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You’re Invited! Register Early for the Halloween Mixer & Pitch-O-Rama 2026!

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Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. PT

23 Years of Pitch-O-Rama Success!

Are you developing a concept for a new book? Do you have a manuscript in progress? Have you always wanted 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 2026! Everyone is welcome to participate!

We are happy to announce we will be hosting the next Pitch-O-Rama as a virtual event on April 25th, 2026, where writers will be given the opportunity to pitch their works to agents and editors for publication. 

New to Pitch-O-Rama? Pitch-O-Rama is an annual event where we bring in a set 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 then share that pitch with an expert who will provide advice on taking your writing project to the next level. A chance like this is an invaluable learning experience that could put you on the path to publication. We hope to see you there!

REGISTER HERE!

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, as part of our Early Bird Special, register for only $85 as a WNBA-SF member and $130 as a non-member before it expires on January 31st, 2026. After that day, registration will be $95 for WNBA-SF members and $145 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!

Before 1/31/2026: $85 for WNBA-SF members, $130 for non-members

After 1/31/2026: $95 for WNBA-SF members, $145 for non-members

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!

 

OCTOBER EVENTS

Making AI & Publishing Less Scary: Discussion + Halloween Mixer

Thursday, October 30 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is casting a long shadow over the creative world. But when modern technology meets outdated federal (copyright and trademark) and state (right of publicity and defamation) law, things can get a little… frightening.

Join WNBA-SF for a spine-tingling discussion with Paul Levine, a literary agent and seasoned entertainment lawyer with 43 years of practice and Adjunct Professor of Entertainment Law at USC Gould School of Law. 

Discover the tricks and treats of how AI is haunting the world of book publishing—and what authors and creatives need to know to protect their work.

Stick around for WNBA-SF’s annual Halloween Mixer, where you can share your scary publishing stories around the virtual campfire.

It’s a mixer, so invite a literary friend or two. Bring your own s’mores. Costumes optional.

About the Speaker

Paul S. Levine “wears two hats:” he is a lawyer (www.paulslevine.com) and a literary agent (www.paulslevinelit.com). Mr. Levine has practiced entertainment law for more than 40 years and established his first solo practice in 1992. Seeing an underserved niche on the West Coast, he decided early on to focus on serving book authors. This naturally evolved into his work as a literary agent. Seeking to expand the range of services he could offer his clients to include the representation of books, Levine opened The Paul S. Levine Literary Agency in 1996, which he has recently expanded. With a preference for politically and socially important works, he represents more than 200 book authors, the vast majority of whom are new, unpublished, or self-published writers. Levine presents extensively at writers’ conferences throughout the country and at entertainment law-related classes and seminars.

Your Mixer Host

Debra Eckerling, aka WNBA-SF Networking Ambassador, is a goal strategist, book proposal specialist, and award-winning author of Your Goal Guide and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting & Goal-Getting. Founder of  the D*E*B METHOD® for goal-setting simplified, she hosts GoalChat, Taste Buds with Deb, and the Book Proposal Podcast. Check out Debra’s articles on WritersDigest.com, subscribe to her Book Proposals Simplified Substack, and connect with Deb on LinkedIn. Learn more at TheDEBMethod.com.

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

 

NOVEMBER EVENTS

Befriend Your Writer’s Block: How to Have More Fun During Creative Challenges

Thursday, November 6 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

Writing is a creative process, and it’s natural to go through ebbs and flows. Many writers have moments of struggle and stress. But when we find ourselves in episodes where good ideas seem to grind to a halt completely and attempting to get words on the page feels like a Sisyphean task, we may consider it writer’s block. Focusing on being blocked, however, can create more of the same. Let’s sensitively unpack some of the real challenges writer’s face, and lessons we can learn, while exploring ways to bring more fun into the process!

In this presentation we will explore:

  • Why writers sometimes feel “blocked.”
  • How to be compassionate with yourself during rough spots.
  • What you can do to put more fun and joy into writing.
  • Ideas to help ignite motivation and productivity.
  • Playful tips for more ease and joy in your creative life.
  • This is for nonfiction and fiction authors. You don’t have to be experiencing a creative challenge to find some fun tips in this presentation!

