Learn how to research literary agents, write a great query letter, and polish your first pages.

To get a book published by a traditional publisher, you first need an agent. In this class you will learn how to research agents to find the right one for you. After studying sample query letters, you’ll write your own query to be critiqued by your classmates. We will also workshop everyone’s opening pages and discuss topics such as pitch contests, conferences, and agent red-flags. By the end of the workshop, you will be ready to send query submissions to the agents of your choice. Although you do not need to bring it to class, you should have a completed manuscript you are hoping to publish through traditional publishing. Participants should expect to spend 1 hour a week on work outside of class.

In-person class: This workshop will take place at 4508 Walsh St, Bethesda MD.

In this workshop you’ll learn:

• Why you need a literary agent and the various avenues to finding representation.
  
• How to research agents to find the right one for you.
  
• How to write a stand-out query letter and avoid common query mistakes.
  
• How to snag an agent’s attention with your opening pages.

Time requirements

• You will be asked to write your own query letter and prepare your opening pages. You will also be asked to provide feedback on classmate’s queries and pages.
• Approximate out-of-class time per week: 1 to 1.5 hours.

Materials

• All reading materials will be provided.

Who should take this workshop?

• This workshop is for writers of all genres who have a completed manuscript and are interested in getting traditionally published.

If you need an accommodation for this workshop, please contact us at access@{{{{homeurl_non_www}}}}. We will attempt to fulfill all requests, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.