After successful 2015, 2019, 2022, and 2023 events in Los Angeles, Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2024 Writing Conference of Los Angeles — a full-day “How to Get Published” writing event in Los Angeles, CA on May 4, 2024.
This writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (225 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2024 Writing Conference of Los Angeles! We are very proud of our many success stories where attendees sign with agents following events — see our growing list of success stories here.
(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next WCLA is an in-person event happening in Los Angeles on May 4, 2024. See you there.)
WHAT IS IT?
This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. In other words, it’s one day 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.
This event is designed to squeeze as much into one day of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s agent and editor faculty so far includes:
- literary agent Kelly Bergh (Lucinda Literary)
- literary agent Noelle Falcis Math (Transatlantic Literary Agency)
- literary agent Mindi St. Peter (BAM Management)
- literary agent Natalie Obando (Ladderbird Literary)
- literary agent Jolene Haley (Donald Maass Literary Agency)
- literary agent Nephele Tempest (The Knight Agency)
- literary agent Emma Kapson (Verve Talent & Literary Agency)
- literary agent Susan Finesman (Fine Literary)
- literary agent Ken Sherman (Ken Sherman Associates)
- literary agent Darlene Chan (Linda Chester Literary)
- literary agent Paul S. Levine (Paul Levine Literary)
- literary agent Dana Newman (Dana Newman Literary)
- literary agent Halley Dunne Parry (The Hamilburg Agency)
- literary agent Steven Hutson (Wordwise Media Services)
- literary agent Michaela Whatnall (Dystel, Goderich, & Bourret)
- editor Helga Schier (CamCat Books)
- literary agent Lucy Hamilburg (The Hamilburg Agency)
- and many more 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 Chuck Sambuchino of Writing Day Workshops. E-mail him to register for the event at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com.
EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:
9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2024 — at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next WCLA is an in-person event happening in Los Angeles on May 4, 2024. See you there.)
THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (MAY 4, 2024):
What you see below is a quick layout of the day’s events. The topics below are mostly set, but subject to change. You can see a more detailed layout of the day’s classes on the Schedule Page here.
Please Note: There will be 2-3 classes/workshops going at all times during the day, so you will have your choice of what class you attend at any time. The final schedule of topics is subject to change, but here is the current layout:
8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.
BLOCK ONE: 9:30 – 10:30
1. The Do’s, Don’ts, and Everything In Between, of Query Letters. In this workshop, a literary agent will share her experience reading many query letters and teach participants how to make their query letter stand out in the right way and avoid standing out in the wrong.
2. Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing: How to Build Worlds that Readers (and Publishers) Will Love. In this workshop we’ll talk about the layers and the problems of building successful worlds for your story, everything from how to calculate the orbit of your planet, to how to build a city, to how to build a working society for that city, and even how to give your characters an internal world that matches the richness of your carefully-crafted external world and how all that fits into a well-turned plot.
3. The Key to Writing Great Characters: Emotional Filters. Getting a reader to empathize with the protagonist is often a trick. This workshop explores the role of emotions and emotional filters in book and how to use emotion to make characters likeable and interesting.
BLOCK TWO: 10:45 – 11:50
1. From A to Z: Strategies for Plotting & Pacing Tightly. In this class, a literary agent will begin with a detailed introduction to the three-act screenwriting structure that lends itself to theoretical preparation for novel-writing and outlining, and then identify different tools for plot consideration, outlining, as well as writing that permit novelists to plot and pace their work tightly.
2. So You’ve Finished Writing and Revising Your YA/MG Novel. Now What? An in-depth look at how to get your book published, from joining the writing community and crafting a head-turning query letter, to finding the right agent and surviving the submission process.
3. Mystery vs. Suspense: Understanding the Differences and Using Those Tools to Succeed. We will be talking about the similarities and the differences of two of the most popular forms of crime fiction, and how you can make them work for you.
(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.)
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN: 11:50 – 1:15
Lunch is on your own during these 85 minutes.
BLOCK THREE: 1:15 – 2:30
1. “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. How to Sell a Nonfiction Book. This session is completely devoted to nonfiction that is not memoir. So if you are trying to create an awesome nonfiction book proposal, this presentation is for you.
3. Picture Books: From Opening Line to Published Manuscript. This class will discuss how to create a strong opening for your picture book, give examples of successful books from the kidlit world and offer insight on using one’s personal experiences in stories.
BLOCK FOUR: 2:45 – 3:45
1. Panel: Ask an Agent or Editor Anything. In this session, attending literary agents, publishers, and editors sit on a panel to answer your questions on anything and everything.
