This fall, we are thrilled to present PAGE TURNER: The 2024 Asian American Writers’ Workshop Publishing Conference, a signature program that we’ll present in-person on Saturday, November 9th, at our event space in New York. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be available via livestream for a discounted ticket price. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to msaleh@aaww.org for assistance if you are able to join in person but the ticket price is prohibitive.
Our publishing conference will center the work and experiences of writers of color, and aims to demystify the often opaque business of publishing and writing, convening experts and authors across industries and genres to share candid insights, advice, and experiences. From the latest generation of literary debuts to queer voices in poetry, AAWW invites conference attendees to explore deeply the craft of writing and publishing with an incredible lineup of panels featuring highly sought-after industry insiders.
Check out the conference schedule below! We will announce the lineup for each panel in the coming weeks:
10:00 am – 10:30 am: Keynote Address
10:45 am – 11:45 am: Disrupting the Narrative: The Future of Literary Criticism
Join Katie Yee, Ismail Ibrahim, Spencer Quong, TD Tso, and Vina Orden as they discuss what literary criticism looks like in the context of an ever-changing media and technological landscape. Panelists will unpack how narratives are crafted and consumed, all while making a case for literature’s ability to challenge the status quo and inspire social transformation.
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Resonant Verses: Craft, Form, and the Poetics of Kinship
Poetry places a premium on the emotional, often at the expense of narrative. How do we write to express emotions, and not just represent ideas? From exploring the musicality of language to navigating the tension between form and freedom, panelists Ayesha Raees, Jan Henry Gray, Sreshtha Sen, and Jasmine Reid will discuss the craft techniques that elevate their work. They’ll also examine the role of personal and cultural narratives in shaping the forms their writings take.
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm: Lunch Break
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Undoing Genre: Emerging Voices From Across the Literary Spectrum
Authors Maddie Mori, Nina Sharma, noam keim, and Karen Mok will discuss the distinct and often winding paths they each took toward publishing their work across poetry, memoir, and fiction. From navigating the complexities of finding the right literary agents to negotiating their first contracts, the authors will share the highs and lows of their journeys. What were some similarities across the authors’ experiences? What were some differences? The discussion will also touch on how identity and representation played a role in shaping their publishing journeys, offering a deeper look at the intersection of personal and professional challenges. To what extent were the similarities due to the general vagaries of publishing, and to what extent were the differences influenced by the specific genres in which each writer published? Expect an engaging conversation that sheds light on the realities of breaking into the literary world as a debut author.
3:45 pm – 4:45 pm: Behind the Covers: Labor Practices in Small Press Publishing
Join Tara Jayakar, Meher Manda, Jenna Hamed, and Sunny Iyer as they discuss the inner workings of small presses that champion marginalized voices in American literature. The panelists will dive into the labor practices that shape the production of books in the small press world, from the challenges of operating on limited budgets to the creative strategies used to amplify marginalized voices, the panel will explore the often unseen labor behind publishing. Attendees will gain insights into the unique dynamics of small press publishing, the ethical considerations of their practices, and how these presses are instrumental in shaping the future of Asian American literature.
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Agents & Editors Happy Hour
Wendi Gu, Jade Wong-Baxter, and Krithika Varagur will gather to meet and connect with emerging and aspiring writers. This special networking hour offers aspiring authors a unique chance to connect with industry professionals, share their work, and build valuable relationships. Whether your manuscript is complete or you’re still refining your craft, this is your moment to explore the publishing world with support from experienced literary agents dedicated to amplifying Asian American voices.
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COMMUNITY CARE & ACCESSIBILITY
At AAWW, the safety and comfort of our community is our top priority. We invite you to practice intentionality and care in your behavior and language when engaging with our programs and with each other. Violence of any kind, including but not limited to racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, class or casteism, bigotry or bias toward religion or faith, or any action or assault against marginalized identities, is not tolerated. Those who bring harm to our community in person or online are not welcome, and will be asked to exit the space.
The event will be livestreamed for those who cannot join us in person. For those joining us in person, we are located on the 6th floor of 112 W 27th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues), there is an elevator that will take you directly to our office. To protect our friends with chemical sensitivities, AAWW is a fragrance-free space. Masks are required for audience members for all AAWW events; if you forget yours, one will be provided for you. We have three commercial grade air purifiers, and a quiet room in the back should you need some space from the crowd. We highly encourage all in person guests to take a COVID test at home prior to the event. If you have had COVID or have had known contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID in the 10 days prior, we ask you tune in for the livestream instead. Please reach out to msaleh@aaww.org for additional accessibility requests, including ADA accessible bathrooms, chairs with added back support, and beyond. This space is for YOU!
