FAQs
If you have any questions or comments please contact our registration team at [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Pro appointments, including 8-minute consults, will be available for booking in January, 2025.
Attire at the conference is business casual (if any of us knows what that means anymore! Just don't wear pajamas.) with comfortable clothing for late-night events. Please wear comfortable shoes. Also, bring a sweater, raincoat, and umbrella, as it can get chilly and blustery outside San Francisco this time of year. (In fact, bring a sweater for indoors too, as it might be chilly in some of the meeting rooms.) If it suits your fancy, you can bring something more dressy for the evening social gatherings or dinner out on the town.
Make sure you bring a pen and notebook (or tablet or laptop) for taking notes during the sessions. Business cards to share with agents, editors, and attendees are nice but definitely optional.
You can bring your nonfiction proposal or as much of your manuscript as you're ready to share, a sample chapter, synopsis, outline or even your entire manuscript. But, a well-crafted pitch is much preferred. Agents and editors don't usually read an author's work on the spot or at an interview or take submissions home with them. But some might be willing to look at the first page of a proposal or novel. You will also have the chance to get feedback on your work from independent editors and perhaps other writers. And if an agent or editor gets excited enough about your work, he or she may want to read some of it immediately. Presenters don't usually give writers feedback on their work at conferences, but there are opportunities to get feedback. You can share your work with other attendees and the independent editors, opt for a paid consultation with presenters who are offering them, and perhaps start a critique group with others you meet at the conference.
San Francisco is foody heaven. There are dozens of restaurants in and around the Embarcadero and Ferry Building, from fast food to elegant waterfront spots (Slanted Door) to hidden gems you won't forget (Boulevard). There is also great Thai (Osha Thai) and dim sum (Harborview) steps away from the hotel entrance. SFWC doesn't want you to eat alone. So, there will be a Dinner with Harvey on Thursday and Friday nights. Harvey Pawl is an SFWC friend of the conference, and attendees and presenters can go to a different restaurant for a true SF experience. Sign up at the event. Details will be on a flyer in your attendee bag.
Stop by the Beat Museum on Broadway off Columbus. Check out this celebration of the Beat culture. Also, visit the one-and-only City Lights Bookstore at Columbus and Broadway. Chinatown is amazing. And sip a latte at any of the wonderful places in North Beach. Of course, there is also the Ferry Building, Oracle Park, Coit Tower, Fisherman's Wharf, the waterfront, and other places that make San Francisco so special.
YES! You MUST wear your badge. You will not be allowed into any of the sessions or meals without it.
Ask a volunteer or go to the Registration Desk. They can help you with almost any question. If you still need help, ask Registrations Director Praveena Raman, who is also in the registration area.
We will keep items found in meeting rooms during sessions at the registration desk. At the end of the day, items go to the hotel lost and found.
On the Ground Level in the Grand Ballroom Foyer! BookShop West Portal has once again created an onsite store featuring a wide array of books written by our SFWC presenters and lots of other books just for writers.
All sessions are being video recorded and you will have online access to all sessions for a period of one year as part of your SFWC registration fee.
If you plan to change sessions in the middle, please find a place in the back and exit quietly to avoid distracting the speaker.
Dine with your fellow writers and SFWC Advisor Harvey Pawl. He organizes fun, no-host dinners Thursday and Friday nights of the conference so attendees and presenters can keep the energy (and ideas) flowing. Details are on the pink sheet in your bag.
On Thursday, you can meet new people during No Host, No Pitch Nightcaps in the Eclipse Bar in the Hyatt Atrium, on Friday, we have a keynote in the ballroom with cookies and coffee/tea to settle you in, and on Saturday, we have our big annual Gala followed by the Poetry Reading in the Hyatt Atrium. On Sunday, we end things with a late lunch with Harvey at 2:00 and let you choose to have fun in the city or take a Master Class in the afternoon.
We don't share your contact information with anyone, but you can join our Discord Group by downloading the Discord app and the San Francisco Writers Conference server or head over to our Facebook Group SFWC Community to connect with other attendees.
With the majority of attendees having robust cellular data plans, wi-fi is no longer economically sensible for the conference. Cell signal is available throughout the hotel and conference rooms. Hotel guests get free wi-fi with their room that extends into the Atrium but not to the conference room levels. Wi-fi on the conference room levels can be purchased from the hotel by clicking on the Guest Wi-fi link in your device settings and paying $25/day/device with your credit card.
Presenters, attendees, and volunteers are invited to the gala at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Enjoy live music and let the networking begin! You will receive a drink ticket good for one drink of your choice and there will be heavy hors d'voures. Dress is business casual. This is a great place to make plans to go to dinner with new friends.
