Writing + Publishing Panel Workshop

Have you ever dreamed about writing a picture book or novel but don’t know where to begin? Or maybe you have a manuscript completed and wish you knew the next steps. Kickstart your writing goals at Middleburg Books!

A panel of local authors will answer your questions and discuss their paths to publication. They will share their best tips for getting started with writing and what to do with a book once it’s completed. In addition to being authors, all three panelists are parents, and they will discuss how they balance busy lives with creative pursuits. At the end, there will be time for a Q&A and a book signing for those who wish to purchase any of the authors' books.

Outline (45 min discussion, 15-30 min Q&A)

Alyssa acts as moderator as well as discussion participant.

• How to get started
  • Panelists will talk about the resources we used in learning to write well-written, properly formatted manuscripts
  • We’ll also talk about the distinctions between picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and YA—and why you need to know what type of book you’re writing at the onset.
• The actual writing
  • Panelists will share what a writing session looks like for each of us, how we structure our time as busy working people and parents, and the work that goes into putting a book together.
  • We will also share some of our favorite craft books about writing and “mentor” texts to read when getting started.
• “I finished a book, now what?” – What does the publishing industry look for in a manuscript?
  • In this section we’ll tackle revising, formatting, word counts, and other nitty-gritty standardizations you need to know about to be taken seriously.
• How to get an agent
  • As veterans of “the query trenches” we will talk about the process of researching agents and how to put together a submission package. We’ll also cover what makes a good agent versus a “schmagent” and how to spot the difference.
• Audience Q&A
• Book Browsing & Signing

Tickets: $15; with $5 store credit for books!