Wednesday, January 15, 2024, 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET

Free for WMG members; $15 for non-members (Zoom)

Is your New Year’s resolution to finally send out your book proposal but you don’t know where to start? For nonfiction writers, getting the attention of an editor may feel like an impossible task. But the truth is that editors (and the agents who submit to them) want exciting new projects. As an editor, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of reading a book proposal that you know could be a big book. So, what makes some proposals stand out from the rest?

At this Lunch & Learn event, Donya Dickerson and Michelle Howry, two long-term publishing insiders, will share what agents and editors want to see in nonfiction book proposals and share strategies for taking your proposal to the next level. 

Key takeaways:

• Learn the must-include sections of a nonfiction proposal
• Understand the difference between describing your book and selling your book
• Find out the red flags that may be causing editors to reject your proposal
• And much more!

This is a ✏️WMG Lunch & Learn✏️ event! WMG Lunch & Learns are part of a series of midday events designed to help you learn, grow, and connect in only 60 minutes. This presentation is fully interactive to give participants opportunities to share their voices. 

About the speakers:

Donya Dickerson has spent over two decades helping thought leaders find their audiences and getting their ideas in front of the people who need them.  As a literary agent at Aevitas Creative Management, she focuses primarily on representing nonfiction in the categories of business, personal development, self-improvement, health and wellness, parenting, science, and technology. Prior to joining Aevitas, she was the Associate Publisher for the Business Trade list at McGraw Hill, where she ran the team responsible for publishing multiple national and category bestsellers by CEOs, highly respected thought leaders, and top industry executives, and built multiple partnerships with global training organizations. Some of the tremendous names she’s had the honor to work with include New York Times bestselling author Joseph Grenny and the team at Crucial Learning; New York Times bestselling author Joseph Michelli; and Susan Brady, Janet Foutty, and Lynn Perry Wooten, whose book Arrive & Thrive was a Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestseller. 

Michelle Howry has been an editor for more than 25 years, at companies including Simon & Schuster, Hachette, McGraw-Hill, and, since 2018, G. P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Her focus at Putnam is acquiring titles across the full range of commercial nonfiction – from expert-led prescriptive titles in categories like self-improvement, psychology, parenting, and mental health, to more narrative nonfiction like biography, history, culture, pop science, and (occasionally) memoir. Some of her recent books include the #1 New York Times bestseller I Really Needed This Today by TODAY show cohost Hoda Kotb; the Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Fair Play by Eve Rodsky; the national bestseller Capote’s Women by Laurence Leamer; and psychologist Marisa Franco’s bestselling ode to friendship, Platonic. Michelle believes that, at its best, editing a great nonfiction book can be like taking a master-class from your favorite college professor – informative, collaborative, and perspective-shifting – and she’s always looking for new experts to learn from.

All proceeds from this event support the Women's Media Group Educational Foundation.

Refund Policy

• Earlier than 24 hours before the event: If you know you'll be unable to use your ticket more than 24 hours before an event, you can request a full refund by emailing info@womensmediagroup.org, OR you can donate the fee to the nonprofit Women's Media Group Educational Foundation by not requesting a refund.
• Within 24 hours before an event: No refunds. These ticket fees will automatically be converted to a donation to the Women's Media Group Educational Foundation.

Thursday, January 23, 6:00-7:00 p.m. ET

WMG members only; Free(Zoom)

Co-Presidents Jodi Brockington and Jennifer A. Perry invite new members to a virtual evening get-together to get to know one another and learn more about WMG's history, priorities, and plans. "J&J" are interested in why you joined WMG, what you'd like to get from your membership, and ways you might enjoy getting more involved in the organization. Be prepared to offer the group one fun fact about yourself! 

Anyone who joined WMG from June 2024 or later is welcome to attend. 

Email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with any questions.

Tuesday, January 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m. ET

WMG members only; Free

Manhattan location TBA

One of the best ways to meet other members and make a lasting impact on WMG is to volunteer on a committee. WMG thrives because of its stupendous volunteers, who make everything run! From membership, programs, and fundraising, to social media, scholarships, and more, it's our many volunteers behind the scenes creating the vibrant and supportive organization we all love. 

If you've ever thought of becoming more involved in the WMG community, now’s the time! We’re looking for new committee members and leaders. Join Co-Presidents Jodi Brockington and Jennifer A. Perry along with members of the Board of Directors for a sit-down social with drinks, light bites, and discussion about how to become more involved. We will review the priorities and workings of all committees (listed here) and talk about the personal and professional rewards of giving back through WMG committee work.

This is an in-person event with no virtual link. However, if you'd like to find out more about joining a committee but can't attend, please email us at info@womensmediagroup.org with “WMG Committees Interest” in the subject line to learn more.