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September 10 – Lunch N Learn: How to Work Best With a Literary Agent

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How to Work Best With a Literary Agent

Thursday, September 10 at 12 pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Successful collaboration with a literary agent starts long before the contract is signed. Begin by researching agencies carefully so your project matches the kinds of books they represent and the markets they know well. Prepare a professional query letter, a tight synopsis, and a manuscript that has already been revised to the highest standard you can achieve; agents receive hundreds of submissions and quickly set aside work that feels unfinished. Once you have an offer of representation, ask clear questions about communication style, submission strategy, and career vision so both sides understand expectations. After signing, treat the relationship as a true partnership: respond promptly to emails, meet deadlines, share relevant career updates, and remain open to editorial and business feedback. Remember that an agent’s job is to advocate for your work with publishers while guiding the larger arc of your writing career.

Consistency, professionalism, and mutual respect turn a one-book deal into a lasting professional alliance that benefits both author and agent over many years.

  • Research the agent’s preferences and recent sales thoroughly before querying.
  • Submit only polished, complete work that fits their stated interests.
  • Communicate clearly, promptly, and professionally at every stage.
  • View the relationship as a long-term career partnership, not a single transaction.

Meet and learn from these two top agents! Andy Ross offers decades of bookselling wisdom and seeks smart, original work with strong narrative and emotional depth. Laurie McLean brings marketing expertise and specializes in middle-grade, young-adult, and adult genre fiction. Both value polished, compelling projects.

About the Speakers

Andy Ross opened his literary agency in January 2008. Before that, he was the owner for 30 years of the legendary Cody’s Books in Berkeley. The agency represents books in a wide range of subjects including narrative non-fiction, science, journalism, history, religion,  children’s books, young adult, middle grade, literary and commercial fiction, and cooking. However, he is eager to represent projects in most genres as long as the subject or its treatment is smart, original, and will appeal to a wide readership. In non-fiction, he looks for writing with a strong voice and robust narrative arc by authors with the authority to write about their subject. For literary, commercial, and children’s fiction, he has only one requirement– simple, but ineffable–that the writing reveals the terrain of that vast and unexplored country, the human heart. Visit www.andyrossagency.com, www.andyrossagency.wordpress.com.

Laurie McLean spent 20 years as the CEO of a publicity and marketing agency and 8 years as an agent and senior agent at Larsen Pomada Literary Agents in San Francisco. Following a stint as the CEO of a successful Silicon Valley public relations agency bearing her name, Laurie switched gears to immerse herself in writing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the State University of New York and a master’s degree at Syracuse University’s prestigious Newhouse School of Journalism.

 

To register, please fill out the form below: 

September 10 - How to Work Best With a Literary Agent

September 10 @ 12pm PDT — A FREE WNBASF Virtual Event 

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Join Us! Chill Out & Read: Ice Cream Social and Summer Book Fair

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San Jose Woman’s Club (est. 1894) and Woman’s National Book Association (est. 1917) are co-hosting the Chill Out & Read: Ice Cream Social and Summer Book Fair this Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 1-5pm at their historic landmark clubhouse in downtown San Jose. The event welcomes 30+ Bay Area Authors from bestsellers to breakout novelists and of course FREE Marianne’s ice cream! Check out the list of invited authors and full event schedule! RSVP today at chilloutandreadsj.blogspot.com!
 

Featured Member Interview – Jeannette M. Potts

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How was writing this book different from your other books?

(JMP): Four of my previous books are medical textbooks. I was both the editor and contributor. A fifth book is a metaphorical piece which describes the life lessons I derived from tango classes. While many of the examples are personal, these do not come close to the intimate and controversial nature of Lying in a Tomb, which is both a memoir and an observational anthropological study pertaining to human remains. During the writing process, there was a constant unease regarding the vulnerability of my subjects, the mummies of Guanajuato, and the naivete of my younger self.

How did you finally make the book happen? 

(JMP): I was about to initiate another writing project-a biography about a female physician who was an art editor for a medical journal. As I prepared, I found my old notebooks and was, yet again, overcome with the guilt of having never completed a report about my research. I recalled a creative writing class-an elective during medical school-and how my professor had encouraged me to continue writing about the mummies as a collection of short stories. So many decades later, something finally clicked. I composed an outline, organized items from my journals, and reserved a vacation rental for the following year, in Guanajuato. I invited friends who were artists or writers to join me. But first, I scheduled monthly zoom meetings to keep each of us-mostly me-on task. We all had to work consistently on our respective projects, so that our retreat in Guanajuato would be a culmination of our efforts, a reward, and a time of assemblage. I credit our synergy and our sense of accountability for the momentum necessary to bring such things to fruition.

