Notes from The Writer's Corner
Listen to our conversation with NYT bestselling editor Diana Ventimiglia. Plus—mark your calendar for our conversation next week with Rachel Kramer Bussel and more!
This week in The Writer’s Corner, we were joined by New York Times bestselling editor Diana Ventimiglia for an inside look at why editors might choose one book over another (and how to make yours stand out). As an executive editor at Hachette Book Group with over 17 years of experience, Diana knows her stuff! Link to recording below.
A few key points from our discussion:
• How to pitch your nonfiction book on proposal (without a complete manuscript).
• How to find comp titles.
• Keys to marketing yourself and your book (and it doesn’t have to be on social media).
• How to hone in on what makes your book special.
• And so much more!
Next week …
May 12 at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST
Rachel Kramer Bussel on The Secrets to Writing Personal Essays that Get Published
Have you been pitching essays without any luck? Ever wonder why an editor picks one essay over another? In this session, we will talk to Rachel Kramer Bussel—founder and editor of the personal essay magazine Open Secrets—about what she looks for when selecting essays (and how to write revealing material).
Rachel Kramer Bussel is an essayist, journalist, and editor. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Glamour, Publishers Weekly, Salon, Slate, TODAY.com, The Village Voice, and many other publications. She’s the founder and editor of personal essay magazine Open Secrets and organizer of personal storytelling summit Open Secrets Live. Rachel is the author of How to Write Erotica and Lap Dance Lust and editor of over 70 erotica anthologies. She teaches essay writing workshops online and is working on a nonfiction anthology and a podcast on our relationships with and attachments to our belongings. Find her on Instagram and Bluesky at rachelkramerbussel.
WISDOM & WORDS Retreat Wrap Up …
This past weekend, we hosted our Spring 2025 Maine Retreat! Nestled in the mountains of Maine at the Bear Mountain Inn, we were joined by special guest instructors (and former Writer’s Corner guests) Steve Almond and Kelly McMasters. It was an amazing four days of inspiration—craft conversations, writing workshops, and a special Saturday Story Salon.
Our next retreat is in the works—stay tuned for details!
Books from Our Upcoming Guests …
We have some amazing guests coming up and many of them either have a book out or will very soon! Here’s a round up from the authors who will be stopping by The Writer’s Corner in the next few weeks.
All the Mothers by Domenica Ruta
From New York Times bestselling author Domenica Ruta comes a “delightful and honest” novel about a single mom reimagining what the perfect family can look like. Welcome to “the mommune.” Domenica will be our guest on May 19 for a Craft Conversation.
The Wild Why by Laura Munson
The Wild Why calls for an illuminating end to this endemic crisis of self, and a return to what we know at birth and need to reclaim. This is a book of teaching, and teaching-spirited stories, all centered on how to find our true self-expression and the wonder that spawns it. Laura will be our guest on June 2 for a discussion on Finding Your Writing Voice.
Brave the Page by Megan Febuary (comes out June 3)
For anyone seeking to heal from difficult experiences, this powerful resource from an experienced trauma-informed writing coach brings together research-based insights, gentle affirmations, and inspired prompts to help you harness the power of writing to process and bring healing to the hardest aspects of your life. Megan will be our guest on June 9 for a discussion on Trauma-Informed Writing.
Out in the World by Amy B. Scher & Mark Jason Williams
This first-of-its-kind travel guide explores inclusive destinations around the world where LGBTQIA travelers and their allies can have an uncensored and memorable vacation experience. Mark will be our guest on June 16 for a discussion on The Quest for the Modern Love Essay.
Writing prompt to inspire …
In writing, we talk a lot about capturing both what is happening on the outside and the inside. Think of a recent moment when the way you presented yourself on the outside did not match the way you felt on the inside. Write about it.
Quote of the Week …
Diana was a fantastic guest!
So much reflection and wisdom in these notes. So grateful to Darcey for creating another magical retreat and a community of writers that grew from the moment we got there.
Kelly McMasters and Steve Almond added the very special sauce of inspiration and craft, and Saturday Story Salon affirmed us as writers. Coming home to Diana’s conversation on Writers Corner helped with re-entry and landing after such an inspiring four days.
Looking forward to all that’s next from Wisdom & Words, always encouraging our words on the page. ❤️🖊️👏