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The 2026 Connecticut Writing Workshop: March 27, 2026

After coordinating many successful past events around the country (including two in CT), Writing Day Workshops is excited to announce The 2026 Connecticut Writing Workshop — a full-day in-person “How to Get Published” writing event in New Haven, CT on Friday, March 27, 2026.

This in-person writing event is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (125 total). All questions about the event regarding schedule, details and registration are answered below. Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Connecticut Writing Workshop! We are very proud of our many success stories where attendees sign with agents following events — see our growing list of success stories here.

(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next CWW is an in-person event happening in New Haven on March 27, 2026. See you there.)

To register, click the button above, or email Chuck at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Connecticut event.

WHAT IS IT?

This is a special one-day “How to Get Published” writing workshop on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Courtyard Shelton (just outside New Haven, CT). In other words, it’s one day full of classes and advice designed to give you the best instruction concerning how to get your writing & books published. We’ll discuss your publishing opportunities today, how to write queries & pitches, how to market yourself and your books, what makes an agent/editor stop reading your manuscript, and more. No matter what you’re writing — fiction or nonfiction — the day’s classes will help point you in the right direction. Writers of all genres are welcome.

This event is designed to squeeze as much into one day of learning as possible. You can ask any questions you like during the classes, and get your specific concerns addressed. We will have literary agents onsite to give feedback and take pitches from writers, as well. This year’s agent and editor faculty so far includes:

  • literary agent Lee Melillo (Dunham Literary)
  • literary agent Alyssa Maltese (Root Literary)
  • literary agent Nadia Lynch (Talcott Notch)
  • literary agent Lindsey Aduskevich (Martin Literary)
  • literary agent Kelsey Evans (Rosecliff Literary)
  • literary agent Gina Panettieri (Talcott Notch)
  • editor Deb Werksman (Sourcebooks)
  • and possibly more to come

By the end of the day, you will have all the tools you need to move forward on your writing journey. This independent event is organized by coordinator Chuck Sambuchino of Writing Day Workshops.

To register, click the button above, or email Chuck at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Connecticut event.

EVENT LOCATION & DETAILS:

9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026: Courtyard Shelton, 780 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton, CT 06484..

(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next CWW is an in-person event happening in New Haven on March 27, 2026. See you there.)

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE (MARCH 27, 2026):

8:30 – 9:30: Check-in and registration at the event location.

9:30 – 10:30: Inspiration as an Author. Inspiration can also be learned, honed, and even stored. Learn practical tips on how writers can boost their inspiration levels—and improve their writing in the process.

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10:45 – 11:50: Anatomy of a Successful Query. This workshop will take you through the do’s and don’ts of crafting a query letter that will get the attention of literary agent.

11:50 – 1:15: Lunch is on your own during these 85 minutes.

1:15 – 2:30: “Writers Got Talent”—a Page 1 Critique Fest, with participating literary agents and editors. In the vein of “American Idol” or “America’s Got Talent,” this is a chance to get your first page read (anonymously — no bylines given) with attending agents commenting on what was liked or not liked about the submission. Get expert feedback on your incredibly important first page, and know if your writing has what it needs to keep readers’ attention. All attendees are welcome to bring pages to the event for this session, and we will choose pages at random for the workshop for as long as time lasts. All submissions should be fiction or memoir—no prescriptive nonfiction or picture books, please. Do not send your pages in advance. You will bring printed copies with you, and instructions will be sent out approximately one week before the event.

2:45 – 3:45: Revision and Self Editing: Get Your Work Ready for an Agent. The workshop will cover: tips on genre and story structure; the importance of showing not telling, and how to enact it in your writing; beats in fiction; scene writing versus summary, and striking the right balance in your prose; book genres and their norms.

4:00 – 5:00: Creating Compelling Conflict in Your Fiction. This craft-related course defines conflict and demonstrates the various elements of its application in writing novels or short stories.

All throughout the day: Agent & Editor Pitching.

PITCH AN AGENT OR EDITOR!

Gina Panettieri is a literary agent with Talcott Notch. “I have such trouble limiting myself to just a few genres. I find it all fascinating! History, business, self-help, science, gardening, cookbooks, crafts, parenting, memoir, true crime and travel. Teach me something new, something I couldn’t find somewhere else, something based on original research and that’s the hook I’m looking for. With fiction, I love quirky, edgy characters. Send me women’s fiction, paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, science fiction, historical, mystery, thrillers and suspense. Learn more about Gina here.

Alyssa Maltese is a literary agent at Root Literary. Across the board, I welcome books about marginalized characters, by marginalized creators. In the YA space, I’m seeking contemporary coming-of-age stories that help burgeoning readers discover their own voice and sense of self-worth. I’m open to genre elements (specifically speculative, fantasy, romance, horror, and historical), but in general I prefer fiction grounded in our world. I’m casting a wider net for literary adult fiction and upmarket book club fiction. Above all I’m drawn to contemporary or lightly speculative novels with literary prose and hooky commercial concepts/execution. My very favorite kind of historical fiction reveals untold stories of interesting women, ideally in non-Western settings. I’m also seeking thrillers, suspense, and horror. I’m open to sci-fi elements in these genres. In the adult nonfiction space, I’m seeking both prescriptive and research-driven narrative nonfiction from authors with an established expertise and platform. Topics of interest include psychology, mental health, media criticism, pop culture, taboo topics such as death and sex, and science pertaining to nature and animals. Learn more about Alyssa here.

Lee Melillo is a literary agent with Dunham Literary. Lee represents YA, New Adult, and Adult Fiction written by, for, and about marginalized communities (#OwnVoices) in both commercial and upmarket categories. In Adult Fiction, Lee is searching for book club and upmarket fiction from BIPOC women, neurodiverse, and queer authors. She is also open to contemporary or historical fiction centered around myth (but NOT Greek/Roman/Norse!!), either through retellings of classics or the invention of new mythologies for the modern age; dark magical realism; bubblegum thrillers; and socially-conscious horror. In Young and New Adult Fiction, Lee looks for YA that has crossover potential and NA stories set in college or directly post-grad. Diversity is a must, as are well-developed, loveable (or love-to-hateable) characters. She enjoys meticulously-researched, atmospheric historical fiction with an element of mystery/suspense or other propulsive plot engines. She also loves dystopian fiction, but it must be grounded in real life issues and critique our present-day socio-political systems. For contemporary fiction, she’s open to stories centering queer characters, characters with mental illness and particularly OCD, or rom-com heroines with autism in interesting, off-beat settings. Learn more about Lee here.

Kelsey Evans is a literary agent with Rosecliff Literary. In adult fiction, she seeks romance, horror, science fiction, fantasy, suspense, mystery, thriller. In adult nonfiction, she seeks: narrative nonfiction — specifically in sports, nature, and science. In young adult fiction, she seeks: fantasy and magical realism. Generally looking for: immersive settings (fantasy or otherwise), jaw-dropping plot twists, distinctive voice, tight plotting, high concept hooks, emotional character journeys, slow burn romances, top-tier banter. Learn more about Kelsey here.

Lindsey Aduskevich is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management. Picture Books: I am open to all kinds of picture books, both fiction and non-fiction, from authors and author/illustrators. I love humor with heart (but the heart has to be big), dark humor, spooky stories, commercial fiction, lyrical texts, and hard topics. Middle Grade: Send me fantasy, thriller, mystery, adventure, contemporary, and anything in between. Young Adult: I want romcom, fantasy, horror, thriller, historical fiction, contemporary romance, and hard topics that make my heart ache. New Adult: I am open here but would prefer college or just starting out with a little bit of romance or humor. With all genres, I am looking for fresh, unique concepts, phenomenal voices, high-stakes, and emotionally driven stories that speak to current issues and leave the reader with something to think about. Make me cry or laugh (or both) and you will have my heart. ​Learn more about Lindsey here.