What do you mean when you describe the process as “40 years and 26 months later”?

(JMP): It was during the late 1970’s-early 80’s, when my research of the mummies began. I was 21 years old when I received an award to continue my study. Forty years had passed when I decided to focus on a book about this experience. It took 26 months to review my notebooks, revisit my old haunts in Guanajuato, rekindle distant memory and edit, edit, edit.

How have your feelings about the mummies evolved over this time?

(JMP): In the beginning, I approached the mummies clinically. There was care and respect, but also a professional detachment. Navigating through the inevitable challenges presented in adulthood, transformed my relationship to the mummies, into one of greater empathy and advocacy. I can more deeply identify with their stories, even if I only know their age or cause of death.

If money and politics weren’t an issue, how do you wish you could continue to study the mummies?

(JMP): Oh! I’d pursue my original [naïve] plan. Collect all the death certificates of those bodies currently sepulchered in the crypts (not the graves); create a grid that would map the location relative to the death certificate; de-identify the data from the death certificate, but maintain the crypt location, temporarily; open each crypt- methodically, respectfully, and only in the presence of very few discreet individuals with previous security clearance; document the conditions of each (mummified completely, partially or not all); seal each crypt.

The location of mummies on the map would be analyzed for weather and climate exposure. A truer incidence of mummification would be proven, ie, a numerator (the number of mummified bodies) over the denominator (total number of crypts currently occupied). Mummified vs un-mummified would be statistically analyzed with variables obtained from the death certificate and location. We would see if in fact there are any correlations between such things as cause of death, time of entombment or location and the natural mummification process. The de-identified cemetery map-death certificate key would then be destroyed.

Also, what would you like to see happen with the museum of the mummies? 

(JMP): Paloma Robles Lacayo was the museum director between 2015 and 2018. She made several modifications to enhance both the dignity of the mummified humans and the educational experience. I hope that she can continue to bring about positive changes as a local politician. I wish that the so-called traveling mummies who are now displayed in a neighboring town, could be returned to the original museum at the Cemetery of Santa Paula, in Guanajuato. This will require expansion, which I realize, may no longer be feasible. You might wonder, how is it that all of the mummies were exhibited in this limited space. Well, they were propped-standing- against the walls, and later in tall wooden hutches. Out of respect and conservation efforts, they are exhibited horizontally on their backs, as if lying in a tomb.

As an artist and physician, Jeannette M. Potts, MD is the editor of four urological textbooks published by Humana and Springer Press, as well as author of the book Tango: Lessons for Life, published by Cleveland Clinic Press. She has been a passionate collaborator with the National Institutes of Health and the International Prostatitis Collaborative Network to advance research and patient care.

Join Us! Pitch-O-Rama 2027 Registration Opens Today

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Saturday, April 24, 2027, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. PT

24 Years of Pitch-O-Rama Success!

Are you developing a concept for a new book? Do you have a manuscript in progress? Are you ready to publish that book you’ve been working on for years? If this sounds like you, we would love to invite you to Pitch-O-Rama 2027! Everyone is welcome to participate!

We are pleased to announce we will be hosting the next Pitch-O-Rama as a virtual event on April 24, 2027, a supportive environment where writers will be given ample opportunity to pitch their works to agents and editors for publication. 

New to Pitch-O-Rama? Pitch-O-Rama is our annual, signature event; we gather a wide range of publishing professionals to share their knowledge of the publishing industry. During the event, you will be able to practice your pitch with coaches and fellow writers and continue to refine your pitch. You’ll then share it with confidence to several experts who will provide advice on taking your writing project to the next level. An opportunity like this is an invaluable learning experience that could put you on the path to publication. We hope to see you participate!

Stay tuned! We will reveal the list of attending agents and editors in early 2027. 

Testimonials from Past Participants

“Pitch-O-Rama was not only helpful, but fun, with lots of laughter, networking, and relevant information. As a newbie, I felt at home and am pitching the WNBA to my friends and colleagues. Go women writers! WNBA, you rock!” – Susan Allison

“I participated in the WNBA-SF Pitch-o-Rama in 2021. At the time, I’d almost completed my memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman’s Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. I worked hard on my pitch and three of the agents asked me to submit to them. Several months later, with the manuscript polished and ready to go, I did so. Even though other agents were interested, I signed with Anne Marie O’Farrell, whom I had met via the WNBA event. Working with both Anne Marie and Caroline Fanelli at her agency, I added an appendix to the manuscript, and they started submitting. Less than three months later, I signed with HCI (Health Communications Inc.), which specializes in recovery and self-help books.” – Mary Beth O’Connor