Meetings with agents and editors will be scheduled once the conference program and appointment times are finalized. This will be at the beginning of 2024. Once the schedule is finalized, we will send instructions to all registered attendees on the process of how to sign up for these appointments. In the meantime please keep periodically checking our growing list of agents, editors and presenters and see who you want to connect with. Every attendee will get one free 8-minute agent meeting. Additional meetings will be $50. Editor, PR, and Coach meetings are free, but advance scheduling will be limited to one of each. Onsite scheduling for those opens up until all appointments are filled.
Masking is recommended but not required for all SFWC events.
Our recommendation is to continue to wear masks at the conference, especially indoors in sessions, if a room is full. We also recommend masking as you travel to the conference in airplanes or on any other form of public transit. Many presenters have reported zero travel illnesses since masking. Our conference is in February, the heart of flu season. Presenters plan to keep masking on airplanes for their own health and happiness and advise you to do the same.
Is a spouse allowed at any of the events? Specifically the gala?
We haven’t established hard and fast rules for SFWC2022 yet, but we’re inching closer. We usually sell event tickets for spouses at least to the Gala. And they can wander the exhibit hall and shop at the on-site bookstore for free. Plus they can exit the hotel and enjoy the Ferry Building shops, farmers markets, the street vendors along Market Street, ride a cable car, etc. Please subscribe to our newsletter (at SFWriters.org) and we’ll let you know when you can buy extra gala tickets for friends and family and what the cost will be.
Will you accept a negative Covid test taken within a few days rather than a vaccine verification?
I am also interested to know if we can attend without a vaccine passport….
When will the list of agents participating in the speed dating be released?
We will have a preliminary list by November 1, 2021. But we will be adding more as they agree to participate.
We are still working out our Covid vaccine requirements as they are continually being updated by the City of San Francisco and the state of California. As of today, October 23rd, 2021, we are requiring that people be vaccinated or have a negative Covid test taken within 48 hours of arrival, and that people masks, social distance and use hand sanitizer frequently. But as regulations evolve, so will our requirements.
You must be vaccinated or be able to show a negative Covid test result taken within 48 hours of arrival at the conference.
Approximately how many people have attended the Conference in the past? How big do you expect this conference to be?
Thank you,
Susan Hamlin
I’ve already been signed up for months and would like to sign up for speed dating now that I have my booster shot. Yet the form won’t let me add only the speed dating without paying registration again. Please help!
Is single day registration available if I am unable to attend the gala and dinners?
Hi there! Are international applicants accepted for the Scholarships? – A hopeful writer from Canada 🙂
Thank you!
Yes, international applicants can apply for the scholarships, but please understand that only the registration fee for the conference is covered, not travel or hotel stay or incidentals.
We do not offer a single day registration for the main San Francisco Writers Conference. However we do have a couple of one-day mini-conferences on Saturday, February 19, 2022: the Books to Screen Summit and the Poetry Summit. We also offer 3-hour Master Classes on a variety of topics both on Thursday evening from 6:00-9:00 pm (2/17/22) and on Sunday afternoon from 2:00-5:00 pm (2/20/22). They are all really great learning opportunities that do not require SFWC conference attendance.
We usually have 300-400 attendees and 200+ faculty and volunteers. I have no idea how many we’ll have for 2022. It might be less because of Covid fears (even though we are aiming to be the safest in-person event around). It might be a lot more since writers are itching to get out and network with other writers as they supercharge their writing for the year. We will be practicing social distancing in all our meeting rooms, with chairs moved apart and distance between the presenters and the audience. Plus we’re requiring vaccinations and/or negative Covid tests within 48 hours of arrival, and mask wearing.
Don’t worry. You’ll be able to speed date with agents. Back quickly with a process for doing so.
Please email our Registrations/Finance Director, Rich Santos, at [email protected] and he will help you add Speed Dating to your registration.
Hello, do you have the list of agents and their agencies which will be represented at the conference yet? Thanks so much
You can find the initial list on our website, SFWriters.org/speakers, towards the bottom of the page. But it’s early days and we expect to add many more as time marches on.
When and how will the 15 minute, $100 agent chats be available for sign-up? thanks!
Two years ago I registered for the 2022 conference (or rather, the 2021 conference which was canceled due to COVID) and will be unable to attend this year because of the continued risk.
Please advise me on how to receive my refund of $650.
To get a refund, please email our Finance Director Richard Santos at [email protected]. He’ll take care of it for you.
We are still working on this and I hope you’ll be able to sign up for a one-on-one conversation with the agent of your dreams by January.
When do you expect the conference to sell out? I don’t want to risk losing a spot at the conference, but many of the scholarships don’t announce winners until late December or mid-January. (And the scholarships will only apply if you haven’t registered–there is no reimbursement available.)
Regardless of whether we sell out or not, if you paid for your registration and you win a scholarship, we will refund the registration fees you paid. So don’t worry about taking advantage of our earlier lower registration price now.
