Saturday, October 17, 2026
Marlies Sargent – Alpha and Beta Reader Process
Time: noon
Venue: Zoom
Topic: Alpha and Beta Reader Process
Ready to get some eyes on your manuscript but not sure where to start?
Working with alpha and beta readers can provide you with valuable revision feedback. In this workshop, you’ll get an overview of working with alpha and beta readers and how to gain beneficial feedback from the process.
Topics we’ll look at:
· The difference between alpha and beta readers
· What questions can help you get the best feedback possible
· Ways to interpret, manage, and incorporate alpha and beta reader feedback
Marlies Sargent (she/her) is a fiction editor living in Calgary. Marlies is passionate about helping authors feel confident in their writing and learning new skills along the way. She uses her 10 years of previous teaching experience to work one-on-one with authors through their writing journey. When she’s not reading or editing, Marlies can be found walking her dog, playing soccer, and making cheesy postcards for her nephews.
Learn more at https://workingwords.ca
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Marlies Sargent – First Chapter Review
Time: 7 pm
Venue: Zoom
Topic: First Chapter Review
Process: Reading and making notes on chapters using a feedback checklist before the Workshop.
Does your first chapter hook the reader by jumping into the action and providing a glimpse into the character’s current chaos, and by establishing a clear tone and showcasing your voice?
A first chapter review provides individual feedback on the strengths and areas for improvement in your first chapter.
This workshop will be a hands-on, guided discussion of first chapters using specific feedback from participants. Each participant will make notes on different story elements and first chapter must-haves (based on specific criteria given out prior to the workshop) to provide thoughtful and constructive feedback in a group discussion.
Marlies Sargent (she/her) is a fiction editor living in Calgary. Marlies is passionate about helping authors feel confident in their writing and learning new skills along the way. She uses her 10 years of previous teaching experience to work one-on-one with authors through their writing journey. When she’s not reading or editing, Marlies can be found walking her dog, playing soccer, and making cheesy postcards for her nephews.
Learn more at https://workingwords.ca
date , 2026
presenter – title
Time: 7 pm
Venue: Zoom
Topic: