Tag Archives: Manuscripts

Iceland Writers Retreat 2018

February 20, 2018LiteraryAuthors, books, Cafes, Craft, Culture, Featured Authors, Geothermal Hotspring, Golden Circle, Great Views, Group Writings, Iceland, Iceland Music, Iceland Writers Retreat, Inspiration, Lectures, Manuscripts, novels, NYT Bestseller, Readings, Reykjavik, Social Functions, Workshops, Writerspdpabst

The Iceland Writers Retreat states that over the course of the retreat, each participant is enrolled in a total of five two-hour small-group writing workshops (max. 15 participants) led by internationally acclaimed authors, a Q&A panel with all faculty, and numerous readings and social functions. But there are only a few seats left, so you better hurry!

Each of their Featured Authors teaches two different workshops, and you have plenty of time to interact with faculty, including those with whom you do not have any workshops. The retreat takes place April 11-15, 2018 and costs approximately ISK 264,535 (approximately $2641 US dollars) per person. Prices exclude airfare and airport transportation.

But between all the intimate workshops and lectures, writers will have the opportunity to tour the spectacular Golden Circle, sit in cozy cafes of Reykjavik, soak in geothermal hot springs, listen to new Icelandic music, meet contemporary Icelandic writers, and learn about the country’s rich literary tradition. And remember, if researching for a novel or just wanting the workshops to improve your craft, this retreat is tax deductible! For complete registration inclusions, go here.

As always, have fun and learn lots!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Pacific Northwest Writers Association Contest 2018

February 19, 2018Contests, LiteraryAdult Short Topics, Agents, Authors, books, Chpater Book, Critiques, Editors, Feedback, Fiction, Finalists, First Place, Guidelines, Historical, Literary contest, Mainstream, Manuscripts, Memoir, Middle Grade, Monetary Prize, Mystery, Non-Fiction, novels, Opportunity, Pacific Northwest Writers Association, Paranormal, Picture Book, PNWA, Poetry, Romance, Sci-Fi, Second Place, Short Story, Storytelling, Third Place, Thriller, Unpublished, Winners, Women's Fiction, Workshops, Writers, Writing, Young Adultpdpabst

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The deadline for Pacific Northwest Writers Association Literary Contest is approaching. All unpublished entries must be received by March 23, 2018. This is also a chance to get feedback on your work. There are twelve categories:

mainstream
historical
romance/women’s fiction
mystery/thriller
sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal
young adult
middle grade
nonfiction/memoir
poetry
short story
children’s picture/chapter book
adult short topics (articles/essays/memoir)

There are three monetary prizes:

FIRST PLACE: $600
SECOND PLACE: $300
THIRD PLACE: $100

Eight finalist will receive two critiques on their submissions. The agents and editors participating in the PNWA‘s summer conference will pick winners out of the finalists. Go here for complete details. As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

New: Twitter Romance Pitch Contest #KissPitch hosted by Tricia Lynne

February 10, 2018Contests, Literary#KissPitch, Adult, Agents, All The Kissing, Editors, Fiction, Genre, Hashtags, Hook, Kisses, Kissing, Love, Manuscripts, New Adult, novels, Opportunity, Pitching, Romance, Tricia Lynne, Twitter, Valentine's Day, Young Adultpdpabst

Pay attention romance writers! There will be a new twitter pitch contest just for you! This means agents and editors looking strictly for this genre will no longer have to peruse through various genres to find the perfect romance hook they’ve been craving. This Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2018, marks the very first #KissPitch twitter event hosted by Tricia Lynne. The event will run between 9am – 9pm EST.

As with all twitter contests, anyone can troll the feed. So, If you get a favorite, be sure to research before submitting your book baby! For heat level hashtags to use and complete rules, go here. And as always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

SWEETHEART PITCHFEST on SavvyAuthor Blog

February 8, 2018Contests, LiteraryAdult, Agents, Authors, books, Clean Teen Publishing, Corvisiero Literary Agency, Editorial, Editors, Entangled Publishing, Fiction, Guidelines, Harvey Klinger Inc, Kensington Publishing, Literary Wanderlust, Lyrical Press, Manuscripts, New Adult, Opportunity, Pitch, Pitch Event, Pitching, Publishers, Romance, Rules, SavvyAuthors, Soul Mate Publishing, Stories, Submissions, Sweetheart Pitchfest, The Seymour Agency, Trident Media Group, Valentines Day Event, Words, Writers, Young Adultpdpabst

SavvyAuthors is sponsoring Sweetheart Pitchfest from 9am February 14, 2018 through 11:59pm February 16, 2018. (My apologies, but the site doesn’t specify the time zone.) Their are confirmed agents and editors participating, but others could stop by the blog. Be sure and do research before submitting your book babies to requesting agents/editors!

Agents

Mark Gottlieb, Literary Agent at Trident Media Group, LLC
Kelly Peterson, Junior Literary Agent at Corvisiero Literary Agency
Lynnette Novak, Literary Assistant at The Seymour Agency
Andrea Somberg, Literary Agent at Harvey Klinger Inc.