Hi! I asked about when the conference would sell out because I’m stalling to see if I won a scholarship first. You answered by saying that all scholarship winners would be reimbursed, so not to be afraid of registering right away, but I checked on the scholarship page again and saw this under one of them, and similar wording on others: “If the winner has already registered for the event, the scholarship can be applied to a future San Francisco Writers Conference or San Francisco Writing for Change Conference. It may not be gifted to someone else. (There is no cash value.)” Can you confirm which is correct? I don’t want to risk not being reimbursed.
When I click to register for the Hollywood Summit, a registration form doesn’t come up.
How do I sign up for a one on one with an agent–its listed but I don’t see where you sign up. I’m not really interested in speed dating, I’d rather sit down with an agent for 15 minutes. Would appreciate a response asap, as this will make a difference whether I attend or not. Thanks!
What time does the conference start on Thursday? (Needing to know for hotel reservations.) Thanks!
Can we bring guests? And when will the winner of the directors scholarship be announced?
Is the possible to only register for the $75 session with the literary agents?
San Francisco Writers Conference,
I hope your New Year is off to a great start. I am looking to be on the faculty of a few conferences this year. I am the Agent/Owner of Page Turner Literary Agency and work in children’s literature (picture books through YA, including Graphic Novels). I opened my agency July 2021. Since opening I have sold 6 picture book manuscripts. Unfortunately, none of the publishers have made any official announcements yet. We all know how slow publishing moves. I am registered on Publishers Marketplace. Prior to opening my own agency I interned and was an associate agent at Flannery Literary and worked directly with Jennifer Flannery, agent to the late Gary Paulsen. If you have room on your faculty for me, I would love to join your conference.
My website – pageturnerliteraryagency.com
Twitter – @PageTurnerLit
Thank you,
Dan Cramer
Page Turner Literary Agency
Please email me at [email protected] and we’ll discuss.
-Laurie McLean
All the add ons such as speed dating and agent conversations, are only available to registered attendees. However all our Master Classes on Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon are open to everyone.
Guests can view the exhibitor space and attend “open to the public” events such as Friday night’s WRITING FOR CHANGE panel, but guests are not allowed otherwise as sessions, meals, keynotes, etc. To view all the scholarship winners (including the Director’s Scholarship) go to: https://www.sfwriters.org/scholarships/
Registration opens at noon on Thursday and sessions begin at 1:00 pm.
Since we moved the 2022 conference to July 21-24 in an abundance of safety concerns due to the Omicron variant of Covid-19 surging, we are reconfirming that all our agents are still coming, and reaching out to new agents. We anticipate that Agent Conversation scheduling will open later this year, perhaps May 2022? In normal years when the conference is in February, Agent Conversations will open for scheduling appointments by early January.
Since we had to move the conference to July, all that is being updated over the next few weeks. Please subscribe to the monthly newsletter and follow SFWC on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to get the latest updates.
Is it too late to volunteer for the conference in July?
Does registered attendee has a special rate to dwell at Hyatt Regency Hotel?
Thanks!
Hello,
The Hyatt Regency SF does not seem to have any rooms available for 20-24 July, 2022. Thanks so much for letting me know about the date change. I’ve changed my flight, cancelled the old hotel reservation ( February), but have tried several times to make the new one. thanks for the group reservation code, but without rooms to reserve, I am unable to do it!.
Thanks for assisting me!
Carol Elizabeth Nicholson ( Literary name is EB Carroll)
Email: [email protected] Mobile phone/text : 202-431-3418 Home phone: 310-457-5660
What is the age limit for attendance? I assume 18, but unable to find information on web; specifically asking if 15 or 16 year-old writer can register.
Do you have a role for volunteers? Could I volunteer to work for some of the conference and then be able to attend other segments of it without further charge?
Yes we do have some openings for new volunteers for 2022. The sign ups begin April 15th.
https://askmepc.com/sfwc-volunteers/
More directions will follow once you sign up and you are approved.
You do get to attend sessions when you are not working your own assignments. Volunteers do not get to participate in Agent Conversations or Speed Dating. We have limited slots for those paid sessions and we must keep those to paid attendees. You do however get to go the Gala, and other fun networking events included for you as a volunteer. You will meet many people and have lots of opportunities to network.
Hi
I am an SF based USA Today bestselling author with a number of books, currently a five-part mystery series set in 1970s San Francisco. the first (Vanishing in the Haight) was a USA Today bestseller. Are there any opportunities to speak at the conference or host a panel?
thanks!
Max Tomlinson
How can I cancel? I paid registration by credit card
What is the registration deadline — last day to register?
You can register onsite when the conference is going if you wish. The only difference is the earlier you register, the lower the price.
If you need to cancel your registration, please send an email to our Registration Director at [email protected] and Richard Santos will take care of you.