Nadia Lynch is a literary agent with Talcott Notch. “I am interested in upmarket, literary, historical, young adult, and women’s fiction, especially narratives that showcase resilient female protagonists. While these genres anchor my reading repertoire, I’m invigorated by books that push boundaries and challenge my perspectives. In nonfiction, I enjoy delving into subjects that expand my understanding. History, philosophy, alternative medicine, and self-improvement books are among my preferred genres, each offering a unique lens to explore and absorb new insights.” Learn more about Nadia here.

Deb Werksman is an executive editor with Sourcebooks Casablanca. She is seeking: Romance fiction (contemporary, New Adult, historical romance, paranormal romance, erotic romance, Romcom), Romantic Women’s Fiction, Uplit, Domestic suspense/thriller. Looking for: a hook we can sell within 2-3 sentences; uplifting, aspirational, cathartic or vicarious reading experience; romance elements, family themes, just the right amount of angst, emotionally satisfying or happy ending. Learn more about Deb here.

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ADDED ONLINE PITCHING: To ensure that writers have a robust and diverse lineup of agents & editors to pitch, 2026 Connecticut Writing Workshop attendees will have the ability to also pitch literary agents at a specific Writing Day Workshops *online* event that follows the 2025 Connecticut event on our calendar.

That event is the 2025 (Online) California Writing Workshop, June 12-13, 2026, which will have 30-40 agents taking one-on-one Zoom virtual pitches.

This means that 2026 Connecticut attendees can have access to pitching all those online California agents — pitches still at $29 each — without being a formal registrant for the online June 2026 CALWW. (That said, if you want to formally register for the June 12-13 California Writing Workshop and have access to all classes and panels, let us know, as there is a discount for confirmed Connecticut attendees.)

If you are interested in this added pitching opportunity, the first step is to get formally registered for Connecticut. Following the conference on March 27, 2026, we will be in touch with all Connecticut attendees and ask them if they want to partake in pitching online agents at the 2026 CALWW (June 13-14). At that time, you can communicate your pitch requests and purchase meeting time.

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         More 2026 agents may be added at any time.

These one-on-one meetings are an amazing chance to pitch your book face-to-face with an agent, and get personal, individual feedback on your pitch/concept. If the agent likes your pitch, they’ll request to see part/all of your book — sending you straight past the slush pile. It also gives you an intimate chance to meet with an agent and pick their brain with any questions on your mind.

(Please note that Agent/Editor Pitching is an add-on, separate aspect of the day, for only those who sign up. Spaces are limited for these premium meetings, and pricing/detail is explained below.)

PRICING

$169 — EARLY BIRD registration pricing! This is the complete base price for registration to the 2026 CWW and access to all workshops, all day. As of fall 2025, registration is now open.

To register, click the button above, or email Chuck at WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com and tell him you’re interested in the Connecticut event.

Add $29 — to secure a 10-minute one-on-one meeting with any of our literary agents in attendance. Use this special meeting as a chance to pitch your work and get professional feedback on your pitch. (Spaces limited.) If they wish, attendees are free to sign up for multiple 10-minute pitch sessions at $29/session — pitching multiple individuals, or securing 20 minutes to pitch one person rather than the usual 10. Here are quick testimonials regarding writers who have signed with literary agents after pitching them at prior Writing Day Workshops events. (Our bigger, growing list of success stories can be seen here.)

“I met Mai Nguyen at the Toronto Writing Workshop
and sold her manuscript to Simon & Schuster for six figures.”
– literary agent Carly Watters of P.S. Literary Agency

“I signed Sarah G. Pierce from the Seattle Writing Workshop,
and we recently sold her book to Orbit/Redhook.”
– literary agent Pam Gruber of Highline Literary Collective

“I met Amber Cowie at a Writing Day Workshops conference. We sold
her best-selling crime novel to Lake Union / Amazon.”
– literary agent Gordon Warnock of Fuse Literary

“I met my client, Dana Corbit Nussio, at the Michigan Writing Workshop.
Dana signed a new three-book contract with Harlequin Romantic Suspense.”
– literary agent Rachel Beck of Liza Dawson Associates