About the Presenter
Laurie Sue Brockway is a seasoned writer of thousands of articles, 25 books, and many once-unfinished manuscripts. She developed her unique approach to tapping into creative magic after years of writing panic, fear, and frustration! Her books have been published by Penguin, Random House, Kensington, Sterling, and Llewellyn. Now running her own self-publishing company, she is sharing her wisdom to help other writers. Her books include Writer’s Flow, She Who Scrivens, Meet Enheduanna, Lakshmi Magic, The Goddess Pages and several fiction titles. She is a former editor of an iconic national women’s magazine, and of local newspapers and online publications. She holds degrees in psychology, history, and ministry. Find out more at www.revlauriesue.com.

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

No More NaNoWriMo? What Now?

By

by Nita Sweeney

Each November since 1999, hundreds of thousands of writers around the globe have taken the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) challenge. Their goal? Write 50,000 words of fiction in 30 days. NaNoWriMo thrived by creating a global online and in-person community that offered a deadline and a structure that made an impossible goal doable.

Unfortunately, in April of this year, the nonprofit behind NaNoWriMo ceased operations for a variety of reasons, some scandalous, some financial, some organizational. As a result, the official website, forums, regional write-ins, and word-count trackers are no longer available.

If you were a WriMo (a NaNoWriMo enthusiast) like me, or had always meant to sign up, you might wonder: What now? While the official event will no longer happen, the spirit of NaNoWriMo lives on. Because writers will always find ways to write, they will also create gatherings, set ridiculously-ambitious goals, and support each other through the messy, exhilarating work of drafting books.

Here is a wholly incomplete list of NaNoWriMo alternatives:

Create Your Own Challenge

At its core, NaNoWriMo was simple: a self-imposed word-count goal within a fixed time frame. You don’t need an official website for that. Choose a goal that excites and challenges you whether it’s 50,000 words in November, 10,000 words in a weekend, or 100 words a day for a year.

Set your start and end dates, write down your rules, and commit. Maybe shout it on social media to add accountability. Create your own spreadsheets or use an app like Google Sheets, Notion, or Airtable to track your progress. A paper calendar will do. Feel the dopamine hits as you check off each day.

Join Online Writing Communities

The real magic of NaNoWriMo wasn’t the word tracker; it was the community. Writers encouraged each other, celebrated milestones, and shared the inevitable struggles of drafting. You can find that sense of connection in other places.

  • Discord Servers: Many writing-focused Discord groups now host their own word sprints and challenges. A quick search for “writing Discord” will reveal dozens of welcoming communities.
  • Reddit: Subreddits like r/nanowrimo, r/writing, and r/keepwriting remain active and supportive.
  • Facebook Groups: Plenty of former NaNoWriMo regional groups have migrated to Facebook, where they continue to hold events and cheer each other on.
  • Novel November (NovNov): The folks at ProWritingAid have created something that looks a lot like NaNoWriMo. It might scratch the WriMo itch.
  • Reedsy Novel Sprint: The Reedsy folks have come up with their own version as well. It includes prizes up to $5,000.

These spaces offer accountability, camaraderie, and sometimes even lifelong friendships.

Explore Year-Round Challenges

Other organizations have long offered similar programs:

  • Camp NaNo (Independent Spin-Offs): While the official camps once run by NaNoWriMo are gone, many writers still host their own “camps” in April and July. These are smaller, flexible challenges that let you set your own goals.
  • StoryADay May: A long-running challenge where participants draft a short story every day in May. Great for generating raw material and experimenting with style.
  • 12×12 Challenge: Aimed at picture book writers, this challenge encourages participants to draft 12 manuscripts in 12 months.
  • FebFlash or FlashNaNo: Various unofficial events focus on short fiction bursts rather than novels.

Sniff around the interwebs and find a challenge that fits your genre, style, and schedule.

Find Writing Apps and Tools

If what you’ll miss most about NaNoWriMo is the word-count tracker, plenty of apps exist to fill that void.