“I will always be incredibly grateful to WNBA for the Pitch-O-Rama. Several years ago, I was struggling to get an agent. I had a toddler at home, and I was sure I had missed the boat. Here in the Bay Area, there are many talented writers, but very little access to literary agents. There were big pitch conferences in New York and other parts of the US. But at the time, I couldn’t travel because I had such limited time and money as a new mom. I was pining away on my computer, querying agents and drowning in the isolation. I found out about the Pitch-O-Rama, and immediately registered.” – Aya De Leon

Special Pricing

Currently, registration will be $99 for WNBA-SF members and $149 for non-members so don’t wait to register! If you’d like to take advantage of member pricing, visit our website to learn more about the benefits of WNBA-SF membership and join the chapter’s community!

Your registration is fully refundable before midnight Thursday, April 15, 2027. Send your request for a refund to: registrar@wnba-sfchapter.org. 

While we eagerly prepare for Pitch-O-Rama 2027, don’t forget to read our tips on pitching your work!

Please register for POR 2027 using the form below:

The Power & Purpose of Journaling for Authors & Writers

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By Lynda Monk, MSW, RSW, CPCC

Every writer knows the feeling when you sit down to work on the novel, the essay, the memoir, and instead of words, you get static or feel stuck. The inner critic shows up first. The doubt shows up second. It can feel like the actual writing that matters seems to wait somewhere just out of reach.

Here’s what twenty-five plus years of working with writers, creatives, coaches, and helping professionals has taught me …the way through that static isn’t more discipline or a better outline. It’s a private, unpolished, judgment-free page. It’s your journal.

Journaling and “real” writing are often treated as separate activities as if one is for feelings and the other is for craft. I believe that separation sells journaling short. Used intentionally, your journal isn’t a warm-up act before the writing begins. It is part of the writing. It’s where your voice gets expressed freely and where your truest draft might actually live.

I have been an avid journal writer, and at times a sporadic journaler (which is also fine), all my adult life. Journaling has helped me write books, prevent burnout as a social worker, explore issues related to my identity as an adoptee, and so much more. The transformative power of journaling is also at the heart of my work as leader of the International Association for Journal Writing (IAJW.org).

Why Every Writer Needs a Private Page

Published writing is, by necessity, shaped for an audience. You’re thinking about structure, pacing, what the reader needs to know and when. That’s valuable work but it’s also work that happens under observation, even if the observer is only the version of you that imagines future readers.

A journal removes the audience. There’s no one to please, impress, or explain yourself to and that absence of an audience is exactly what makes it powerful. When you’re not performing on the page, you write differently. You write truer and freer. You stop reaching for the clever phrase and start reaching for the honest one and honest is almost always more interesting.

This is why so many working writers keep a journal alongside their "real" writing, not instead of it. It’s not a lesser cousin to the manuscript. It’s the foundation that both you as the writer, and the project you are working on, can grow out of. Journaling can be a powerful practice for both your personal and professional growth as a writer.

How Journaling Sharpens Your Writing Craft

The reality is journaling is writing. It is using the written word to express your thoughts, feelings and experiences in your life. It is a meaning making practice. The more we write the better we get at writing. This simple truth is part of the reason journaling can help you sharpen your writing craft and skills.

I believe, and have witnessed in my own writing and that of others, many concrete benefits of journaling for writers including the following:

Journaling builds fluency. Writing regularly, even badly, even in fragments, keeps your writing muscle warm. Writers who journal daily report far less friction when they sit down to their "real" work, because they haven't neglected the act of writing in their lives.

Journaling trains observation. A journal is a place to practice noticing. For example, you might notice the exact color of a sky, the specific thing someone said, the small detail that reveals character. That noticing transfers directly into scene-building, dialogue, and description in other writing projects. Journaling creates distance from perfectionism. Because a journal entry was never meant to be shown to anyone, it lowers the stakes. When the stakes are lower, our nervous system can calm and the internal editor quiets down. Many writers discover their strongest, most alive sentences not in a polished chapter but in a scrawled journal entry they never intended anyone to see. Journaling is about the process and not about the product or perfectionism!

Journaling helps you metabolize what happens to you. Writing is fed by lived experience, and unprocessed experience tends to stay stuck rather than becoming material. A journal gives you a place to move difficult or complicated experiences through you and, often, into your work. It is a place to write to know, grow, and care for yourself. This not only supports your other writing, it supports you as an individual.

How Journaling Helps You Know What You Want to Say

Many writers don’t struggle with how to write. They struggle with knowing what they want to say. This is where journaling does some of its most important work.