Since we had originally scheduled our conference for February, we have long had our faculty in place, but if you want to volunteer, check out the opportunities at https://askmepc.com/sfwc-volunteers/ Otherwise, join the conference, or come to the one-day Poetry or Writing for Hollywood summits! There are also free events inside the conference structure such as Writing for Change from 7-10 pm on the Friday night of SFWC, exhibitor booths and other opportunities to mingle and learn.
Email [email protected].
How can an author apply to be a speaker at your 2023 conference?
how to sign up for a volunteer
Can you provide a list of agent for 2022’s Speed Dating Event?
The agents and editors are listed on our speakers page, sfwriters.org/speakers. Here’s a list:
AGENTS
Lisa Abellera, Kimberley Cameron Associates
Michael Carr, Veritas Literary
Karly Dizon, Fuse Literary
* Laurie Fox, Linda Chester Agency
Liz Kracht, Kimberly Cameron Associates
Paul S. Levine, Paul S. Levine Literary Agency (also entertainment attorney)
Jill Marr, Sandra Dijkstra Agency
Laurie McLean, Fuse Literary and Director of SFWC
Tisha Morris, Morris Entertainment (also entertainment attorney)
* Liz Parker, Verve Talent & Literary
Andy Ross, Andy Ross Agency
Gordon Warnock, Fuse Literary
*Ted Weinstein, Ted Weinstein Literary Management
* These agents are not participating in Speed Dating
Will there be a conference in Feb 2023?
We hope so! We’re kind of at the mercy of Covid spikes. But if we can have it then, we will have it in February 2023.
Could you please clarify the COVID-19 safety requirements? What does 2nd dose/booster mean? Are both required? Also, what counts as proof of a negative COVID test?
Thank you
We require the CDC recommended schedule of vaccination for your demographic (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html#recommendations). If you are behind schedule, it will be a simple matter to take a free rapid test on site at the conference to get cleared to attend. We want everyone to be able to attend safely and return home without concern for high risk family members.
What is a concierge consultation?
PAID CONCIERGE VIP CONSULTATIONS ($75):
Make sure you leave the conference with all the information necessary to achieve your writing goals! Whether you have questions about publishing paths, planning a nonfiction book, novel, or book of poetry, writing for publications, blogging, book marketing, building author platform, or something else related to writing and publishing, our three experts are here to answer them. These 30-minute consultations are tailored to your book, your needs, your goals, and wherever you are in the writing and publishing process, and all proceeds go to a SFWC conference scholarship. Go to https://sfwc22conciergeconsults.setmore.com to make your reservation with Kevin Smokler, Diane Frank, or Andy Jones!
What does it cost to attend a Master Class at the conference?
Master Classes range in price from $99 to $149. You can find out all the details here:
https://www.sfwriters.org/master-classes/
How do I sign up for the free consultations? I see sign-ups are online, but I don’t see any place to do that.
What is the nearest BART station to the hotel
What is the nearest BART station to the hotel?
The closest BART station is literally at the hotel. It’s the Embarcadero Station!
Is there any other way to register besides doing it online?
How much does it cost to register in person on the day of the conference?
The actual address of the Hyatt Regency where I will be dropped off tomorrow is…..??
Do I need to register for Writing For Change Friday evening if I’m not a conference attendee?
Does the registration fee include hotel accommodations, or must those be reserved separately? Is there a code for use when registering for hotel rooms to get into the conference block?
Hi – do you have any discounted rates for students? I’m a MFA candidate @ Dominican and would love to attend the 2023 conference.
Thank you,
Mary Rosenthal
Are there any events open to the general public during the Writers Conference? Are there any paid events for the general public?
There are several events during each conference that are free and open to the public, as well as some paid a la carte classes and one-day summits you can register for if you can’t make it for the whole weekend. Subscribe to the newsletter to find out when they’re open to register and to get the schedule for the free events when it’s finalized. We’re working hard on it now.
Hi Mary, we don’t have a student discount at this time, but we do have a number of scholarship opportunities. Subscribe to the newsletter for scholarship announcements, or follow our social media. We also have a number of one-day summits in the works that run concurrent with the conference and will have five a la carte Master Classes both before and after the conference at a lower price point than the whole conference.
Registration does not include hotel accommodations. We’ve just posted the 2023 discount link for the conference hotel on the main information page for the conference! While we always think it’s best to be in the same hotel as the event, there are lots of other options in the area at different price points. Be aware that Valentine’s Day is a big draw to the city from the surrounding region, so hotels and restaurants can fill up. It is a beautiful and romantic place to spend the holiday, and that impacts us when it overlaps with Presidents’ Day weekend.
What is the registration fee after September 30?
What is the registration fee anyway? It doesn’t say anywhere!
What is the registration fee now?
If my spouse comes with me to SF, is it possible to buy her a ticket for the Gala & the lunch on Sunday?
Registration fee? That’s kind of important information.
Will any of the attending agents be looking for memoirs?