  • 4thewords gamifies writing by turning word counts into battles with monsters.
  • Pacemaker lets you set detailed writing plans and track progress with visual graphs.
  • Scrivener (beloved by many novelists) has built-in project targets and daily word goals.

These tools won’t replace community, but they do provide structure and motivation.

Form or Join a Writing Group

One of the best legacies of NaNoWriMo is that it introduced writers to each other. If you miss that, why not start—or join—a smaller writing group?

A group can be as casual as a weekly coffee shop meet-up where everyone writes for an hour, or as structured as a critique circle with scheduled submissions. Online groups via Zoom or Slack can work just as well as in-person gatherings. Check Meetup for preexisting groups, too.

Having even one accountability partner can provide the same kind of encouragement NaNoWriMo once offered at scale.

Redefine “Winning”

NaNoWriMo offered a clear benchmark: 50,000 words in 30 days. But many writers felt crushed when they “lost” by falling short of that number, even if they’d written more than they ever had before.

You decide what success looks like. You could:

  • Finish a messy first draft of any length.
  • Write daily for a month.
  • Revise a project
  • Keep a writing journal.

Focus on progress to sustain a healthier, longer-lasting writing life.

The Spirit Lives On

While it’s sad to see NaNoWriMo go, we writers are tenacious and resourceful. We’ll find ways to gather, cheer each other, and prove that creativity thrives in many ways.

After all, NaNoWriMo was never just a website.

Tiny Bio
Bestselling author and coach Nita Sweeney “won” NaNoWriMo eighteen times. She used the challenge to draft three of her books including the award-winning memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target and the Wall Street Journal featured Make Every Move a Meditation. As a coach, Nita helps artists (mostly writers), athletes (mostly runners), and leaders (mostly lawyers) thrive. Learn more about Nita and her work at nitasweeney.com.

Thrilling Fall Events! Register Early for Pitch-O-Rama 2026!

By

 

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. PT

23 Years of Pitch-O-Rama Success!

Are you developing a concept for a new book? Do you have a manuscript in progress? Have you always wanted 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 2026! Everyone is welcome to participate!

We are happy to announce we will be hosting the next Pitch-O-Rama as a virtual event on April 25th, 2026, where writers will be given the opportunity to pitch their works to agents and editors for publication. 

New to Pitch-O-Rama? Pitch-O-Rama is an annual event where we bring in a set 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 then share that pitch with an expert who will provide advice on taking your writing project to the next level. A chance like this is an invaluable learning experience that could put you on the path to publication. We hope to see you there!

REGISTER HERE!

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, as part of our Early Bird Special, register for only $85 as a WNBA-SF member and $130 as a non-member before it expires on January 31st, 2026. After that day, registration will be $95 for WNBA-SF members and $145 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!

Before 1/31/2026: $85 for WNBA-SF members, $130 for non-members

After 1/31/2026: $95 for WNBA-SF members, $145 for non-members

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!

 

OCTOBER EVENTS

Debunking Myths of Hybrid Publishing

Thursday, October 16 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

You just finished writing your manuscript, now what?
 
Traditional publishing, self-publishing, vanity presses, hybrid publishing…the publishing world is complex and difficult to navigate, with hybrid publishing gaining traction in particular. But lack of knowledge and confusion about the term has led to many misconceptions and myths.
 
So what exactly is hybrid publishing, and what is not? Learn about the different methods of publishing and find out what might be your best option during this free Lunch N Learn presented by publisher Audrey Zurcher!
 
Meet the Presenter:
A business owner experienced in book publishing technologies and procedures, Audrey Zurcher launched Spring Cedars in 2019, a hybrid publishing solution that provides writers a publishing alternative, one that is integrated, affordable, personable, and fun.

 

 

 

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

 

Making AI & Publishing Less Scary: Discussion + Halloween Mixer

Thursday, October 30 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) is casting a long shadow over the creative world. But when modern technology meets outdated federal (copyright and trademark) and state (right of publicity and defamation) law, things can get a little… frightening.

Join WNBA-SF for a spine-tingling discussion with Paul Levine, a literary agent and seasoned entertainment lawyer with 43 years of practice and Adjunct Professor of Entertainment Law at USC Gould School of Law. 

