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&R 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 one of the selected 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 $40 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 mutually convenient time for the attendee and speaker (except for Jonathan Merritt, whose meetings will all take place on Monday Feb. 15). Sign up will be available after you register for the conference. Speakers and other industry experts participating in this portion of the program are:
    • Jonathan Merritt
    • Bishop Karen Oliveto
    • Brandan Robertson 
    • Mel White
    • Dr. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza
    • Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew
    • Leigh Finke
    • Cathleen Falsani (literary agent)
    • Jessica Miller Kelley (Westminster John Knox Press)
    • Lil Copan (Broadleaf Books)
    • Deborah Arca (Chalice Press)
    • Brian Allain (Writing for Your Life)
  • Q&R 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 (by email)
  • 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. 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)
  • Live book discussions with each author (via Zoom) – an opportunity for you to learn more about our speakers’ books and to ask them questions
  • Networking lunch breaks – an unmoderated, informal time for you to chat with other conference attendees
  • Panels
    • Panel 1: “What does the future hold for LGBTQ+ writing?”
    • Panel 2: “Publishing house perspectives on LGBTQ+ writing”
    • Panel 3: “Roadblocks to getting published”
  • Emerging writers – get to know several new, up-and-coming writers.
  • AuthorConnect – attendees will enjoy access to the new AuthorConnect online networking platform for spiritual writers

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