Just Hit Send: A Query Letter Party with Danya Kukafka
Admission
- $25.00 - Supporting Tuition
- $11.00 - Helping Hands
Description
In the first hour, author and literary agent Danya Kukafka will guide you through the essential elements of a compelling query letter, offering expert insights and practical tips to help your submission stand out. During the second hour, Clarion West staff will lead a hands-on session where you’ll apply what you’ve learned, research agents, workshop your query with peers, and prepare to hit “send.” The second hour includes a submission party—every time you hit "send," you'll earn a prize.
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to:
- Structure an effective query letter
- Highlight the most marketable aspects of your work
- Gain clarity and confidence in the submission process
Please note: While this session will prepare you to submit your work, there will be no pitching to the agent during the class.
Recommended preparation:
- We recommend having a completed novel before submitting a query letter.
- Come with a list of 3-5 potential agents of interest. We recommend a web search or Manuscript Wishlist (free). Paid services like Query Tracker and Publisher's Marketplace are optional!
This in-person class will be held at Hugo House in Seattle, Washington. There is no virtual option.
Tips:
- Please bring something to write with and a refillable water container.
- Light snacks and drinks will be available at the Hugo House snack bar.
- Several classes may be in the building simultaneously; please arrive 10 minutes early to allow time to check in and find the classroom.
- Paid parking is available on the street and in the adjoining lot, but we encourage you to consider public transportation. The closest Sound Transit station, Capitol Hill, is just a 10–15 minute walk away.
About the Instructor:
Danya Kukafka is a literary agent at Trellis Literary Management and the author of the acclaimed novels Girl in Snow and Notes on an Execution. Passionate about storytelling and the publishing industry, Danya combines her love of reading, editing, and supporting authors to help books shine. For more about her wishlist and the submission process, visit trellisliterary.com.
This event will be held in person in Seattle, Washington. There is no virtual option at this time. By registering for this class, you agree to follow the Clarion West Code of Conduct.
Limited Free Seating:
We offer a percentage of seats in every class to People of the Global Majority (Asian, Black, African, Latina/o/x, Middle Eastern, Indigenous, Pacific Islander, and/or have been racialized as 'ethnic minorities') for free, regardless of financial need.
Eligible folks should email info (at) clarionwest (dot) org to enter the lottery for free seats. If a seat is available, we will email you 7-10 days before the class begins.
For more information, see our equity and inclusion policies.
Sliding Scale Pricing:
The Supporting Tuition rate is shown for each class or workshop for folks who can pay it. Paying the Supporting Tuition rate enables us to continue to pay our staff and instructors equitably and support access to classes for others in a different situation.
The Helping Hands rate is available to folks under more limited economic circumstances, no matter your background.
For more information, see our financial aid policies.
Our Refund Policy:
This class is non-refundable.