Discover the tricks and treats of how AI is haunting the world of book publishing—and what authors and creatives need to know to protect their work.

Stick around for WNBA-SF’s annual Halloween Mixer, where you can share your scary publishing stories around the virtual campfire.

It’s a mixer, so invite a literary friend or two. Bring your own s’mores. Costumes optional.

About the Speaker

Paul S. Levine “wears two hats:” he is a lawyer (www.paulslevine.com) and a literary agent (www.paulslevinelit.com). Mr. Levine has practiced entertainment law for more than 40 years and established his first solo practice in 1992. Seeing an underserved niche on the West Coast, he decided early on to focus on serving book authors. This naturally evolved into his work as a literary agent. Seeking to expand the range of services he could offer his clients to include the representation of books, Levine opened The Paul S. Levine Literary Agency in 1996, which he has recently expanded. With a preference for politically and socially important works, he represents more than 200 book authors, the vast majority of whom are new, unpublished, or self-published writers. Levine presents extensively at writers’ conferences throughout the country and at entertainment law-related classes and seminars.

Your Mixer Host

Debra Eckerling, aka WNBA-SF Networking Ambassador, is a goal strategist, book proposal specialist, and award-winning author of Your Goal Guide and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting & Goal-Getting. Founder of  the D*E*B METHOD® for goal-setting simplified, she hosts GoalChat, Taste Buds with Deb, and the Book Proposal Podcast. Check out Debra’s articles on WritersDigest.com, subscribe to her Book Proposals Simplified Substack, and connect with Deb on LinkedIn. Learn more at TheDEBMethod.com.

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

 

NOVEMBER EVENTS

Befriend Your Writer’s Block: How to Have More Fun During Creative Challenges

Thursday, November 6 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

Writing is a creative process, and it’s natural to go through ebbs and flows. Many writers have moments of struggle and stress. But when we find ourselves in episodes where good ideas seem to grind to a halt completely and attempting to get words on the page feels like a Sisyphean task, we may consider it writer’s block. Focusing on being blocked, however, can create more of the same. Let’s sensitively unpack some of the real challenges writer’s face, and lessons we can learn, while exploring ways to bring more fun into the process!

In this presentation we will explore:

  • Why writers sometimes feel “blocked.”
  • How to be compassionate with yourself during rough spots.
  • What you can do to put more fun and joy into writing.
  • Ideas to help ignite motivation and productivity.
  • Playful tips for more ease and joy in your creative life.
  • This is for nonfiction and fiction authors. You don’t have to be experiencing a creative challenge to find some fun tips in this presentation!

About the Presenter
Laurie Sue Brockway is a seasoned writer of thousands of articles, 25 books, and many once-unfinished manuscripts. She developed her unique approach to tapping into creative magic after years of writing panic, fear, and frustration! Her books have been published by Penguin, Random House, Kensington, Sterling, and Llewellyn. Now running her own self-publishing company, she is sharing her wisdom to help other writers. Her books include Writer’s Flow, She Who Scrivens, Meet Enheduanna, Lakshmi Magic, The Goddess Pages and several fiction titles. She is a former editor of an iconic national women’s magazine, and of local newspapers and online publications. She holds degrees in psychology, history, and ministry. Find out more at www.revlauriesue.com.

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

Anthropic Agrees to Pay $1.5 Billion to Authors in Historic Copyright Settlement

By

Big news for the literary world: Anthropic, one of the leading artificial intelligence companies, has agreed to pay at least $1.5 billion to authors in what is now the largest copyright infringement settlement in U.S. history.

Why This Case Matters

In recent years, technology companies have raced to build sophisticated AI models, training them on enormous amounts of text, including pirated collections of books from “shadow libraries” such as LibGen and Books3.

According to the lawsuit, Anthropic, a San Francisco-based AI company founded by former OpenAI researchers, used hundreds of thousands of copyrighted books taken from illegal sources to train their AI models. Alleging large-scale copyright infringement, authors Charles Graeber, Kirk Wallace Johnson, and Andrea Bartz sued Anthropic in 2024.