Is it possible to schedule one-on-one meetings with agents?
Can I volunteer to attend? How do I do that?
Hello! Are there restrictions on the number of scholarships one may apply to? Similarly, for scholarships that require writing samples, are there any recommendations regarding literary vs genre fiction? In other words, would judges discourage genre fiction submissions? Thank you!
I’m about to register for the conference.
When do I get to register and pay for speed dating?
-thanks
I’m about to register for the conference.
When do I get to register and pay for speed dating?
-thanks
Good morning,
I just sent in my online registration, and am looking forward to the conference! I’ve scoured the web site, and the “Questions and Answers So Far” column, but have not seen the answer to my question. Could you tell me how and where to sign up for the hour-long agent speed dating sessions?
Thank you.
Best,
Juliane Cortino
I am Shreya Kelly. I am a finalist. Do you know what my next steps are?
Will there be a “track” for children’s agents/editors/book coaches/authors at the upcoming (2023) SF Writer’s conference?
I can not find how to register for the poetry summit on line. I want to!!
How relevant will this years event be for a writer of prescriptive business non-fiction?
We always have a fantastic nuts & bolts nonfiction track and I can think of several pros coming to speak who will be aiming right up your alley. Coordinating it, and the business and marketing track for 2023, is the phenomenal Joey Garcia. Taking over as track coordinator for 2023, Joey is committed to offering the most relevant, up-to-date content from highly qualified teachers, and she’s delivering! We haven’t shared the schedule yet, but you can check out the list of confirmed presenters on the website now. Of course, content is available everywhere online. The opportunity to connect and consult with editors and agents who specialize in nonfiction is the biggest reason to come to an in-person conference, and we’re increasing opportunities for connection in 2023 as well. Keep an eye on our newsletter for updates.
We’re getting that page up as quickly as we can. Watch the newsletter and social media for direct links when we announce it.
We have a Children’s/YA track in the works and agents, editors, and book coaches who can help you with your work already confirmed. Subscribe to the newsletter for updates.
Keep an eye out for an email. It’s coming shortly.
Speed dating has been replaced in 2023 with 8-minute individual agent consults. Every attendee will get one consult included with their registration, and more will be available for a fee. We are in the process of nailing down our main schedule, so we know when agents are speaking before creating their consultation schedule. Registered attendees will get an email with instructions for making consult appointments as soon as we have it set up in early January.
Speed dating has been replaced in 2023 with 8-minute individual agent consults. Every attendee will get one consult included with their registration, and more will be available for a fee. We are in the process of nailing down our main schedule, so we know when agents are speaking before creating their consultation schedule. Registered attendees will get an email with instructions for making consult appointments as soon as we have it set up in early January.
Speed dating has been replaced in 2023 with 8-minute individual agent consults. Every attendee will get one consult included with their registration, and more will be available for a fee. We are in the process of nailing down our main schedule, so we know when agents are speaking before creating their consultation schedule. Registered attendees will get an email with instructions for making consult appointments as soon as we have it set up in early January.
There is no limit to the number of scholarships you may apply to, and those requesting fiction samples are as delighted with well-written genre fiction as literary fiction.
The link to our volunteer application is generally found somewhere in every issue of the newsletter. If you plan to attend this way, subscribing to the email newsletter is essential for keeping updated on the event as it comes together.
Speed dating has been replaced in 2023 with 8-minute individual agent consults. Every attendee will get one consult included with their registration, and more will be available for a fee. We are in the process of nailing down our main schedule, so we know when agents are speaking before creating their consultation schedule. Registered attendees will get an email with instructions for making consult appointments as soon as we have it set up in early January.
There are always several agents looking for memoirs. Keep an eye on our confirmed presenter list and click on agents’ names to find out more about them and what they represent.
https://www.sfwriters.org/2022-conference/
Yes. Check with the registration desk after the check-in rush.
https://www.sfwriters.org/2022-conference/
https://www.sfwriters.org/2022-conference/
https://www.sfwriters.org/2022-conference/
Can i purchase master classes for my partner but not the entire conference?
Anyone can sign up for the Master Classes. You do not have to register for the conference to attend a Master Class. Tell your friends!
How does one apply to be a speaker or presenter at the 2024 conference?
Here is the link to the Presenter Interest form. We will contact you if we are interested in discussing participation in the conference. https://www.sfwriters.org/welcome-new-returning-presenters/
Anyone can sign up for the Master Classes. You do not have to register for the conference to attend a Master Class. Tell your friends!
Is the conference appropriate for children’s books authors?
Absolutely! Children’s Agent Karly Dizon is putting together an amazing Kidlit track for attendees writing in any part of the children’s to young adult range. Sessions that relate to the full range and sessions specific to various subsets are offered, including picture books and graphic novels.
How do I cancel my registration?
Is there a conference schedule?
Contact [email protected].
