About this workshop
This 3-hour workshop is open to all of you beautiful wordsmiths who want to write and publish your book, no matter what stage you're at.
In this workshop you'll learn how to marry your book’s story, plot, character arcs, voice and point of view to help it sell, so you can finally become a literary titan.
How will this workshop kick-start my writing career?
Workshop leader Sam Hiyate will use practical writing exercises and real-world examples to cover 5 main topics:
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How do I write a great synopsis or book proposal?
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What mistakes have I made that will turn off a publisher?
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How do I know when my manuscript is ready to send to a publisher?
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How do I choose the right literary agent or publisher?
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What are some tips for querying a literary agent?
This workshop also includes:
- Detailed tips and tools that will help you improve your writing and get published
- A chance to ask questions of Sam Hiyate, either in-person or on camera, or by email after the event. All questions will be answered!
- A video recording of the workshop emailed to you after the event
Am I ready for this workshop?
YES! We believe in you! This workshop is open to you writers who are at any stage of your writing journey, in any genre, and who want to improve your writing and increase your chances of selling your book to a publisher under the guidance of an experienced former publisher & editor and current literary agent wizard.
Whether you have...
- Just an idea in your head
- An outline of your book
- A few lines down on paper, or
- A full manuscript
How does it work?
You get two options:
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Join in person: Hosted in Toronto and limited to 10 writers, come prepared to read aloud 2 to 3 pages of your work or a synopsis of your book. Sam and the group will provide you feedback in real-time.
- Join online: Participate in the workshop from the comfort of your home, anywhere in the world. You'll get to ask questions on camera or by typing them out, which Sam will answer during the workshop. Limited to 20 writers.
We use Zoom Webinars for the online option. Don't want to share your webcam? No problem, we won't make you!
You can also email us up to 3 questions after the event.
About Sam Hiyate
This workshop is led by Sam Hiyate, literary agent and President of The Rights Factory, an international literary agency based in Toronto.
In his 27-year publishing career he has launched the careers of numerous New York Times & Globe and Mail bestselling authors.
Sam has published bestselling authors including:
- Jennifer Close (Girls in White Dresses, The Smart One, The Hopefuls)
- David Gilmour (CBC's Gilmour on the Arts, Lost Between Houses, The Film Club)
- Mariko Tamaki (Skim, Emiko Superstar, This One Summer)
- Andrew Kaufman (All My Friends Are Superheroes, The Tiny Wife)
- Margot Berwin (Hothouse Flower, Nine Plants of Desire)
- Lee Matthew Goldberg (The Mentor, Slow Down)
- Rupinder Gill (On the Outside Looking Indian)
He teaches creative writing at the University of Toronto, and publishing at Ryerson University.
What writers are saying
"I can’t remember a more enjoyable and informative presentation. Sam's stories from the world of publishing vividly illustrated his points. His ability to focus on each person’s work and rearrange elements showed directorial genius… I am very glad I attended and look forward to querying Sam when I am further along in [my writing]”
– Tim Christian, Victoria
"I had a wonderful time with Sam yesterday. Could you please extend my appreciation to him for his time and all his invaluable advice? I cannot thank you and Sam enough for organizing this unique opportunity for new novelists such as myself. I hope to have another meeting with him in the future."
– Yale Wang, Toronto
“What I love about working with Sam is that it gives me a greater understanding of the industry. You can try to study creative writing in a class, but it's hard to learn what will set you apart until you work with someone who sells books for a living! If your goal is to eventually publish, I think Sam's advice and support is invaluable. He has added tremendous value to my near-finished manuscript.”
– Amy Dixon, Toronto