2023 Early Bird
Classes are being updated
Classes may update and revise.
*Hows and Whys of Social Media – Edie Melson – Many writers mistakenly assume it’s either too late or too early to build a solid social media presence. Edie will walk you through the reason social media is non-negotiable for almost all writers, and how to find a way to make it work for your specific situation. Included will be information on why we need a social media presence before we get a contract. Which networks work best for which audience (and why you need to be active on more than one). How to use scheduling programs to keep your social media time commitment manageable. How to compose effective updates that increase shares. What you need to know to connect with your book’s potential audience.
*Book Marketing Jesus’ Way – Eddie Jones – Jesus already had in mind what he was going to do. (John 6:6) Is this the way you come to your book promotion? Do you already have in mind what the outcome will be? How many copies will sell, home much you'll spend? What your ROI will be? Or are your efforts simply based on hope and a vague prayer for blessing from God?
There is a better way to promote your books: one that doesn’t require going broke. If you believe in Jesus and his power of restoration and life, you might be a candidate for Book Marketing Jesus’ Way. Class requirements: faith in Jesus, your Bible (recommended but optional).
*Understanding Deep POV – Eva Marie Everson – Understanding deep POV begins with understanding the five (or is it six?) senses. In this favorite workshop, Eva Marie Everson uses hands-on methods to teach conferees to 1) understand deep POV, 2) bring the senses into their work in order to draw readers into the story, and 3) how a simple sentence can become a powerful scene.
*A Look at Your Novel, Scene by Scene – Eva Marie Everson – A key to writing successful novels is taking the time to break them down scene by scene. What questions should a novelist ask of the work? The plot? The characters? Or themselves? Be prepared to bring in a scene of your own work in progress for this hands-on workshop.
*Hooks that Won’t Let Go – Bob Hostetler – Twenty ways to write a hook to your article, story, query, or book that will compel interest.
*Sell Everything You Write – Bob Hostetler – A session that outlines the tragedy I used when I became a full-time freelancer to never again write something that didn’t sell.
Book Marketing Jesus' Way – Eddie Jones – “After more than ten years promoting books with Amazon, BookBub, and Facebook ads, one thing is clear: the old ways of marketing books no longer works.” – Eddie. But there is good news, a better way to make your books known. One that doesn’t require money, an extensive platform, or social media influence. All that’s required is the same faith you had when you accepted Christ. If you believe in Jesus and his power, you might be a candidate for Book Marketing Jesus’ Way. Required class materials: a tender (not hardened) heart, belief in Jesus, your Bible, and a willingness to grow your faith (and thus book sales).
*The Need for Diversity in Manuscripts – Edwina Perkins – The number of books with ethnic characters has risen over the last few years. Because publishing houses are looking for more diversity in what authors submit, non-ethnic writers need to address some important issues when addressing diversity in their manuscripts. It is important to remember your most valuable ability as a writer is your credibility. This workshop focuses on the impact of writing about a culture outside your own and offers information to help authors write with authenticity in their manuscripts.
*A Modest Proposal – Sarah Loudin Thomas – You’ve written the book. You’ve perfected your pitch and you’re meeting with agents and editors. You’re even sending out query letters. So, what happens when you get a nibble? When someone says, “Send me your proposal.” Are you ready? Traditionally multi-published author Sarah Loudin Thomas hooked an agent and snagged that first contract with a proposal. She’ll share the key elements, suggest some great resources, and talk you through crafting this critical tool you’ll need on your path to publication.
*Declutter Your Manuscript Before You Hit Send – Andrea Merrell – Is your manuscript really ready to submit? This class will take a look at twelve factors that could send your hard work to the editorial graveyard.
*Pepper Brasham – TBA
*Vincent Davis – TBA
*Billy Wayne Arrington – TBA
Eleven spots will be available for one-on-one mentoring by award-winning, best-selling authors. Author and teacher Larry Leech, social media whiz-gal Edie Melson, and speaker-author-singer, Billy Wayne Arrington, will also be available for private appointments. Writers coach Eddie Jones will work with conferees on their fiction/non-fiction projects and answer questions regarding traditional publishing versus self-publishing, the publishing process, Amazon Kindle publishing, IngramSpark, and Amazon ads.
Mentoring spots are open to writers who have a novel or non-fiction manuscript in progress. The mentoring will be a 1-hour one-on-one time where Larry will work with fiction and non-fiction.
While Edie will work with you on your website, blog, and social media, Billy Wayne can help you with songwriting, lyrics, and screenplays as well as ministry, Lori Marett will work with fiction and non-fiction. The cost is $50 (additional to your ACWC registration) and the spots are first-come, first-serve. You will contact Terri Kelly at [email protected] AFTER you register to apply for one of these mentoring spots.
