Steven Hutson
Whatever your writing level, whatever your genre, there’s something for you at the SDSU Writers’ Conference. The 33rd annual conference is Jan. 20-22, 2017 at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley, with award-winning, best-selling, and thrilling keynote speakers R.L. Stine, J.A. Jance, and Jonathan Maberry. Learn from their insights, and the expertise offered in 40+ workshops on the craft and the business of writing.
Best of all, get direct feedback on your writing (Advance Reading) and pitch (Consultation) with up to five agents or editors of your choice. The SDSU Writers’ Conference was among the first to pioneer these 1:1 appointments, giving you unprecedented access to top-tier publishing professionals — many of whom interact with unpublished authors only through conferences.
The distinguished faculty this year includes Steve Hutson, an agent at WordWise Media Services in Lancaster, California:
1. What’s the best advice you can give to writers who are polishing their pitches, query letters and first 10 pages of their manuscripts in preparation for the upcoming SDSU Writers’ Conference?
Know your genre. Don’t tell me a page count, I need a word count. Allow me to interrupt you during our conversation.
2. Can you share one of the best/worst opening lines from query letters you’ve received?
Best: “Your colleague XXX sent me.” (I love referrals from pros I know.)
Worst: “I am seeking representation.” (duh)
3. What’s the first book that spoke to you as a young reader?
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. (Apparently, I wasn’t the only misfit in the world.)
4. If you had to choose only one, what’s your favorite book?
Jailbird by Kurt Vonnegut. It was the first adult novel I read, and it taught me not to be afraid of fiction.
5. What do you hope to find at the 33rd Annual SDSU Writers’ Conference?
Dynamic fellowship and good writing.
For more information about the SDSU Writers’ Conference, visit neverstoplearning.net/writers
