More than 350 beginning and professional writers attend the biennial writers’ workshop, which has always sold out. Attendees came from across the United States, Canada and other countries. Many writers credit the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop with providing the knowledge and connections that brought their writing and publishing success to the next level.

We survey attendees after each workshop, and here are some of their recent comments:

• It’s hard to combine fun and substance, but both were in high supply at this workshop. Thank you for a great experience!
• My first Erma experience was beyond words. My heart and soul were filled. Now onto writing!
• My funny bone got tickled so much I will have to have elbow surgery.
• I was inspired every step of the way. I took away something important from every session. The event was incredibly well organized and all volunteers were kind and helpful. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to meet and laugh with such talented people.
• Of the four workshops I’ve attended, I laughed at this one the hardest and longest.
• The access to industry professionals was mind blowing.
• I have never been to a conference in which nearly everyone was so open and welcoming. For someone who struggles a bit with networking, I was amazed how knots of people just opened up to let me in. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that anywhere else. I shared a taxi back to the airport with a woman who told me she was a professional conference planner and she told me it was the best organized conference she has ever attended.
• Thanks again for a wonderful, exhilarating, inspiring, friendly, engaging and FUNNY learning experience.
• The dessert, as always, was delicious. The sessions were delectable. The keynotes were delightful. The people who attend EBWW, whether simple attendee or speaker, are among some of the most supportive, kindest encouragers I have ever encountered.
• I love the culture and character of this entire workshop. It was friendly and supportive and fun and inspiring. It’s really something special.
• We attendees were treated like royalty and the knowledge and connections I gleaned will last for years. …Thanks to all who made this possible at an affordable price.
• “The spirit of the workshop seems to really carry the spirit of Erma throughout. It’s genuine. It is not contrived.”

A record 72 percent of attendees completed an online survey that rated the 2018 workshop’s sessions. The overall workshop, its cost vs. value, and the networking opportunities all received scores of 9 or more (out of 10), the best marks in the workshop’s history.

The registration fee for the 2020 virtual workshop is $199. We have reduced the cost from past workshops to reflect meal cost savings and ensure that our programming is accessible to writers during a difficult economic time. An extra benefit: there’s no need to figure out which of the five must-catch sessions to attend during the same time slot. Attendees will have access to recordings of all the sessions after the workshop.

The writers’ workshop faculty for 2020 will include more than 30 experienced writers and publishing professionals. They’re chosen for their ability to entertain while they educate. Most have taught at other writers’ workshops. You won’t find this type of lineup at any other writers’ workshop.

Your sense of humor, first and foremost. And, of course, your desire to be a better writer.

Your bathrobe, if you’d like! Whatever makes you comfortable.

Attendees will receive periodic emailed updates with instructions for expressing interest in Pitchapalooza, Stand-Up Comedy Night and One-on-One Publishing Consultations.

For the Stand-Up Comedy Night, which closes the workshop, some of the contestants will be selected at Erma's Got Talent: The Stand-Up Auditions, scheduled from 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 14. The remainder will be selected randomly after the auditions. Because the demand for this stand-up opportunity is high, performers at Erma's Got Talent will not be eligible for the random drawing of Stand-Up night participants.