The Settlement at a Glance

In September 2025, the lawsuit against Anthropic reached a truly historic conclusion. The company will pay at least $1.5 billion, plus interest, to affected authors. Each infringed work with a registered U.S. copyright will be compensated $3,000, with payments made in four installments over the next two years. Attorneys’ fees and costs will not exceed 25 percent of the total settlement fund.

The agreement covers infringement up to August 25, 2025, while leaving open the possibility of claims for future violations. As part of the settlement, Anthropic has also agreed to destroy their pirated datasets.

What Happens Next for Authors

So what does this mean for authors? On October 10, 2025, a draft list of affected books will be released. Following that, the settlement administrator will create a searchable database where authors can learn if their works are included. Later, official notices will be sent out with instructions on how to file a claim and secure payment.

At present, the draft list already includes about 465,000 titles. If the total eventually surpasses 500,000, Anthropic has agreed to continue paying $3,000 for each additional work. For now, we don’t know exactly which books are included, so mark your calendars for October 2025 when more information becomes available.

The Bigger Picture

While Anthropic’s settlement is groundbreaking, it’s not the end of the story. Just this month, Apple was sued by authors Grady Hendrix and Jennifer Roberson in a separate class action case. That lawsuit alleges that Apple also relied on pirated datasets such as Books3 to train its AI models. The fact that other companies are facing similar legal challenges shows that this settlement is part of a much larger reckoning over how creative work is treated in the age of AI.

Join the Conversation

One of the strengths of the Women’s National Book Association is the way we lift each other up. If your book appears, we hope you’ll share the news in the comments. Not just so we can celebrate with you, but so that other members can learn more about how this process is unfolding. And if you discover that a friend, colleague, or fellow author’s work is included, let us know about that, too.

Each book on the settlement list is a testament to creative effort, and each author who receives compensation is a reminder that our voices are stronger together. The Anthropic settlement win proves that solidarity matters, our creative labor matters, and intellectual property must be respected, even in the fast-moving world of AI.

Exciting Upcoming Events! Register Early for Pitch-O-Rama 2026 using our Early Bird Special!

By

 

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. PT

23 Years of Pitch-O-Rama Success!

Are you developing a concept for a new book? Do you have a manuscript in progress? Have you always wanted 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 2026! Everyone is welcome to participate!

We are happy to announce we will be hosting the next Pitch-O-Rama as a virtual event on April 25th, 2026, where writers will be given the opportunity to pitch their works to agents and editors for publication. 

New to Pitch-O-Rama? Pitch-O-Rama is an annual event where we bring in a set 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 then share that pitch with an expert who will provide advice on taking your writing project to the next level. A chance like this is an invaluable learning experience that could put you on the path to publication. We hope to see you there!

REGISTER HERE!

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, as part of our Early Bird Special, register for only $85 as a WNBA-SF member and $130 as a non-member before it expires on January 31st, 2026. After that day, registration will be $95 for WNBA-SF members and $145 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!

Before 1/31/2026: $85 for WNBA-SF members, $130 for non-members

After 1/31/2026: $95 for WNBA-SF members, $145 for non-members

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!

 

Debunking Myths of Hybrid Publishing

Thursday, October 16 at 12 – 1pm PDT

A FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

You just finished writing your manuscript, now what?
 
Traditional publishing, self-publishing, vanity presses, hybrid publishing…the publishing world is complex and difficult to navigate, with hybrid publishing gaining traction in particular. But lack of knowledge and confusion about the term has led to many misconceptions and myths.
 
So what exactly is hybrid publishing, and what is not? Learn about the different methods of publishing and find out what might be your best option during this free Lunch N Learn presented by publisher Audrey Zurcher!
 
Meet the Presenter:
A business owner experienced in book publishing technologies and procedures, Audrey Zurcher launched Spring Cedars in 2019, a hybrid publishing solution that provides writers a publishing alternative, one that is integrated, affordable, personable, and fun.