A journal is a discovery tool, not just a record-keeping one. When you write without an agenda, without trying to be right, consistent, or profound, you often surprise yourself. Themes you didn’t know you cared about start repeating. Questions you didn’t realize you were asking start showing up on the page, again and again, until they’re impossible to ignore and you start to see what they have to offer you.

This is how a journal becomes a compass. It won’t hand you a finished thesis or a tidy premise but it will show you, over time, what keeps pulling at you and that pull is usually the real material. The book, the essay, the story you’re actually meant to write is rarely the one you planned. It’s the one that keeps showing up in the private pages of your journal, insisting on your attention.

5 Simple Journaling Practices to Try

You don’t need a special approach to start or benefit from journaling. A few reliable practices can keep you going, for example:

  • Mindful moments. Sometimes people don’t know where to start with journaling. My favorite place to start is in the present moment. You can use simple mindful prompts such as “Right now, I feel …” or “Right now, I notice …” and use these sentence starters to begin your journaling.
  • The unsent letter. Write to someone, living, gone, real, or imagined, saying the thing you’d never actually send. This is a powerful way to practice self-expression and access new material that might be sitting just beneath the surface of your awareness.
  • Follow the repetition. Re-read a few weeks of journal entries and circle any word, image, or worry that keeps reappearing. That repetition is often pointing you toward your real subject.
  • Five-minute free writes. Set a timer, pick a single prompt or image, and write without stopping or editing until the timer ends. Momentum matters more than quality here.
  • The “what I’m not writing about” entry. Ask yourself directly, what am I avoiding putting on the page? Or what is that I don’t want to write about? Then write towards it, even briefly, and see where the journaling takes you.

None of these writing activities needs to be elegant. The goal isn’t a good journal entry. The goal is an honest one. The purpose is to put pen to page as freely, openly and honestly as you can. The benefits of doing such will begin to appear.

Bring the Page with You

Journaling won’t replace the discipline of drafting, revising, and finishing a piece of work. As writers, we all know nothing replaces that. However, journaling does something very important that drafting alone can’t – it keeps you connected to your own voice while you do the harder, more public work of shaping something for readers

If you take one thing from this, let it be this … your journal isn’t separate from your writing life. It’s the root system underneath it. The more you tend it, the more it can support everything else you write. The more it can nourish you as a writer!

I’ll be exploring how journaling can help you unlock the writer within along with a set of practices you can start using immediately — in my upcoming workshop for WNBA on the power of journaling for authors. I hope you’ll join me there.

Visit the event page to register today!

About the Author

Lynda Monk, MSW, RSW, CPCC is an author, speaker, registered social worker, certified professional coach, and Director of the International Association for Journal Writing (IAJW.org). For more than 30 years, she has helped people harness the power of writing for self-discovery, healing, creativity, and personal growth. Lynda is a recognized leader in the field of journaling and co-editor of The Great Book of Journaling and Transformational Journaling for Coaches, Therapists, and Clients. She is also the author of The Adoptee’s Guide to Healing, Wholeness & Growth. Through her workshops, courses, and global journaling community, Lynda inspires people to connect more deeply with themselves, their stories, and their creative potential.

September 24 – Lunch N Learn: The Power of Journaling for Women Writers

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The Power of Journaling for Women Writers

Thursday, September 24 at 12 pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

 

What if the most important writing you do is the writing no one else ever reads?

In this inspiring and practical presentation, author, journal writing expert, and Director of the International Association for Journal Writing, Lynda Monk explores how journaling can become a powerful ally for women writers. Far more than a place to record daily events, journaling is a creative sanctuary where ideas are born, resilience is strengthened, and authentic voice emerges. These things matter for us as women writers!

Drawing on 30+ years of experience helping people access the healing and transformational power of writing, Lynda shares how reflective journaling can help writers deepen self-awareness and live a truly self-expressed life. Participants will discover simple yet profound journaling practices that support both the writing life and personal well-being all at once.

Whether you are an aspiring author, seasoned writer, or someone longing to write more freely, this session will leave you inspired to pick up your pen and uncover the wisdom, stories, and possibilities waiting within.

Lynda has a tattoo on her forearm that is an image of her own handwriting, that originally appeared in the pages of her journal. It reads: “Anything is possible.” In this session, you will learn journaling as a tool to explore the art of the possible in your writing and in your life!

Participants will learn:

  • How journaling enhances creativity and strengthens your writing voice
  • Ways journaling can help overcome perfectionism and writer’s block
  • Practical journaling techniques to support your writing life and well-being too

Come discover why your journal may be one of the most valuable writing companions you’ll ever have.

