The 99^th Annual Missouri Writers’ Guild Conference has broken its previous early bird registration record. Currently, approximately 70 writers from throughout the country are registered to attend the “Fifty Shades of Writing” conference. The event will take place Friday, April 11 through Sunday, April 13, 2014, in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.

Registration remains open through March 31.

“Writers looking for an affordable conference that’s centrally located, need look no further,” said Conference Chair Lisa Miller. “The MWG board and I have worked hard picking our speakers and agents and the early numbers prove we have put together a stellar line-up that appeals to writers of all skill levels.”

Conference events include:

• “Pitch Perfect” welcome session by Writer’s Digest Book Editor Chuck Sambuchino
• Individual 5-7 minute agent and editor pitch appointments
• 16+ Saturday breakout sessions on topics like query letters, revision, editing and more
• Friday early bird arrival session presented by Literary Agent Sorche Fairbank
• An expanded “Agents & Editors Read the Slush Pile” Session
• Open mic, sponsored by the St. Louis Writers’ Guild
• And much, much more.

Everyone who registers for the “Fifty Shades of Writing” Conference is guaranteed at least one pitch appointment with an agent or editor. The pitch appointments are times reserved for writers to present their work to agents or editors who might offer representation.

Miller, owner of Walrus Publishing, encouraged those who have not yet registered to do so as soon as possible, as the conference committee assigns the agent/editor pitch appointments on a first-registered, first served basis.

“The sooner you register, the more likely you will receive your top choice,” Miller said. “It’s still not too late to register and receive a pitch appointment.”

It is recommended attendees only pitch completed projects and manuscripts. Each agent or editor accepts different types of projects, so attendees are encouraged to research each beforehand to ensure their project is a good fit for that agent or editor.

Agents and editors planning to participate in the pitch sessions include: Literary and Film Agent Ken Sherman, of Ken Sherman & Associates; Literary Agent Laura Biagi, of Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency Inc.; Literary agent Sorche Fairbank, of Fairbank Literary Representation; Literary Agent Gina Panettieri, Talcott Notch Literary Services; Editor Danita Allen Wood, of Missouri Life Magazine; and Editor Kristina Blank Makansi of Blank Slate Press.

“The pitch appointments are one of the most popular events at the conference,” Miller said. “Several attendees have found their agent or publisher, including our current guild president Steve Wiegenstein, from pitching during past MWG Conferences. I hope we’ll have more similar success stories from this year.”

Regular registration rates lasts through March 31. It costs $165 for MWG members, $175 for chapter members and $195 for the general public. On April 1, late registration prices take effect. Walk-in registrations are also accepted on conference weekend.

Registration information and payment through PayPal is available at www.missouriwritersguild.org. 

About the Missouri Writers Guild
Established in 1915, the Missouri Writers’ Guild is a statewide, non-profit organization for professional writers in all genres. The Guild has 17 chapters throughout Missouri that provide regular opportunities to network with other writers, authors, and publishers and learn more about the craft of writing.