“I signed Nedda Lewers from a Writing Day Workshops event. Her debut
novel from Putnam Children’s was an Indie’s Introduce Best Book of 2024.”
– literary agent Kelly Dyksterhouse of Tobias Literary Agency

Add $69 — for an in-depth, personal critique of your one-page query letter from instructor Chuck Sambuchino, one of the day’s coordinators. (This rate is a special event value for Connecticut Writing Workshop attendees only.) Registrants are encouraged to take advantage of the specially-priced critique, so they can send out their query letter with confidence following the workshop. Also, if you are meeting with an agent at the event, you’re essentially speaking your query letter aloud to them. Wouldn’t it be wise to give that query letter (i.e., your pitch) one great edit before that meeting?

Add $89 — for an in-depth personal critique of the first 10 pages of your novel. Spaces with faculty for these critiques are very limited, and participating attendees will either 1) get an in-person meeting at the workshop, if the faculty member is attending the live event, or 2) get a 15-minute phone call with the faculty member, and have notes passed along via email, if the critiquer is not attending the live event. Options:

  • All types of middle grade; all types of young adult; and adult fantasy, sci-fi, and historical fiction (no horror or thriller) (virtual critiques): Faculty member Jillian Boehme, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
  • Fantasy, historical fiction, horror, literary fiction, magical realism, mystery, romance, sci-fi, thriller, upmarket, women’s fiction, memoir, and young adult (virtual critiques): Faculty member Victoria Griffin, a writing coach and author, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
  • Children’s picture books (virtual critiques): Faculty member Rosie Pova, a published author, will get your work in advance, critique your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime around the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting. If you submit a picture book, it must be 1,000 words or fewer (can have illustrations or not).
  • Romance, women’s fiction, domestic suspense, and young adult fiction (virtual critiques): Faculty member Swati Hegde, an author and freelance editor, will get your work in advance, critique the first 10 double-spaced pages of your book, meet with you online (Zoom, etc.) or by phone for 15 minutes sometime before the workshop to discuss her thoughts, and pass along written critique notes before or after the meeting.
  • More critique options possibly forthcoming

How to pay/register — Registration is now open.

To register, click the button above. Or reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com. He will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The CWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Connecticut workshop specifically.

REGISTRATION

Because of limited space at the venue of Courtyard Shelton (just outside New Haven, CT), the workshop can only allow 125 registrants, unless spacing issues change. For this reason, we encourage you to book sooner rather than later.

(Please note that this is an in-person event. We at Writing Day Workshops plan both online/virtual as well as in-person events. This next CWW is an in-person event happening in New Haven on March 27, 2026. See you there.)

Are spaces still available? Yes, we still have spaces available. We will announce RIGHT HERE, at this point on this web page, when all spaces are taken. If you do not see a note right here saying how all spaces are booked, then yes, we still have room, and you are encouraged to register.

How to Register:

To register, click the button above. Or reach out to workshop organizer Chuck Sambuchino via email: WritingDayWorkshops@gmail.com. He will pass along registration information to you, and give instructions on how to pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. Once payment is complete, you will have a reserved seat at the event. The CWW will send out periodic e-mail updates to all registered attendees with any & all news about the event. Because Chuck plans different workshops, make sure you note that you’re inquiring about the Connecticut workshop specifically.

Refunds: If you sign up for the event and have to cancel for any reason, you will receive 50% of your total payment back [sent by check or PayPal]. The other 50% is nonrefundable and will not be returned, and helps the workshop ensure that only those truly interested in the limited spacing sign up for the event. (Please note that query editing payments are completely non-refundable if the instructor has already edited your letter.)

Thank you for your interest in the 2026 Connecticut Writing Workshop.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Lindsey Aduskevich of Martin Literary Management

Lindsey Aduskevich is a literary agent with Martin Literary Management.

She is seeking: Picture Books, Middle Grade, Young Adult, New Adult

Lindsey is excited to build her list with passionate, kind, and hard-working authors. As an avid reader, she is open to a wide variety of genres, including picture book, middle grade, young adult, and new adult.