About the Presenter

Lynda Monk, MSW, RSW, CPCC is an author, speaker, registered social worker, certified professional coach, and Director of the International Association for Journal Writing (IAJW.org). For more than 30 years, she has helped people harness the power of writing for self-discovery, healing, creativity, and personal growth. Lynda is a recognized leader in the field of journaling and co-editor of The Great Book of Journaling and Transformational Journaling for Coaches, Therapists, and Clients. She is co-author of Writing Alone Together: Journaling in a Circle of Women for Creativity, Compassion & Connection. Lynda is also the author of The Adoptee’s Guide to Healing, Wholeness & Growth. Through her workshops, courses, and global journaling community, Lynda inspires people to connect more deeply with themselves, their stories, and their creative potential and well-being.

 

To register, please fill out the form below: 

September 24 - The Power of Journaling for Women Writers

September 24 @ 12pm PDT — A FREE WNBASF Virtual Event 

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August 13 – Substack for Authors with Jim Fuhs and Alexandra Hidalgo

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Substack for Authors with Jim Fuhs and Alexandra Hidalgo

Thursday, August 13 at 12 pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Substack is a great option for authors seeking to build their platform, connect with readers, and share their expertise … even before they get a book deal. More than a newsletter, it is a publishing platform that allows writers to develop relationships, cultivate community,  and increase visibility, making them more appealing to agents and publishers.

Join the Women’s National Book Association San Francisco Chapter on Thursday, August 13 at 12:00 p.m. PT for a Lunch & Learn exploring how authors can leverage Substack to support their writing, publishing, and marketing goals. Discover strategies for creating engaging content, growing your readership, and making Substack an integral part of your author platform.

Featured speakers Jim Fuhs and Alexandra Hidalgo each bring a unique perspective to Substack. Through Jim’s Writing and Video Journey, Jim shares practical insights on content creation, video, livestreaming, and authentic community building. Alexandra’s Love in Many Genres blends personal storytelling with cultural commentary, demonstrating how authors can create meaningful conversations that keep readers coming back. Together, they’ll share practical ideas and real-world experiences to help you make the most of the platform.

The discussion will be facilitated by WNBA-SF Networking Ambassador Debra Eckerling, The Book Proposal Expert, author of 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting and Your Goal Guide, and publisher of the Book Proposals Simplified Substack. 

Bring your lunch and your questions for an engaging conversation about using Substack to amplify your voice, strengthen your author platform, and create lasting connections with readers.

About the Speakers and Moderator

Jim Fuhs is a Marine Corps veteran turned digital marketing strategist. He’s the President and COO of Fuhsion Marketing and brings over 20 years of military leadership into the fast-moving world of content creation, livestreaming, and strategy. Jim co-hosts the award-winning ‘Dealcasters Live’ on Amazon, and he’s known for combining military precision with marketing innovation to help brands grow smarter.  From the battlefield to the broadcast booth — Jim’s got a playbook for building authentic communities. Follow Jim’s Writing and Video Journey on Substack. 

Alexandra Hidalgo left Venezuela for the US at 16, and she’s an endowed associate professor and Crow Chair of English at the University of Pittsburgh. Her writing and documentaries have been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire, NPR, The Criterion Collection, and Women and Hollywood. She writes about relationships across time and distance on her Love in Many Genres Substack and analyzes big-hearted books, movies, and TV shows on her Love Them Tender YouTube channel.

Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, author, and book proposal expert who helps writers, entrepreneurs, and consultants transform their ideas into sellable books. The founder of The DEB Method for goal-setting simplified, Debra specializes in guiding clients from concept to proposal with clarity, confidence, and direction. Debra is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting, and hosts GoalChat, The Book Proposal Podcast, and Book Proposals Simplified on Substack. She is also a regular contributor to and speaker for WritersDigest.com. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com and connect with Debra on LinkedIn.
 

To register, please fill out the form below: 

Registration is now closed. Visit our homepage to sign up for email notifications and never miss a WNBA-SF event!

August 27 – Comp-a-palooza with Brenda Knight and Debra Eckerling

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Comp-a-palooza Lunch N Learn with Brenda Knight and Debra Eckerling

Thursday, August 27 at 12 pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Comparative titles (or “comps”) are one of the most important tools for positioning and selling your book. They help agents and publishers understand where your book fits in the marketplace, who it’s for, and why readers will buy it. You need them for pitches and queries (fiction and nonfiction), as well as nonfiction book proposals. 
 
Join the Women’s National Book Association San Francisco Chapter on Thursday, August 27 at 12:00 p.m. PT for Comp-a-Palooza, a Lunch & Learn focused on finding and positioning comp titles for your work-in-progress. WNBA-SF Chapter President Brenda Knight (Publisher, Books That Save Lives) and Networking Ambassador Debra Eckerling (The Book Proposal Expert) will guide you through one of the most important elements of the book pitch.

