Our Appointment Process
I’ve never forgotten my first writers’ conference . . .
It was a huge financial sacrifice. I was beyond nervous!
My first experience at the conference – a panel of editors – only heightened my anxiety. Even though I’d not forgotten the shorthand I learned in high school (yes, I know that dates me), I couldn’t write everything the editors said they were—and were not—wanting to see.
Trying to choose was even more stressful, and there was no guarantee those I chose would meet with me.
At the Write His Answer Conference, you have access to the editorial needs pre-conference, and YOU get to choose who you want to meet with (based on their availability) before the conference.
You don’t need to make last-minute decisions once the conference begins. Instead, you submit your appointment requests pre-conference. The earlier you register, the better opportunity you’ll have of getting your top choices.
How Our Appointments Work
For each of your THREE (3) free appointments (one additional appointment if you are among the first 30 to register), you'll be scheduled, along with one or two other conferees, for a thirty-minute session with the faculty member(s) you have chosen again based on their availability. Each conferee will pitch a project and receive input from the faculty member.
This year we are offering 9 Learning Labs, 9 Continuing Sessions AND 54 workshops – all LIVE. Appointments will be scheduled during them. Yes, that means you will need to miss the first or last half hour of a continuing session or 30 minutes of a 50-minute workshop, BUT remember, for only $59 you can purchase access to the video replays through 12/31/2026. After the conference, the cost is $89. Only conferees may purchase access to the videos.
For those not with us since we went virtual in 2021, a 30-minute appointment where with 1 or 2 other writers is really new, right? Please don’t be afraid of change. Give it a fair go! Pray for the others in your appointment as you wait your turn. Consider this for what it is: a GREAT opportunity to make new friends and build ongoing relationships with other writers. We need each other!
More help . . .
We’re offering FREE pre-conference webinars (live and pre-recorded) to better prepare you to meet with an agent or editor. These training videos will be available for you to view at your convenience. Click here to see what’s available.
We’re also offering FREE “Practice Your Pitch” Zoom meetings – nonfiction with Karen Whiting (June 9 at 2 pm and June 10 at 8 pm) and fiction with DiAnn Mills (June 4 at noon). All times are Eastern. We will provide the links after you register.
If your first choices are not available . . .
Check to see if they are doing a round table. You can view the list of round tables from last year on the round tables page. Amazing! The 2026 round tables will be posted prior to the conference. Keep in mind that the round tables are not recorded, so you’ll want to make it a priority to check the list and not miss the ones that are most important for you.
For in-depth help with a manuscript, see who is available for paid critiques. They will take place via phone, Facetime, or Zoom after the conference.
Now for some important how-to info
If you want to know what God wants you to do,
ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready
to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him;
he will not resent it.
James 1: 5 TLB
Before you complete your Appointment Request Form
- Carefully and prayerfully study the editorial needs and agent interests you’ll find with their bios. Visit again for editors and agents.
- If provided, visit the link with writers’ guidelines for the faculty you are interested in meeting.
- Study the publisher’s online catalog if available.
- On your Appointment Request Form, list the editors and/or agents you are interested in meeting in priority order. Depending on how soon you register, your top pick(s) may already be full, so it’s wise to provide at least five or more names.
Two important deadlines
Appointments will be booked in the order you submit your request on the official appointment form. All appointment requests MUST be received by June 10, but keep in mind the editors and agents you want to meet with are likely to be full by then. The earlier you register for the conference and submit your appointment requests, the better chance you will not be disappointed.
Before the conference begins, Amy will let you know who you will meet with. If you do not get your first choice(s), do not despair. The Lord knows the plans He has for you and your writing (Jeremiah 29:11). Just as you are trusting Him for your salvation and eternal life, you can trust Him with the manuscript you feel called to write.
No later than June 12 you need to email the following to Amy at whaconferenceappointments@gmail.com, so she can send your submission on to the faculty you will meet with. Send your submissions one at a time, with the name of the faculty member in the subject line.
For meeting with magazine editors
50-100 word summary
First page
12-pt Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1" margins
For meeting with book editors and agents
First page of manuscript
12-pt Times New Roman Font, double-spaced, 1" margins
One Sheet that includes
Title, Audience, Brief Overview
Comparative Books, Marketing Plan
Click on the samples below for fiction and nonfiction one sheets
along with links to helpful webinars.
Fiction One Sheet – Darcie Gudger
Click here for sample. First impressions are everything. Like a resume for that dream job, your one sheet needs to leave a lasting impression on agents and editors who require them. Since expectations change like the weather, come learn how you can craft that unforgettable, colorful fiction one sheet. Click here for video from Darcie with helpful tips.
Click here for Barb Haley’s sample one sheet.
Nonfiction One Sheet – Marlene Bagnull
Click here for sample. Marlene’s “Who, ME?” webinar (click here) offers much encouragement, plus what to include and why an agent or editor needs this information to become interested in your book.
Watch for an email prior to the conference with the day and time of your appointment(s).
Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do,
everywhere you go;
he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Proverbs 3:5-7 MSG