 

 

 

 

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

You’re Invited! Lunch N Learn with Best-Selling Author Dr. Briles

By

Book Marketing with Dr. Judith Briles

Thursday, September 18 at 12 – 1pm PDT

FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

When it comes to authors and book marketing, it may be an Apple Pie and Ice Cream experience … or Crème Brulé with a Dill Pickle Topping. Kinda … ugh. Whether marketing is fun or an overwhelming tsunami, there are tips, tricks, and tools that can calm your author resistance and get things moving once again. 

During this WNBA-SF Lunch N Learn, Dr. Judith Briles will open your eyes, ears, and get you moving forward on your book marketing endeavors.

About the Presenter 

Dr. Judith Briles is the award-winning and best-selling author of 48 books earning over 60 book awards and recently awarded the Author Laureate honor. To date, her books have been translated into 17 countries with over 1,000,000 copies sold! Judith’s books, and work, have been featured in over 1,500 radio and TV shows. She is the host of the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast that has received over 21 million downloads, posts less than three minute “how to publish and market” videos daily on her YouTube channel Dr. Judith Briles-The Book Shepherd and is the founder of the Colorado’s Authors’ Hall of Fame. Today, she will explore the wide, wide world of book marketing that leads to author success … that is, if you do it.

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!

9 Dos & Don’ts of Book Proposal Formatting

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Award-winning author of Your Goal Guide and WNBA-SF’s very own networking ambassador Debra Eckerling shares tips on formatting your book proposal to maximize success with agents and publishers!

The main thing to remember about a book proposal is you want to give every person who reads it—agent, publisher, editorial board—a reason to say “Yes” and limit the reasons they might find to say “No.” They are looking for a good, salable book, and yours may be what they are seeking.

However, when a proposal has too many errors—aka distractions—the reader may never even consider the content. That is why formatting is so important. You want to present your proposal as professionally as possible, so you make it easy for the decision-maker to move forward.

Your 1st “Do”: Remember the basics…

Read the full article on Writer’s Digest to learn these key “Dos” & “Don’ts” on formatting your book proposal and visit her new Substack for more tips!

Join Us! Free Lunch N Learn Tomorrow & More Soon!

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Growing an Online Audience with TikTok

Thursday, September 4 at 12 – 1pm PDT

FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

TikTok is one of the most powerful tools authors have today to build visibility, grow a loyal readership, and connect directly with audiences…but it has its own issues too. Join author Kiri Callaghan and Ana Visneski as they talk about how Kiri built an audience of 390k, and the state of author engagement expectations online.

Whether you’re launching your debut novel or looking to breathe new life into your backlist, you’ll walk away with practical strategies, examples of what works (and what doesn’t), and the confidence to show up authentically on one of the world’s fastest-growing platforms.

Meet the Presenters

Kiri Callaghan

Born from Ink & Stardust, Kiri Callaghan is an author of fantastical fiction, performer and poet. Existing work consists of The Terra Mirum Chronicles (Alys, Changeling), The Seek Anomalie Podcast and a collection of original poems performed live at the Los Angeles Poetry Brothel. When Kiri is not telling stories or pretending to be other people, she is likely exploring the world, dancing under the moon, or crafting something with superglue, paint and sheer audacity.

Her debut into traditional publishing The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Magic and Murder will release in Fall 2025.

 

Ana Visneski

Ana Visneski is a member of the WNBA and the author of F*ck it, Watch This. When not writing, she runs a crisis management firm, Merewif, and teaches crisis communications at the University of Washington.

 

 

 

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

 

Join WNBA-SF at the 44th Annual Northern California Book Awards!

Join us for an afternoon celebrating the best of Northern California literature! The Northern California Book Awards is looking for volunteers at the event on Saturday, September 6 and pre-event for the PR tasks listed below. This free public event honors books published in 2024 by local authors and California-based translators. Meet award-winning writers, get books signed, and mingle at the post-event reception!

WHEN:
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025
🕑 2:00 PM

WHERE:
📍 Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Main Library (Civic Center)

WHY YOU SHOULD COME:
A must-attend for readers, writers, and literary aficionados. Special highlights include:
✨ The Fred Cody Award for Lifetime Achievement
🌍 California Translation Awards in Poetry and Prose
📖 Awards in Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction, Children’s Literature & more

WHO:
Presented by Poetry Flash, Northern California Book Reviewers, and the San Francisco Public Library, with partners Mechanics’ Institute and WNBA–SF Chapter.

