New Opportunity at the 2017 Willamette Writers Conference: on the Spot Critiques

This year, in addition to the opportunity to pitch your writing project to industry professionals, we’re trying something new.

Introducing: On The Spot Critiques at the Willamette Writers Conference

For $25 (the same price as a pitch session), you can sign up for 10 minutes of undivided attention from one of our presenting faculty. They’ll see what you’ve got, ask you questions, and send you away with a to-do list for how to up your game in the coming year.

We’re excited about this. These sessions will happen right alongside our pitch sessions, meaning more attendees will have a chance to get real-time feedback on their work.

Further, we’re bringing in faculty experts on more than just writing. So if you’re thrilled with your manuscript but want somebody to punch up your query letter, there’s an app(ointment) for that.

Get Expert Feedback On Your Writing, Marketing & Query Letter

Here’s what you can sign up for to get real-time, expert, personalized advice about this year:

  • First page critiques from master writers like Tex Thompson and Linda Needham
  • Story analysis from the likes of Larry Brooks  and Tina Connolly
  • Web page tips from Lorelle VanFossen, one of the original programmers on WordPress
  • Marketing consultation from best-selling authors like Alaya Dawn Johnson
  • Fine-tuning your query letter with David Paul Williams, the man who wrote the book on the topic

Anything you need for your project–traditionally published book, e-published or self-published project or screenplay–our faculty will be there to help you out.

The Nitty Gritty: How to Sign up & What to Do on the Day of

Signing up for a session works just like the agent, and editor pitch sessions always have:

  • Step One: Register for the conference (do this sooner than later to qualify for our early bird pricing)
  • Step Two: Navigate to the pitch session sign ups
  • Step Three: Find the faculty member you want to work with
  • Step Four: Sign up

On the day of your critique session, bring the following items with you to make certain you can get the most out of your time:

  • First page critiques: Bring the first page of your manuscript. If you have it formatted, so the text starts in the middle of the page, bring the first two
  • Story analysis: Bring any outline you’ve already prepared, or just some personal notes so you can discuss the story as effectively as possible
  • Web page tips: Bring your laptop or tablet, so your coach can look at what you already have.
  • Marketing consultation: Bring your marketing plan, in whatever form you have it. Anything from a full write-up to scratches on a notepad is fine.
  • Query letter fine-tunes: Bring your completed query letter.

To take on this new adventure we had to put Advanced Manuscript Critiques on hold for a year. After trying out On the Spot Critique we will have to review and decide what to do next.

Contact us if you have any questions about any part of this new program. We’re excited about it and know you will be too.

Finally, watch our Facebook and Twitter feeds. We’ll be announcing new experts and what they’ll be helping with as they come on board.