The conference schedule will be posted in the first half of January. Registered attendees will get a direct email notification.
Can I submit a picture book manuscript for your director’s scholarship for marginalized voices?
What happens if I already paid the registration fee and get a scholarship later on? Do I get a refund in that case?
If you win a scholarship, your paid registration fee will be refunded (unless you choose to apply it to the following year’s conference.)
No. The scholarship entry should be your reasoning as to why you are the best candidate for a marginalized voices scholarship. You can mention your picture book in your entry, but this is more about you as the author.
Are writing children’s books a genre that will be addressed at this conference?
Would you make an exception to the no-refunds-after-January-3 policy in the case of unforeseen travel complications of someone flying in from Europe, if notified well in advance? Or transfer the registration to 2024? Thank you!
We have a whole track for Childrens/YA writing. So yes, there will be lots of specific sessions taught by bestselling children’s authors, agents and editors. Plus there are Ask a Pro and individual agent and editor and career counselor appointments. Lots of opportunities to learn about the craft of writing children’s books as well as networking with others who are on the same path to success.
What we’d probably do is let you transfer the full registration to 2024. But let me check with the registrations director.
January 1 through the start of the conference, we will let you transfer your registration to 2024, provided you cannot attend the 2023 conference due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or travel issues.
I thought I saw on Instagram that sessions were open to register for. I’m registered for the overall conference, but how do I see the schedule and sign up for sessions?
We are starting to share sneak peeks at some of the sessions that will be at the 2023 conference, but you don’t have to sign up or preregister for them individually. It’s a monumental task putting together a program with over 80 breakout sessions and 13 consultation blocks and with over 100 industry professionals. We try to get it done a little earlier every year, but it’s still usually less than a month from the event. However, people like to know what they’re going to get for their money when they sign up, so we’re sharing some confirmed sessions. We will send out emails directly to all registered attendees when consultation appointments open up.
How and when do we sign up to pitch our book to agents?
All registered attendees will receive an email when we have the schedule solidified and can make those appointments. We will give at least 24 hours advance notice so you can plan to log in and make your appointments as soon as they open if you have a priority agent to pitch.
How do I arrange for my books to be displayed in the bookstore?
Presenters need to email the conference director. Attendees can bring up to 4 copies of their book to the onsite bookstore, and they will carry it on consignment. Timing will be on the schedule when it’s released, and there will be a form to download, fill out, and bring with you.
Hi!
I am registered for the conference and just tried to schedule an agent conversation. The link is not working.Any thoughts?
Lynne Foltz
All registered attendees will receive an email when we have the schedule solidified and can make appointments with an agent. We will give at least 24 hours advance notice so you can plan to log in and make your appointments as soon as they open if you have a priority agent to pitch.
Considering the current flooding and weather conditions affecting the Bay Area, has there been any discussion about this might affect this Writers’ Conference? I am wanting to register and participate in this conference, but I’d be coming from a relatively far distance, and would hate to have to cancel due to any residual effects of the current weather crisis there. Would there be a refund policy put into place should that still be a problem there, especially around the Hyatt area? I’d regret not being able to attend, but also considering the cost of the conference and travel I might have to re-consider attending if that would be the case. Thanks in advance for your helpful answer.
What do you consider being fully vaccinated? I have an original dose plus a booster, but not a second or third booster.
While the news is making a lot of the current storms, the reality on the ground is not as dire. Most areas affected are prepared and will rebound quickly. These atmospheric rivers come every other year or so if we’re lucky because we need the rain. The areas with the most damage are remote and sparsely populated or along levees and rivers in towns that are hours away from San Francisco by car. Urban areas are mostly affected by the rate of rainfall backing up the drainage, which clears within an hour or so after it stops, and by the occasional tree falling on power lines which is cleared within a day. In the event we have to cancel, we would, of course, offer deferments to 2024 or refund registrations. For a personal emergency like a travel interruption or illness, we usually offer attendees a one year deferment. I am not at all concerned about the storms causing problems in or around the Hyatt or the nearby airports and travel routes. I wouldn’t recommend driving here along the coast, but other than that, you’re probably good.
If someone has had the original series more than a year before the conference, they should have at least one booster. We will have some covid tests on hand if anyone is not adequately vaccinated or is unable to get vaccinated. We have presenters who cannot because of allergies and others with immune-compromised family, so we want to be careful to protect them so they can come and speak and meet with you.
What time do the events start on on the 16th? Morning or evening?
Is there on=site parking?
Registration begins at noon on the 16th, with the opening session at 1:00 pm.
Yes, there is a parking garage at 4 Embarcadero Center that is part of the same large complex of buildings that includes the Hyatt, where their staff and valet service park. The cost is $35/day to self-park there. There is another lot a few blocks away that is $20/day if you arrive early enough in the day.
When will a full conference daily schedule be available?
Thank you.
