Querying agents and publishers can feel as mysterious as writing the book itself—but a compelling pitch can make the difference between a manuscript being overlooked and being read. This workshop demystifies the querying process and gives writers practical tools for presenting their work with clarity, confidence, and impact.
We’ll explore how to craft memorable log lines, elevator pitches, and vivid query letters that capture what makes your book distinctive. Through examples and hands-on exercises, participants will assess successful pitches and develop or strengthen their own. We’ll also discuss platform, building connections with readers, and finding effective comp titles.
You don’t need a completed manuscript to participate—bring a brief synopsis or description of your project. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a stronger understanding of how to position your book, a draft query letter, and a compelling book pitch designed to get agents and publishers interested.
Christopher Madden is an educator, writer, and editor. He is the co-founder of Woodhall Press where he serves as executive editor. Woodhall titles have won Foreword Indies Gold awards, Kirkus Best Books of the year, and IBPA awards. He has presented publishing seminars and workshops at the Yale Writer’s Workshop, NYU, Clark University, The Atlanta Writer’s Conference, Johns Hopkins, and the Fairfield University MFA. He is the author of Alice’s Adventures in #Wonderland, a gentle update of the Lewis Caroll classic. He holds a BA in English from the University of Wisconsin, and an MFA in Fiction Writing from Fairfield University. He is a thesis advisor at the Johns Hopkins MA in Creative Writing and teaches a publishing workshop in Fairfield’s MFA program.
