Winter 2026 · $199 every three months
Getting Published Industry Session
Autumn 2026 In person

Learn how agents read a query—and what happens after you press send.

A 60-minute presentation and extended small-group Q&A on queries, agents, submissions, offers, editing, contracts, marketing, and rights. Recent sessions have been led by author and former Penguin Random House editor Leila Sales.

The event Public booking Join the waiting list

The event and the wider program

The event and the wider program

Getting Published Industry Session at ATX Writing Club Getting Published Industry SessionOnce per season · 10–20 writers Members Only Writing Sessions at ATX Writing Club Members Only Writing SessionsSet a goal, write quietly beside 30–40 members, and leave with pages.

Event practicalities

Bring a manuscript question, not a vague hope.

This once-per-season session gives 10–20 writers a 60-minute presentation followed by an extended Q&A. Recent sessions have covered how to research agents, write and personalize a query, choose comparison titles, assemble a submission package, batch outreach, respond to requests, and evaluate an offer of representation.

  1. A finished submission packet tied with rust-colored thread
    FrequencyOnce per seasonGetting Published
  2. A ledger, calculator, pen, receipts, and clipped notes on a blue table
    Group size10–20 writersGetting Published
  3. A manuscript thick with small colored revision flags
    AccessOpen to all · industry session · 00 public / $25 membersGetting Published
  4. A revised manuscript gathered with pens, paper scraps, and dark ribbon
    PlaceIn person · Cherrywood, Austin, TexasAustin neighborhood
  5. A black notebook and steel pen surrounded by folded notes on a brown table
    BookingVenue details shared after booking
Submission pages, red thread, an ink bottle, ruler, and stamp in warm sunlight
Getting Published Austin, Texas

Build a query an agent can place.

Sessions cover agent research, recent deals, comparison titles, personalization, pitch structure, and what belongs in a submission package—as well as the red flags that can bury strong writing.

Session details
A letterpress roller, wooden type, paper, and ink cloth on a rust-colored table
Getting Published Austin, Texas

Know what happens after you press send.

Writers learn how to batch outreach, interpret a request for pages, respond to rejection, evaluate representation, and understand the editorial, contract, marketing, and rights conversations that may follow.

Session details

Inside the room

Five writers discuss a printed submission around a wooden table

Leila Sales brings both sides of the desk.

Recent sessions have been led by Leila Sales, the author of eight novels and a former Penguin Random House editor with 11 years of in-house experience. The small-group format leaves time to ask about a specific manuscript, proposal, platform, or query plan. Members and non-members can book at the prices shown below.

Sales is the author of eight novels and spent 11 years as a full-time Penguin Random House editor. Her sessions combine a 60-minute presentation with time for questions about individual projects.

A manuscript, envelope, ink bottle, ruler, and pen arranged for submission

More ways into the club

More ways into the club

Members Only Writing Sessions at ATX Writing Club Members Only Writing Sessions Regularly scheduled Saturdays Writers Book Club at ATX Writing Club Writers Book Club Once per month 8-Week Feedback Group at ATX Writing Club 8-Week Feedback Group Once per season A Moveable Feast at ATX Writing Club A Moveable Feast Every six weeks