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The father of self-publishing
award-winning
Gospel recording artist
International author and publisher
Advertise your title or business in our souvenir journal!
artists, agents and other literary professionals!
Book Release Party
Pen to Paper Literary Symposium
Registration and Continental Breakfast
General Sessions
9:00 am
How To Write & Publish Your Nonfiction Book Dan Poynter
You will discover how to use new techniques and the latest technology to write your book faster, produce your
book for less (printed and e-books) and promote your book more effectively. Dan will share the secrets to finding
an agent, contacting a publisher and publishing yourself.
1:00 pm Lunch
2:00 pm
Permission To Succeed Nikki Woods
Nikki delivers a powerful message to motivate you to finish that book, start that company or land that deal. Give
yourself permission to succeed and watch the sparks fly.
3:00 pm
Book Promotion For Writers And Other Introverts Dan Poynter
It doesn’t matter if you sell out to a large New York publisher or publish yourself, the author must do the
promotion. Publishers do not promote books. The challenge is that most writers are introverts and do not want to
promote books on radio, television or in bookstores. What is an introverted writer to do? Dan Poynter gives
writers permission to stay home and write—and to promote remotely. He shares a number of effective, proven
ways to publicize books from home.
Concurrent Sessions
4:00 pm
Writing Outside The Box Wendy Beckman
Dreading the remarks from your editor? Let a professional show you how to self-edit and tighten your writing
style. Wendy will explain the different types of manuscript edits and help you minimize the red ink.
Success As A Christian Writer Kendra Norman-Bellamy
As an award-winning author topping bestseller lists everywhere, Kendra teaches key points to reach the Christian
reader with the written word.
Get In And Stay In Stormy Steele
How does a self-published author get titles into bookstores and have them calling back for more? Stormy explains
her technique to make your books jump off the shelves.
5:00 pm
A Day In The Life Of A Self-Published Author Vanessa Miller
So you’ve decided to self-publish. What exactly does that mean? Vanessa will describe the different hats you’ll
have to wear and shed light on the oh-so-glamorous life of a small press author.
Show Me The Money Sheila Peele-Miller & Stormy Steele
If you are looking for an agent, you need to know how to talk the talk. Find out how to sell yourself and your book
to get attention. Appreciate the dynamics of the agent/author relationship under the tutelage of this energetic duo.
Character & Plot Development Alice Wootson
Alice will enlighten you with an in-depth examination of ways to develop characters into realistic people. Learn
how to construct background and use it to create tension. Determine how much detail is necessary to keep your
readers captivated from start to finish.
6:00 pm
Landing A Commercial Deal Ed Gray
Now that you’ve polished your manuscript and secured an agent, find out how to land the deal. Ed explains the
workings of securing a contract with a traditional publisher.
Making Your Prose Sing Penda James
Write award-winning poetry that will sing praises to your sharpened craft. Penda gets to the heart of meter and
rhyme and engulfs you with her passion.
7:30 pm
Author Showcase & Evening Reception
Meet and greet mainstream and self-published authors from across the nation. Enjoy the ambiance created by
chair massages, delectable food and soothing music from Gospel recording artist, Tonya Baker.
*** This portion of the Symposium is free and open to the public! ***
Registration and Continental Breakfast
9:00 am
Managing Your Independent Press Vickie Stringer
With honed craft under your belt, Vickie will provide insightful tools to manage your independent press. From
negotiating with distributors to being an agent for your authors, find out what it takes to give your company a
presence in the industry.
10:00 am
Sidebar: The Legal Aspects of Writing Avalon Betts-Gaston, Esq.
Avalon delves into the component of writing that is often neglected. Understand the specifics of advances and
royalties. Protect your independent press through copyrights, negotiations and contracts.
11:30 am
Meet the Exhibitors
Graphic artists, website designers, librarians, printers, editors and other industry experts will be on site to answer
your questions about writing and publishing.
12:00 pm Lunch
1:30 pm
Finding Award-Winning Manuscripts Tressa Smallwood
How do you find manuscripts that fit your independent press? Tressa explains how to select and maintain
motivated authors, determine advances and royalties and move those titles.
2:30 pm
Get Your Authors Noticed Shunda Leigh
Learn savvy marketing skills to generate a buzz about your titles. Shunda has helped hundreds of authors gain
national attention through Booking Matters Magazine and she’s got great ideas for you.
3:30 pm
Panel Of Authors Vanessa Miller
Participate in active dialogue with mainstream and self-published authors. Hear their challenges and successes.
Vanessa facilitates this lively and frank discussion.
4:30 pm
Wrap Up and Surveys
One-on-one manuscript critiques will be scheduled for Saturday. Professional editor, Wendy Beckman, will give
you personalized feedback about your ten-page manuscript. Submission requirements include one-inch margins,
double-spaced text and twelve-point font. Submissions and $60 critique fee must be received no later than
August 25, 2006.
Copyright © 2006 - 2008 by Valerie Coleman
All rights reserved
