Speaking
Talks and workshops for writers
Talks and workshops
As a professional book editor and represented author, I speak on topics including self-editing, working with a professional editor, and securing a literary agent.
I love connecting with writers in person and virtually. In my high-energy sessions, I pack a lot of info into the allotted time.
If you’re looking for a speaker to provide practical skills while building writers’ confidence, get in touch.
Download my speaker sheet
Edit Like a Pro
Although the self-editing process varies for each writer and each manuscript, understanding the basic structure and tools for self-editing helps writers create stronger, more polished manuscripts. Knowledge of the universal editing process serves as a foundation for writers to develop their own personal editing style and to adjust the process for each project.
In this workshop, we will discuss the basic levels of editing, including developmental editing, line editing, and proofreading. Attendees will learn about topics including structure and pacing, character development, voice, and adherence to style guides. We will also explore the purpose of line editing and methods for improving the clarity, concision, and consistency of prose.
The workshop will cover roadblocks and pitfalls writers commonly experience during the editing process, and we will discuss how to productively combat such problems.
Writers will learn about common issues professional editors see and how to correct. Attendees will leave with a blueprint for designing their personal editing process and an understanding of key elements to look for at each stage of self-editing.
From Start to Signed
The process of querying literary agents is based on trial and error for many writers. This workshop will help attendees simplify the process and avoid common mistakes. We will discuss how to write an effective query letter that gets agents’ attention, resources and methods for researching literary agents, and how to navigate the submission process in a professional way.
We will begin by discussing the anatomy of a query letter and breaking down the query-writing process into manageable steps. At each step, we will explore common mistakes and methods for identifying and including the strongest aspects of a manuscript. I will explain tactics and exercises writers can use while drafting their query letter.
We will then move onto the research phase of the querying process. Writers will learn about crucial characteristics to consider when selecting agents to query. We will explore various resources for locating and learning about literary agents. We will also compare professional online behavior with unacceptable behavior and discuss how this may impact an agent’s perception of a writer.
Writers will learn how to submit query letters to literary agents. We will explore formatting requirements, how to submit additional materials, common faux pas, and procedures for responding to partial and full requests. We will discuss questions to ask during “the call” and considerations that can impact a writer’s decision to accept or decline an offer of representation.
Attendees will learn how to write a query letter that highlights the strongest aspects of their manuscript. Writers will leave the workshop with confidence in their ability to find and select literary agents who would be a good fit for their manuscript and professional goals. Attendees will be able to navigate the querying process without making common mistakes.
Craft Your Query
This workshop focuses on the query-writing process, helping writers learn how develop a query that highlights the critical elements of their story.
We will review the anatomy of a query. Then we’ll discuss the crucial elements that successful queries emphasize, including conflict and stakes, and how writers can highlight these important elements while authentically representing their voice and story.
Additional topics include how to write a hook that grabs agents’ attention, what to include in a bio and what to leave out, and how to select the perfect comp titles.
Writers will have opportunities to share aspects of their own writing as we work together to explore how full manuscripts become engaging one-page queries.
We will also review examples of successful queries.
Compared to From Start to Signed, this workshop provides an in-depth exploration of the query-writing process. Attendees will also have opportunities to apply concepts to their own writing and can expect to leave the workshop with a draft of an enticing query.
Testimonials
WOW! Victoria Griffin’s session was AMAZING! I would have paid the conference fee just for that alone!
Natalie
Edit Like a Pro
This has been one of the best lectures on editing I have seen, both in content and delivery. Well Done.
Troy
Edit Like a Pro
Absolutely loved it. Learned as much or MORE as I did in a Writer’s Digest course.
Attendee
From Start to Signed
Terrific! Absolutely chocked full of info! Brava. I would recommend to any hopefuls.
Attendee
From Start to Signed
Victoria’s information was valuable. And it wasn’t just the information. Her point of view and attitude toward the process were also enlightening.
Attendee
From Start to Signed
I was so glad that I was able to attend the workshop. I learned a lot and really appreciated your style. Honest, practical, but encouraging.
Jenn
Edit Like a Pro
Very professional. Really appreciated all that you shared, not just about editing, but about writing in general, story structure and the industry. Please do more.
Jeff
Edit Like a Pro
[Victoria] did an excellent job of presenting the material, and I learned a great deal.
Steven
Edit Like a Pro