2. The Best Strategies to Finish Your Novel (Finally!). Whether you’re working on your first book and keep getting sidetracked, or whether you’re working on your fifteenth book and the struggle to reach “The End” comes from writer’s block, or too many ideas, or drowning out other people’s voices of what your book should be, this class will give you the tools you need to finally finish your novel (and have fun doing it!).
3. How to Write Great Romance Novels. We will deep dive about the tropes and requirements as well as the changing expectations of the most successful of all genres. We’ll talk about the highs, the lows, and the black moments that all go into writing a successful romance novel. Hint: It’s all about the characters, gang.
(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.)
BLOCK FIVE: 4:00 – 5:00
1. The Author-Agent Relationship: What to Expect and How to Navigate a Rapidly Evolving Industry Together. A literary agent will speak about her experience in crafting MSWLs, client strategy, and the querying process so that querying authors can feel more knowledgeable and empowered through the process. Additionally, the instructor wants to provide an inside view of the agents’ submission process to editors, as well as the working agent/author relationship in general.
2. Talk That Talk: The Ins and Outs of Writing Great Dialogue. Dialogue isn’t just empty words – it’s part of the plot! This session will help authors craft dialogue that is believable, moves the story forward, and gives life to characters.
3. What a Literary Agent Learned From Selling 150 Books to Publishers in 2 Years (and How This Information Can Help You Sell Your Own Book). This class teaches you the ins and outs of a manuscripts salability, timing, and marketability and equips you with the understanding of how to create products that are market ready.
SESSIONS END: 5:00
At 5 p.m., the day is done. Speakers will make themselves available by the workshop’s bookstore for a short while to sign any books for attendees.
Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.
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PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR:
Darlene Chan is a literary agent with Linda Chester Literary Agency. Darlene is interested in stories by and about BIPOC, women’s fiction, literary fiction, chick lit/rom-com, crime fiction, pop culture, narrative non-fiction and nonfiction books on film and the entertainment industry. She’s not seeking: sci-fi, fantasy, historical fiction, family saga, children’s/YA or screenplays that have been turned into novels. Learn more about Darlene here.
Kelly Bergh is a literary agent with Lucinda Literary. Kelly represents authors writing practical nonfiction, particularly in the categories of health and wellness, spirituality, and popular science. In the adult category, she is looking for new perspectives on universal issues. She is particularly drawn to writers who make hot topics seem evergreen and cutting-edge research feel accessible. In the children’s category, she is particularly drawn to illustrated, interactive books that entertain as much as they educate. Learn more about Kelly here.
Paul S. Levine is a literary agent and the founder of Paul S. Levine Literary. He is also an attorney. His fiction interests include adventure novels, mainstream fiction, mysteries, romance, thrillers, and women’s fiction. His nonfiction interests include business/commerce, pop culture, how-to, self-help, politics/law, relationships, and sports. Learn more about Paul here.
Natalie Obando is a literary agent with Ladderbird Literary. Natalie is primarily looking for BIPOC stories, and stories inclusive of intersectional identities told from an authentic lense and NOT tokenized. In fiction, she is looking for character driven stories with a voice that is relatable yet quirky and worlds that feel real. For nonfiction she’s in desperate search of topics and issues that open up discussions often considered taboo. In Young Adult & New Adult: Natalie enjoys a YA or New Adult story that deals with generational relationships and ancestral threads. Throw in some contemporary fantasy, or magical realism, and/or cultural folklore and she’s all over it. In Romance: This can be YA or new adult. Contemporary RomComs with a cultural twist are her favorite as well as friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, secret identities, forbidden love, finding love in a foreign land, feel free to pitch if there is anything fairly similar to that. In Nonfiction: Natalie is looking for topics that dig deep into who we are as humans and what we have yet to tap into. She enjoys reading about new forms of wellness therapies, sexual empowerment, ethical non-monogamy, BDSM—in an educational and enlightening nuanced format, astrology, tarot, and modern day magic (brujería and curanderismo) tied to ancestral roots. Learn more about Natalie here.
Susan Finesman is a literary agent and founder of Fine Literary. She is seeking: mainstream/book club fiction, mystery, romance, historical fiction, and young adult. In nonfiction she seeks biography, business/finance, history, mind/body/spirit, travel, lifestyle, cookbooks, memoir, and sports. “I continue to be interested in all kinds of books but tend to be compelled by work that features characters that I cannot shake. I challenge authors to make me laugh or cry and you will have certainly won me over by doing both. Regarding nonfiction: cookbooks and lifestyle are a particular area of interest but I can be compelled to consider almost any subject that is honest and thoughtful.” Learn more about Susan here.
