Walk-up
Registration, Pre-Registration pickup of credentials, badge, program, swag bag
1:30
Orientation Session Welcome, Introductions, What's New / Updated for the Weekend
2:00
How To Pitch an Agent or Publisher (Friday Edition)
You've spent a year or more working on a great novel and now you feel it's ready to be shared with the world. Naturally, the first step is to pitch literary agents and find one who shares your passion for the work and is willing to sign you. While many authors submit countless query letters and emails -- without result, a few wise souls know that agents often look to conferences as a source for new talented writers. It is a unique window to have your work considered firsthand. But what do you say? How do you present yourself and your manuscript in order to have them ask for more? This panel of agents, editors, and publishers du jour will discuss what they expect and answer your questions. This is an opportunity to hear what each agent needs in order to make a decision. Listen well, then rehearse before scheduling a pitch session with any or all of them later any day at the conference.
Literary Agents and Scouts du jour, including Paul S. Levine, Charlotte Gusay, Eve Porinchak, Toni Robino, Lisa Abellera, Tony N Todaro (M)
Meet editors, agents and/or publishers for a personal consultation to pitch, discuss and improve pre-submitted pages of your manuscript. Schedule an appointment at the Registration Desk. Some editors may take new submissions on site. A separate fee applies to ProCritque and Masters ProCritique consultations. Some agents do not read or edit material in advance. Consult the wcwriters.com website for details. We recommend you attend the Saturday or Sunday "How to Pitch" session at 10:00 am in order to help identify the best professional for your individual genre and material.
SIGN UP at 1-on-1 Meetings Deskstarts after agent panel.
3:15
"You Had Me at Page One!" -- How to Grab Your Readers Attention with a Great Opening
Ever been drawn in by the first page or two of a novel, screenplay, or memoir? What is about the words that begin a great story that lets us know we're in for a treat? What makes us want to read more, to find out what's going to happen to the characters we've just been introduced to? This workshop will explore the elements of a great opening and give you the tools to create one of your own to hook readers and make them want to continue reading.
(Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a live read and critique by a panel of editors on Sunday.)
Sara Anne Fox (Spotlight Presentation)
Things I wish a Pro Had Told Me When I First Started Writing
Many aspiring writers waste time and brain cells when they first enter the world of writing professionally. Becoming a writer and then a published author is a steep, steep learning curve. Even for those with prior experience and previously published books, the rapidly changing landscape of the industry means you can easily make mistakes; in your writing, pitching, marketing and certainly when it comes to finding and signing a deal with a publisher or entering the shark-infested waters of the self-publishing pool. The aim of this session is to keep you safe, strong and smart as you progress in your work and career. Learn from industry pros many of the things you can avoid to save years of frustration and yes, brain cells, too.
Alex Ironrod, Russell Nohelty, plus panel
How I Pitched a "New" Genre to Publishers and Convinced
Simon and Schuster to Create An Entire Line of Books for Me
Somebody out there took a risk and wrote the first young adult novel in verse. Who saw adult coloring books coming? And I’ll give one million dollars to anybody who predicted that BDSM-Lit (50 Shades of Grey, if you are not familiar) would have launched into mainstream super-stardom and spawned millions of knock-offs (not to mention millions of dollars).
If you’ve got a novel idea for a book concept that you’ve never seen or is rarely done, chances are publishing houses will bet on you. In this presentation, author and literary agent Eve Porinchak will break down how she combined her main passions in life - writing books, working with incarcerated youth, and solving mysteries – to create and pitch a genre never seen in publishing before now – Teen True Crime.
After proposing a nugget of an idea to a Simon and Schuster VP at a breakfast meeting she was not invited to, Eve had the privilege of collaborating with the publishing giant to create an entire new line of books called SIMON TRUE, which has sparked the other four of the Big 5 houses to follow suit.
