San Francisco Writers Conference Success Story
I attended the San Francisco Writers Conference for the first time in February of 2025. Not knowing what to expect, I signed up for a concierge appointment with Nina Amir. Since I was specifically there to pitch my memoir to publishers, Nina encouraged me to research each publisher’s requirements and set up as many pitch sessions as I could handle. Being an obedient student, I conscientiously practiced, and with a racing heart and sweaty palms, pitched my story. To my amazement, I received interest from three different publishing houses.
Subsequently, I have signed a contract with Brooke Warner at She Writes Press to publish my memoir. OUR LONG GOODBYE, A Daughter, a Father, a Best Friend, and the Journey Through Alzheimer’s, is due out in November 2026. November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
Although not a part of my plan, Nina also encouraged me to meet with agents at the pitch sessions. I again followed directions, discussing my memoir and children’s picture book stories with the agents. To my delight, I ended up with interest from two agents. I walked out of each session attempting to be inconspicuous about the bounce to my step. I am now represented by Jen Newens of Martin Literary Management. Currently, she has one of my children’s picture book manuscripts out on submission.
Fingers crossed!
The conference was amazing. Over a glass of complimentary wine from the hotel bar, I made friends with some wonderful writers, with whom I have remained in contact.
Thank you, San Francisco Writers Conference. I am so grateful for the contacts I made, and look forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones at the conference in 2026.
Teri Roche Drobnick
Author
MOVING DAY, Holiday House, 3/25
OUR LONG GOODBYE, She Writes Press, 11/26
