Literary Agents to Field Pitches from Aspiring Authors at 2014 MD Writer’s Conference

Three agents from noted literary agencies will be fielding ten-minute “practice pitches” at the 2014 Maryland Writers’ Conference, a day-long event celebrating the state’s thriving literary arts scene. The conference offers aspiring, emerging, and established writers the opportunity to mingle with agents, editors, and publishers in a relaxed and intimate setting on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the Conference Center at the Maritime Institute (CCMIT) in Linthicum Heights.

Shannon O’Neill of Lippincott Massie McQuilkin Literary Agents in New York City, Jessica Negrón of Talcott Notch Literary Services in Milford, Connecticut, and Jessica Sinsheimer of Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency in New York City will be helping conference attendees to develop sales pitches that will convince agents and editors to take them on as clients. Mastering the pitch is an essential skill for successful authors.

Practice pitches are traditionally one of most popular features of the Maryland Writers’ Conference, and advance registrations often sell out before the day of the conference. Although registrants are informed in advance that their sessions will likely not lead to representation, pitch practice agents have been known to make offers on the spot—an exciting prospect that keeps writers coming back for more.

Along with O’Neill, Negrón, and Sinsheimer, over 30 other distinguished literary personalities will be speaking to attendees on a broad range of topics related to the art, business, and craft of writing at the conference. Other noteworthy speakers include Baltimore screenwriter and author Rafael Alvarez, past Maryland Poet Laureate Michael Glaser, and director of The Writer’s Center Stewart Moss.

Registration is $170 for members and $200 for non-members, available through the MWA website and at the door. The theme for this year’s Maryland Writers’ Conference is “Feed Your Writing Habit.” Enrollment for the MWA’s annual flagship event is expected to exceed 100.

Founded in 1988, the Maryland Writers’ Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the art, business, and craft of writing in all its forms.