After graduating with a B.A. in English from the University of Connecticut, where she developed a love for books that inspire empathy and foster a deeper understanding of the world in which we live, Lindsey became determined to carve a career in the publishing industry. She attended her first SCBWI conference in 2019, and later joined several critique groups, became a member of Julie Hedlund’s 12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge, and a member of Inked Voices. She interned with Senior Literary Manager Kristen Terrette before starting her career as an agent.

As an agented kidlit writer herself, Lindsey is familiar with the ups and downs of the query trenches and submission process and hopes to emulate the same compassion and quick communication she found in several agents who helped guide her own writing journey.

Residing in Southington, CT with her husband and two girls, Lindsey enjoys borrowing unusually tall stacks of picture books from the local library, snakeboarding in the basement with her family, hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter, and celebrating all the “wins” with her favorite critique partners.

Lindsey is looking for the following genres:

Picture Books: I am open to all kinds of picture books, both fiction and non-fiction, from authors and author/illustrators. I love humor with heart (but the heart has to be big), dark humor, spooky stories, commercial fiction, lyrical texts, and hard topics.

Middle Grade: Send me fantasy, thriller, mystery, adventure, contemporary, and anything in between.

Young Adult: I want romcom, fantasy, horror, thriller, historical fiction, contemporary romance, and hard topics that make my heart ache.

New Adult: I am open here but would prefer college or just starting out with a little bit of romance or humor.

With all genres, I am looking for fresh, unique concepts, phenomenal voices, high-stakes, and emotionally driven stories that speak to current issues and leave the reader with something to think about. Make me cry or laugh (or both) and you will have my heart. ​

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Kelsey Evans of Rosecliff Literary

Kelsey Evans is a literary agent with Rosecliff Literary.

Kelsey is a publishing professional with a background in communications, marketing, and editing. After a decade helming marketing strategy and content development for agencies with major clients like AAA, Dannon, and Target, she transitioned into publishing. She began as an editor, helping writers shape their work through developmental feedback, query critiques, and revision guidance.

Later, she moved into agenting, interning with Triada US and Creative Media Agency (CMA), where she gained hands-on experience in manuscript evaluation, submissions, and client development. Passionate about championing authors, Kelsey now combines editorial insight with marketing expertise to help writers navigate both craft and career.

She is especially excited to seek out independent voices by tracking breakout self-published successes, surfacing under-the-radar talent, and scouting the indie authors whose sales, platforms, and craft signal they’re ready to leap into traditional publishing.

SHE IS SEEKING:

Adult fiction: romance, horror, science fiction, fantasy, suspense, mystery, thriller.

Adult nonfiction: narrative nonfiction — specifically in sports, nature, and science.

Young adult fiction: fantasy and magical realism.

Generally looking for: immersive settings (fantasy or otherwise), jaw-dropping plot twists, distinctive voice, tight plotting, high concept hooks, emotional character journeys, slow burn romances, top-tier banter.

NONFICTION SPECIFICS:

Anything science-related, specifically physics, is a yes for me! Think Brian Greene and Carlo Rovelli, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.

Personal women’s rowing or basketball stories like The Red Rose Crew or In These Girls, Hope is a Muscle. I’d also love a larger look at the WNBA and growth of women’s basketball as a whole.

Nature-based nonfiction like The Hidden Life of Trees or quiet, uplifting stories like Raising Hare.

Heartfelt, funny, compelling cooking stories. Everything from Calvin Trillin’s The Tummy Trilogies to Marissa Ross’s Wine, All the Time. Coming from a food background, I’d love personal insights into the world beyond The Bear. Think: The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry; The Making of a Chef; Animal, Vegetable, Miracle; The Omnivore’s Dilemma; A Homemade Life; Tender at the Bone; On Food and Cooking.

A deep dive into the recent “tradwife” phenomenon, specifically as it intersects with social media, capitalism, economic precarity, and right-wing ideology.

ROMANCE SPECIFICS:

Sports (anything but hockey or football). Send me lacrosse stories, basketball rivals, rowing books — especially if they’re queer. They can be witty, snarky, and fun (Cleat Cute) or deeply moving and compelling (A Sharp Endless Need).

