FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2005

CONTACT: Steve Dolan
(619) 594-5664
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Thursday, December 1, 2005 - San Diego State University's College of Extended Studies will host the 22nd annual SDSU Writers' Conference on Jan. 27-29 at the Doubletree Hotel in Mission Valley.

The conference will include one-on-one consultations and hands-on editing assistance. Participants will learn ways to sharpen their writing skills and make connections with editors and agents of fiction, nonfiction, and screenwriting while learning how to publish in the traditional manner or on the Internet.

Laura Preble of La Mesa offers a perfect example of what can transpire after attending the Writers' Conference. She had an appointment with Susan McCarty, an editorial assistant with the Berkley Publishing Group, ultimately resulting in a two-book deal.

Preble's first book for Berkley, Queen Geek Social Club, will be released Sept. 5. She is currently working on her second book, with an option for a third book.

"I've attended the Conference for three years, and it taught me so much about pitching my work and being my own best advocate," said Preble, a teacher at West Hills High School in Santee. "My first year, I was so scared and nervous, I don't think I was really representing my talent as well as I could. By last year, I was just confident and determined to make it happen."

Maria Ritter of San Diego also hit it big after attending the SDSU Writers' Conference. She has written a book containing the story of her family during and after World War II that was released last year by the University Press of Mississippi.

"It has been a wonderful experience to get something published," Ritter said. "It all started at the Writers' Conference."

The 2006 Writers' Conference will offer participants workshops on fiction and nonfiction. Industry experts will be on hand to discuss how to produce screenplays from inception to finished product and how to attract the necessary attention to get them produced. Top editors, agents, and industry professionals will be available to meet one-on-one to critique writing and offer specific advice about how to take a project forward.

There will be numerous networking opportunities, including a no-host mixer and a networking lunch, to make connections with editors, agents and fellow writers.

Advance registration is now available. The fee to attend the conference is $365 through Jan. 3 and $399 after Jan. 3. Consultations with editors or agents are $40 per appointment through Jan. 3, with a limit of three appointments per paid participant. After Jan. 3, the cost is $50 per appointment. Registration will also be accepted on a space-available basis at the conference, but pre-registration is highly recommended. For information or to register, call (619) 594-2517.

SDSU's College of Extended Studies also offers a number of writing classes in a variety of styles including novels, screenplays, magazines, poetry, and more. The College offers a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers over 30 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities. To register or for more information, call (619) 265-SDSU (7378) or log on to www.NeverStopLearning.net.