We are excited to offer you several opportunities:
- Optional private 1-on-1 meetings with select speakers (separate registration required; sign-up available after you register) In addition to the Q&A with each speaker, all registered attendees can also pay an extra fee to have a private 1-on-1 virtual meeting (phone or Zoom) with some of our speakers. These private meetings are informal 20-minute “get to know you” meetings where writers can convey information about their project and ask questions. They are NOT manuscript review sessions, and the speakers are under no obligation to follow up with you after your meeting. The cost of each meeting is $30 and is non-refundable. The supply of meetings for each speaker is limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. These meetings can take place either before, during, or after the conference at a mutually convenient time for the attendee and speaker. Sign up will be available after you register for the conference. Speakers and other industry experts participating in this portion of the program are:
- Marilyn McEntyre – learn more about Marilyn here – sold out
- Lyn Cryderman (industry consultant) – learn more about Lyn here
- Sharon Norris Elliott (literary agent) – learn more about Sharon here
- Wes Granberg-Michaelson – learn more about Wes here
- Erin Healy (freelance editor) – learn more about Erin here
- Kaya Oakes – learn more about Kaya here
- Victoria McAfee – learn more about Victoria here
- Susan Salley (Abingdon Press) – learn more about Susan here
- Brian Allain (Writing for Your Life, Compassionate Christianity, and How to Heal Our Divides) – learn more about Brian here
- Q&A after each presentation – attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions after every presentation (via Zoom). These meetings are a rare chance to ask informal questions of someone heavily engaged in the publishing world.
- Submit Your Pitch! – during the conference, or within two months afterwards, submit your book proposal or pitch to the conference’s agent or editor speakers (email it to Brian, who will forward it)
- Networking Lunch Breaks – unmoderated, informal times for you to meet and chat with other conference attendees; no reservations required
- What Do You Need As A Writer? – this informal conversation is an opportunity for you to share and discuss the most important kinds of support you need as a writer
- Conference Contact List – we will maintain an online spreadsheet where attendees can (optionally) share their name, email address, website, and social media info if they would like to share it with conference attendees.
- Open mic session – attendees will have the opportunity to present a short excerpt of their writing to other conference attendees. Each speaker will have 5 minutes, including their introduction and reading. Don’t miss this important, but optional, opportunity to gain experience reading your work, and to support your fellow writers! Each speaker will be limited to 5 minutes. Sign-up will be available after you register for the conference – first-come, first-served. (via Zoom)
- Elevator pitch practice – practice delivering your 50-word elevator pitch, and get feedback from attendees and Brian Allain. No sign-up required.
- “Marketing as a Spiritual Practice” discussion
- “Writing for Television”
- Sharing resources for progressive spiritual writers – program introduction
- Independent publishing demo
- MFA in Creative Writing Program at Alma College – program overview
- Private Facebook Group for WFYL conference attendees – stay in touch before, during, and after the conference
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