Editors

Susan Brooks, Editor in Chief at Literary Wanderlust
Jennifer Herrington, Freelance Editor at Lyrical Press/Kensington Publishing Corp.
Melanie Newton, Submission Department Head at Clean Teen Publishing
Heidi Shoham, Editorial Director at Entangled Publishing
Cheryl Yeko, Senior Acquiring Editor at Soul Mate Publishing

For complete rules on pitching during this event, go here. And as always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Harlequin Romance Blitz: So You Think You Can Write Contest

February 7, 2018Contests, LiteraryAdult, AUS, Authors, books, Contract, Editors, Feedback, Fiction, Forever Romance, Harlequin, Lovers, Manuscripts, Mills & Boon True Love, New Adult, New Zealand, Opportunity, Publishers, Publishing, Romance, So You Think You Can Write, Stories, Submissions, Submittable, Sweet Hearts, UK, USA, Valentine's Day, Writers, Writing, Young Adultpdpabst

Harlequin Romance [Mills & Boon True Love (UK) and Forever Romance (Aus/NZ)] is looking for new romance writers with their blog So You Think You Can Write. If you think you’ve got what it takes and have a polished romance manuscript ready for submission, this might be for you! Entries must be sent no later than Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2018. Even cooler, all submissions will receive feedback by the 21st of February! (I know you want to squeal, go ahead. I’ll wait.)

Submissions will be uploaded to Submittable. But before you send things off to the editors, be sure and read the series guidelines here. And as always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst

Blogger and writer of

Pikes Peak Writers Conference

January 26, 2018Literary, Writing Conferences & GetawaysAdult, advise, Agents, Anita Blake: Vampire Series, Authors, books, Colorado, Colorado Springs, Corvisiero Literary Agency, Critiques, DeFiore and Company, Editors, Feedback, Fiction, Film, Hugo Award, Jim Butcher, Jolly Fish Press, Kensington Publishing, L. Perkins Agency, Laurell K Hamilton, Lee & Low Books, Manuscripts, Marriott, Mary Robinette Kowal, Middle Grade, Nelson Literary Agency, New York TImes Best Sellers, Opportunity, Pikes Peak Writers Conference, Publishers, Sourcebooks, Stonesong, Stories, The Dresden Files, Titan Books, Tu Books, Workshop, Writers, Writing, Young Adultpdpabst

Pikes Peak Writers Conference is an opportunity to get literary advise from a professional in the business or get invaluable feedback on your manuscript. The conference will be April 27-29, 2018 held in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Jim Butcher (NYT Bestseller of The Dresden Files, which is also a TV Series.)
Laurell K Hamilton (NYT Bestseller of Anita Blake: Vampire Series)
Mary Robinette Kowal (Award winning author and finalist for Hugo Awards.)
Jonathan Mayberry (NYT bestseller & five-time Bramstoker Award winner.)

ACQUIRING EDITORS:

Martin Biro (Kensington Publishing)
Steve Saffel (Titan Books)
Kelsy Thompson (Jolly Fish Press)
Deb Werksman (Sourcebooks)
Stacy Whitman (Tu Books, imprint of Lee & Low Books)

AGENTS:

Melissa Edwards (Stonesong)
Angie Hodapp & Quressa Robinson (Nelson Literary Agency, LLC)
Gabrielle Piraino (DeFiore and Company)
Justin Wells (Corvisiero Literary Agency)
Maximilian Ximenez (L. Perkins Agency)

For more authors and specialist, go here. And be sure to register before the workshop fills up and make your reservations at the Colorado Springs Marriott. As always, have fun!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

@WriteOnCon #Writing #Conference IS Coming!

January 22, 2018Literary, Webinar/Workshop, Writing Conferences & GetawaysAgents, Art, Authors, Cheap, Children Books, Editors, Event, Fiction, Illustrators, Kidlit, Manuscripts, Middle Grade, Ninja Agents, Non-Fiction, Opportunity, Picture Books, Pictures, Pitching, Schedule, Stories, WriteOnCon, Writers, Writing, Young Adultpdpabst

WriteOnCon

WriteOnCon is “A writing conference you don’t even have to wear pants to. (Please wear pants, though.)” Yep, I love that line! And I’m stoked that it’s almost time! This isn’t just an opportunity to attend a writing workshop, it’s most likely the cheapest and closest conference you’ve ever attend (aside of being free, of course). Seriously, you can participate from your home! And while you might have missed the raffles and perks to buy, there is still time to sign up to join. Admission is either $5 (General Admission), $10 (General + Live Events), or $15 (General + Live Events + Extended Access). You can’t go wrong with any choice!

WriteOnCon is an online conference for kidlit writers and illustrators. Connect with writers, authors, and agents in this event. There will even be ninja agents and editors and live pitch sessions (check the schedule for all 3 days)! But hurry to get registered because it’ll take place February 9th – 11th, 2018.

