Querying 101: Art and Strategy

In this online interactive workshop, Literary Agent Safae El-Ouahabi will cover all everything emerging authors need to know about securing an agent! Specifically, she'll cover the following topics:

• Understanding the role of a literary agent (what agents do and why they matter, how they differ from publishers and editors)
• What a query letter is (purpose, importance, common mistakes to avoid)
• Anatomy of a compelling query letter (industry trends/expectations in 2026, actionable strategies, practical guidance)
• How to stand out in the industry
• How to research agents for your genre
• Decoding agent feedback and revising queries
• And more!

About the Facilitator | Since joining RCW in 2019, Safae El-Ouahabi has worked alongside Claire Wilson and Jon Wood, and is building her own list. She has a strong interest in dynamic, voice-driven narratives with a sense of urgency—stories that are emotionally impactful and have a strong hook without being overwritten. Safae is dedicated to championing the work of translators and authors alike – and to fight for their space on the bestselling shelves. She welcomes submissions in the adult, YA, and crossover spaces, representing a wide range of books, including speculative fiction, fantasy and adult romcoms. Her clients include Anton Hur, Andy Darcy Theo, L.R. Lam, Chloe Ford and Sandy Joosun Lee, among others.

Please note that this workshop will be recorded for internal purposes only.