Discover:

  • What makes a strong comparative title (and what doesn’t)
  • How to find books that position your idea effectively 
  • What agents, publishers, booksellers and sales reps are looking for
  • Which common mistakes to avoid when selecting comps
  • And more!

No matter where you are in your work-in-progress, this session will demystify comps, while giving you practical insights to help position your book.

About the Speakers

Brenda Knight, author of Women of the Beat Generation, began her publishing career at HarperCollins working with luminaries including Paolo Coehlo, Marianne Williamson, Mark Nepo, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Knight was awarded IndieFab’s Publisher of the Year at the American Library Association in 2014. She is the author of Random Acts of Kindness, Be a Good in the World, and Women of the Beat Generation which won the American Book Award. She is President of WNBA-SF Chapter.

Debra Eckerling is The Book Proposal Expert, a book proposal specialist who helps authors clarify their message, develop their content, and craft proposals that get noticed. She is the author of Your Goal Guide and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting, host of GoalChat and the Book Proposal Podcast, and the creator of The DEB Method for goal-setting simplified. Debra has spent years helping writers, entrepreneurs, and experts turn their ideas into compelling book plans that get noticed by agents and publishers. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com and connect with Debra on LinkedIn.

Need extra support? Brenda and Debra also offer Pitch Clinic office hours for authors who want additional guidance refining their pitches, positioning their books, and preparing for the next step in their publishing journey.

To register, please fill out the form below: 

August 27 - Comp-a-palooza with Brenda Knight and Debra Eckerling

August 27 @ 12pm PDT — A FREE WNBASF Virtual Event 

"*" indicates required fields

Your best email address.
Your first name, as it will appear on Zoom when you log in!
Your last name, as it will appear on Zoom when you log in!
WNBA Member?*
How did you find out about this event?*

Join Us! Author Audit Today & Summer Mixer Next Week!

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Author Audit

Thursday, July 9 at 12 pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

As authors, our to-do list is never-ending. How do we make sure we are checking all the boxes we need to? That’s where an Author Audit comes in! This quick 20 question quiz will help identify crucial steps you should take when marketing your books and teach you new ways to expand your outreach, even if you are just starting out.

Have you secured endorsements or editorial reviews for your upcoming release? How about a street team? Planning an in-person signing or sprucing up your promotional materials? And don’t forget your digital presence: from author websites to optimizing your Amazon listing, there’s a lot to cover! But this audit makes it easy to hit all of the important points in one quick session.

About the Speaker

Megan Mary is an international bestselling author, host of Women’s Dream Enlightenment Podcast, founder of Inner Realms Publishing, and Literary Ladies, a free book marketing community for women authors. Her metaphysical trilogy, Witches of Maple Hollow, blends the genres of mystery, fantasy and speculative fiction: Book 1: The Dream Haunters, Book 2: The Dream Mirrors & Book 3, The Dream Dimensions.

In addition to a career spanning over twenty-five years creating, managing and marketing websites, she holds an MA in English Literature, MSc in Metaphysical Sciences, and is pursuing her PhD in Metaphysical Counseling. Holding a certification in Online Teaching and Learning, she regularly mentors other women authors as well as provides book marketing services. She is a member of the SF Chapter of the WNBA, the Author’s Guild, the International Association for the Study of Dreams, the Coalition for Visionary Resources, MMM (Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem) Writers, and the Eastern Idaho Writer’s League.

An expert guest on over 100 podcasts, she has been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, BookLife, Authority Magazine, Parade Magazine, and VeryWell Mind. She lives in Idaho with her husband and two cats.

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

 

Remember to follow WNBA-SF on Instagram @wnba_sanfrancisco to stay connected and current on our events, interviews, and other activities!

 
 

Summer Lovin’ Goals Mixer

Thursday, July 16 at 12 pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Join the Women’s National Book Association San Francisco Chapter for our Summer Lovin’ Mixer on Thursday, July 16 at 12:00 p.m. PT, to share and celebrate the writing goals that have captured your heart this season.

Whether you’re flirting with a new book idea, committed to finishing a manuscript, rekindling a relationship with a stalled project, or looking for the perfect next step in your writing journey, this interactive networking event will help you give your writing goals the Summer Lovin’ they deserve.

Hosted by WNBA-SF Networking Ambassador Debra Eckerling, The Book Proposal Expert and author of 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting and Your Goal Guide, come prepared to share goals, discuss challenges, celebrate possibilities, and discover ways to keep the spark alive all summer long.

