In “the old days” an author could write a manuscript and “throw it over the wall” to the publisher who would take care of the rest. That is no longer the case. The most important quote I’ve heard from a publishing house CEO:
“Fifteen years ago all I cared about was the quality of the writing. Now I don’t even look at the writing unless they have a platform.”
Not only does an author need a platform, they must enter the market very strategically in order to make that platform, and that book, happen. They must operate like an entrepreneur – agile, flexible, and creative in their business. There are many classes about writing; this is one of the few online writing classes about the business aspects of being a writer.
This seminar is a step-by-step roadmap of best-practices for figuring it all out. Brian Allain has advised many spiritual writers, and before entering the publishing industry he led several successful high-tech businesses. Brian has an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was designated a Palmer Scholar, their highest academic award. Now he is dedicated to helping spiritual authors succeed.
The seminar will take place on Wednesday March 8, 2023 at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. We will start at 9 AM (refreshments available at 8:30) and end before 5 PM. Lunch is on your own.
Registration Now Open! Click on this link to pay now – only $149 (credit card, debit card, or PayPal are accepted; all payments are processed through PayPal). After you pay, an email confirmation will be sent to the name and email address you enter into PayPal (or the one associated with your PayPal account) within a day or so. Please check your Spam or Promotions folders in case our emails get stuck there. If you need to change the name or email address on your registration please let us know.
Here is what the seminar will cover:
Part 1: Publishing
- Introductions
- What are your writing goals? This makes a huge difference in selecting a path to publishing.
- Overview of the spiritual publishing industry
- Pro’s and con’s of alternative paths to getting published
- Why you should consider DIY-publishing (a.k.a. self-publishing)
Part 2: Author market entry strategy
- Identifying your audience niche
- Positioning and branding
- It is NOT all about you
- Elevator pitch practice – the most important thing to get right!!
Lunch on your own
Part 3: Author marketing
- Platform development
- Attracting followers
- Accelerating your platform growth
Part 4: How to think like an entrepreneur
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Tools and tactics
- Partnering and networking
- Financial principles
Registration Now Open! Click on this link to pay now – only $149 (credit card, debit card, or PayPal are accepted; all payments are processed through PayPal). After you pay, an email confirmation will be sent to the name and email address you enter into PayPal (or the one associated with your PayPal account) within a day or so.
By registering, all conference participants agree to abide by our Code of Conduct and Release Agreement, as well as the Emory University Visitor Policy.
Parking – the most convenient parking is at the Peavine Parking Lot; all parking info can be found here
If you are taking a ride service, the conference location is the Candler School of Theology at 1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322
Writing for Your Life is pleased to offer 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for pastors for this seminar. Writing for Your Life is a member of the Association of Leaders in Lifelong Learning for Ministry (formerly the Society for the Advancement of Continuing Education for Ministry).
All seminar information is subject to change.
Brian Allain founded Writing for Your Life, a resource center and conferences for spiritual writers, and the Publishing in Color conference series, intended to increase the number of books published by spiritual writers of color. Brian also founded Compassionate Christianity and How to Heal Our Divides. Previously Brian served as Founding Director of the Frederick Buechner Center where he led the launch of Mr. Buechner’s online presence and established several new programs and strategic partnerships. Brian has developed and led spiritual writers conferences at Princeton Theological Seminary, the University of Southern California, Drew Theological Seminary, Western Theological Seminary, Belmont University, New Brunswick Seminary, and several churches. He led the publishing effort for the book Buechner 101: An Introduction to Frederick Buechner, in collaboration with Anne Lamott, and also the How to Heal Our Divides books. All of this is a second career, coming after business and technology leadership in high-tech. Brian has an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was designated a Palmer Scholar, their highest academic award.