• Preparing for the Job Market
• How to Prepare a CV and Cover Letter
• Getting a Literary Agent
• Summarizing and Pitching a Manuscript
• How a Manuscript Becomes a Book
• Publishing Contracts
• Working with Editors
• Non-Traditional Jobs for Creative Writing Graduates
• What Hiring Committees Want
• Internships

Prior to some webinar sessions, AWP may solicit your questions on social media and via email so that the presenters can answer your questions. To submit your question, send an email with your full name and Twitter handle (if applicable) to awp@awpwriter.org. Please note: some videos are available only to AWP members.

Current Session

Writer to Agent Web Series

Episode 12: Traditional Book Publishing Contracts

Presenters: Scott Hoffman, Literary Agent and one of the founding partners of Folio Literary Management

In this installment, agent and publishing contract expert Scott Hoffman discusses publishing contracts as they pertain to first-time writers entering into a contract with traditional publishers such as Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins. (37 minutes)

Recent Sessions

• Writer to Agent Web Series Episode 11: Paths to Publishing

  Presenters: Literary agents Jeff Kleinman and Annie Hwang of Folio Literary Management

  In this installment, literary agents Jeff Kleinman and Annie Hwang describe the various paths to publishing available to writers today, including traditional avenues as well as the most common opportunities in digital publishing. (22 minutes)

• Writer to Agent Web Series Episode 10: The Care and Feeding of Editors

  Presenters: Literary agents Jeff Kleinman and Erin Harris of Folio Literary Management and editor Callie Garnett of Bloomsbury Publishing

  In this installment, agents Jeff Kleinman and Erin Harris and editor Callie Garnett discuss the types of editors that exist in the publishing world, what an editor’s job consists of, and how to resolve the conflicts that can arise in the editorial relationship. (21 minutes)

• Writer to Agent Web Series Episode 9: Young Adult

  Presenters: Editorial agent and young adult author John Cusick of Folio Literary Management and Folio Jr.

  Editorial agent and young adult author John Cusick of Folio Literary Management and Folio Jr. In this installment, agent and young adult author John Cusick describes the Young Adult book genre and the audience, trends, and pitfalls of the current Young Adult market. (22 minutes)

• Writer to Agent Web Series Episode 8: Picture Books

  Presenters:Editorial agent John Cusick of Folio Literary Management and agent Emily van Beek of Folio Jr.

  In this installment, editorial agent John Cusick and agent and “picture book guru” Emily van Beek discuss the different types of picture books popular today and answer many common questions, including how to find an agent for your book. (23 minutes)

• Writer to Agent Web Series Episode 7: Manuscript to Book

  Presenters: Jeff Kleinman of Folio Literary Management, agent Jamie Chambliss, and branding coach Julie Trelstad of Julie Ink

  In this installment, literary agent Jeff Kleinman, his colleague agent Jamie Chambliss, and branding coach Julie Trelstad discuss the seven major steps for bringing your completed manuscript into the world. (28 minutes)

• Writer to Agent Web Series Episode 6: Momentum

  Presenters: Jeff Kleinman of Folio Literary Management and Author Lee Child

  In this installment, Literary Agent Jeff Kleinman and bestselling author Lee Child discuss “deep reading,” the “X Factor,” and techniques for building momentum in your writing. (18 minutes)

• Writer to Agent Web Series Episode 5: Nonfiction

  Presenters: Steve Troha

  In this installment, Literary Agent Steve Troha discusses categories of nonfiction, what makes a viable nonfiction idea, and the elements of an excellent proposal. (19 minutes)
  

• Writer to Agent Web Series Episode 4: Query Letters

  Presenters: Erin Harris and Jamie Chambliss of Folio Literary Management

  In this installment, agents discuss how to carefully research agents and tailor letters to the agents you query. Agents John Cusick and Mike Harriot join to discuss the use of social media and the importance of platform and expertise. (36 minutes)
  

• Writer to Agent Web Series Episode 3: Loglines and Premise

  Presenters: Literary Agent Ruth Pomerance of Folio Literary Management

  In this installment, Literary Agent Ruth Pomerance discusses how to summarize your project effectively to create a compelling “elevator pitch.” (10 minutes)
  

• Writer to Agent Web Series Episode 2: Seven Steps to Getting an Agent

  Presenters: Literary Agents Jeff Kleinman and Erin Harris of Folio Literary Management

  In this installment, agents offer points to consider when trying to find an agent to represent your book. They also share a great spreadsheet to track responses while waiting for your “yes.” (21 minutes)
  

• Writer to Agent Web Series Episode 1: Agents on Craft

  Presenters: Literary Agents Jeff Kleinman and Erin Harris of Folio Literary Management

  In the first installment of Writer to Agent Web Series, agents from Folio Literary Management talk about genre, character, and voice, and what they look for in a great fiction manuscript. (25 minutes)
  Learn more...

• The Curriculum Vitae

  Presenter: Cathy Day (http://cathyday.com)

  A curriculum vitae means "the course of my life" in Latin. Cathy Day, a Ball State University professor and the author of two books, will share how to craft a CV that will represent the arc of your professional career.
  Learn more...

• Making Your Living as a Technical Writer

  Presenter: Woody Lewis

  Why technical writing? Given the entry-level salaries for academic jobs these days, technical writing offers a measure of financial security and opportunities for advancement. MFA grad and tech writer Woody Lewis shares why today's technology industry needs more talented creative writers.
  Learn more...

• Requesting Recommendation Letters

  Presenter: Cathy Day (http://cathyday.com)

  Letters of recommendation allow employers to understand who you are off the page. Who is telling your story? Cathy Day, a professor at Ball State University and the author of two books, presents advice about requesting LORs in the field of creative writing.
  Learn more...