From Draft to Deal
Writing Queries that Win Over Agents with NYT bestselling author Julie Cantrell
and literary agent Jessica Berg
November 12, 2024
8 to 10 p.m. Eastern (5 to 7 p.m. Pacific)
Ready to make your query letter irresistible? Join our Story Summit Flash Class, From Draft to Deal: Writing Queries that Win Over Agents. This high-energy session is perfect for novelists, memoirists, and nonfiction writers looking to elevate their submissions game.
Learn directly from industry powerhouses — NYT bestselling author Julie Cantrell and literary agent Jessica Berg — as they reveal the secrets to crafting a pitch that demands attention and opens doors to your literary career.
Get your burning questions answered and discover exactly what agents crave. You’ll walk away with actionable tips that transform your query from ordinary to unforgettable. Whether you’re putting the final polish on your letter or starting from scratch, this is your chance to gain expert insights.
During this class you’ll learn:
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What a query letter is and why you need it.
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Key elements essential to every query letter.
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How to start your query, and how to end it.
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Proven tips to grab an agent’s attention.
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Red flags to avoid in your query.
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Ways to find the ideal comps for your book.
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How to submit your query.
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Industry trends to consider as you craft your pitch.
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Real-life query examples.
And more!
You can submit your query letter here to be workshopped live. The letter will be chosen at random from all the submissions. Please note that you must be registered for the From Draft to Deal class to participate
Faculty
Julie Cantrell is a multiple award-winning, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, editor, story coach, TEDx speaker, and ghostwriter. She served as editor-in-chief of the Southern Literary Review and has received the Mississippi Arts Commission Literary Arts Fellowship, the Rivendell Writer’s Colony Mary Elizabeth Nelson Fellowship, and the Pat Conroy Writer’s Residency Fellowship.
Jessica Berg is a literary agent at Rosecliff Literary. She leverages her extensive background as a developmental editor to champion new and emerging authors. She is actively building her list, focusing on compelling character-driven narratives with strong voices and unique settings. Known for her collaborative approach, Jessica works closely with authors to refine their manuscripts and strategically build their careers.
$49 for 2 hours of instruction
EVENING CLASS
November 12, 2024
8 to 10 PM Eastern (5 to 7 PM Pacific)
Story Summit + Annual subscribers receive a complimentary coupon available in their dashboard for this class. Not a subscriber yet? join here.
Please note: Our classes are designed specifically for live participation, so your attendance is important. If you need to miss a class for any reason, you’ll receive a passcode-protected link to watch the recordings after the course is over.
A Peek at Our Past Virtual Classes