MORE INFO:
📣 Nominees announced in August at poetryflash.org

 

Book Marketing with Dr. Judith Briles

Thursday, September 18 at 12 – 1pm PDT

FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

When it comes to authors and book marketing, it may be an Apple Pie and Ice Cream experience … or Crème Brulé with a Dill Pickle Topping. Kinda … ugh. Whether marketing is fun or an overwhelming tsunami, there are tips, tricks, and tools that can calm your author resistance and get things moving once again. 

During this WNBA-SF Lunch N Learn, Dr. Judith Briles will open your eyes, ears, and get you moving forward on your book marketing endeavors.

About the Presenter 

Dr. Judith Briles is the award-winning and best-selling author of 48 books earning over 60 book awards and recently awarded the Author Laureate honor. To date, her books have been translated into 17 countries with over 1,000,000 copies sold! Judith’s books, and work, have been featured in over 1,500 radio and TV shows. She is the host of the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast that has received over 21 million downloads, posts less than three minute “how to publish and market” videos daily on her YouTube channel Dr. Judith Briles-The Book Shepherd and is the founder of the Colorado’s Authors’ Hall of Fame. Today, she will explore the wide, wide world of book marketing that leads to author success … that is, if you do it.

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!

One-Woman Show with Katie Chin!

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Get ready to be blown away by the talents of Chef Katie Chin on Thursday, September 4th at Biscuits & Blues in SF’s theatre district! Filled with pathos and humor, “Holy Shiitake! A Wok Star is Born” chronicles Katie Chin’s journey as a Chinese American girl growing up in Minneapolis in the 1970s where she was raised by her remarkable seamstress-turned-restaurateur mother. You will be captivated by her unique blend of humor, storytelling, and culinary expertise. Prepare to be entertained as she shares her personal journey of becoming a Wok Star and conquering the culinary world. Join us for an unforgettable hour filled with laughter, inspiration, and mouthwatering tales. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event that will leave you craving for more! Visit her Facebook and Instagram to learn more!
 

You’re Invited! Share & Tell Tomorrow, Bay Area Book Fair, & Much More!

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Share & Grow: Writers’ Favorites Mixer

Thursday, August 14 at 12 – 1pm PDT

FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

It’s time for another Share & Tell… with a twist! Join WNBA-San Francisco for a “Share & Grow” Mixer on August 14th at 12pm PDT.

This month’s networking event is all about the tools, tips, and treasures that help us on our writing journeys. Whether it’s a favorite book on craft, must-have app, writing event, motivating podcast, or a creative ritual that keeps you going, bring a resource to share—and get ready to discover something new.

During this event, everyone will have a few minutes to:

  • Share: Their favorite writing resource
  • Grow: Set a goal, based on a new discovery

You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, new connections, and maybe even a few game-changers. As Debra Eckerling, the WNBA-SF networking ambassador, says: “You can’t reach your goals on your own, you need your people: they are your ambassadors, resources, and cheerleaders.”

Whether you’re a seasoned author or just getting started, everyone has something valuable to contribute. Let’s come together, lift each other up, and grow stronger—one favorite at a time.

It’s a MIXER, so please share this event and bring a literary friend or two to join the virtual fun! There will be a virtual guest book so you can share your contact info – and favorite links – there too.

About the Host

Debra Eckerling is the award-winning author of Your Goal Guide and 52 Secrets for Goal-Setting & Goal-Getting. A goal strategist and the creator of the D*E*B METHOD® for Goal-Setting Simplified, Debra offers personal and professional planning, networking strategy, and book proposal development, for entrepreneurs, consultants, and creatives. The networking ambassador for WNBA – San Francisco, Debra has spoken on stages for TEDx, Innovation Women, SCORE LA, and more. She is the founder of the Write On Online community, as well as host of the GoalChat and Taste Buds with Deb podcasts. Learn more about Deb on our website.

