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.
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 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch, CO (a suburb of Denver).
On-site Registration Accepted!! 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). Then just come to the seminar. 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). If you need to change the name and email address please let us know.
By registering, all conference participants agree to abide by our Code of Conduct and Release Agreement, as well as well as any local, state, or federal guidelines, which may include COVID-specific restrictions.
Here is what the seminar will cover:
8:30 – 9:00 AM: Refreshments
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Publishing
- Introductions
- What are your writing goals? This makes a huge difference in selecting a path to publishing.
- Overview of the publishing industry
- Why you should consider DIY-publishing (a.k.a. self-publishing)
10:30 – 10:45 AM: Break
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Author market entry strategy
- Identifying your audience niche – the most important thing to get right!!
- It is NOT all about you
- Elevator pitch development and feedback
12:15 – 1:45 PM: Lunch on your own
1:45 – 3:15 PM: Author marketing
- Platform development
- Attracting followers
- Accelerating your platform growth
3:15 – 3:30 PM: Break
3:30 – 5:00 PM: How to think like an entrepreneur
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Tools and tactics
- Partnering and networking
- Financial principles
On-site Registration Accepted!! 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). Then just come to the seminar. 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). If you need to change the name and email address please let us know.
By registering, all conference participants agree to abide by our Code of Conduct and Release Agreement, as well as well as any local, state, or federal guidelines, which may include COVID-specific restrictions.
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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 and leads Writing for Your Life, a resource center and conferences for spiritual writers, which includes the Publishing in Color conference series, intended to increase the number of books published by spiritual writers of color. Brian also founded and leads the teams that produce 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, Drew Theological Seminary, Western Theological Seminary, the University of Southern California, 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 book How to Heal Our Divides. 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. You can learn more about Brian here and here.