It’s hard trying to get published these days. Publishing houses are inundated with synopsis’ and manuscripts. Most will be rejected. If only there was some way writers could find out what editors are really looking for. Well now there is.
At YLAF08 writers have the rare chance of working with US editors Therese Szymanski (editor of five anthologies) and Stacia Seaman (editor for Boldstrokes Books). The workshop will help writers hone their work and put together an appropriate submissions package to publishers.
The exercises and examples used in the workshop will help any kind of writer write better. If you want to improve your writing skills and dramatically increase your chances of getting published this is the workshop for you.
This is a truly rare opportunity to work face to face with experienced editors. YLAF are dedicated to not only profiling exciting quality performance and literature, but also to develop new work from unpublished or unsigned artists. With reading fees for the average novel currently running into hundreds of pounds this workshop is fantastic value.
Tickets £20 on the door. But places are strictly limited and with the experience on offer at this ridiculously cheap price, expected to sell out fast.
Kings Manor, Exhibition Square, University of York, York, YO1 2EP
An amazing chance to work with leading author Stella Duffy. Be prepared to enjoy yourself while improving your writing skills. 
Explore the world of burlesque and drag at the YLAF Queerlesque workshop on Saturday 25th Oct. Queerlesque is drag/burlesque with a queer twist. This is a unique chance to work with experienced queer burlesque performers High Octane, Killpussy and Ingo from Club Wotever. YOU can become, with their help, your very own drag/burlesque superstar. The workshop leaders will be taking you through a simple and fun short workshop full of burlesque and drag techniques. At the end everyone (who wants to) will perform during the party at Club DIVA. To help you reach your true drag potential you need to bring 'diva clothes, feathers, hats, gloves, boa, ties, dungerees, suit, wig, etc. Performance is not compulsory! Feel free to attend the workshop simply to learn techniques to try at home!
Tickets £20 on the door.
Spoken Word writers and Poets can take advantage of a rare chance to work with leading spoken word and theatre practioner Mojisola Adebayo, and perhaps perform at YLAF08. It’s not always easy to read your own work, and writers aren’t necessarily good performers or have the right skills to get their words across to an audience. “From the Page to the Stage” will feature performance techniques that dramatically transform spoken word from recital into performance. The workshop will also explore using music to back spoken word. Pieces most ready for performance will feed into both the Wordslam on Friday 24th Oct and Open Mic slot on Sat 25th Oct at the Book Festival.