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Frequently asked questions

Who attends the workshop?

In 2006 more than 300 beginning and professional writers attended the writers’ workshop, which sold out in 12 days. Attendees came from 44 states and Canadian provinces. Many writers credit the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop with providing the knowledge and connections that brought their writing and publishing success to the next level.

2006 workshop survey results

• 72% gave the “workshop as a whole” a rating of 9 or 10.

• 76% gave the workshop a 9 or 10 rating for value.

• 70% said the knowledge and connections they gained at the workshop will cover the full cost of attending or cover far more than the cost of attending.

Because of the generosity of workshop sponsors and speakers, we're able to charge a workshop fee of only $350. If we had to charge all our expenses to workshop attendees, our registration fee would more than double. The workshop fee includes all workshop sessions as well as two continental breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners.

Who are the workshop faculty?

The 2008 writers' workshop will feature more than 25 experienced writers and publishing professionals. They're picked for their ability to entertain while they educate. Most have taught at other writers' workshops. You won't find this type of lineup at any other writers' workshop. Read faculty bios.

Why should I register now?

While the workshop isn't until April 3-5, 2008, we expect it to sell out more than five months ahead of time. The 2006 workshop sold out in 12 days, disappointing more than 200 writers who had to be turned away. Don't be shut out.

The 2008 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop will be held Thurs., April 3 to Sat., April 5, 2008. The workshop registration fee is $350 and includes all workshop sessions as well as two continental breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners.

Refund policy

If you need to cancel your workshop registration, our refund policy provides a 75% refund ($262.50) if you cancel before Jan. 1, 2008. No refunds will be given for cancellations after Jan. 1, 2008.

Travel & Lodging

Travel and lodging are not included in the registration fee. Workshop attendees should make their own travel and lodging arrangements.

The Dayton Marriott is the official hotel of the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. Many workshop events will take place at the Marriott. A limited number of rooms are available. Get the special $104 room rate.

Shuttle buses to the UD campus are only available from the Marriott.

Get information about flying

and driving to Dayton.

Comments from past attendees...

“Simply the finest workshop of its kind, hands-down!”

“It was the most wonderful experience of my writing life.”

“The most well-organized conference I've ever attended...The only way to improve it would be to serve free scotch during the sessions... “

“I have been to many workshops and conferences over the years and this is the first one I attended that I did not want to end.”

“This was the best conference I've ever attended!…I usually do three a year...”

“I never thought such a sleep-depriving couple of days could feel so energizing. I was sad it ended so soon!”

“The keynote speakers were terrific -- I laughed till I cried! -- and the workshops I attended were very helpful and gave me a lot of great ideas.”

“The variety of sessions was tremendous, and the high caliber of speakers exceeded my expectations.”

About the workshop

The Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop is a one-of-a-kind national resource for humor and human interest writing. No other organization has targeted humor and human interest writers as its primary educational focus.

In addition to keynote speeches by Garrison Keillor, Martha Bolton, Mike Peters, Connie Schultz, Matt Sloan and Aaron Yonda, you can also choose from these concurrent workshop sessions:

HUMOR WRITING

* How to develop and use humorous anecdotes

* Raising your humor writing IQ

* How to take your humor writing from amusing to amazing

* Humor writing: What works and what doesn’t

* Are you SURE you want to be a humor columnist?

* How to write humorous greeting cards

HUMAN INTEREST WRITING

* Shaping your life experience for the page

* How to touch readers’ hearts with your words

MOTIVATION

* How to survive and thrive throughout the creative process

* Networking for writers

FREELANCE WRITING

* Freelance writing for the greeting card industry

* The renegade writer's guide to breaking into magazines

MARKETING

* Podcasting for writers

* Using online video to market your books and yourself

* How to create an Amazon.com bestseller

BOOK PUBLISHING

* Book proposals and literary agents

* How to choose the right self-publishing company