FAQs
Attendees will be required to attest that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and/or have received a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of arrival. Regardless of vaccine status, we encourage all attendees to test within 48 hours of arrival. To protect the vulnerable, please wear a mask in the classrooms and public spaces.
Prior to traveling to Dayton for this in-person event, we ask that you perform a symptom check. For the safety of all, if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive, please do not attend. All attendees are encouraged to bring a personal bottle of hand sanitizer and several masks to wear throughout the workshop. We will have some masks and tests available.
By attending this University of Dayton event, you acknowledge that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. You and your guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold the University of Dayton liable for any illness or injury.
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 2020 Virtual Erma received similar marks, with one attendee describing it as "a working cruise ship sans the pool and deck."
The registration fee for the 2022 in-person workshop is $499, which includes a complimentary registration for the virtual package, three dinners, two lunches and two continental breakfasts. The registration fee covers about half of our operating expenses, with the rest covered by endowment earnings and sponsorships. The virtual package of keynote talks and Pitchapalooza is priced at an affordable $79 to ensure greater access for writers from anywhere in the world.
The writers’ workshop faculty for 2022 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. For the in-person gathering, we recommend comfortable clothes, a notebook, masks, hand sanitizer and a water bottle. For the virtual attendees, pajamas are optional.
The virtual "Erma's Got Talent: The Stand-Up Auditions" will take place at 7 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, May 3. It's free, but registration is required. Register here. To express your interest in auditioning, fill out this form (https://forms.gle/fNHi3nuPnz3tqoQJ8) before April 18. Contestants, who will be selected randomly, will be named by April 20. After the winner and runners up are selected, the remainder will be chosen randomly later in the spring or summer.
Pitchapalooza contestants will be selected randomly at the Sept. 28 event. Come ready with a one-minute pitch!
The attendee stand-up comedy night is open only to in-person attendees.
Attendees will receive periodic emailed updates with instructions for expressing interest in Pitchapalooza and Stand-Up Comedy Night.
For Stand-Up Comedy Night, which closes the workshop, some of the contestants were selected at "Erma's Got Talent: The Stand-Up Auditions" on May 3. The remainder will be selected randomly in the fall. Wendy Liebman will choose an additional three from the funny people she meets in her Stand-Up Comedy Boot Camp.
