Call for Presenters and Proposals: Write on the Sound Conference

About the WOTS Conference

2021 conference will be a live-presentation online event, scheduled for Oct 1, 2 and 3.

Established in 1985 by the City of Edmonds Arts Commission, Write on the Sound is a small, high quality, affordable three-day conference focused on the craft of writing.

The conference offers in-depth pre-conference workshops and variety of sessions, half-day workshops and panel discussions for all writing levels and interests.

Conference registration is limited to approximately 275 attendees.

Session capacity ranges from 20 to 80 attendees.

Special features include one-on-one manuscript critique appointments, a writing contest for conference registrants, online bookshop hosted by Edmonds Bookshop, keynote address, community sponsored online Open Mic event, and the opportunity to network with attendees and other presenters.

WOTS does not feature a trade show hall, or appointment/pitch opportunity with agents and publishers.

Honorarium
The 75-minute session presenter honorarium is $155.
Half-day workshop honorarium start at $400.

Proposal Deadline: March 1, 2021

The Need-to-Know before submitting your proposal(s)

• If selected, presenters are required to have dedicated access to the following: computer, microphone, audio speaker, webcam, high-speed internet and the required platform application to conduct an online presentation. Additionally, presenters are expected to be reasonably familiar with the function of an online format, with proven ability to manage their own presentation. WOTS will provide a volunteer for each session to assist with management of attendees and other functions, but training will not be provided this year.

• The goal of the selection committee is to create a well-rounded conference program that offers a variety of sessions for all experience levels on the craft of fiction, nonfiction and poetry, as well as information on specialty topics, genres, publishing industry, the business of writing, and current trends.

• The WOTS attendee is an enthusiastic learner who is looking for the nuts and bolts of craft, and specific tips or insights from industry professionals to help further develop their writing skills and publishing industry knowledge.

• Eligible applicants must have proven practical knowledge and experience in their proposed topic(s). Primary consideration is given to those with proven in-person conference, classroom or workshop teaching experience, as well as online conference or distance learning classes.

• Brief writing exercises are acceptable for 75-minute sessions, but due to limited session time, proposals with a particular focus on writing exercises will not be given primary consideration.

• Contracted presenters are invited as our guest to attend any of the Saturday or Sunday sessions, and the Keynote address. Registration is not required (except for half-day workshops).

• Only presenters’ and speakers’ publications are sold at the online bookshop.

Application instructions

• Please review all information above before drafting your proposal.

• No more than 3 proposals, please. You may provide a list of additional session topics, but due to the volume of applications received, the selection committee respectfully requests applicants limit session proposals to three.

Your session proposal(s) must include the following:

• A 50-word summary of your presentation that clearly states the skill level required (Beginner/Intermediate/Advance) and the value of the content of your session.

• Three key “take away” points specifically stating how attendees will be able to apply session information to their writing projects.

• Session format (panel discussion; lecture; lecture with attendee interaction; lecture with media presentation, such as a PowerPoint; lecture and writing exercise, etc.)

• A detailed description of your proposed session(s). Maximum one page per description.

• Your resume, including previous teaching experience and/or conference presentations (Limit to 2-3 pages. Please, do not submit a complete CV).

• A list of your publication credentials.

• If you are new to WOTS: Three professional teaching, conference and/or publication references (Please provide contact information, only. Do not submit letters of recommendation).

Questions? Happy to chat! Email:

 wotsATedmondswaDOTgov (Change AT to @ and DOT to . )

Thank you!

Laurie Rose, Conference Coordinator.