Got a novel idea for a seemingly crazy new type of book? This presentation is for you
Literary Agent Eve Porinchak(Spotlight Presentation)
4:30
CRAFTING TWISTS AND DROPPING CLUES - Not Just for Mysteries
Twists and clues are MOST COMMON in mystery novels, although we see them in other genres such as romance, sci-fi, Westerns, YA novels. Actually, twists and clues work in almost every sort of story you can think of. They intrigue the reader…challenge them and keep those pages turning. The important word here is “CLUE.” It is imperative to drop clues so that when the twist is revealed, the reader will have had the opportunity to try to solve the mystery.
This fun workshop explores how the same clues can produce different twists in different genres.
Morgan St. James (Spotlight Presentation)
Don’t Blow the Pitch! How to Create Nonfiction Pitch Packages that Hit the Mark
It’s heartbreaking when talented writers get rejected by agents, simply because they underestimated the power of the pitch. There are a multitude of reasons for an agent to reject a pitch and writers can avoid most of them, once you know what they are. This class will cover the essential elements that all query letters should include, the insight to see your proposal through an agent’s eyes, and samples of pitch packages that led to traditional publication.
Toni Robino, Katharine Sands
Beyond the Hero's Journey
Having trouble making your story fit the pattern of The Hero’s Journey? Can’t quite make those paradigms match your own characters and plot?
Maybe that’s because your story is actually based on a different pattern. Contrary to popular opinion, The Hero’s Journey is not the only mythic Theme. It’s certainly a good one but it is only one of many.
A few years after the publication of Hero With a Thousand Faces, Dr. Joseph Campbell modified his position and observed that for different times and places there were different mythic structures and archetypes. Learn about: Media Echoes – other media on the same theme, The Myth itself, Mythic Meaning, Symbols, Analogies, Metaphors, and more, Plot Points – guidelines for your own story, Mythic Statements – Theme, Mission, and Lesson.
Pamela Jaye Smith (Spotlight Presentation)
5:45
Characters that We’ll Follow Anywhere
All too often, novelists create characters that just earn’t believable. To come alive on the page and feel real, characters need to have strengths and flaws. For us to care about them, we need to understand their desires and their repulsions – what they seek and what they go out of their way to avoid. In this class, writers will learn two science-based character- building tools that will enable them to create authentic characters every time.
Toni Robino (Spotlight Presentation)
Power of the Dark Side: Creating Great Villains, Dangerous Situations, & Dramatic Conflict
Based on her important new book, Ms. Smith, will guide you through the world of the darkside and how to use it to improve the impact of your characters, story, plot, and much more.
Pamela Jaye Smith (Spotlight Presentation)
Beyond the First Draft – Techniques for Editing Your Own Work and When to Hire a Pro
Like a legal client who tries to represent themselves, a writer who solely relies on their ability as an editor is probably headed for literary disaster. Beyond friends and first readers, there is a real need to have a professional editor review every manuscript, and bring it up to literary standards.
This panel of editors will give you tips of how to best edit your work, and what to avoid, then explain how to prepare the MS for a professional and how to find an affordable one.
Deanna Brady, Elaine Ash, Sara Anne Fox, Alex Ironrod, Robert Yehling Moderator (M)
7:30
"A
Gathering of Writers" No-host cocktail party with the speakers and agents All attendees and guests are welcome to meet and network with
the agents, speakers and special guests.
Location TBA (Attend Orientation Session for details)
How To Pitch an Agent or Publisher (Saturday Edition)
You've spent a year or more working on a great novel and now you feel it's ready to be shared with the world. Naturally, the first step is to pitch literary agents and find one who shares your passion for the work and is willing to sign you. While many authors submit countless query letters and emails -- without result, a few wise souls know that agents often look to conferences as a source for new talented writers. It is a unique window to have your work considered firsthand. But what do you say? How do you present yourself and your manuscript in order to have them ask for more? This panel of agents, editors, and publishers du jour will discuss what they expect and answer your questions. This is an opportunity to hear what each agent needs in order to make a decision. Listen well, then rehearse before scheduling a pitch session with any or all of them later any day at the conference.
