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Story Studio Chicago Workshops

The Art and Craft of Pitching - March 13th, 2010
Once the writing is done, one of an author’s most important tasks is crafting a great book pitch. Not only does the right pitch translate to successful agent and editor queries, but it can also have a profound effect on the project’s life beyond the book contract. The pitch can generate hype and intrigue readers everywhere to pick up a book and read it. Writers' conferences and “Pitchfests” all stress the vital role of this aspect of marketing your book project.

To learn more about this workshop and to register, click here

Demystify the Publishing Process
This FREE program will cover everything from how to query an agent through the full scope of the book publishing process. A successful author is an educated author. Come learn the ins and outs of the industry, and give yourself an edge on the competition. To attend, you must register with the host library at the provided phone numbers below.

Thursday, March 18: 7-8pm
Des Plaines Public Library
To Register: 847-827-5551

Saturday, May 1: 11am-noon
Ela Area Public Library District
To Register: 847-438-3433

Tuesday, May 4: 7-8pm
Niles Public Library District
To Register: 847-663-1234

Saturday, May 8: 2-3pm
Palatine Public Library District
To Register: 847-358-5881

Saturday, May 15: 11am-noon
Fremont Public Library District
To Register: 847-985-4000
 

Stay tuned for more Spring 2010 Workshops!



To learn more about what's going on in the publishing industry, check out Publishers Weekly - it also has great reviews of current books. For useful commentary and quality insight about industry news, visit Mike Shatzkin's blog. If you're looking for a candid agent's perspective (and some excellent wit on the side), my recommendation is Nathan Bransford's blog. He also provides a list of other agent/industry professional blogs on his site. Marcus Sakey, author extraordinaire, has some wonderfully useful articles and advice on his website, as well as some great book recommendations.

If you're local to the Chicago area, here are a few local networking resources, classes and workshops, and writers’ spaces.

Literary Chicago:
Book Slut
The Outfit
The Writers Workspace
The Uptown Writers Space

Local Classes/Workshops:
Story Studio
Columbia College's Publishing Lab
Northwestern University Writing Workshops
The Writers Loft

Affiliations:
Chicago Women in Publishing
Midwest Writers Association
Independent Writers of Chicago