Noelle Falcis Math is a literary agent with Transatlantic Literary Agency. For fiction, she’s looking for literary, upmarket, and (especially) speculative fiction, including magical realism, fantasy, science fiction, and any genre bending and blending forms and risk-taking experimentation. For nonfiction, she’s looking for projects that explore the intersections of the personal, the political, and the cultural. She is specifically looking for narratives from the margins or from emerging artists and academics that know their niche deeply, with a heightened desire for Southeast Asian, Oceanic and Pacific Islander, and Indigenous voices. She would love to see strong essay collections, graphic memoirs, and narrative or prescriptive nonfiction exploring (or connecting) culture, decolonization, climate change, and revitalization efforts. Learn more about Noelle here.
Jolene Haley is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency. In middle grade fiction, I am particularly drawn to adventure, contemporary, horror, magical realism, and mystery novels. I love character driven stories with humor and authentic voices. In young adult fiction, I am interested in a wide variety of genres: adventure, contemporary, horror, magical realism, mystery, romance, and thriller. I love strong, unique voices and am always looking for diverse, inclusive reads. In adult fiction, I am interested in the following genres: adventure, chick lit, commercial women’s fiction, mystery, romance, true crime, and select horror. In nonfiction, she likes mind/body/spirit, true crime, and spiritualism, witchcraft, and/or magic. Learn more about Jolene here.
Mindi St. Peter is a literary manager at BAMbooks. In fiction, she seeks: action/adventure, children’s, commercial, crime, domestic thriller, erotica, family saga, fantasy, general, graphic novel, historical, horror, humor, LGBTQ, literary, middle grade, mystery, new adult, picture books, psychological thriller, romance, thriller, women’s fiction, young adult. In nonfiction, she seeks: humor, LGBTQ, memoir, pop culture. Favorite sub-genres: contemporary romance, contemporary YA, literary, middle grade, magical realism, narrative nonfiction, psychological thrillers. Learn more about Mindi here.
Helga Schier, PhD, is the Editorial Director of CamCat Books, a boutique publisher of award-winning genre fiction. Helga is heavily involved in the acquisition process, actively looking for stories with a sense of empathy for morally ambiguous characters, a well-structured plot that moves at a nice clip, and an inkling that a wrong choice could quickly lead us down an irreparably treacherous path. CamCat Books accepts submissions in adult and YA novel-length genre fiction. We’ll consider any good tale, but what we want to see most urgently revolves around these genres: Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense; Science Fiction & Fantasy; Romance; Historical; Paranormal; Horror; and Western. Please note that CamCat Perspectives will soon open for adult nonfiction submissions in the following subject areas: True Crime, and US History and Biography. Learn more about Helga here.
Ken Sherman is President of Ken Sherman & Associates, a Los Angeles based literary agency. The company was established in 1989, and handles film, television, and book writers, as well as selling film and television rights for books and life-rights. Concerning what he seeks, Ken is a generalist, and represents adult fiction and nonfiction of all types. He does not want pitches for children’s books or kidlit novels of any kind. Learn more about Ken here.
Halley Dunne Parry is a literary agent with The Hamilburg Agency. A graduate of the Washington University MFA program, she has spent the last decade working at independent bookstores and in publishing. She previously worked as an agent at Drift(less) Literary. Halley is looking for fiction that plays with genre and form, for plot-driven literary novels, commercial fiction, adult speculative fiction and hybrid works of narrative nonfiction. Learn more about Halley 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.
Steven Hutson is a literary agent and founder of Wordwise Media Services. He is seeking: “I’m interested in representing a wide range of fiction and nonfiction books for children and adults. Surprise me.” Some of the categories he enjoys, though is not limited to, include: Action/Adventure, Children’s, Crime, Fantasy, General, Graphic Novel, Humor, Middle Grade, Military, Mystery, Religious, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction, Young Adult. For Nonfiction: Biography, Cookbooks, Crafts/DIY, History, Humor, Illustrated, Pop Culture, Psychology, Science, Sports, Travel, True Crime. Learn more about Steven here.