Literary Agents and Scouts du jour, including
Eve Porinchak, Toni Robino, Lisa Abellera, Katharine Sands, Tony N Todaro (M)
New Advice From My Publisher
Whether or not you are pitching a polished novel, this very popular last year has led our expert to glean some fresh advice from his publisher. Topics will include: How to submit your story – guideline does and don’ts;
What are the best ways to work with an editor? How to build your series –“growing” your heroes and heroines -starting a series bible.
Building your own universe – setting your own rules and following up – whatever the genre.
Meet editors, agents and/or publishers for a personal consultation to pitch, discuss and improve pre-submitted pages of your manuscript. Schedule an appointment at the Registration Desk. Some editors may take new submissions on site. A separate fee applies to ProCritque and Masters ProCritique consultations. Some agents do not read or edit material in advance. Consult the wcwriters.com website for details. We recommend you attend the Saturday or Sunday "How to Pitch" session at 10:00 am in order to help identify the best professional for your individual genre and material.
SIGN UP at 1-on-1 Meetings Desk
11:15 - 12:15
Life, Death, and Everything in Between or Ways to Develop the Story that Slumbers Inside You
There are many pieces to any puzzle and writing is no different. Your plot will fizzle if you don't have compelling characters that live it and readers won't connect with your characters if they have nothing much to say. Writers write about life, death and everything in between. This workshop will discuss the main elements of narrative writing—plot, character, point of view, narrative tension, setting, voice, and theme—and show how they work together to help you develop the story that slumbers inside you.
Helga Schier (Spotlight Presentation)
“RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES – for FICTION AND NON-FICTION”—
An interactive workshop to jump start a plot
Author Morgan St. James is the co-author of the best selling book Incest, Murder and a Miracle: the true story behind the Cheryl Pierson Murder-for-Hire headlines, currently under option to Sony Pictures. Cheryl Pierson Cuccio and Rob Cuccio had an amazing story to tell. When 16 year old abuse and incest victim Cheryl hired a classmate to kill her monster of a father back in 1986, it made national headlines for more than a year. By writing the book, Cheryl and Rob were able to tell the truth about their story 30 years after it happened.
But what if the headlines are not about you or a case that you were involved in? How can we pull plots from stories in the news? Are they a good basis for fiction as well as non-fiction and how can you use the information? When Morgan needed a special type of crime for her latest fictional mystery Payback, she found the perfect solution in a series of LA Times articles.
Plots for both fiction and non-fiction are right there in the headlines and there are so many ways to use them. After the basic overview, attendees will offer their own plots based upon selected headlines and the class will participate by adding their suggestions. We will explore how many different types of stories can evolve from the same headlines.
Morgan St. James, Michael Fleeman
Embarking on the Heroine’s Journey
This panel is an exploration of the path of the heroine. From Wonder Woman to Rey in the Star Wars franchise, the popular heroines of today prove how timely this topic is. Attendees to this workshop will discover how the Heroine’s Journey charted by Maureen Murdock and others, differs from the Hero’s Journey outlined by Joseph Campbell. Panelists include:
Autumn Doerr: television producer, writer, and author of the Lexi Fagan Mystery series; her first book is Baker’s Dozen
Laurie Finkelstein: author of Next Therapist Please, visual artist, and champion for mental health awareness
Laurel Anne Hill: author of The Engine Woman’s Light, Heroes Arise and over 40 short stories and nonfiction pieces
Alexis Krasilovsky: Professor of screenwriting in the Department of Cinema and Television Arts at Cal. State University, Northridge and author of Great Adaptations: Screenwriting and Global Storytelling
Mike Robinson: author and screenwriter, works include: The Enigma of Twilight Falls trilogy, The Prince of Earth, Dreamshores, Skunk Ape Semester, The Atheist and the forthcoming feature film Corral
Moderated by Lori H. Schwartz, a well-known industry curator, host and moderator, as well as a CNN Tech Contributor. Lori sits on the Television Academy Board for the interactive media peer group and is the founder of StoryTech, which leads VIP tours at CES, NAB and InfoComm.
Change in the literary marketplace is happening in a multi-verse of ways. The way we think about text and storytelling is being utterly transformed. We are all embracing and/or charging ahead to the new roles/new worlds that surround us.
