Algonkian Workshops in SF and VA
For example, Fisherman's Wharf and Algonkian Park. Our core novel and fiction workshops last for five days, 12-15 attendees being the norm. Focus is on all phases of novel creation (execution, premise, plot, character, etc.), development of platform, marketing the ms to agents and editors (log lines, pitches, query letters, etc.), as well as strategies and pitfalls regarding the selection of appropriate agents and editors. Extensive pre-workshop assignments are included. Advantages are close one-on-one interaction with professionals in a small-group environment, greater in-depth exploration of each writer's novel and issues, top grade writing exercises, and a personalized plan for working towards publication.

San Francisco Write and Pitch Conference
The W&PC is also the only writer conference to evaluate your novel or work-in-progress even before you arrive. The W&PC in Corte Madera lasts for three days and allows 60 or more attendees. The event provides comprehensive, hands-on experience with everything the aspiring author must know in order to be realistically competitive in today's market. Lectures, assignments, and panels follow the Algonkian workshop format below with emphasis on premise and plot, platform, market, and execution. The Algonkian Competitive Fiction Guide is included as well as extensive pre-conference assignments. Advantages are shorter amount of days, lower cost, a greater number of agents to pitch, a comprehensive prose/MS Structural analysis that provides a realistic assessment of the novel's strengths and weaknesses even before the writer arrives at the conference, and not least, the restful and beautiful location in Corte Madera, just 20 minutes north of San Francisco.

New York Pitch Conference
The NYC is the higher end event, usually for writers with commercially viable projects and who are further ahead in the game. It lasts four days and allows up to 60 attendees divided into four workshop groups. Focus is on devising a pitch model for the novel, and using it not only to attract editors in the publishing business, but as a diagnostic tool to determine the plot and premise needs of the novel itself. Advantages include interaction with top professionals in the business, days of hard-hitting analysis and in-depth discussion of each writers project and how it relates to the market, as well as a greater opportunity to become published.