Dana Newman is a literary agent with Dana Newman Literary. We are interested in practical nonfiction (business, health and wellness, mind/body/spirit, psychology, parenting, technology) by authors with smart, unique perspectives and established platforms who are committed to actively marketing and promoting their books. We love compelling, inspiring narrative nonfiction in the areas of memoir, biography, history, pop culture, current affairs/women’s interest, social trends, and sports/fitness. A favorite genre is literary nonfiction: true stories, well told, that read like a novel you can’t put down. On the fiction side we consider a select amount of literary fiction, upmarket fiction, and suspense/thriller. We look for character-driven stories written in a distinctive voice that are emotionally truthful. Learn more about Dana here.
Michaela Whatnall is a literary agent with Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. Their background in school and library marketing accounts for their strong interest in children’s literature, particularly middle grade and young adult fiction of all genres, including contemporary, fantasy, science fiction, historical, adventure, horror, and rom-com. In the adult fiction space, Michaela is particularly seeking contemporary, speculative, and historical upmarket fiction, as well as character-driven sci-fi/fantasy and other genre fiction that features historically underrepresented characters. They are also open to select narrative nonfiction for both children and adults, graphic novels, and picture books. Learn more about Michaela here.
Emma Kapson is a literary agent with Verve Talent & Literary Agency. Emma is a native Los Angeleno and a member of Verve’s IP Team. She loves strong female driven narratives, epic worlds, romance, and works by foreign and diverse writers. She has been privileged to work on books with Melissa Arnot, Dan Ahdoot, Liz Kerin, and many other talented artists during my tenure at Verve. The agency specializes in acquiring powerful voices in Memoir and Horror specifically. Learn more about Emma here.
Lucy Hamilburg is a literary agent at The Hamilburg Agency. Lucy is looking for picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction. As a former middle school teacher, she knows what flies off the shelves and is always seeking novels, graphic novels, lyrical prose, and picture books that make kids and young adults laugh out loud and simultaneously pull at their heart strings She is open to all genres and categories within kidlit books — including fantasy, suspense/thriller, romance, contemporary, humor, paranormal, historical fiction, and everything in between. Learn more about Lucy here.
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ADDED ONLINE PITCHING: To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2024 Writing Conference of Los Angeles attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at the Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2024 WCLA on our calendar.
That event is the Pittsburgh Writing Workshop, May 31 – June 1, 2024, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.
This means that 2024 WCLA attendees can have access to pitching all those online PWW agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online May/June 2024 event. (That said, if you want to formally register for the Pittsburgh conference and have access to all classes and panels, let us know, as there is a discount for confirmed Los Angeles attendees.)
If you are interested in this added pitching opportunity, the first step is to get formally registered for Los Angeles. Following the WCLA conference on May 4, 2024, we will be in touch with all Los Angeles attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2024 PWW (May 31 – June 1). At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.
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More 2024 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.
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.)
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PRICING:
$199 — EARLY BIRD base price for registration to the 2024 WCLA and access to all workshops, all day. As of fall 2023, registration is now OPEN.
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, or securing 20 minutes to pitch one person rather than the usual 10. Here are four 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 an be seen here.)
“I met my client, Alison Hammer, at the Writing
Workshop of Chicago and just sold her book.”
– literary agent Joanna Mackenzie of Nelson Literary
“Good news! I signed a client [novelist Aliza Mann]
from the Michigan Writing Workshop!”
– literary agent Sara Mebigow of KT Literary
“I signed author Stephanie Wright from
the Seattle Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kathleen Ortiz of New Leaf Literary
“I signed an author [Kate Thompson] that I
met at the Philadelphia Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Kimberly Brower of Brower Literary
“I signed novelist Kathleen McInnis after meeting her
at the Chesapeake Writing Workshop.”
– literary agent Adriann Ranta of Foundry Literary + Media
Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Chuck Sambuchino, one of the day’s instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Writing Conference of Los Angeles 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 10-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:
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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.
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All types & genres of fiction for adults and young adults (virtual critiques): Faculty member Kristi Belcamino, a published mystery 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.
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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.
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Children’s picture books and middle grade (virtual critiques): Faculty member Brittany Thurman, a published 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. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
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More critique options forthcoming
How to pay/register — Registration is now open. Reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com, and he will provide specific instructions for payment and registration to get you a reserved seat at the event. Payment is by credit card, PayPal, or check. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Los Angeles workshop specifically.
REGISTRATION:
Because of limited space at the venue (Los Angeles Convention Center), the workshop can only allow 225 registrants. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.
(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next WCLA is an in-person event happening in Los Angeles on May 4, 2024. See you there.)
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: The easy first step is simply to reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com. Chuck 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 WCLA will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Los Angeles 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]. 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 edited your work.)
Thank you for your interest in the Writing Conference of Los Angeles.