Formula 1 or English Premier League stories!

Grounded, laugh out loud grumpy x sunshine stories like Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks.

If you’re a fanfic writer and have banter chops like DMATMOOBIL or Lionheart please (please please) send stories my way!

Action/adventure romps like Pirates Of the Caribbean or National Treasure with a romance through-line.

YES to dark academia and gothic aesthetics. I’d love to see these trends explored more deeply in the Romance space, especially with emotional complexity and immersive but accessible atmospheres (Spells for Forgetting, for example).

Speculative Romance (think The Dead Romantics from Ashley Poston).

HORROR SPECIFICS:

Cults

Mike Flanagan-esque stories or anything that mixes religion or spirituality with horror, like Hell Followed With Us or Black Sheep or Archive 81.

Slow unfolding horror with an unreliable narrator like Meg Smitherman’s Thrum.

BIPOC-centered stories like The Only Good Indians or Kindred.

X-Files. Twin Peaks. Give me weird and creepy and a slow-burning fire.

SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY:

Supernatural investigators like Dresden Files or Constantine, or an aged-up heist story like Six of Crows.

I like a good Romantasy but very selectively. It has to be a fresh take on the genre and not a rewrite of SJM or RY.

Cozy fantasy is a yes, especially if it has some romance and a bit of mystery. Think The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst or The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields. If I could live inside Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle I would be the happiest camper.

I’m really interested in branching out to sci-fi. This can look like the creepy corporate world within Severance, the isolated, character-driven stories of Andy Weir, or something more expansive and adventurous in the spirit of Firefly or Doctor Who — helmed by a complex lead (Malcolm Reynolds and the Tenth Doctor, be still my heart).

SUSPENSE / THRILLER / MYSTERY:

A super dry, superbly paced English or Scottish standalone like Dept. Q, a series like Slow Horses by Mick Herron, or a multi-timeline, interwoven mystery like Case Histories by Kate Atkinson.

Sticky, evocative books like Bright Young Women and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

Compulsive page-turners a la Freida McFadden, The Devil in the Dark Water, We Solve Murders/The Thursday Murder Club, Killers of a Certain Age. If you have a novel where the trio from The First Wives Club solve a mystery, I’m BEGGING you to send it to me.

Tense thrillers in the vein of My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite, protagonists like Olivia Pope in Scandal.

Atmospheric suspense stories like The Cloisters by Katy Hays.

REQUESTS FOR ALL GENRES:

Family dynamics of White Oleander or Yellowstone (I’d love a ranch setting)

My Dark Vanessa should be required reading for everyone, ever. If you have an angry, heartbreaking, unputdownable story — please share it.

Make me sob like the last 100 pages of House of Earth and Blood did (I mean it, break my heart)

YOUNG ADULT SPECIFICS:

Fantasy:

A twist on a myth we haven’t seen before, complete with social commentary (Lore, Legendborn)

If Lex Croucher would approve, I want to see it. Gwen and Art are Not in Love and Not for the Faint of Heart are two of my favorite reads in this area.

Give me grounded fantasy with coming-of-age struggles like The Mediator series by Meg Cabot.

Misc. requests for YA specifically:

Books that tackle hard subjects like Gingerbread by Rachel Cohn and Dreamland by Sarah Dessen.

Magical Realism like Weetzie Bat or Every Heart a Doorway.

Stories about the pressures of being an elite student-athlete. Specifically focused on the balance required to excel at both, the day-to-day of what that looks like, the complicated teammate/friend/rival relationships that are formed, and the harsh truths about competing at the level.

I’m not a great fit for the following:

AI anything
Screenplays, poetry, and short stories
Picture books
Teen pregnancy stories
Zombies or dystopian
Pet deaths or animal abuse of any kind

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Lee Melillo of Dunham Literary

Lee Melillo is a literary agent with Dunham Literary.

