Aspiring writers with manuscripts, works in progress, or well-developed book ideas are invited to join a small-group creative nonfiction and publishing workshop on September 16 and 17 at Tudor in the Pines in Baguio City.
The 1½-day workshop will help participants explore the publishing route best suited to their work, whether through a mainstream publisher, an independent press, or self-publishing. Discussions will be grounded in the participants’ own book projects rather than presented as a general lecture on publishing.
Participants will share their publishing plans and receive guidance on identifying their possible readers, positioning their books for local, national, or international markets, and preparing their next steps toward publication.
The workshop will be facilitated by bestselling author and copyright advocate Beverly Siy, and Ronald Verzo, head of Isang Balangay Media Productions, also known as Balangay Books.
Balangay Books publishes works that support local and grassroots literature, readership, and publishing. Its books have received recognition from the Philippine National Book Awards, the Madrigal-Gonzalez Best First Book Awards, and the Filipino Readers’ Choice Awards. In 2024, it received the Gintong Aklat Award for Best Independent Publisher.
Workshop organizer Susan Claire Agbayani, MFA will also serve as a co-mentor. Her book Tugtugan Pamorningan: The Philippine Music Scene (1990-1999) received a special recognition citation from the Madrigal-Gonzalez Best First Book Awards in 2025. The mentors will draw from their experiences as mainstream, independent, and self- published authors and publishers. They will also share insights from their participation in local and international book fairs.
Only 10 participants will be accepted to allow time for focused discussion of individual projects. The workshop fee is ₱6,000, covering the full 1½-day workshop and mentoring sessions. Meals, accommodations, and transportation are not included. A few slots remain available. Interested writers may contact Susan Claire Agbayani via Facebook.com/claire.agbayani to inquire or reserve a place.
Participants coming from outside Baguio may arrange to stay at Tudor in the Pines. Contact +639396364546 (Viber/ WhatsApp) or check out their Facebook page for details on how to book.
