2021 Pittsburgh Writer's Workshop Review

 2021

Pittsburgh

Writer's

Workshop

Review

The workshop was held on December 11, 2021 virtually with classes on how to start your manuscript to how to write a query letter. It was the fourth workshop I had ever attended and it was my favorite of the four. I learned a lot and was able to pitch to an agent.

As far as the classes go each was informative and encouraging. The first taught you how to open your story. It gave examples of the over used openings and how to go easy on exposition. I write fantasy and have to agree that details such as people and worldbuilding should be spread throughout the story. We also learned to place our inciting incident be with the first chapter. I had always thought it should be on the first page but that isn't necessarily true.

The second class helped you find out what you wanted as writer, discussing traditional to self publishing as your options. There was also discussion of small publishers which from what I understood are like a combination of traditional and self publishing to some degree. I would like the control and greater income percentage spoken of for self publishing but feel I work better with a team. With traditional publishing you have greater distribution and help in advertising.

My favorite class came early in the afternoon. It was more a like game show with the title of Writer's Got Talent, and felt like it. Four agents listened to the workshop's host read the first page of randomly chosen manuscripts. The agents would raise their hand when they wanted to judge each page. My first page was chosen at the 2020 workshop, and let me tell you, I was nervous and excited. I didn't submit a first page this time, but learned a lot from what the agents said.

Approaching mid-afternoon the workshop had a class of how to get a literary agent. The two most stressed items in finding an agent were having your manuscript as ready as it can be and making certain you follow the submission guidelines. Beta readers and critique partners can help you ready your manuscript because submitting a first draft shows a lot of work will be needed. Following submission guidelines aids in knowing specifically what an agent is looking to represent.

The final class covered the structure of your query letter. There are many ways to set one up but the presenter recommended a way I highly recommend. Hook, Book and Cook. Hook catches the agents attention. Book reveals the protagonist, the world, and what's at stake if the protagonist doesn't succeed. There is also added a paragraph covering the title, word count and genre while also explaining more about the book. Cook is a paragraph about you, your writing back ground, profession, etc.

Inconclusion, I found every presenter to be warm and informative. They explained how things work clearly with a little personal touch and I hope to attend next years Pittsburgh Writer's Workshop.