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

 

Join the San Jose Woman’s Club and Women’s National Book Association for our CHILL OUT & READ Ice Cream Social and Summer Book Fair. You’ll be able to mix and mingle with members, local authors and neighbors to find out about our many activities at the club.

Visit the event page for more information and register today for free on Eventbrite!

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

 

A Substack Fairy Tale Success: Building Your Readership and Platform with Kate Farrell

Thursday, August 21 at 12 – 1pm PDT

FREE Virtual Event: REGISTER HERE

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

Have you considered publishing your work on Substack? It’s a trendy, literary platform for writers of all stripes: essayists, memoirists, journalists, and novelists. Each passing month, it continues to attract more top thought leaders, like Heather Cox Richardson, Elizabeth Gilbert, Katie Couric, She Writes Press publisher, Brooke Warner, and Rebecca Solnit, to name a few.

Though free to join, it can provide a substantial income via reader subscriptions. Learn how my Substack posts of The Fairy Tale Heroine grew over two years of weekly, focused posts to engage over 2,000 readers. As is true in any publication, the key is well written content, relevant to a niche audience that continues to build. A consistent schedule adds reliability and credibility for you as the author, fulfilling weekly expectations for the readers who can anticipate your posts.

I’ll share effective tips to increase stats that include notes, restacks, use of media, subscribing to other stacks, and recommending those you follow, among others. But the bottom line remains quality of content and relevance. My work on the heroine’s journey is timely and appealing; without an inherent draw that attracts a general readership, Substack does not generate interest or engagement.

BIO
Kate Farrell, storyteller, author, librarian, founded the California Word Weaving Project: Learning through Storytelling; published numerous educational materials on storytelling, and contributed to and edited award-winning anthologies of personal narrative. Farrell’s award-winning recent book is a how-to guide on the art of storytelling, Story Power: Secrets to Creating, Crafting, and Telling Memorable Stories. Kate is the founder of Woven: Telling the Heroine’s Journey based on her work with storytelling as an educator-librarian; she finds profound meaning in the archetypes of feminine fairy tales and shares her process in workshops and on Substack.

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

 

Volunteer or Join WNBA-SF at the 44th Annual Northern California Book Awards!

Join us for an afternoon celebrating the best of Northern California literature! The Northern California Book Awards is looking for volunteers at the event on Saturday, September 6 and pre-event for the PR tasks listed below. This free public event honors books published in 2024 by local authors and California-based translators. Meet award-winning writers, get books signed, and mingle at the post-event reception!

WHEN:
📅 Saturday, September 6, 2025
🕑 2:00 PM

WHERE:
📍 Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Main Library (Civic Center)

WHY YOU SHOULD COME:
A must-attend for readers, writers, and literary aficionados. Special highlights include:
✨ The Fred Cody Award for Lifetime Achievement
🌍 California Translation Awards in Poetry and Prose
📖 Awards in Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction, Children’s Literature & more

WHO:
Presented by Poetry Flash, Northern California Book Reviewers, and the San Francisco Public Library, with partners Mechanics’ Institute and WNBA–SF Chapter.

MORE INFO:
📣 Nominees announced in August at poetryflash.org

PRE-EVENT HELP:

Kim McMillon, PR for NorCal Book Awards needs a few awesome volunteers to help spread the word about the Northern California Book Awards! Here are a few ways you can jump in:

  • Press Outreach: Help send out our updated press release (coming soon from Joyce!) to media lists.

  • Social Media Promotion: If you’re great at sharing events or would like to post about the awards, we have a one-minute video ready for TikTok/Instagram and a Save the Date graphic you can use.

  • Bay Area Media Connections: We’d love to book an interview with Rebecca Solnit on KQED’s Forum (if she’s willing), so if you have connections at Bay Area radio or TV shows—like KPIX’s Book Corner—we’d love your help.

  • Online Event Listings: I need to input info into local media/event sites—happy to do this solo, but if you’d like to help, I can send you links and email contacts.

If you’re interested in any of the above, please contact sanfrancisco@wnba-books.org—the NCBA would be thrilled to have your support!