WriteNow workshop FAQs

We can't wait to welcome you to the WriteNow 2024 workshop, taking place on Saturday 22 June, 9.30am - 12.30pm. So you can sit back and relax on the day, here's some more information on how to join and get the most out of the panels.

Joining the event

The event will be delivered through Zoom Webinar.

To join the event, please click on the URL link that you will be emailed on Friday 21 June. This is your personal link to the event – please don't share it with anyone else.

If you get a pop-up when you click on the link, then select ‘open zoom.us’. If this doesn’t appear then there will be highlighted text that says 'launch meeting' on the main Zoom landing page. You don’t have to have a Zoom account to be able to attend the conference, but you will be asked to enter your email address and name. Please remember to enter your name and the email address you applied to WriteNow with (this will be the email we're contacting you on) so we can let you into the event.

When you log in, you’ll enter a Waiting Room prior to the broadcast of the event which will disappear when we go live. Your microphone or video will not be on at any point.

Closed Captioning

Closed captioning (i.e. subtitles) will be active during the event. To switch on closed captioning you should see the ‘CC’ icon in the Zoom Toolbar (usually at the bottom of your screen).

Click on this and it should allow you to select ‘show subtitles’. This will switch on the closed captioning for you. If you need to change any of the settings, such as making the text bigger for example, then you can click on the ‘CC’ icon and you should be able to select ‘subtitle settings’ where there will be number of options available to you.

You can also view the subtitles on a separate web page for fully adjustable captions: https://www.streamtext.net/player?event=penguinbooks

Which devices work best?

We recommend connecting to the event on either a laptop or PC. Whilst tablets and phones work well, the viewing experience is better when using a laptop or PC.

Depending on your device there are different view settings, these are often active speaker or side by side. When a presentation is shared there should be the option at the top of your screen to ‘view options’ this should allow you to select ‘side-by-side mode’.

iPhones and tablets have different settings so we advise taking a little time to familiarise yourself with your device settings.

Asking questions

Video and audio will be automatically turned off when you log in and remain this way throughout the event, but you can use the Chat function to take part in discussions and the Q&A function to ask questions.  

There are two functions that will be available for you:

The Q&A function, where a Q&A box will appear in the black ribbon (normally at the top or bottom) of your screen. Please use this function, during each presentation, to submit any questions you may have for the panellists. Note that your name will be visible when you ask questions, unless you choose to submit anonymously.

As with the Q&A function, you can find the Chat function in the black ribbon of your screen. Please note that the chat function will not be monitored for questions to the presenters during the webinar, so please use the Q&A for this. Remember not to share your email address or contact information on here.

Recording of the event

Each panel will be recorded and made available to WriteNow applicants in the month following this event. Your name and video will not be visible.

Breaks

There will be 10 minute comfort breaks between panels. Every session is being recorded, and the link will be shared with those who request it within a month of the event.

Any other questions?

If you require any additional information or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at writenow@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk