Pittsburgh Writing Workshop:
May 9-10, 2025
Online Writers Conference
Complete information available at PittsburghWritingWorkshop.com.
If you are looking for a different Writing Day Workshops conference, please see our full event list here.
If you have questions, click here for our FAQ page or Email us at WDWconference@gmail.com
$189.00
297 in stock
PITCH YOUR BOOK TO A LITERARY AGENT:
Renee C. Fountain is a literary agent, publishing industry veteran, a reviewer for Kirkus and New York Journal of Books, and a book scout for The CW Network. She is the president of Gandolfo, Henlin and Fountain Literary. Renee is looking for all types of adult and YA fiction and nonfiction. She prefers: thrillers, horror/dark fantasy, urban/contemporary fantasy, humor, science fiction, pop culture, memoirs, and narrative/commercial. Learn more about Renee here.
Christina Lopez is an editor with St. Martin’s Press where she works on adult commercial fiction including rom-com, women’s fiction, and historical fiction as well as YA. She is now actively acquiring and is dreaming of a fun Texas book in any of the previously mentioned genres with a diverse cast. “I am actively seeking adult and YA commercial women’s fiction/ book club fiction, rom com, contemporary romance, fantasy, domestic thriller, and historical fiction. I’m also open to YA/adult crossover stories, especially in the new adult space. I’m open to nonfiction having to do with pop culture (especially dating shows, late nineties, Disney Channel), identity and societal issues, and memoir in the vein of Everything I Know About Love. I’m currently obsessed with that soft spot of books that sits on the line between women’s and literary-leaning commercial fiction. I’m especially interested in anything with characters from historically underrepresented backgrounds (especially Latinx characters, as I’m from a border town in Texas), anything with complex family dynamics spanning several generations (especially mother/daughter stories), speculative fiction or magical realism stories about found family or finding home in people instead of places, historical fiction like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo that move between the past and the present, and stories involving romance, but where it isn’t the sole driving force of the plot.” Learn more about Christina here.
Kara Grajkowski is a literary agent with 3 Seas Literary. She is seeking: contemporary Middle Grade Fiction, contemporary YA Fiction, and #OwnVoices. (She is not the best fit for fantasy.) “I have a soft spot for contemporary fiction stories, especially if the main character doesn’t have it all figured out yet. I am searching for the best middle grade and YA fiction stories that have you smiling, crying, and growing right along with the characters.” Learn more about Kara here.
Kat Kerr is a literary agent with Donald Maass Literary Agency. Kat feels strongly about supporting programs like We Need Diverse Books and is passionate about creating space in this industry for those from historically marginalized communities. She is actively seeking to grow her client list and is particularly hungry for magical realism, literary leaning speculative (fantasy) and science fiction, women’s fiction, YA works with a lot of heart, and narrative nonfiction with something to say. In fiction, she seeks literary, upmarket, women’s, rom-coms, multicultural, speculative, magical realism, family saga, young adult, and select sci-fi and fantasy. In nonfiction, she seeks narrative nonfiction and journalistic nonfiction tackling current affairs and social justice issues, particularly covering topics of racism, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, gender equality, and poverty. She also represents select biographies and memoirs. Learn more about Kat 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, young adult 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.
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.
Monica Rodriguez is a literary agent and the Director of Brand Management at Context Literary Agency. Her mission as an agent is to help uplift underrepresented voices in publishing, specifically within the Latinx community. In children’s literature, she is actively looking for MG, YA & Graphic Novels. She also represents illustrators and comic artists. In adult fiction, she’s looking for contemporary romance, speculative fantasy, sci-fi, horror, mystery, and book club fiction. Learn more about Monica here.
Mara Cobb is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. Currently, Mara is looking for adult nonfiction and women’s-driven fiction (especially main characters in their 20s). Mara is also looking for Christian fiction, Christian romance (think Hallmark-style), and Christian YA. Going into 2024, she would also love to acquire clean (light romance/no or minimal cursing) YA fiction of any genre except fantasy. She is seeking clean adult commercial romance/romcoms, compelling book club fiction, and SEL picture books. Learn more about Mara 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.
Nadia Lynch is a literary agent with Talcott Notch. “I am interested in upmarket, literary, historical, young adult, and women’s fiction, especially narratives that showcase resilient female protagonists. While these genres anchor my reading repertoire, I’m invigorated by books that push boundaries and challenge my perspectives. In nonfiction, I enjoy delving into subjects that expand my understanding. History, philosophy, alternative medicine, and self-improvement books are among my preferred genres, each offering a unique lens to explore and absorb new insights.” Learn more about Nadia here.
Rebecca Angus is a literary agent with Howland Literary. In kidlit, she enjoys picture books, children’s nonfiction, and middle grade. (Her preference is for short middle grade under 45,000 words.) In adult fiction, she seeks speculative fiction, fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, horror, romantic suspense, horromance, queer historical romance, genre blending, magical realism. She is actively seeking marginalized and/or LGBTQIA+ voices. Learn more about Rebecca here.
Elisa Moles is a literary agent with Painted Fire Literary Agency. She is seeking: Especially interested in upmarket fiction. “In one word, what defines fantastic fiction narrative? Consequences. Consequences give structure. And stories with cohesive and creative structures, true to each writer’s background and voice, stand the test of time beyond the trendy topics and gimmicks of the day. I especially love psychologically complex characters. I’m looking for distinctive and compassionate voices who are telling organically unexpected stories in a wide variety of styles and genres. Surprise me.” Please do not pitch: nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, middle grade, YA, graphic novels, screenplays, westerns, horror, nihilist, or erotic work. No previously self-published works please. Learn more about Elisa 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. With almost 40 years of experience in the entertainment and book industries, Levine is one of the few lawyers on the West coast who also understands the world of book publishing; as such, he is able to act as both literary agent and publishing attorney for his clients. Learn more about Paul here.
Shannon Lechon is a literary agent with Azantian Literary Agency. In middle grade, Shannon is looking for spooky stories only. In young adult, she is mostly interested in stories with a speculative element, but is always on the lookout for a creative or original mystery. Dark, gothic fantasy or horror is well-loved, as well as morally gray or antihero protagonists. In adult, she is looking for literary books with a speculative element that feel lush and magically possible, like new worlds exist just on the periphery of our vision. Books that combine fantasy with societal inequalities in a way that doesn’t feel exploitative are high on their list of interests. For graphic novels, Shannon is looking for young adult fantasy that is grounded in our world, ones that focus on found families, platonic relationships, and the power of friendship. Graphic novels are the only place Shannon is looking for general fiction submissions. She is interested in select adult nonfiction proposals. She’s looking for memoirs about specialized careers like the beekeepers of Honey and Venom, as well as proposals on medicine and mental health, such as The Sleeping Beauties and What My Bones Know. Mental health and trauma recovery narratives like In the Dream House are also welcome. Learn more about Shannon 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.
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.
Michelle S. Lazurek is a literary agent at Wordwise Media Services. What I’m looking for: I’m interested in representing Christian nonfiction for adults, and picture books for children. Please no science fiction, historical fiction, or memoir. In 2009, I felt a calling on my life to start writing. Today, with nine titles in print and hundreds of articles (and a few awards along the way), I teach aspiring authors at writers’ conferences. Learn more about Michelle here.
Jane Chun is a literary agent with Transatlantic Agency. Jane is particularly interested in stories that center marginalized communities and prose that is cinematic and atmospheric with good rhythm. For fiction, she is seeking commercial, upmarket, and literary works in both adult and MG/YA about the search for and rebuilding of identity, diaspora, family and community, and examinations of power in relationships. She is also looking for fantasy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction that delve into sharp social commentary and have meticulous world building and settings that don’t feel like Western Europe. For historical fiction, she likes hidden histories and anything that is set in a time or place she’s not familiar with or focuses on a community that has been often overlooked if it’s a time/place she knows. In terms of nonfiction, she is looking for memoirs and narrative nonfiction with a nuanced, intersectional approach and similar themes to her interests in fiction. She also is interested in books about food, travel, pop culture, and cultural criticism that dive deeply and thoughtfully into culture and traditions, particularly those written by authors of color. In addition to traditional prose, she is very interested in graphic novels and nonfiction. Learn more about Jane here.
Gordon Warnock is a literary agent with Fuse Literary. Gordon represents New York Times bestsellers and debut authors alike.In fiction, he seeks: High-Concept Suspense; Book Club Women’s Fiction; Literary Fiction; Verse Novels for YA and MG; Graphic Novels for all ages — Adults, YA, and MG. In nonfiction, he seeks: Memoir and Biography; Food Narrative/Studies/History; Graphic and Illustrated Nonfiction; Essays on Social Issues; Pop-Science; Pop/Punk/Geek Culture; Self-Help; Historical Narrative; Humor; How-To; Business and Career. Gordon seeks large-platform projects in which the book represents something bigger than the book itself, of which you are the expert, the one best fit to bring it to the page. He prefers to work with socially responsible books that ask difficult questions, raising new issues or illuminating common issues in new ways. (He does not rep sci-fi or fantasy.) Learn more about Gordon here.
Kimberly L. Jones is a literary agent with LCS Literary Services. She specializes in nonfiction — History, Historical Affairs, Current Affairs, Cookbooks, Politics, How-to/advice and Relationships, Popular Culture. Kimberly Latrice Jones is a renowned American author and filmmaker, best known for her New York Times bestselling young adult novel, I’m Not Dying With You Tonight. Learn more about Kimberly here.
Annie Bomke is a literary agent with Annie Bomke Literary Agency. She represents a wide variety of adult and YA fiction and nonfiction, including commercial and literary fiction, upmarket fiction, mysteries (from hilarious cozies to gritty police procedurals and everything in between), historical fiction, women’s fiction, psychological thrillers, literary/psychological horror, self-help, business, health/diet, cookbooks, memoir, relationships, current events, psychology, and narrative nonfiction. Learn more about Annie here.
Najla Mamou is a literary agent with Savvy Literary Services. She is also a developmental editor and sensitivity reader. In nonfiction, Najla gravitates towards narrative nonfiction, true crime, memoir, biography, and stories inspired by lesser known people, professions and crafts (builders, designers, architects), musicians/artists/creators, daredevils, athletes, etc. In fiction, Najla is drawn to voice-driven, emotionally immersive historical fiction, suspense (with series potential), horror with surprise endings (especially psychological), speculative (such as alternative history), and magical realism (light fantasy or romantasy). In young adult, she seeks all genres except epic fantasy. She does not represent children’s books. In all genres, she hopes to see more immigrant, expat, and/or BIPOC/ underrepresented stories. Learn more about Najla here.
Atifa Begom is a literary agent with Crescent Literary. Atifa is looking for fiction that puts her into a different world, focusing on middle grade & young adult. She is ONLY open to adult fiction by referral or request. Fantasy illustrators and graphic novels are welcome! (Atifa considers working outside of her typical genres for Muslim writers.) She coined the terms “Immigration/Diaspora Fantasy” (immigration-related experiences in the fantasy genre) and “goldenpunk” (aspects of the Islamic golden age in science fiction), both of which she wants to see. Learn more about Atifa here.
Morgan Hughes is a literary agent with FinePrint Literary. Morgan is seeking middle grade and young adult fantasy / adventure with a particular interest in graphic novels. She is also interested in 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 picture books, science fiction, thrillers/mysteries, or nonfiction. Learn more about Morgan here.
Amanda Carbonell is a literary agent with Belcastro Agency. In middle grade, she seeks all categories buy especially contemporary, horror, fantasy and adventure. In young adult, she enjoys thrillers, contemporary, horror, fantasy, literary fiction, and genre mashups. In new adult, she seeks contemporary, romance, genre mashups, thriller, and horror. In adult fiction, she likes commercial fiction, thriller, rom-coms, horror, and stories about millenials. “ALL marginalized communities, especially Latinx are highly encouraged to submit!” Learn more about Amanda here.
Mason Rowlee is a literary agent with DeFiore & Company. Mason loves innovative, boundary-pushing literary fiction, engrossing upmarket fiction, and nonfiction that amplifies traditionally underrepresented voices in publishing, particularly those by queer authors. He previously interned at McIntosh & Otis Literary Agency, Gotham Writers Workshop, CBS Television Production and Farrar, Straus & Giroux. Learn more about Mason here.
