Write To Publish
Conference 2024
Allie Pleiter is an author of more than 50 books, a speaker, and a writing coach. How can someone get the most out of writers conferences? You need to strike the balance between an open mind and a set of goals. I always try to make one significant connection at each event—something where you find a useful alliance, strike a chord with someone, or just make a …
Terry Whalin is an acquisitions editor for Morgan James Publishing, working primarily in the faith category. What do you listen for during a conference pitch? I’ve been with Morgan James Publishing for ten years, and I’m listening to see if your book will be a good fit for us. We publish Christian and general-market nonfiction and fiction, plus a few …
Rowena Kuo is CEO, executive editor, and producer of Brimstone Fiction, Brimstone Books and Media, and Brimstone Fire. How can someone get the most out of writers conferences? With so many classes, it’s hard to choose the best ones. I suggest ordering all the classes to listen to after the conference is over. I encourage writers to bring business …
Athena Dean Holtz is publisher of Redemption Press and an author advocate. Please give us a snapshot of the class you’re teaching at Write-to-Publish, “Independent Publishing Bootcamp.” We will be covering all the areas you’ll want to consider as you determine whether indie publishing is a good option for your project. We will look at the different …
Twila Belk is a freelance writer and speaker. How can someone get the most out of writers conferences? Pray for divine appointments. Take advantage of opportunities to connect with faculty members and other conferees. Mealtimes are great for this. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re there to learn, and no question is considered too dumb to bring up. …
Cynthia Crawford is a literary agent with Embolden Media Group. Tell us about Embolden Literary. Embolden Media Group is a boutique book publishing consulting firm and literary agency. Our mission is to cultivate, amplify, and advocate for the works of inspirational women writers, authors of color, and diverse creators of faith whose ideas move the …
Susan Miura is a speaker, a freelance editor, and author of four award-winning novels and a children’s book. How can someone get the most out of writers conferences? Come with an open mind and heart, ready to learn, network, and make friends. Take notes during the panel discussions; you’ll be glad you have them later. This is the place where you can find …
Ronnell Gibson is an editor at Havok Publishing. What’s your best advice for writers? Find your tribe. Find a group of writers that you can connect with, be accountable to, and who you can share your wins and losses with. Writing is lonely; we need support from other writers who know what we’re going through. Second, always be learning and honing your …
Steve Bootsma is editor of Cadet Quest magazine. Who should schedule an appointment with you at Write-to-Publish? Writing short stories for youth audiences is a great way to break into being published. And being published is a great feeling, providing encouragement and motivation to continue your writing. A previous attendee expressed his excitement showing …
Dan Balow is a literary agent with The Steve Laube Agency and acquisitions editor for CLC Publications. What do you look for in the first few paragraphs of a manuscript? A compelling start, pulling me through line by line. Put your best foot forward at the beginning. What do you listen for during a pitch at a conference? A succinct explanation of who …
