Get a Critique of Your Query Letter from an Industry Pro
QueryFest is a SinC-NY/Tri-State member benefit that allows you to receive a firsthand critique of your query letter from publishing editors and literary agents (the “panelists”). This is not a pitching session, but an opportunity to get their pointers on how to shore up your query so it has the best chance of success.
You’ll get more details on how to participate (QueryFest is limited to the first twelve people who sign up) via email in March. Find the zoom link for the event here: https://nysinc.org/meeting-zoom-link/ (Link is password protected. Access with your NY Tri-state SinC Chapter Members Only password. Note: You do not register for this event. You just join it via the zoom link at 6:30pm on May 20th.)The names of the editors and agents will not be shared in advance. Remember, this is a query critique session, not a pitching session.
This event will be hosted by Dawn M. Barclay, Author/Editor.
A Certified Financial Planner On What You Need to Know
Many writers don’t struggle with taxes themselves.
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How writing income is typically reported (freelance, royalties, platforms, etc.)
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Common categories of expenses writers often track and a quick peek at how they map to the tax form
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Simple methods for organizing income and expenses all year round
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An overview of quarterly estimated taxes and when they may apply; how to make safe harbor
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Separating personal and writing activity for clearer record-keeping
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Frequent issues that create confusion at tax time
Find the zoom link here: https://nysinc.org/meeting-zoom-link/ (Link is password protected. Access with your NY Tri-state SinC Chapter Members Only password. Note: You do not register for this event. You just join it via the zoom link at 6:30pm on May 6th.)
Behind the Badge, the Battlefield, and the Boardroom: An Evening with Douglas Rivers
Step into the real world of investigation, protection, and cybercrime with Douglas Rivers. With over 20 years of experience spanning military intelligence, corporate security, and law enforcement, Douglas brings firsthand stories and insights that read like a thriller. He’s chased down cybercriminals, served in Afghanistan, and trained teams at top security companies like Symantec and Cylance. Now, he’s sharing how criminals think, how they get caught, and what writers need to know to make their mysteries pulse with authenticity. Whether you write cozies, thrillers, or espionage tales, you’ll walk away with details that can transform your fiction. Bring your notebook and your sharpest questions. This is a webinar you won’t want to miss.
Mapping Author Goals to Publicity Actions
Writing Meet-up Canceled
We’ll try again at a later date and a different place.
NY Tri-State Sisters in Crime Member and Board Secretary, John Ferriso, is hosting a writing meet-up.
Come, bring your laptop, get a cuppa and a scone, and write for a few hours. This is a chance to meet up with other writers and get in some dedicated writing time.
The meet-up starts at 1:00pm, and there’s no end time given. So, come by, bring your laptop and/or a pen and paper and write with one or more of your SinC sibs.
What Makes a Book Cover “Work,” and How to Do it Yourself
Have you ever heard the line “authors should never create their covers”? Well, here, you’ll hear the opposite! Indie authors Sarah and Elle will discuss the design tips they keep in mind, the pitfalls they try to avoid, and the tools they use for best results. If you’re unpublished so far or even traditionally published, come and join the discussion of what works and what doesn’t! Every book gets judged by its cover, but with a little preparation and persistence, an author can create a cover that gives them confidence.
Facilitated by: Elle Hartford, Indie Author and Coach
Guest: Sarah E. Burr, Indie Author and Bookish Time Host
You’re invited!
Join us for our annual NYSinC Virtual Open Mic Night on Wednesday, January 21st at 6:30 PM.
This is your chance to share your voice, your words, and your stories with a warm and welcoming community. We have room for twelve readers, and spots usually fill up fast! Each reading is limited to five minutes, so everyone gets a chance to shine.
We’ll be asking for people to sign up as we get closer to the date.
We’ll ask you to bring an excerpt from your work in progress, a short story, or a piece from your latest book. Or come simply to listen, cheer, and celebrate the magic of storytelling.
We can’t wait to see you there.
Find the zoom link here: https://nysinc.org/meeting-zoom-link/ (Link is password protected. Access with your NY Tri-State SinC Chapter Members Only password.)
Hosted by Sisters in Crime NY Tri-State Chapter
Saturday, January 10, 2026
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
The Daffodil Classroom, Pier 57 – NYC 25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Free & Open to the Public (bring your friends!)
Ever wanted to write a mystery but didn’t know how, or where, to start?
We’ve got you.
Join us for an energizing, supportive, and idea-sparking afternoon of writing and connection with the Sisters in Crime NY Tri-State Chapter. Whether you’re plotting your fifth book or thinking “I’ve always wanted to try this,” this event is for you.
What You’ll Get Out of It:
- A hands-on, 60-minute workshop to help you start your story with prompts, structure, and insider tips from published mystery authors
- A live, 90-minute guided writing session (with optional sharing) and Q&A moments woven throughout
- A welcoming, judgment-free community of mystery lovers and writers cheering you on
- A creative kickstart that just might be the beginning of your next big story
No pressure. No critique circles. No gatekeeping. Just time, space, and guidance to finally begin or begin again.
You’ll walk out with new pages, new ideas, and maybe even new writer friends.
This event is open to the public and perfect for:
- Writers looking for a reset or boost
- First-timers who want a low-stress, high-support environment
- Readers who’ve always wanted to write but weren’t sure where to start
- Crime fiction fans curious about the craft
We believe stories build community, and the best writing happens when you’re supported. So come as you are, bring a notebook or laptop, and let’s write together.
Your story’s waiting. Let’s get it started.
Hosted by Izolda Trakhtenberg*
President, Sisters in Crime NY Tri-State Chapter
*For Pier 57’s purposes, but really, it’s the whole Board hosting.
Here’s a map of Pier 57.
The date and time of our holiday shindig are set!
Location and other details are in the Members Only area.
But we can tell you, there will be a fun book swap. Bring your book and give it as a surprise gift to another member (we’re going to have a fun way of choosing who gets whose book). Then, they’ll give the book they brought to another member.
If you don’t yet have a published book, that’s totally cool. Bring a copy of one of your favorite mysteries from when you were a kid (Feel free to make it a used copy or a well-loved one you already own).
More details in the Members Only area soon.
Cozy in the City
Because sometimes the deadliest secrets hide in plain sight on the busiest streets
Elizabeth Kerri Mahon Hosts a Panel on Cozy Mysteries Set in Urban Areas
Panelists:
- Theresa Varela – https://www.theresavarela.com/
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Ellen Byron – https://www.ellenbyron.com/
- Cathi Stoler – http://www.cathistoler.com/
- Lori Robbins – http://www.lorirobbins.com/
Discover how to transplant the beloved cozy mystery formula into urban landscapes without losing its intimate charm. Writers will learn techniques for creating tight-knit communities within bustling cityscapes, crafting believable amateur sleuths in metropolitan settings, and maintaining cozy sensibilities despite big-city backdrops. Our panelists will share practical strategies for building neighborhood enclaves, balancing urban realism with cozy comfort levels, and using city settings as natural gathering spots for clues and community gossip. Walk away with insider secrets for ensuring your detective’s nosiness feels charming rather than implausible in the concrete jungle.
Find the zoom link here: https://nysinc.org/meeting-zoom-link/ (Link is password protected. Access with your NY Tri-State SinC Chapter Members Only password.)