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.

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.