It’s a mixer, so bring a literary friend or two. Also, bring your lunch, your writing dreams, and your summer spirit. You’ll leave with fresh inspiration, new connections, and a renewed commitment to your writing goals.

About the Host

Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, author, and book proposal expert who helps writers, entrepreneurs, and consultants transform their ideas into sellable books. The founder of The DEB Method for goal-setting simplified, Debra specializes in guiding clients from concept to proposal with clarity, confidence, and direction. Debra is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting, and hosts GoalChat, The Book Proposal Podcast, and Book Proposals Simplified on Substack. She is also a regular contributor to and speaker for WritersDigest.com. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com and connect with Debra on LinkedIn.

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

 

Perfect your book pitch with expert guidance!

Your Pitch. Perfected.

In this interactive Pitch Clinic, publisher Brenda Knight (Books that Save Lives) and book proposal strategist Debra Eckerling (TheBookProposalExpert.com) team up to help authors refine and strengthen their pitches in real time. Whether you’re preparing for a conference or Pitch-O-Rama; a meeting with an agent or publisher; or an email submission, this session will give you the tools and confidence to make your pitch stand out.

Brenda Knight, Publisher, Books That Save Lives, and President of WNBA-SF Chapter, is a longtime publisher and industry veteran, who draws on decades of experience acquiring and publishing bestselling and award-winning titles. She offers an insider-perspective on what agents and publishers are really looking for — and what makes a pitch irresistible.

Debra Eckerling, TheBookProposalExpert.com, brings her talent for helping writers clarify their ideas, define their audience, and communicate their book’s value with confidence. The author of Your Goal Guide and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting, Debra helps writers, entrepreneurs, and consultants turn their compelling book concepts into strong, strategic proposals that sell.

Together, Brenda and Debra provide practical feedback, actionable advice, and professional insights designed to help you pitch your book like a pro.

To learn more about Pitch Clinic, please visit the event page!

Learn to Market Yourself & Meet Your Writing Goals This Summer!

By

Podcasting Strategies for Authors

Thursday, June 25 at 12 pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Join the Women’s National Book Association – San Francisco Chapter on June 25 for a Lunch N Learn focused on how authors can use podcasting to support their writing and publishing goals.

Whether you’re hosting a podcast, appearing as a guest, or both, podcasting is an essential tool for building your author platform. It offers opportunities to share your expertise, connect with readers, expand your network, and increase visibility for your brand … before, during, and after you write your book/get published! 

The panel will explore the benefits of podcasting from both sides of the microphone, including:

  • Why or when to start a podcast
  • What it takes to launch and sustain a podcast
  • How authors can become great podcast guests
  • Strategies to get the most of your podcast appearances
  • And more!

Our Panel

Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, author, and book proposal expert who helps writers, entrepreneurs, and consultants transform their ideas into sellable books. The founder of The DEB Method for goal-setting simplified, Debra specializes in guiding clients from concept to proposal with clarity, confidence, and direction. Debra is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting, and hosts GoalChat, The Book Proposal Podcast, and Book Proposals Simplified on Substack. She is also a regular contributor to and speaker for WritersDigest.com. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com and connect with Debra on LinkedIn.
 
Julie Migliacci is the co-owner of Revent Consulting, a hybrid and virtual event planning company. The Revent teams provides support for small to large organizations globally assisting in internal communications, webinars, conferences and online conversations. Julie has over 17 years of high touch customer service and event planning under her belt. There isn’t an event type she hasn’t planned before, from large celebrity fundraisers, virtual conferences and premier cooking shows. She is always up for a new challenge and creating unique experiences for clients and their guests. Hailing from France, Julie has lived in 4 countries and considers herself a global citizen. She currently resides in Boston, MA and is always looking for an opportunity to jump on a plane to do something new. If left on a deserted island, Julie would bring her sourdough starter (named Steve) and her cats. learn more at revent.consulting.
 
Kandas Rodarte is a veteran podcast host and digital content strategist who has been producing the Gratitude Geek podcast since 2014. With over 300 episodes published, she specializes in helping Gen X women solopreneurs build sustainable businesses through strategic podcast guesting, content repurposing, and authentic visibility strategies. As the creator of the Gratitude Geek Lab community and founder of the Creator Collab Mixer, Kandas facilitates practical, experiment-driven guidance for women navigating business growth. She also co-hosts the Sci-Fi Book Pod and brings hands-on experience with podcast production workflows, SEO optimization, and community building to every conversation about podcasting. KandasRodarte.com.

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

 

Remember to follow WNBA-SF on Instagram @wnba_sanfrancisco to stay connected and current on our events, interviews, and other activities!

