My Session Picks for the Writer's Digest Conference

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If you're attending the WD conference next
week in New York, there will be an embarrassment of programming riches to choose from.



Here are my session picks based on what you're hoping to get out of the conference.
(There's still time to register, and you can register on-site. Use my speaker code, WDspeaker,
to get $70 off.)






FOR EVERYONE

Friday's Opening Address by Richard Curtis


Not to be missed. Curtis is a sage voice amidst the noise, and a longtime agent. The
title of his talk is "The
Future of Publishing: Don't Give Up on Books."




Friday
Evening Pitch Practice with Chuck Sambuchino


Mandatory for anyone pitching on Saturday.




Branding Yourself by Dan Blank


I can't think of a better person in the industry to talk on this topic than Dan. This
is a rare and valuable opportunity for writers to get some of the best wisdom out
there on marketing and community building.



3
Hurdles to Publishing Success No One Tells Your About by Phil Sexton


The publisher of Writer's Digest—and a man with experience across sales, marketing,
editorial, AND authorship—draws back the curtain on the inner workings of the publishing
industry.



Keynote Address by Richard Nash


Nash is one of the most inspiring speakers in the publishing industry. If you haven't
already fallen in love with him, you will after this address, titled "How
to Be an Author in a World Where Everyone Is a Writer."

FOR WRITERS WORKING ON A MANUSCRIPT

Putting
Fire in Your Fiction by Don Maass


Don's a master at teaching novelists. Your hand will get tired from taking so many
notes.



Building
the Perfect Plot by James Scott Bell


Bell's book on plot is among the bestsellers in the writing advice category. That's
because his instruction on the topic is second to none.



The
Art of the Page Turner by Hallie Ephron


One thing you might not know about Hallie is that, aside from being an award-winning
novelist, she also has a teaching background. You will walk out of her session having
learned something critical about keeping readers glued to the page.




Showing vs. Telling by Laurie Alberts


The old adage, "Show, don't tell" is wrong. Find out why from an experienced novelist.



Revision:
Learn How to Love It by James Scott Bell


Only James Scott Bell could turn a thing that most writers hate into something that
you can attack with confidence—and yes, even a bit of love.



Creating
a Backstory by Hallie Ephron


Use backstory to make a reader care about a character (rather than slow down the story).

FOR WRITERS TRYING TO GET TRADITIONALLY PUBLISHED

Ask
the Agents panel


Get the inside scoop before you pitch



10
Things You Must Know to Craft a Query by Janet Reid


The infamous Query Shark teaches you how to write a kick-ass query.



Panel:
The Big Picture on Social Media Strategy


Holy Moses! This is the hardest hitting set of panelists you will EVER find on the
topic of social media. Almost a requirement for everyone attending the conference.



Book
or Bestseller: What Will You Choose? by Patricia V. Davis


Get advice on how to view the whole of your career, from a woman who has hard-won
experience in the trenches.



Success
Strategies and Systems for Writing & Selling More by Sage Cohen


The lovely and inspiring (and productive!) Sage Cohen offers 10 ways to exponentially
increase the results and rewards of your writing life.

FOR THE ENTREPRENEURIAL & BUSINESS-MINDED

Your
Publishing Options by Jane Friedman


I review the pros and cons of the major publishing options available to you (from
traditional to DIY to electronic), and how to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses
you bring to the publishing world.



Panel:
DIY Publishing (Self-Publishing)


If you're considering the DIY/self-pub path, this panel will identify pros and cons
and major pitfalls to avoid.



Kindle
Publishing Workshop by April Hamilton


This is a detailed and technical walk-through of how to get your work on the Kindle
(without a publisher).



Panel:
E-Publishing and Multimedia Options


There's more to your career than just print. This panel discusses how to e-publish
in a smart and profitable way, and also how to use other multimedia formats such as
podcasts, videocasts, and apps.



Panel:
Successfully Promoting Your Book


I promise you this panel will be full of personality, wit, and damn good advice.

Hope to see you there!

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