There is parking at the Embarcadero 4 underground garage. It’s $35 for 24 hours, no in and out privileges. But better yet, take BART. The Embarcadero station is mere steps away from the Hyatt Regency (which is in Embarcadero 5!).
The schedule should be made public the last week of January.
Dear SF Writers Conference:
How many agents can I pitch to? If I understand correctly, if I am registered, I have one free 8-minute pitch, plus $50 for (each?) other agent I choose? Or does the $50 cover more than one agent (not clear on your website). What is that agent is not available?
Thank you.
Lenore Weiss
I registered for the conference in December and, other than a payment receipt, have yet to receive any emails. When can I expect information to arrive, particularly regarding the scheduling of agent pitch sessions? I’m worried I may miss out on limited bookings and availability. Thank you.
General Information goes out in our regular Newsletter, and we try not to send excessive redundant emails. We’re about to send the schedule out with this week’s newsletter, and the link to make appointments will go out to registered attendees by the end of this week if all goes well. We appreciate everyone’s patience with us as we are doing in six months work that is usually spread over an entire year, and finding new tools that work to replace some that failed at the last conference so we can offer you the best possible experience. Timing is our challenge for 2023, but we don’t want to cut corners on content.
Is there information you feel you’re not getting in the newsletters that we should include in the future, or just checking in with you more? We are always looking to improve and value your feedback.
When will pitch sessions with agents/editors be available to schedule/pay for? I see the list of names but no schedule or way to book time with them?
Thanks!
Bridey
I am receiving a ticket courtesy of CWC Nor-Cal and will be attending the one-day Writing For Hollywood Summit. I would like to schedule an 8 minute meeting with an agent concerning my memoir manuscript “South To Alaska; What Could Possibly Go Wrong?”. How can I do this?
J.T. Rethke
California – Central Coast Writers Club
[email protected]
CELL: 831-578-0490
I’d like to change my Masterclass registration, but the email address for this bounces back as undeliverable. Is there another email address to use?
HOW DO I VOLUNTEER?
Try [email protected] or [email protected].
Pitching appointments are only available to full conference attendees. You may pitch to agents present in the summit between sessions if your work is relevant.
Apply with this form: https://www.sfwriters.org/volunteer-application/. We may be full for 2023, but you can get a jump on 2024.
One pitch appointment is included in your registration. Additional appointments will be available for $50 each. We based this on feedback from our Speed Dating with Agents event that we are replacing. Most attendees found they were only able to pitch to 3 of their top choices for the $100 extra fee, and the stress of high-speed interactions made the event less productive and enjoyable for both attendees and agents. We cannot guarantee that you will get to meet with the agents you want. We never could. But we are only allowing one advance appointment per attendee and will open the extra appointments on Thursday at 5:00 at the event. Be prepared by knowing who you want to meet with before those appointments open up. If you don’t manage to snag an 8-Minute one-on-one, that doesn’t mean you won’t get to pitch to them. Plan to go to a session where they’re speaking and introduce yourself after, greet them with “Hello Almighty Agent!” at the Gala and start your relationship by making them laugh, sit at their table at lunch or the evening keynote. Most introductions are immediately followed with “What do you write?” which is your opportunity to pitch.
You don’t say whether or not the $950 includes hotel room charges or not.
I would usually assume not, but perhaps you have a special-deal arrangement with the Hyatt.
Thank you.
I am a fully registered conference attendee who can’t figure out how to arrange and pay for pitch sessions with agents/editors. I see the list of names but no there’s obvious way to book time with them. Am I missing something?
How do I find out about the Writing for Hollywood Summit as a public person (non-conference member). Where, when…and how do I sign up just for that?
How do I Sign-Up for All Free/Consultation/Master class from the conference schedule? I can’t find an online sign-up portal as suggested..
How recent does our COVID vaccine need to be if we’ve had three shots already? Info here says second shot/booster, so if we’ve had a third we are considered “fully vaccinated” right?
Hi, I’m registered for the conference and have a few questions.
Will a schedule be sent prior to the conference?
How do I sign up for agent/editor appointments?
The email link to view or change an appointment does not work – it instead just loops back to access booking new appointments. Is there a way to change an appointment?
The main conference information page includes information on getting the hotel discount. However, the deal for the conference hotel has ended at this point. The most affordable, safe accommodation in the city are the Hostelling International hostels. I’ve personally stayed in two of them and felt quite comfortable. Since I was spending all my time at the conference, I didn’t care about a fancy hotel experience. However, there are an abundance of hotel choices at a variety of prices surrounding the Hyatt.
They were not open at the time of your question. If you have not received an email with instructions at this point, contact [email protected] and make sure your email is in the booking system.
The Writing for Hollywood Summit only page is https://www.sfwriters.org/writing-hollywood-summit/ Follow the link from this page to register.
The consultations were not open at the time of your question. If you have not received an email with instructions at this point, contact [email protected] and make sure your email is in the booking system.
