(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 IWW is an in-person event happening in Indianapolis on Saturday, March 7, 2026. See you there.)

THIS YEAR’S SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS (MARCH 7, 2026):

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

8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.

9:30 – 10:30: How to Describe Your Story in One Compelling Sentence (and Get Agent Attention), taught by Vicky Weber. Learn how to craft a clear, compelling logline that captures your story’s heart—and makes agents, editors, and readers say “Tell me more.” In this class, taught by an agent, we’ll break down what works, what doesn’t, and why your pitch might be falling flat.

10:45 – 11:50: An Overview of Your Publishing Options in 2026, taught by Chuck Sambuchino. This workshop examines the two largest routes any writer can take with their book: traditional publishing and self-publishing / e-publishing. We will examine the upsides of both routes, the challenges with both, and the next steps no matter what you decide. Also, we will discuss the changing elements of the publishing industry in 2026 — including AI, diverse books, and hybrid publishing.

11:50 – 1:15: Lunch is on your own during these 85 minutes.

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. Get expert feedback on your incredibly important first page, and know if your writing has what it needs to keep readers’ attention. All attendees are welcome to bring pages to the event for this session, and we will choose pages at random for the workshop for as long as time lasts. All submissions should be fiction or memoir—no prescriptive nonfiction or picture books, please. Do not send your pages in advance. You will bring printed copies with you, and instructions will be sent out approximately one week before the event.

2:45 – 3:45: Pacing and Structuring Your Fiction, by Sarah Fisk. Want to keep readers turning the pages? Commercial fiction readers have strong expectations of story structure and pacing, so you need to understand how the two work together in a book. Literary agent Sarah Fisk will break down the standard three-act story structure commonly used in American publishing.

4:00 – 5:00: How to Write Great Characters: Character 365 Workshop, taught by Rachel Estep. We all think we know our characters like the backs of our hands, and sure, in their own universe, we do. But who would Katniss be at a modern university, and what would she study? If Ted Mosby were a professor at a magic academy, what subject would he teach? In this class, you’ll learn to identify a character’s core thread—the non-negotiable drive or value that persists no matter the genre—and then watch how that thread expresses differently from world to world. By the end, you’ll have a simple method to keep your characters consistent yet surprising, so you never feel written into a corner again.

At 5 p.m., the day is done. Speakers may make themselves available for a short while to sign any books for attendees.

Agent & Editor Pitching: All throughout the day.

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FREE ADDITIONAL RECORDED CLASSES:

We will actually send attendees extra FREE pre-recorded classes as part of their attendance. In addition to getting the weekend’s classes to enjoy live and in person, we will also send you 5 more free recorded classes on the side, from amazing instructors. In the week leading up to your in-person conference, we will send all confirmed attendees these classes below, some of which will aid in your pitching efforts:

1. “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an In-Person Event,” taught by literary agent Carlie Webber
2. “Tips on Pitching Literary Agents & Editors at an Online Event,” taught by literary agent Carlie Webber
3. “Common First Pages Mistakes and How to Fix Them,” taught previously at the San Diego Writing Workshop
4. “6 Pillars of Well-Developed Characters,” taught previously at the Texas Writing Workshop
5. “How to Fix It: The Art and Craft of Revision,” taught previously at the Writing Workshop of Chicago