Today, billions of books are available to billions of readers in every corner of the globe. Nowadays, we are all six tweets of separation. Content is king and writers are now becoming Contentpreneurs.
The truth is that today, writers can have the magical imagination of J. K. Rowling, the wit and wisdom of Frank McCourt, the perfect economy of Ernest Hemingway, and the inspired brilliance of (whoever really wrote) Shakespeare. Katharine shares her insight about the new shifts in the literary landscape and how writers can leverage opportunities, build communYOUnities, and pioneer new pathways for their careers Katharine will inspire you to write your best book ever and demystify the process of getting a book deal in today's competitive market.
Keynote Speaker: New York Literary Agent
Katharine Sands
Katharine Sands is a prominent literary agent with the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency in New York City. She is the agent provocateur of Making the Perfect Pitch: How to Catch a Literary Agent's Eye and has been a guest speaker on writing and publishing for Poets and Writers, The American Society of Journalists and Authors, UCLA, New York University, and the New York State Council on the Arts.
2:15 - 4:15
Greater Los Angeles Writers Society
Member Mixer By Invitation Only
This is an opportunity for GLAWS members to meet and mingle with your fellow writers, plus meet some of our executive officers and committee chairs who will share the many opportunities of our dynamic society with you. Most of all, we want you to feel welcome by your peers and enjoy your new membership. We also have time for a few “Open Mic” readings, so if you want to share some of your work, bring a 3± minute polished excerpt. Please wear your GLAWS badge.
2:15 - 3:15
Great Adaptations -- Books to Screen and Transmedia
A workshop on the process of adapting books, short stories, graphic novels, comics and other forms of literature into TV, film, and alternative media. Attendees to this panel will also learn what the entertainment industry is looking for tomorrow, that they should be writing today.
Robert Payne Cabeen: artist, screenwriter with credits including Heavy Metal 2000, A Monkey’s Tale and Walking with Buddha, and author of the Bram Stoker Award winning novel Cold Cuts
Alexis Krasilovsky: Professor of screenwriting in the Department of Cinema and Television Arts at Cal. State University, Northridge and author of Great Adaptations: Screenwriting and Global Storytelling
Bhavani Rao: Producer – Bhavani Entertainment, co-Chair of PGA Mentorship Committee and founder of South Asian Women in Entertainment
Dan Watanabe: Professor in the Media Arts Department at Los Angeles Valley College,
and former Vice President of Development and Programming at FreemantleMedia.
Moderator Phil Giangrande, host of Seated at the Writer’s Table, screenwriter, and radio producer.
"TELL ME A STORY" -- The Four Most Important Words in the English Language
These were the sentiments of the late Pat Conroy, the brilliant creator of "The Prince of Tides", "The Lords of Discipline" and "The Great Santini", among others. From caveman days around the cave fire to bedtimes spent reading to small children to making things up to settle down restless kids to eerie tales being told around a modern campfire, we humans have always been entranced by a compelling and entertaining story. What are the elements of a story that bring listeners and readers into a writer-created world? What is needed to keep them entranced? And, most importantly for our workshop purposes, what's YOUR story? Learn more about the ways to spin a wondrous tale for an audience so they keep asking four other very important words: "And then what happens?"
Sara Anne Fox (Spotlight Presentation)
The Questions Top Book Editors Ask — And 20 Takeaway Steps
A variation on my "20 Steps to Masterful Self Editing," this goes another level, looking at 20 key areas pointed out by top book editors to their authors — and how to resolve those issues. We go over all stages of editing for fiction and non-fiction, and discuss solutions that result in strong books. Please bring work-in-progress, if you have it: we will spend the last 20 minutes discussing some specific issues for working writers.
Robert Yehling (Spotlight Presentation)
3:30 - 5:30
Crafting the Perfect Scene - Special TWO hour interactive workshop for screenwriters!