Lee  (they/she) joined Dunham Literary, Inc. in May 2024 as Jennie Dunham’s assistant, following an internship with Dystel, Goderich, & Bourret LLC. She was made an Associate Literary Agent in June 2025. Lee additionally manages the agency’s social media and website, is a second-reader for queries, handles royalty statements and permissions, and assists on preparing submissions.

Lee graduated summa cum laude from Fordham University in 2022, with departmental honors in English and Theatre Directing. Through her majors, Lee discovered her passion for advocating for writers. She believes literature is one of the most effective ways to gain empathy for and understanding of life experiences outside our own.

Originally from New Haven, Lee now resides in Queens with her cats/office assistants, Meatloaf and Muffin Man. Lee maintains her love of theatre as the Executive Artistic Director of Personal Pizza Party, an indie production company, and by performing full renditions of musical theatre classics on the glorious stage of her shower.

You can find Lee on Instagram and Bluesky at @leemelillobooks.

What Lee’s Seeking:

Lee represents YA, New Adult, and Adult Fiction written by, for, and about marginalized communities (#OwnVoices) in both commercial and upmarket categories. She looks for high-concept plots, atmospheric prose, and well-drawn universes with commercial hooks that can reel in a wide range of readers and subsequently deliver well-executed, memorable reading experiences on the sentence level. She appreciates elements of mystery or suspense, especially in historical settings; big-hearted, accessible reads that center platonic and/or romantic relationships; and sharp, weird senses of humor that appeals to a generation of readers raised online.

In Adult Fiction, Lee is searching for book club and upmarket fiction from BIPOC women, neurodiverse, and queer authors. She’d like contemporary fiction exploring complex issues that have both personal and societal implications; eclectic rom-coms with strong plots and unique hooks; ensemble-casts, ideally of women and/or queer folk; or cozy slice-of-life centered around a community space. She is also open to contemporary or historical fiction centered around myth (but NOT Greek/Roman/Norse!!), either through retellings of classics or the invention of new mythologies for the modern age; dark magical realism; bubblegum thrillers; and socially-conscious horror.

In Young and New Adult Fiction, Lee looks for YA that has crossover potential and NA stories set in college or directly post-grad. Her taste in these categories is broad, but she’s mostly looking for stories her 15-year-old self would’ve dedicated a tumblr blog to. Diversity is a must, as are well-developed, loveable (or love-to-hateable) characters. She enjoys meticulously-researched, atmospheric historical fiction with an element of mystery/suspense or other propulsive plot engines. She also loves dystopian fiction, but it must be grounded in real life issues and critique our present-day socio-political systems. For contemporary fiction, she’s open to stories centering queer characters, characters with mental illness and particularly OCD, or rom-com heroines with autism in interesting, off-beat settings.

Lee does NOT currently represent picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, or non-fiction/memoirs of any kind. Lee is also not generally a fan of: Erotica; high fantasy or space operas; very literary stories or any stories that lack high-concept hooks, anything military/police/modern politics; European/American WW1 or WW2 stories; Greek/Roman/Norse mythology; British historicals (especially Regency Era); most sports; AI-centric sci-fi; stories about gang life or the mafia; explicit depictions of sexual assault, self-harm/suicide attempts, eating disorders, or violent cruelty towards people or animals; or anything where a pet dies.

Get to Know an Editor in Attendance: Deb Werksman of Sourcebooks

Deb Werksman is an executive editor with Sourcebooks Casablanca.

She is seeking: Romance fiction (contemporary, New Adult, historical romance, paranormal romance, erotic romance, Romcom), Romantic Women’s Fiction, Uplit, Domestic suspense/thriller.

Looking for: a hook we can sell within 2-3 sentences; uplifting, aspirational, cathartic or vicarious reading experience; romance elements, family themes, just the right amount of angst, emotionally satisfying or happy ending.

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Nadia Lynch of Talcott Notch

Nadia Lynch is a literary agent with Talcott Notch.

“As a newly appointed Junior Literary Agent, “I am thrilled to continue my journey in the world of literature, combining my love for books with a dedication to supporting authors through the publishing process.