Nour Sallam is a literary agent P.S. Literary Agency. “In terms of fiction, I am seeking voice-driven commercial and upmarket titles, contemporary fiction with fabulist elements, speculative fiction, edgy psychological thrillers, as well as mysteries, light horror and rom-coms featuring underrepresented characters of any background. I am always drawn to characters who are haunted by something, whether figuratively (a secret, a past, an obsession) or literally (a ghost, a demon, etc.). I am also actively seeking character-driven stories featuring women in power, unhinged women, and female rage. I am actively seeking projects that feature complex and nuanced histories and power dynamics, address social and political issues, or center BIPOC characters.” In nonfiction, she seeks: “I welcome fresh and accessible perspectives on big ideas or industry deep dives as well as narrative nonfiction on pop culture, art, and nature. I also appreciate books that offer incisive commentary on culture, socio-economic structures, corporate underbellies, health and wellness, and lifestyle. Learn more about Nour here.
Zach Honey is a literary agent at FinePrint Literary Management. Zach is primarily seeking thrillers and adult fiction, especially those set in rural places, mountainous regions, or other hard-to-reach corners of the world. His other interests include hiking, skiing, music, board games, golf, and other outdoor activities, and he is open to non-fiction pitches in these categories. He is not looking to represent fantasy or sci-fi at this time. He would like to support underrepresented authors, especially those in the American indigenous community. Above all, he enjoys strong writing with fascinating settings, memorable characters, and stories that are impossible to put down. Learn more about Zach here.
Kodie Van Dusen is a literary agent with The Rights Factory. She has a passion for dark, speculative fiction and allegorical works. She enjoys upmarket horror, sci-fi, and absurdism. She is a sucker for well-structured stories that contain hints of the whimsical, the horrific, and the absurd, favoring authors like Kurt Vonnegut, Ray Bradbury, and George Orwell who have something reflective and important to say about the nature of humanity. For nonfiction she is actively acquiring: narrative journalism (in the style of Johann Hari and Neil Strauss), philosophy, psychology, parenting, women’s issues, true crime, select memoirs, cultural and corporate criticism, and politics. Learn more about Kodie here.
Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong is a literary agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and a member of the Association of American Literary Agents (AALA). Cathie is seeking adult fiction submissions in the following areas and genres: romance, domestic suspense, psychological suspense, horror fiction, mystery, historical fiction, commercial fiction, women’s fiction, and book club fiction. Learn more about Cathie and her wish list here.
Elizabeth Kracht is a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates. Elizabeth’s eclectic life experience drives her interests. She appreciates writing that has depth, an introspective voice, and is thematically layered. Having lived in cities such as New York, San Francisco, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, she is compelled by multicultural themes and characters and is drawn toward strong settings. In fiction, she represents literary, commercial, women’s, thrillers, mysteries, historical, and crossover young adult. In nonfiction, she is interested in high concept, health, science, environment, prescriptive, investigative, true crime, voice- or adventure-driven memoir, sexuality, spirituality, and animal/pet stories. Learn more about Elizabeth here.
Optional Manuscript Critique Options
Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from Brian Klems, one of the day’s instructors. (This rate is a special event value for Cleveland 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 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:
- Young adult (all kinds); middle grade (all kinds); adult science fiction; adult thriller and mystery (no cozies); nonfiction about safety, self-defense, travel, and parenting (virtual critiques): Faculty member Jason Brick, 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 his thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
- Young adult books, middle grade books, picture books, adult fantasy and science fiction (but no horror), adult contemporary (virtual critiques): Faculty member Amanda Sun, an author and 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. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
- Women’s fiction, contemporary/mainstream fiction, literary fiction, young adult, and memoir (virtual critiques): Faculty member Kimiko Nakamura, a literary agent and writing coach, 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 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).
- Romance, women’s fiction, mystery, thriller, upmarket, commercial (virtual critiques): Faculty member Tiffany Killoren, 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.
- More critique options possibly forthcoming.