, crocheting, embroidery, knitting). In picture books, she seeks underrepresented voices, particularly those of Indigenous or Latiné descent; books about being a community helper; stories that caregivers can enjoy reading just as much as children; humorous tone such as in Mr. S, The Leaf Thief, or !Tengo Hambre! (I’m Hungry!); multicultural books and bilingual books; fully illustrated picture books; books that encourage critical thinking and SEL; and economics (importance of saving). Learn more about Kristina here.

            More 2026 agents to be announced as they are confirmed. You can sign up for pitches at any time, or switch pitches at any time, so long as the agent in question still has appointments open. Unless otherwise specified, all agent pitches at WDW online events happen on Saturday — in this case, June 13, 2026.

These one-on-one meetings are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind.

(Please note that Agent/Editor Pitching is an add-on, separate aspect of the day, for only those who sign up. Spaces are limited for these premium meetings, and pricing/detail is explained below.)

———

PRICING:

$189 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the 2026 CWW and access to all workshops, all days. (You also get 10+ additional free pre-recorded webinars on writing and publishing.) As of fall 2025, registration is now OPEN.

To register, click the button above, or email Brian at WDWconference@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the California event.

Add $29 — to secure a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with any of our literary agents or editors in attendance. Use this special meeting as a chance to pitch your work and get professional feedback on your pitch. (Spaces limited.) If they wish, attendees are free to sign up for multiple 10-minute pitch sessions at $29/session — pitching multiple individuals. There is no limit. Here are quick testimonials regarding writers who have signed with literary agents after pitching them at prior Writing Day Workshops events. Our bigger, growing list of success stories can be seen here.

“I met Mai Nguyen at the Toronto Writing Workshop
and sold her manuscript to Simon & Schuster for six figures.”
– literary agent Carly Watters of P.S. Literary Agency

“I signed Sarah G. Pierce from the Seattle Writing Workshop,
and we recently sold her book to Orbit/Redhook.”
– literary agent Pam Gruber of Highline Literary Collective

“I met Amber Cowie at a Writing Day Workshops conference. We sold
her best-selling crime novel to Lake Union / Amazon.”
– literary agent Gordon Warnock of Fuse Literary

“I met my client, Dana Corbit Nussio, at the Michigan Writing Workshop.
Dana signed a new three-book contract with Harlequin Romantic Suspense.”
– literary agent Rachel Beck of Liza Dawson Associates

“I signed Nedda Lewers from a Writing Day Workshops event. Her debut
novel from Putnam Children’s was an Indie’s Introduce Best Book of 2024.”
– literary agent Kelly Dyksterhouse of Tobias Literary Agency

Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Chuck Sambuchino, one of the workshop’s former instructors. (This rate is a special event value for California Writing Workshop attendees only.) Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of the specially-priced critique, so they can send out their query letter with confidence following the workshop. Also, if you are meeting with an agent at the event, you’re essentially speaking your query letter aloud to them. Wouldn’t it be wise to give that query letter (i.e., your pitch) one great edit before that meeting?

Add $89 — for an in-depth personal critique of the first 10 pages of your novel. Spaces with faculty for these critiques are very limited, and participating attendees will either 1) get an in-person meeting at the workshop, if the faculty member is attending the live event, or 2) get a 15-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

• All types & genres of fiction for adults, young adults, and middle grade readers (virtual critiques): Faculty member Lorin Oberweger, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Horror, fantasy, sci-fi, urban fantasy (virtual critiques): Faculty member Bob McGough, a published novelist, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss his thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Women’s, mainstream, science fiction, fantasy, romance, crime, thriller, mystery (virtual critiques): Faculty member Michelle McGill-Vargas, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Romance, women’s fiction, domestic suspense, and young adult fiction (virtual critiques): Faculty member Swati Hegde, an author and freelance editor, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
• Children’s picture books (virtual critiques): Faculty member Rosie Pova, a published author, will get your work in advance, critique your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime around the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
• More critique options possibly forthcoming.

REGISTRATION:

(ONLINE: Writing Day Workshops plans both in-person and virtual/online conferences. The 2026 CWW is an Online Conference, on June 12-13. 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.)

Are spaces still available? Yes, we still have spaces available. We will announce RIGHT HERE, at this point on this web page, when all spaces are taken. If you do not see a note right here saying how all spaces are booked, then yes, we still have room, and you are encouraged to register.

How to Register:

To register, click the button above. Or reach out to workshop organizer Brian Klems via email: WDWconference@gmail.com. He will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The CWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Brian plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the California workshop specifically.

Refunds: If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason at any time, you will receive 50% of your total payment back [sent by check or PayPal or CC refund]. The other 50% is nonrefundable and will not be returned, and helps the workshop ensure that only those truly interested in the limited spacing sign up for the event. (Please note that query editing payments and manuscript editing payments are completely non-refundable if the instructor has already started edited your work.)

Thank you for your interest in the 2026 California Writing Workshop.