Fine Print Literary Management: Unlocking Opportunities for Authors at Writing Conferences

As an author seeking representation, attending a writing conference can be a crucial step in getting your work noticed by industry professionals. For Brooks Sherman of Fineprint Literary Management, speaking with authors personally and establishing connections has been a vital part of his agency's success. In fact, some of his clients have been discovered at writing conferences, where he has the opportunity to engage with talented writers and discuss their projects.

Sherman is particularly interested in receiving submissions from authors working on dark and/or funny contemporary YA projects, as well as middle grade novels across various genres. On the adult fiction side, he is looking for a wide range of projects, including literary and upmarket stories, speculative fiction rooted in realistic settings, horror/dark fantasy, magical realism, historical fiction, and crime fiction.

The connections made at writing conferences can be invaluable to authors seeking representation. Sherman himself has experienced this firsthand, having formed lasting friendships with other writers and industry professionals at the Midwest Writers Workshop (MWW). 'I wanted to come back to MWW because it was hands-down the most enjoyable writers' conference I attended last year,' he says. 'The conference organizers were friendly and helpful, my fellow faculty members were collegial, and the conference participants were welcoming and receptive to feedback.'

For authors attending writing conferences like MWW, the opportunity to network with industry professionals, receive valuable feedback on their work, and make connections with other writers can be a game-changer. With Sherman's expertise in hand, authors have a better understanding of what he is looking for in terms of submissions and can tailor their pitches accordingly.

As Fineprint Literary Management returns to the Midwest Writers Workshop this summer, authors are encouraged to take advantage of this chance to connect with Sherman and other industry professionals. Whether you're seeking representation or simply looking to hone your craft, attending a writing conference like MWW can be a powerful step towards achieving your literary goals.

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