The Non-Fiction Journey: From Writing to Selling

How do you approach voice in your non-fiction manuscript? How much detail should you include? How do you find an audience that wants to read your work? What’s the process look like from the starting blocks to the finish line? Is there a finish line?

Those questions and more will be answered by Keith Wunderlich, author of "Coach of Champions: D.L. Holmes and the Making of Detroit’s Track Stars" published in 2025 by the Wayne State University Press.

Wunderlich will share parts of his original manuscript, give you the opportunity to fix it and share how he (and editors) fixed it for the final draft. One year after the publication of his book, he’ll take workshop participants through his experience finding his audience and marketing the book.

You don’t have to understand track and field to enjoy this workshop. In fact, it may be beneficial if track isn’t in your top 10 favorite sports. You’ll learn how to write a book about something not everyone loves and make it interesting and compelling.

Attendees will also meet a Wayne State University Press representative and get a brief overview of how to pitch their non-fiction manuscript for publication consideration.

All attendees will receive a copy of Keith's book (retail value $26.99) included with their ticket! Books will be distributed at the workshop.

Tickets:

• Early bird - $45 until March 14, 2026
• General admission - $55
• Writing Room members can use their member code for 20% off!

Tickets are non-refundable. Registration closes at noon on April 14, 2026. Space is limited to 25 guests!

Location:

The workshop will be held at the Wayne State University Press.

The Leonard N. Simons Building

4809 Woodward AveDetroit, MI 48201

The entrance is on Woodward. Wayne State University Press is located on the first floor.

Keith D. Wunderlich, a retired public-school administrator, loves a good story. Selected by the Detroit Free Press Marathon Book Club, his book "Coach of Champions" tells the story of Detroit track athletes and their coach, David L. Holmes, during a time of overt racism and antisemitism. With no scholarships and primitive athletic facilities, Coach Holmes still produced three Olympians, nine All-Americans and multiple world-record holders. WDET Public radio calls the book "inspiring." Wunderlich earned his doctorate from Wayne State University which, fittingly, is the setting of "Coach of Champions."

In his free time, Wunderlich collects Vernor's Ginger Ale memorabilia. As one might expect, he has written a book about that, too! He is a regular speaker on Vernor's history at historical museums, libraries and senior living facilities in the Metro Detroit . He has written a quarterly newsletter on Vernor’s history for almost 20 years.

You might find him drinking a Boston Cooler while wearing his track shoes — and reading a good story.

In an era rife with racism and antisemitism, Wayne State University athletic director and track coach D.L. Holmes emerged as a first-rate coach and mentor dedicated to supporting athletes of all races. Throughout his 41years at the public university in Detroit (1917–58), he welcomed thousands of athletes—Black, Jewish, Eastern-European, and others—coaching many to become Olympians, world record holders and national and AAU champions. D.L.'s character, beliefs and attention to detail allowed members of his teams to achieve more than they ever imagined, despite the challenges of outdated training equipment and the prejudice they faced.

This uplifting account captures D.L.'s uncanny ability to discover and nurture hidden talent and the motivation he inspired in scores of athletes, including several inductees of Wayne State's Hall of Fame like Tom Adams and Leroy Dues. Author Keith D. Wunderlich weaves team member interviews together with historically informed narratives of Coach Holmes and his runners. Through these stories of athletic greatness and resilience learned through defeat, D.L.'s legacy reveals the enduring power of believing in others.

The Detroit Writing Room offers an inspirational community for writers, creatives and professionals. Whether you’re working on the next Great American novel or a resume, the DWR has 30 professional writing coaches to help with all your writing needs. We also host book talks, writing workshops, and literary events. Visit detroitwritingroom.com to sign up for coaching, memberships, events and more. Check out newyorkwritingroom.com to see our New York-based coaching team.

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