Welcome to The Detroit Writing Room
We offer professional writing coaches to help with all your writing needs! We also host writing workshops and author talks. Become a DWR member and meet a community of writers and creatives!
We offer professional writing coaches to help with all your writing needs! We also host writing workshops and author talks. Become a DWR member and meet a community of writers and creatives!
We offer an inspirational community for writers, creatives and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re working on the next Great American novel or a business plan, you can sign up with an experienced writing coach who will give feedback on your work and make sure your commas are in all the right places. It never hurts to have a second pair of eyes!
Join us for a writing workshop to get your creative juices flowing, and meet fellow writers in your community. Or attend one of our book talks to hear the inspiration behind stories and get writing and publishing advice from authors.
From aspiring memoirists to bestselling authors, we’re here to support you.
Through Sept. 3, 2025
Submit your writing or photography for a chance to be published in “Detroit Voices” and recognized at an awards ceremony this December!
The awards recognize the talented poets, novelists, essayists and writers of all genres from Detroit. Anyone who lives in or is from the Detroit area is welcome to submit their work.
There are two age categories for students 13 to 18, and adults over 19. Finalists will be chosen by Writing Room coaches and guest author judges.
All proceeds from this event benefit Coaching Detroit Forward programs for Detroit high school students interested in writing and photography.
Sept. 10 from 6 - 8 p.m.
In this market, it's more important now than ever to stick out among the stack of applicants. Writing your resume can be a HUGE homework assignment, leaving you feeling lost. With conflicting information online, self-proclaimed career experts and the everyday stress of life, it can be overwhelming, but look no further! The Detroit Writing Room is partnering with The Resume Rescue to offer a resume writing workshop just for you.
This intimate workshop led by Angela Buccellato will teach you the do's and don'ts of resumes to stay current with job searching trends. She will guide you through each section of the resume to ensure you understand what recruiters want to see. You will also have the ability to curate your resume! You'll walk away from this workshop with an application-ready resume.
Sept. 17 from 6 - 8 p.m. EST
Join us for an engaging and informative Intellectual Property Workshop focused on the essentials of trademarks and copyrights! Whether you're a creative, entrepreneur or small business owner, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge you need to protect your brand, your content and your vision. The virtual workshop is led by attorney April McKie. April is currently the managing attorney at ALM Legacy Legal, PLLC, and she works Of Counsel to Great Lakes Legal Group, PLLC, where she helps small businesses and startups with customized legal business solutions. She has successfully negotiated the rights of her clients to use their registered U.S. Trademark against multibillion dollar companies. Come learn how to legally safeguard what you’ve built – before someone else tries to claim it.
Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Come celebrate the Wayne State University Press release of Ann Berman's new biography about Louis Graveraet Kaufman — the fabulous Michigan Gatsby who conquered Wall Street, took over General Motors and built the Empire State Building. The event will take place at the historic Guardian Building, one of Detroit's most iconic buildings. Join us on the 32nd floor for wine and beer, appetizers and breathtaking views of Detroit's skyline.
The conversation will be moderated by Detroit Writing Room coach Laura Berman, an award-winning columnist and journalist. Guests will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A. Single tickets are $35. Includes appetizers, wine and beer. Proceeds benefit Coaching Detroit Forward scholarships for Detroit teens to attend our Journalism Camp!
July 7-18, 2025
Applications are now open for The Detroit Writing Room's 2025 Journalism Camp in partnership with Coaching Detroit Forward and Planet Detroit! The camp provides an immersive experience that teaches high school students fundamental writing and reporting skills while focusing on issues impacting their neighborhoods. Most importantly, they’ll receive the tools and confidence to write about issues that matter to them and their communities. With access to some of the top editors, journalists and photographers in Detroit, students also gain mentors who can guide them to future internship and job opportunities.
Students who attend a Detroit high school or reside in Detroit are eligible to attend the two-week camp for free. They'll learn writing and storytelling from professional journalists and write an article that will be published by Planet Detroit!
Oct. 3-5, 2025
Join award-winning author and writing coach Lynne Golodner for an interactive weekend writers retreat in Detroit.
We’ll hear from local authors, meander among artwork, murals and nature, kayak along the Detroit River and canals that flow into it, and taste some of the best flavors the Motor City has to offer, all as inspiration for our writing!
This generative retreat, open to writers of all genres and experience levels, includes time to write, focused instruction, two breakfasts, two lunches, a welcome reception and Saturday happy hour. Participants will receive writing materials, including a purple journal and pen. Morning writing sessions will be held at the Wayne State University Press.
Accommodations and transportation to Detroit are on your own. The retreat begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 and concludes at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5.
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Receive help editing business materials and literary works, including: press releases, website copy, grant proposals, social media content, business plans, query letters, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting and more.
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We have a dream team of professionals ranging from award-winning journalists and New York Times bestselling authors, to communications specialists of Fortune 500 companies, photographers and designers.
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The Detroit Writing Room hosts a variety of events including book talks, writing workshops and open mic nights. You can also work with us to customize a workshop for your business or organization.
Each Wednesday, we shine a light on the talented writers who make up our vibrant Detroit Writing Room community. From aspiring novelists to seasoned poets and screenwriters, our members and coaches are working on an array of creative writing projects.
Get to know the writers behind the words as we delve into their inspirations, writing processes and the stories they're bringing to life. Join us each week to celebrate the power of the written word and the individuals who wield it with passion and skill.
“The Detroit Writing Room is the place to hone your craft, unlock your voice, connect with others and explore all you can become in the world of writing and publishing. Through their seminars and educational programming, I’ve met other writers from Michigan and across the globe, explored new avenues for my work and connected with literary agents seeking submissions and new clients.”
— ELIZABETH WEIGANDT, AUTHOR OF "QUEEN BEE"
“I’ve been utilizing the coaching services of The Detroit Writing Room and the results have been terrific. I’m currently working with Laura Berman, and my project has benefitted significantly from her guidance and editing. Laura is a wonderful resource!”
— GERRY BOYLAN
“The Detroit Writing Room workshops and Happy Hours have provided me with great insight into becoming a better writer. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the speakers and the content provided, and I feel that I am elevating my creative capacity — much more so than just a regular online course.”
— KRISTEN SCHMITT-DYKES
“DWR is essential to me and my crew for educating, teaching, coaching, youth coaching support, writing and artist support — allowing expression of authors, poets, entrepreneurs alike in the ‘D’, and beyond to flourish!”
— PETER JAMES BILLING, AUTHOR OF "THE ROAD HOCKEY CREW"