Here’s a query letter workshop being offered by Washington National Book Association (WNBA):
You've seen what's being published, you know your work is just as good –but in a time when agents are overworked and publishers are inundated with requests, how do you persuade anyone to actually READ your manuscript? As Instructor BARBARA ESSTMAN observes, a good query letter sells your book idea, proves your writing credentials and presents ideas for marketing and targeting your audience – all in one tightly written page. Learn what should go in or stay out of this magic letter and how to present the pertinent information that will get you over the first hurdle.
Though there won't be time to critique individual letters, she will offer some samples for discussion. Bring pen and paper for note-taking, though handouts will be provided, and if you have a query you've drawn upalready, bring it along – as the group reviews do's and don't's, you'll have yours to apply them to. Recording of the workshop is permitted, as long as it is not disruptive to the class.
Query Letter Workshop
Sat., Jan 10th, 2009 from 1-3pm
Snow date if needed: Sat., Jan 17th, 10am – noon.*
The Writer's Center
4508 Walsh St.
Bethesda, MD 20815
Cost: $45 to WNBA** or Writer's Center members, $55 to non-members
Class size limited to first 20 registrants.
To register, please send your check, PAYABLE TO: WNBA WASHINGTON, to:
NC Weil, WNBA Washington Chapter President
8009 Piney Branch Rd.
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Instructor BARBARA ESSTMAN is a nationally awarded and internationally published writer. Her novels, The Other Anna and Night Ride Home, were both adapted for film by Hallmark Productions. Her short fiction has been recognized by Redbook and the Pushcart Prizes. With Virginia Hartman, she co-edited A More Perfect Union: Stories and Poems about the Modern Wedding. She teaches advanced workshops at local universities and The Writer's Center.
* (If the workshop is postponed, those unable to attend the snow date session will receive a full refund AS LONG AS YOU NOTIFY ORGANIZERS AT LEAST A WEEK BEFORE THE WORKSHOP IS HELD.)
** to qualify for the WNBA member rate you must be paid up for 2008-9.
For questions about the program or your eligibility, contact NC Weil: ncweil@patriot.net
