The Emerging Writers Festival aims to celebrate, educate, and inspire emerging writers over three days of free and low-cost literary arts programming. Attendees will gain practical tools from business of publishing panels, create new work in generative writing workshops, and network with other members of the literary community. The aim of the festival is to connect emerging writers to new opportunities and skills so that they may sustainably grow their career - and life - in the arts.

Working with an Editor

The basics of the writer and editor relationship.

Panelists: Laura Chasen, Jane Friedman, Michelle Koufopoulos

Laura is a freelance book editor who spent six years as an editor at St. Martin’s Press. She has edited many acclaimed books in her career, including an Editor’s Buzz Panel pick at Book Expo of America, several New York Times Book Review “Editor’s Choice” books, and numerous “Best Books of the Year,” in outlets like the Miami Herald, Bustle, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, and Redbook, among others. She is a proud graduate of Barnard College (BA in English and dance) and Georgetown University (MA in English), and a mentor for WriteGirl.

Jane Friedman has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in business strategy for authors and publishers. She's the co-founder of The Hot Sheet, the essential industry newsletter for authors, and has previously worked for F+W Media and the Virginia Quarterly Review. Jane's newest book is The Business of Being a Writer (University of Chicago Press); Publishers Weekly said that it is "destined to become a staple reference book for writers and those interested in publishing careers." Also, in collaboration with The Authors Guild, she wrote The Authors Guild Guide to E-Publishing.

Michelle Koufopoulos is an editor and alum of Guernica Magazine and Riverhead Books, where she has worked with many award-winning and bestselling writers, including Elizabeth Gilbert, Masha Gessen, Mohsin Hamid, Anna Badkhen, and Lesley Arimah. Her writing has appeared in Longreads and Guernica, and has been cited by Bookforum and Politico. She is available for manuscript consultations and freelance editing.

The Atheneum, Gallery

Curious about working with an editor? This panel takes a high level look at how writers and editors work together at various stages of the publishing process. Learn from experience on both sides - as editors with experience at St. Martin’s Press, Riverhead Books, and elsewhere.

This event is free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first serve. Doors will open at 11:30 am. If you would like to reserve your seat, consider purchasing a festival ticket.

Don't forget to stop by our book fair, happening from 1-6 PM on Saturday the 17th, on the Magnolia Terrace behind Carlyle House (121 North Fairfax Street)!