BJ Robbins, Literary Agent, BJ Robbins Literary Agency
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1:1 appointments, giving you unprecedented access to top-tier publishing professionals — many of whom interact with unpublished authors only through conferences.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 agent BJ Robbins of BJ Robbins Literary Agency in Hollywood.
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?
Research agents you feel would be the best fit and target your query to them specifically. Make sure your book description is short and not a plot synopsis. Include pertinent biographical material. Keep the query to one page. Make sure your opening pages sparkle.
2. What’s the first book that spoke to you as a young reader?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
3. If you had to choose only one, what’s your favorite book?
An impossible question.
4. What do you hope to find at the 33rd Annual SDSU Writers’ Conference?
I hope to find a serious writer, fiction or nonfiction, who has worked diligently on their craft and who has an original and compelling story.
For more information about the SDSU Writers’ Conference, visit neverstoplearning.net/writers