* We will Discuss the elements that constitute the perfect scene, which includes:
* Learn various formatting options for different types of scenes
* Discuss how to "milk" the tension/romance/etc. in a scene
* Write the opening scene for their screenplay
* Learn how and when to ellipse time
* How to write an act-break scene
* Discuss how the differences in genre dictate scene construction
(Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a live read and critique by a panel of editors on Sunday.)
After our books are finished, we're not done writing about our books. Far from it. In this workshop, we go over specific ways to write promotional copy that connects with media, reviewers and readers alike. We discuss: book jacket copy, back-of-book blurbs, promo blogs, video trailer scripts, press releases, social media posts, book backgrounders, FAQs, and more.
Special offer: free review of one promo item by Mr. Yehling to ALL attendees.
Robert Yehling (Solo Spotlight)
Getting More Out of Social Media: New Ways to Query and Pitch Your Book
The pressure to constantly network and promote oneself on social media can be overwhelming. All the while, authors must still come up with compelling queries and tantalizing pitches for their books. With thousands of others in the same boat, how can you stand out? And how can an agent, looking for your type of project, find you? In her presentation, Lisa will introduce authors to new ways to pitch and query their books using social media, providing in-depth information about online query contests and Twitter pitch parties, including the essentials to a successful 280-character pitch.
Includes worksheets for attendees.
Lisa Abellera (Literary Agent Solo Spotlight)
Revisions: Befriending the Necessary Evil
When you pitch your manuscript to agents, one of the questions they’ll probably ask is, “How many revisions have you done?” It typically takes at least three rounds of revisions to make a manuscript sing. In this class, you’ll learn a process that takes most of the pain out of the process so you can experience the joy of making good writing great.
Toni Robino (Spotlight Presentation)
4:45 -5:45
No PR budget? No Worries: Obtaining thousands of dollars in free publicity for you and your books (#1759)
This workshop is based on Sarah’s years of working in PR on “two sides of the fence.” First, in advertising/public relations, preparing promotional materials designed to garner thousands of dollars in free publicity. Then, on the receiving end of those materials as a newspaper and magazine editor, responsible for determining which promotional materials to use, which to reject. In this workshop, authors learn tips, tricks, and techniques from both worlds, how to write and present PR materials for their books that editors, publishers, talk show hosts, and other media personnel will welcome time after time. Forms and handouts included.
World-building is more that the process of constructing an imaginary world, sometimes associated with a whole fictional universe. In many stories, from Steampunk to urban fiction, the setting becomes a character of its own. Learn how to create the most effective universe of your wildest imagination from two of the finest writers on our little planet.
Mark J. Rose: scientist, screenwriter and author of The Matt Miller in the Colonies series
Lon Varnadore: author of Mostly Human: A 4Pollack Novel as well as Janus City, Void Emissary and I.S.S. Starkiller
Mike Robinson: author and screenwriter, works include: The Enigma of Twilight Falls trilogy, The Prince of Earth, Dreamshores, Skunk Ape Semester, The Atheist and the forthcoming feature film Corral
Russell Nohelty: Pulisher, author, media expert
Moderator: Desiree Duffy
Query Letters That Work
You've spent six months to a year developing your new book. Now it's time to find a literary agent or publisher who will deliver it to the public. However, the first item that potential acquisitions professionals want is a query letter. But how do you condense a year's work into three paragraphs on one sheet of paper? This need not be a daunting document. In this workshop, you will learn how to craft a query letter that sells you and your work. Plus, selected members of the audience will have a chance to read theirs out loud and have them critiqued on the spot. This workshop is intended primarily for authors of fiction, but all paid attendees are welcome to participate.
Bring 5 copies of your work-in-progress query letter.
Some will be read aloud anonymously and commented on by our panel.
Elaine Ash (M) , Deanna Brady, Toni Robino, Helga Schier, Russell Nohelty, Katharine Sands
6:00 - 7:00
Help, My Novel Has Fallen Over and I Can’t Get Up (Is Writers Block Real?)
Learn how to overcome common problems that bring our writing to a grinding halt.
