Frequently asked questions
Who attends the workshop?
In 2008 more than 300 beginning and professional writers attended the writers’ workshop, which sold out in 3 days. Attendees came from across the United 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.
2008 workshop survey results
• 89% gave the “workshop as a whole” a rating of 8, 9 or 10.
• 91% gave the workshop an 8, 9 or 10 rating for value.
• 79% 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 $375. 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 2010 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 15-17, 2010, we expect it to sell out more than five months ahead of time. The 2008 workshop sold out in 3 days, disappointing more than 200 writers who had to be turned away. Don't be shut out.
The 2010 Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop at the University of Dayton will be held Thurs., April 15 to Sat., April 17, 2010. The workshop registration fee is $375 and includes all workshop sessions as well as two continental breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners.
Registration is now open. To register, follow this link:
Refund policy
If you need to cancel your workshop registration, our refund policy provides a 75% refund ($281.25) if you cancel before Jan. 15, 2010. No refunds will be given for cancellations after Jan. 15, 2010.
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 $114 room rate. (Rate valid for conference attendees for dates between 4/14/10 check-in and 4/19/10 check-out. Be sure to book the correct dates for your stay.)
Shuttle buses to the UD campus are available only to and from the Marriott.
Comments from past attendees...
"Sitting here at my computer, I am a refreshed and energized writer."
“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 Gail Collins, Bill Scheft, W. Bruce Cameron, Steve Doocy and Loretta LaRoche, you can also choose from these concurrent workshop sessions:
HUMOR WRITING
* Three H's: Humor, heartbreak and honesty
* The art of column writing
* Writing humor for children and teens
WORKING ONLINE
* Better living through blogging
* OverWWWebbed: What Should You Be Using?
* Tweeting, blogging and building a platform and an audience that publishers will want
* Building your online community
* Podcasting
MOTIVATION
* How to keep the humor coming
* Networking for writers
FREELANCE WRITING
* Freelance writing for regional magazines
* How to syndicate your column (yes, really)
* Funny careers off the beaten path
MARKETING
* Developing marketing plans & making yourself an irresistible interview subject
* Writing contests: What's worth it and what isn't
BOOK PUBLISHING
* Going from blog to book
* Navigating contracts and agents
* Jumpstarting your publishing dreams