As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival

January 19, 2018Literary, Writing Conferences & Getawaysadvise, Art, Authors, Canada, Columnist, Craft, Creativity, Culture, Emma Donoghue, Escape, Europe, Experts, Film, Food, Industry, Jane Friedman, John Vaillant, Jorge Volpi, Joseph Boyden, Learning, Literary, Literary Festival, Manuscripts, Mexico, Novelists, NYT Bestseller, Poet, Pulitzer Prize, Readers, Rita Dove, San Miguel, Skills, Speakers, Stories, Teaching, The Hot Sheet, United States, Vacation, Wally Lamb, Workshop, Writer's Conference, Writers, Writingpdpabst

The best thing about writing conferences and literary festivals is the luxury of learning while on vacation! If you have an itch to get away but want to keep your writing skills tuned, escape to San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival.

As the largest and most prestigious co-cultural, bi-lingual literary gathering in the Americas, each February the San Miguel Writers’ Conference & Literary Festival attracts distinguished authors, established and emerging writers, industry experts, teaching professionals, and avid readers from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Wally Lamb: Author of six New York Times Bestsellers.
Jane Friedman: Co-Founder of The Hot Sheet, columnist, speaker, and Author .
Rita Dove: U.S. Poet Leareate and recipient of the Pulitzer Prize.
John Vaillant: Award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction.
Jorge Volpi: Author of over 20 novels and an international bestseller.
Joseph Boyden: Award-winning Canadian novelist and short story writer.
Emma Donoghue: International bestseller of Room (the film adaptatoin was nominated for four academy awards).

And don’t forget, conferences are tax deductible! Get you seat fast because the conference is February 14-18, 2018. Have fun!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Insecure Writer’s Support Group Pitching Contest on Twitter

January 15, 2018Contests, Literary#ISWG, #ISWGPit, Adult, Aevitas Creative, Agents, Authors, books, City Owl Press, Corvisiero Literary Agency, D4EO Literary, Dystel Goderich & Bourret, Editors, Fiction, Guidelines, Insecure Writer's Support Group, Manuscripts, Middle Grade, Non-Fiction, Opportunity, Pitch Event, Pitching, Publishing, research, Stories, Submissions, Submitting, The Seymour Agency, Trident Media Group, Writers, Writers House, Young Adultpdpabst

Insecure Writer’s Support Group is hosting a twitter pitching contest on January 18, 2018 from 8am-8pm EST. This is for completed and polished manuscripts only! Be sure to pitch only once per hour and include the hashtag #IWSGPit. (As with all pitching events, do NOT fave a pitch unless you are a literary agent or publishing editor.)

There has been some chatter about this being a newer pitching event and caution due to no participating agents listed. However, I can assure you that legitimate agents and editors participated in their previous pitch event. Some of them were:

Samantha Wekstein, agent assistant from Writers House
Jessie Devine, literary agent from D4EO
Erica Bauman, literary agent from Aevitas Creative
Jennifer Wills, literary agent from The Seymour Agency
Sharon Pelletier, literary agent form Dystel, Goderich, & Bourret
Mary Cain, associate editor from City Owl Press
Mark Gottlieb, Literary agent from Trident Media
Meg LaTorre & Justin Wells, literary agents from Corvisiero Agency
And several more!

Like all pitch events, be sure to research the agents or editors that favorite your pitch before submitting your materials. For complete details, go here. And as always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction

Pitch Wars Webinar with New Leaf Literary Agent Suzie Townsend

January 10, 2018Literary, Webinar/WorkshopAdult, Advice, agent, Authors, books, Diversity, Написання, Письмо, писане, Editing, Escritura, Fantasy, Fiction, First Page, Genres, Hooks, L'écriture, Literary Agent, Manuscripts, Middle Grade, New Leaf Literary & Media Inc., Non-Fiction, Pitch Wars, Pitchwars, Psycological Suspense, Query, Querying, resources, Romance, Schreiben, Science Fiction, scrittura, Stories, Suzie Townsend, Tips, Voice, Women's Fiction, Writers, Writing, Young Adult, 写作pdpabst

Pitchwarslogo1

Pitch Wars presents a wonderful webinar with literary agent Suzie Townsend called Query and First Page Bootcamp. It’s no secret among writer’s to hook an agent immediately with their first line and first page if they want to snag a literary agent. What can sometimes be frustrating is the “how”. Suzie Townsend will “cover writing the most effective query letter, starting with your strongest first pages, as well as useful tips and resources about the actual querying process.”

About Suzie Townsend…

SUZIE TOWNSEND is an agent at New Leaf Literary & Media, Inc. Prior to joining New Leaf, Suzie graduated film school, earned her Masters of Education, taught high school English, and coached a swim team. In her spare time, she read everything she could, which prompted her move to publishing. She got her start as an intern at FinePrint Literary Management where she was hired as an assistant before making the move to literary agent. She’s been part of the team at New Leaf Literary & Media since its inception in 2012. Suzie loves strong characters and voice-driven stories that break out of the typical tropes of their genres, and she’s always looking for unique new voices in stories.

SUZIE IS LOOKING FOR: Women’s Fiction, Psychological Suspense, Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult and literary Middle Grade. She’s especially looking for inclusive and diverse stories with new and unique voices in all genres and age groups.

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If you want to signup, you’d better hurry because they are only taking the first 50 participants. The cost is $25 (USD) and the webinar will take place Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 8:30pm ET.

Have fun learning!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA Fiction

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