How many times do we writers get “writers block” and can't write a word, or the opposite, where we work frantically on everything, unable to focus on just one project? How often do we stop for the day after a short time because we think we’re tired, or we're bored with our own work, or we simply can’t write due to interruptions and circumstances around us? In this class, Sarah uses her Master's Degree and doctoral studies in behavioral psychology to teach participants the use of psychological assessment tools and forms, and specific writing-related behavioral techniques to overcome these and other problems that slow our writing, or all too frequently, bring it to a grinding halt. Forms and handouts included.
Elaine Ash, Sarah Howery Hart, David Rasch PhD, Alex Ironrod
The Art of Being Interviewed
Much of our success as authors depends on how well we articulate our works in interviews. How do we describe our stories? Do we hit the right talking points? How do our future readers hear us? Which details will drive them to buy our books? We go over TV, newspaper, magazine, blog, radio and other formats, and practice workshopping with questions and answers. Presented by author and journalist Robert Yehling of Word Journeys Literary, and author-publicist extraordinaire Desiree Duffy of Black Château Enterprises
Robert Yehling, Desiree Duffy, with special guestTai Babilonia
Tai Reina Babilonia is an American former pair skater. Together with Randy Gardner, she won the 1979 World Figure Skating Championships and five U.S. Figure Skating Championships. The pair qualified for the 1976 and 1980 Winter Olympics.
Self-Publishing vs Indie Publishing vs Traditional Publishing— Everything You Need to Know When It Comes to Marketing and Selling Your Book Across Publishing Platforms
What are some of the major differences when it comes to self-published, Indie, hybrid and traditionally published books for authors in regards to sales and marketing, distribution and PR behind the book? Where will you make the most money? How can you make sure that your book is successful? What are some of the platforms that will help you promote your self-published or Indie published book? The literary industry is always evolving and there are many ways to make sure that your book becomes a success. But what does success really mean in the literary industry across these mediums? Join this workshop to find out more about each publishing platform and get a better idea of what is right for you!
Katharine Sands, Helga Schier, Alex Ironrod, Russell Nohelty, Victoria Reynolds Moderator (M)
7:30 -
"A
Gathering of Writers" No-host cocktail party and dinner at restaurant tba.
All attendees and guests are welcome to meet and network with
the speakers and special guests.
9 pm -
Renegade Late Night Read and Critique Workshopwith Robert Yehling
An after hours opportunity for registered attendees to bring work-in-progress and participate in a late night live editing. Would you like feedback on your work additional to the quick pitch meeting? What is it like to work with a critique group of good, focused writers? Fuel up on caffeine, drink and words, and join us for Renegade Late Night Read & Critique. It is an amazing creative experience — not to be missed. Bring 3 to 5 pages of your manuscript to read and share, and enjoy the feedback exchange! (Hurry and sign up! Limited seating.)
Mikado Hotel Lobby.
Walk-up
Registration, Pre-Registration pickup of credentials, badge, program, swag bag
9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Increase Your Chance for Publishing Success:
Practical Techniques to Make Your Manuscript Shine
Join literary agent, Lisa Abellera, as she shows you how to elevate your writing and refine your novel or memoir. She will identify and focus on the issues often seen in manuscripts submitted to agents. Through class exercises, in-class reading, discussion and sharing, by the end of this master class, you will have a better perspective on your manuscript and a deep understanding of how to make your stories and characters more emotionally engaging. More importantly, you will be armed with practical craft tools to make your manuscript shine and resonate with literary agents.
A 2-Part, Four Hour Intensive Masters Workshop with Literary Lisa Abelerra
Register Now and Save. Class size is limited. Separate fee - not included in conference.
Early bird Registration:$99 Workshop includes light lunch with beverage
SIGN UP at 1-on-1 Registration Desk
10:00 am - 12:15 pm
Great Beginnings for Novels – Your First Line, First Pages
You that if the first paragraph of your novel isn't strong enough, agents and publishers won't read the first page, let alone the first fifty. Learn to separate fact from fiction and remain true to your story. Learn to draft a first line that will grab an acquisition editor and announce your authority as an author. This will cover first pages, first chapters, and first characters. This is a unique opportunity for you to learn how pros consider the merits of the material and the intent of the author, then offer improvements covering everything from glaring grammar errors to story-structure flaws to the overall storytelling and more.