Master Classes are extras that you can see and sign up for here: https://www.sfwriters.org/master-classes/
If you’ve had three shots, you’re good. Some people had the single dose J&J vaccine first so their second shot is a booster.
The schedule is at the top of the menu on the website right now. You will receive a final printed version in the program at the conference.
The consultations were not open at the time of your question. If you have not received an email with instructions at this point, contact [email protected] and make sure your email is in the booking system.
The top link is the “make and appointment” link. It will cycle back to that every time. Down the list of links is one for viewing your appointments. If you find it and it doesn’t work for you, contact [email protected] to get a replacement.
Can I change my appoint with an agent from Loan Le to Andy Ross?
Yes. You can click on the three dots to the right of your appointment on your personal appointments page and cancel your appointment with Loan Le. You will then be able to go in and make an appointment with Andy Ross.
If for some reason I’m unable to make it to the conference, but I’ve already paid for the conference, can I get a refund or credit toward the conference next year?
The registration form won’t take my registration. How can I get help?
Hello- please contact [email protected] if you are having problems with the form. It would be good to try again and then contact the support at that email. Please include your phone number so we can call you if needed. Thank you!
We allow deferments to the next year in the event of sickness or a travel interruption.
I am confused on booking 8-minute appointments. Is the only free consult the 8-Minute Agent or Acquiring Editor Pitch/Consult Appointment? Or do we get one free consultation in each of the other consultation areas?
I set a meeting with an agent, but I didn’t realize I needed the Coupon Code to make it free. Is there a way to add the coupon code to the agent meeting? I opted to “pay on site” to avoid being charged the 50 dollars.
The pitch, concierge, and photography appointments are the only ones that normally have a fee. So the one free pitch appointment coupon gets you your free pitch appointments. The other categories are all free, and you can schedule one of each at this time and more after everyone has a chance to make their first of each. No coupon is needed for this.
They can check when you check in for your appointment that you haven’t used the coupon yet, and apply it. Or, if you plan to make more appointments when they open up, you can apply it to one of those.
I just signed up for the conference. How do I sign up for a slot to see an agent? Do you send a link? Thanks!
I never was emailed the link on Feb 2nd to sign up for the included agent meeting. How do I sign up?
I just got my email with instructions on how to make meetings with agents, but the link for the “Booking Wizard” just brings me to a page that doesn’t have any clear way to make appointments. It just says “There are no results…”. I am logged in with the email I signed up for the conference with.
Contact [email protected] to get a fresh link and/or verify that your email got input into the system correctly. They can help you.
After checking your spam folder, contact [email protected] to make sure you’re using the same email you gave us when you signed up and that there are no typos or anything that may have caused your email to go astray. The system requires an exact match for security. Then they can also send you the links again.
You should receive the links and information within a business day. If not, you can email [email protected], and they will take care of it.
How do I register my teen for the free Sunday session for teens?
Follow this link, https://www.sfwriters.org/teen-writers-summit-2023/
I have a scrip completed and I like to discuss with one more publisher aside from the assigned one. How?
I’ve had the unfortunate experience of signing up for a conference which promised me that I would be able to meet agents but when I got there all the spots were taken. If I sign up for the conference at this late date, are there still agents available for me to meet? If so who? Is there anyone I can speak with on the phone.
John Fetto
510-282-1186
There are plenty of appointments available, but you can’t make one until after you register. It shows them as unavailable to you. At this time, all attendees are only able to register for one pitch appointment with an agent or acquiring editor in order to allow everyone to make an appointment with their #1 choice. At 5:00 pm PST on Thursday, we will open up the remaining appointments. However, the value of the conference is in the opportunities you’ll have to meet with agents throughout the event. We have a 3 to 1 ratio of attendees to industry pros. There will be agents hosting tables at Ask A Pro Breakfasts (see the schedule for names), and they’ll be networking with you at the Gala and throughout the weekend. They’re coming to hear your pitches. Appointments are nice to have but not essential.
At 5 pm PST on Thursday, we will open up the booking schedule for you to make additional appointments. They are not full. The program is just limiting you to one and showing the rest as unavailable if you’ve already made your one. Apart from appointments, there are many opportunities to chat with presenters. Catch one at the Ask A Pro Breakfast, at the Gala, or after a session they’ve presented. Don’t be shy. They’re coming to meet you.
I would like to change my first pitch time. How can I do this?
Do you showcase small and medium size publishers who publish poetry? Prose poetry? Formal poetry?
hello – I’m wondering if you do seniors discounts.
thanks,
Nancy langendorf
We do not, but registering early will save you a great deal over the at-the-door rate. The earlier you register, the more you save.
Hello, I just found out that I will not be able to come to the event until the 16th, is that allowed?
How do I sell my book at your “book store” during the conference? Is that invite only?