“Since joining Talcott Notch Literary, I’ve served as a steadfast support to our agents, delving into queries, managing royalties and payments, curating social media, conducting research, and tackling daily projects. The opportunity to immerse myself in the world of literature is a dream come true—one that stemmed from my lifelong passion for books.

“Upon earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern New Hampshire University, I worked as a paralegal in the structured legal realm. Yet, the allure of a career merging structure with the limitless creativity found in literature was irresistible.

“I am interested in upmarket, literary, historical, young adult, and women’s fiction, especially narratives that showcase resilient female protagonists. While these genres anchor my reading repertoire, I’m invigorated by books that push boundaries and challenge my perspectives.

“In nonfiction, I enjoy delving into subjects that expand my understanding. History, philosophy, alternative medicine, and self-improvement books are among my preferred genres, each offering a unique lens to explore and absorb new insights.

“I firmly believe that the multifaceted dimensions of my background—from my academic journey to my time as a paralegal and experience in the literary agency—will uniquely contribute to my ability to represent effectively and champion authors in their literary endeavors.”

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Gina Panettieri of Talcott Notch

Gina Panettieri is a literary agent with Talcott Notch.

“Being an agent is really all I can imagine doing. Books, and the amazing people who write them, have been the focus of my life for more than two decades. I remember packing to move my house and needing a separate small truck just for all the books, and I had given away countless volumes to the libraries for fundraisers already! But so many of them were treasured friends I couldn’t bear to part with, no matter the effort required to maintain the relationship.

“And this specific role I play, being given the chance to find and nurture new books, to work with some of the most creative and talented writers, scientists and psychologists, cooks and criminologists, experts from every field of study, makes what I do feel so different from work that my inbox feels like Santa’s magical Christmas bag. It’s always full, always overflowing, but brimming with the potential of something spectacular. All I’ve got to do is pull the little ribbon…

“Perhaps that’s why I have such trouble limiting myself to just a few genres. I find it all fascinating! History, business, self-help, science, gardening, cookbooks, crafts, parenting, memoir, true crime and travel. Teach me something new, something I couldn’t find somewhere else, something based on original research and that’s the hook I’m looking for.

“With fiction, I love quirky, edgy characters. Send me women’s fiction, paranormal, urban fantasy, horror, science fiction, historical, mystery, thrillers and suspense.

“Those rare moments I’m not reading or editing or talking about reading or editing or arguing about contracts, sleeping on the train, or tweeting about industry news, I adore classic films and old-time radio shows.”

Get to Know an Agent in Attendance: Alyssa Maltese of Root Literary

Alyssa Maltese is a literary agent at Root Literary seeking young adult fiction, adult fiction, and adult nonfiction.

Getting to be an early champion for authors’ work is a huge privilege, and a responsibility for which I am deeply grateful. I am proud to represent books that you can’t put down, books that surprise you, books that make you think, and, above all else, books that help people. I joined the agency in 2019 and live in New Jersey with my husband, son, and disobedient cat.

Across the board, I welcome books about marginalized characters, by marginalized creators.
In the YA space, I’m seeking contemporary coming-of-age stories that help burgeoning readers discover their own voice and sense of self-worth. I’m open to genre elements (specifically speculative, fantasy, romance, horror, and historical), but in general I prefer fiction grounded in our world.

I’m casting a wider net for literary adult fiction and upmarket book club fiction. Above all I’m drawn to contemporary or lightly speculative novels with literary prose and hooky commercial concepts/execution.

My very favorite kind of historical fiction reveals untold stories of interesting women, ideally in non-Western settings.

I’m also seeking thrillers, suspense, and horror. I’m open to sci-fi elements in these genres.

In the adult nonfiction space, I’m seeking both prescriptive and research-driven narrative nonfiction from authors with an established expertise and platform. Topics of interest include psychology, mental health, media criticism, pop culture, taboo topics such as death and sex, and science pertaining to nature and animals.

I am not accepting submissions for poetry, screenplays, middle grade, early reader books, chapter books, picture books, graphic novels, or illustrations.