Bring 5 copies of your first 2 pages. Selected works will be read aloud, so the audience can follow along and learn how an agent or publisher reviews a manuscript. Time permitting, they may suggest improving the samples.
A panel of literary agents and professional editors
Katharine Sands, Toni Robino, Mike Robinson, Helga Schier
10:00 am - 12:15 pm
Great Beginnings for Screenplays– Your First Line, First Pages
You hear that if the first paragraph of your script isn't strong enough, the studios and producers won't read the first page, let alone the first fifty. Now you can learn how to separate fact from fiction and remain true to your story. Learn how to grab the attention of an agent and announce your authority as an screenwriter. This workshop will cover first pages, first chapters, and first characters. This is a unique opportunity for you to learn how pros consider the merits of the material and the intent of the writer, then offer improvements covering everything from story-structure flaws to the overall storytelling and more.
Bring 5 copies of your first 2 pages. Selected works will be read aloud by actors or audience members for each part, so the audience can follow along and learn how a producer or agent reviews. Screenwriters are advised to network with fellow attendees to read "sides" of the script live for the panel. Time permitting, they may suggest improvements for the samples.
A panel of screenwriters, studio veterans, and special guests
Sara Anne Fox, Dan Watanabe, Danny Manus, Christine Conradt
10:00 am - 12:15 pm
3 clicks 2 one book
Formatting can be a mess – and it takes you out of your writing streak. Having to indent half a space on each line, adding blank lines, creating the # # # in between white space breaks, adding carriage returns – none of it has anything to do with writing, right? Yet – it does. A publisher will reject a manuscript if it doesn’t look professional.
In this two hour session, learn how to make a professionally laid out book with only three clicks! Keep writing as fast as you can and learn one way to lay down three things: chapter headings, quotes, and section breaks by literally clicking a button.
In the second half, we will also show you how to fix books that haven’t been done via the three click method. Time permitting, we will even publish a Kindle book at the end of class using these techniques.
What is the difference between a copyright and a trademark? When is
my work protected? What can I legally deduct from my taxes as a writer
-- even if I’m not published, yet? When do I need a literary agent and
how do I catch one’s attention. What are my responsibilities after signing?
What alternatives do I have if a publisher wants all the domestic, international,
Ebook, Audio, and Film rights to my work? How do I protect my work Online,
or in a writing group? What are the dos and don’ts of publishing and
self-publishing?
Learn the answers to these important questions
and more from this distinguished panel of industry experts, including
literary agents and a CPA. Get the latest information that affects your business today, and in the future.
Sponsored by the Greater Los Angeles Writers Society
and featuring an all-pro industry panel.
Scott Rubenstein (CPA), Katharine Sands, Devorah Cutler-Rubenstein, Toni Robino, Dan Watanabe,
plus panel
Keynote Speaker: New York Literary Agent 
Greater Los Angeles Writers Society
"A
Gathering of Writers"
Renegade Late Night Read and Critique Workshop with Robert Yehling
You that if the first paragraph of your novel isn't strong enough, agents and publishers won't read the first page, let alone the first fifty. Learn to separate fact from fiction and remain true to your story. Learn to draft a first line that will grab an acquisition editor and announce your authority as an author. This will cover first pages, first chapters, and first characters. This is a unique opportunity for you to learn how pros consider the merits of the material and the intent of the author, then offer improvements covering everything from glaring grammar errors to story-structure flaws to the overall storytelling and more. 
You hear that if the first paragraph of your script isn't strong enough, the studios and producers won't read the first page, let alone the first fifty. Now you can learn how to separate fact from fiction and remain true to your story. Learn how to grab the attention of an agent and announce your authority as an screenwriter. This workshop will cover first pages, first chapters, and first characters. This is a unique opportunity for you to learn how pros consider the merits of the material and the intent of the writer, then offer improvements covering everything from story-structure flaws to the overall storytelling and more. 