Avoiding the Slush Pile

What keeps an agent reading—and what makes them stop?

Join Debra Engle and Julie Cantrell for a live first-pages workshop, in which five participants will be selected at random to read the opening of a novel, memoir, essay, screenplay, or other writing project.

As they listen, Debra and Julie will respond as literary agents might. When they reach a point where they would stop reading, they'll explain why and offer practical suggestions for strengthening the work.

You can participate as a reader or simply attend and learn from the feedback provided to others.

Important Notes

• Participation as a reader is voluntary.

• Five readers will be selected at random at the beginning of the session.

• Please have your manuscript ready if you'd like to participate.

• Attendance is limited to current Story Summit members.

Registration includes the Zoom link for this live event.

We look forward to seeing you there!