Feb. 13 from 6:30 - 7:45 p.m. EST

You've written your manuscript, and you're ready to pitch it to a publisher. But first, you need a literary agent. Finding the best agent who will advocate for you and your story is not always an easy or quick process. And if you've never queried an agent before, you might not know where to start. The Writing Room is here to help alleviate stress and answer all your questions about securing an agent!

Detroit Writing Room coach Justin Brouckaert and Monica Rodriguez are professional literary agents who help writers find agents and understand what to expect from this part of the publishing process. During the virtual panel the agents will cover: Why you may need an agent; the best ways to find agents; how to determine who is an ideal agent for you and your project(s)'; and what to expect once an agent says "yes" to working with you! Early bird tickets are $50 until Jan. 13.

Tickets

March 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Detroit Writing Room coach Elizabeth Ann Atkins will teach you how to write your book in a day. As the bestselling author of nearly 60 books and CEO of Two sisters Writing & Publishing®, this book coach who has taught college-level writing will share her experience and expertise to help you finally write your book. She will inspire with the mindset required to achieve this dream, and she will provide the mechanics required to write an impactful, engaging book that captivates your target audience.

So bring your pens, notepads and laptops, and get ready to write, revise and learn. If you've been confused and overwhelmed, not knowing where to start your book, you'll leave this day-long experience feeling confident and equipped with the structure and knowledge required to finally compose until you type THE END.

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Thursday, March 27 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Wherever you are in the writing process, submitting your work can be a helpful light at the end of the tunnel. But the world of literary magazines and small publishers is so expansive and diverse, it’s hard to know where and how to send your work out for publication. In this virtual workshop with Dennis James Sweeney, author of "How to Submit: Getting Your Writing Published with Literary Magazines and Small Presses," we’ll talk about the landscape of literary magazines and small presses, strategies for achieving your publication goals and how to navigate the vulnerability of sending out the writing you’ve worked so hard on. You’ll leave the class with next steps for submitting your latest piece of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction or hybrid work. This informational class will also include written reflection, group discussion and Q&A time.

Tickets

Saturday, March 22 from 6 - 7 p.m. EST

Join us for a book talk and signing with award-winning author Bridgett M. Davis! Come celebrating the release of her new memoir "Love, Rita" at 27th Letter Books. Bridgett M. Davis is the author of “The World According To Fannie Davis: My Mother’s Life In The Detroit Numbers.” Her latest book, “Love, Rita,” will be released by Harper Books in March.

At the event, Kat Stafford, a global race and justice editor at Reuters and Journalism Camp coach, will moderate the conversation. Guests will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A. Tickets are a suggested minimum $15 donation. All proceeds benefit The Detroit Writing Room’s 2025 Journalism Camp and Coaching Detroit Forward scholarships for Detroit high school students to attend the camp for free.

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July 7-18, 2025

Applications are now open for The Detroit Writing Room's 2025 Journalism Camp in partnership with Coaching Detroit Forward and Planet Detroit! The camp provides an immersive experience that teaches high school students fundamental writing and reporting skills while focusing on issues impacting their neighborhoods. Most importantly, they’ll receive the tools and confidence to write about issues that matter to them and their communities. With access to some of the top editors, journalists and photographers in Detroit, students also gain mentors who can guide them to future internship and job opportunities. 

Students who attend a Detroit high school or reside in Detroit are eligible to attend the two-week camp for free. They'll learn writing and storytelling from professional journalists and write an article that will be published by Planet Detroit!  

Apply to attend by May 2, 2025 here.

Oct. 3-5, 2025

Join award-winning author and writing coach Lynne Golodner for an interactive weekend writers retreat in Detroit.

We’ll hear from local authors, meander among artwork, murals and nature, kayak along the Detroit River and canals that flow into it, and taste some of the best flavors the Motor City has to offer, all as inspiration for our writing!

This generative retreat, open to writers of all genres and experience levels, includes time to write, focused instruction, two breakfasts, two lunches, a welcome reception and Saturday happy hour. Participants will receive writing materials, including a purple journal and pen. Morning writing sessions will be held at the Wayne State University Press.

Accommodations and transportation to Detroit are on your own. The retreat begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 and concludes at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5.

Apply to attend by April 15 here.