 

 

Author Audit

Thursday, July 9 at 12 pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

As authors, our to-do list is never-ending. How do we make sure we are checking all the boxes we need to? That’s where an Author Audit comes in! This quick 20 question quiz will help identify crucial steps you should take when marketing your books and teach you new ways to expand your outreach, even if you are just starting out.

Have you secured endorsements or editorial reviews for your upcoming release? How about a street team? Planning an in-person signing or sprucing up your promotional materials? And don’t forget your digital presence: from author websites to optimizing your Amazon listing, there’s a lot to cover! But this audit makes it easy to hit all of the important points in one quick session.

About the Speaker

Megan Mary is an international bestselling author, host of Women’s Dream Enlightenment Podcast, founder of Inner Realms Publishing, and Literary Ladies, a free book marketing community for women authors. Her metaphysical trilogy, Witches of Maple Hollow, blends the genres of mystery, fantasy and speculative fiction: Book 1: The Dream Haunters, Book 2: The Dream Mirrors & Book 3, The Dream Dimensions.

In addition to a career spanning over twenty-five years creating, managing and marketing websites, she holds an MA in English Literature, MSc in Metaphysical Sciences, and is pursuing her PhD in Metaphysical Counseling. Holding a certification in Online Teaching and Learning, she regularly mentors other women authors as well as provides book marketing services. She is a member of the SF Chapter of the WNBA, the Author’s Guild, the International Association for the Study of Dreams, the Coalition for Visionary Resources, MMM (Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem) Writers, and the Eastern Idaho Writer’s League.

An expert guest on over 100 podcasts, she has been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, BookLife, Authority Magazine, Parade Magazine, and VeryWell Mind. She lives in Idaho with her husband and two cats.

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

 

Read about Shirin Yim Leos’s writing process for her upcoming novel in our latest featured member interview!

 

 

Summer Lovin’ Goals Mixer

Thursday, July 16 at 12 pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event

Unable to attend? No worries. Register anyway and receive the replay!

Join the Women’s National Book Association San Francisco Chapter for our Summer Lovin’ Mixer on Thursday, July 16 at 12:00 p.m. PT, to share and celebrate the writing goals that have captured your heart this season.

Whether you’re flirting with a new book idea, committed to finishing a manuscript, rekindling a relationship with a stalled project, or looking for the perfect next step in your writing journey, this interactive networking event will help you give your writing goals the Summer Lovin’ they deserve.

Hosted by WNBA-SF Networking Ambassador Debra Eckerling, The Book Proposal Expert and author of 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting and Your Goal Guide, come prepared to share goals, discuss challenges, celebrate possibilities, and discover ways to keep the spark alive all summer long.

It’s a mixer, so bring a literary friend or two. Also, bring your lunch, your writing dreams, and your summer spirit. You’ll leave with fresh inspiration, new connections, and a renewed commitment to your writing goals.

About the Host

Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, author, and book proposal expert who helps writers, entrepreneurs, and consultants transform their ideas into sellable books. The founder of The DEB Method for goal-setting simplified, Debra specializes in guiding clients from concept to proposal with clarity, confidence, and direction. Debra is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting, and hosts GoalChat, The Book Proposal Podcast, and Book Proposals Simplified on Substack. She is also a regular contributor to and speaker for WritersDigest.com. Learn more at TheBookProposalExpert.com and connect with Debra on LinkedIn.

To register, please visit the event page and fill out the form at the bottom of the page!

 

Perfect your book pitch with expert guidance!

Your Pitch. Perfected.

In this interactive Pitch Clinic, publisher Brenda Knight (Books that Save Lives) and book proposal strategist Debra Eckerling (TheBookProposalExpert.com) team up to help authors refine and strengthen their pitches in real time. Whether you’re preparing for a conference or Pitch-O-Rama; a meeting with an agent or publisher; or an email submission, this session will give you the tools and confidence to make your pitch stand out.

Brenda Knight, Publisher, Books That Save Lives, and President of WNBA-SF Chapter, is a longtime publisher and industry veteran, who draws on decades of experience acquiring and publishing bestselling and award-winning titles. She offers an insider-perspective on what agents and publishers are really looking for — and what makes a pitch irresistible.

Debra Eckerling, TheBookProposalExpert.com, brings her talent for helping writers clarify their ideas, define their audience, and communicate their book’s value with confidence. The author of Your Goal Guide and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting, Debra helps writers, entrepreneurs, and consultants turn their compelling book concepts into strong, strategic proposals that sell.

Together, Brenda and Debra provide practical feedback, actionable advice, and professional insights designed to help you pitch your book like a pro.

To learn more about Pitch Clinic, please visit the event page!