4th Annual Battle of the Slush: "From Life to Literature"

Schedule

Sat Sep 19 2026 at 02:00 pm to 04:00 pm

UTC-04:00
Location

569 Lexington Ave | New York, NY

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Nonfiction mini proposals and first pages go under the spotlight as NYC publishing pros offer live critique. All writers & readers welcome.
About this Event

HWU Presents: 4th Annual Battle of the Slush: "From Life to Literature"

What happens when emerging writers hand over manuscript pages to a panel of publishing insiders — and the audience gets a front-row seat? Pure, heart-pounding slush pile magic.

Join Harlem Writers United for the fourth installment in our signature event series, Battle of the Slush, where real works-in-progress meet real-time critique — and everyone walks away with insights, imagination, and a deeper understanding of what makes a story stick.

This year’s theme: From Life to Literature. We’re diving into creative nonfiction, memoir, and the twists and turns of the proposal process.



How Battle of the Slush Works

Over the course of the two-hour event, our Guest Judges — all NYC-based publishing pros — will read and react live to 3-4 anonymous audience submissions. They will share honest, constructive feedback grounded in what moves the needle for agents and editors today.

This year's featured Guest Judges are:

  • Jennifer Baker (Penguin Random House)
  • Jessica Papin (Dystel, Goderich & Bourret)
  • Jodi M. Savage (Nonfiction Author)

Writers whose work is accepted for the event — our Featured Slush participants —will also have the chance to talk through feedback in 15-minute 1:1's with each judge.



Who Battle of the Slush is For
  • Aspiring creative nonfiction & memoir writers interested in traditional publishing
  • Nonfiction writers who want to better understand the proposal process
  • Readers curious about how industry pros identify and elevate the next big story
  • Anyone looking to connect with a vibrant writinbg community

Please see our FAQs for commonly asked questions. Tickets are limited

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Where is it happening?

569 Lexington Ave, 569 Lexington Avenue, New York, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

USD 0.00 to USD 39.19

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Harlem Writers United
Host or PublisherHarlem Writers United

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