What You’ll Learn Before the Summit Begins
The Women in Publishing Summit 2026 kicks off with an exciting lineup of pre-conference bonus sessions designed to give attendees a head start on learning, networking, and inspiration. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to dive deep into specialized topics before the main event begins, offering practical tools, insider strategies, and empowering conversations tailored to women navigating today’s publishing landscape. From mastering new technologies to exploring creative confidence and inclusive practices, the pre-conference programming sets the tone for a summit that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and the diverse voices shaping the future of publishing.
PRE-CONFERENCE BONUS SESSION #1: JANUARY 22 AT 1:00 PM
Why Your Publishing Plans Jump the Rails with Cathy Yardley
“Why Your Publishing Plans Jump the Rails” is for writers of any experience level who have wrestled with the increasing demands of publishing and promotion, only to watch their best laid plans go awry. If you find yourself unable to stick to a set schedule, inconsistent in your writing or promotional efforts, or constantly trying new courses/systems/etc. in pursuit of “one that finally works,” this workshop may be for you.
Cathy Yardley has been a traditional and self published author for over 25 years. Pressured by the continuing roller coaster of industry changes, she wondered why she couldn’t do what was proven to work for others, or find a system that she could stick with. It wasn’t until she was diagnosed neurodivergent that she realized she couldn’t because of the way her brain was wired … and then saw the same pattern in many of her clients, whether they were neurodivergent or not.
There may be a very good reason why conventional advice doesn’t work for you. Thankfully, there are also straightforward solutions that will.
At the end of this presentation you will learn how to address these foundational problems:
- You’re doing too much (goal setting issues)
- You’re not doing what needs to be done (system issues)
- The things that you’re doing aren’t being done well (process issues)
PRE-CONFERENCE BONUS SESSION #2: FEBRUARY 3 AT 3:00 PM
The Genius Games with Parchelle Tashi and Portia Michele
The Genius Games is a two-hour interactive workshop designed specifically for entrepreneurs and creators. As certified Wealth Dynamics consultants, Portia Michele and Parchelle Tashi facilitate this engaging experience to help participants discover their unique genius and leverage their natural strengths for greater success.
The Genius Games is a two-hour interactive workshop designed specifically for entrepreneurs and creators. As certified Wealth Dynamics consultants, Portia Michele and Parchelle Tashi facilitate this engaging experience to help participants discover their unique genius and leverage their natural strengths for greater success.
What Participants Will Experience:
- Each participant will take a Wealth Dynamics genius test that reveals their natural wealth profile
- Interactive Genius Game activities that allow everyone to exercise their unique talents
- Personalized feedback on their wealth profile and how to apply it to their creative business
- Strategies for leveraging their specific genius to create more wealth and success
Workshop Details:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Format: Virtual session via Zoom
- Deliverables: Each participant receives a digital worksheet and recording access
This workshop has been extremely valuable for entrepreneurs who want to work smarter, not harder, by aligning their business activities with their natural strengths. For authors specifically, understanding their wealth profile can transform how they approach book marketing, content creation, and business growth.
PRE-CONFERENCE BONUS SESSION #3: FEBRUARY 6 AT 2:00 PM
The Six Stages of Production & Launch with Alexa Bigwarfe
Join Alexa Bigwarfe, CEO and Founder of Write|Publish|Sell and Host of the Women in Publishing Summit, for a look at “The Six Stages of Production & Launch” and key factors you want to be aware of when writing, publishing, and selling your book.
This webinar covers everything you need to consider from inception of your book idea through post-launch marketing. Alexa will break down not only the action steps that need to happen, but the timeline, tools, and services you can consider. By the end of the webinar, you’ll have clarity around the many steps involved in publishing a book, and some great ideas to help you move forward, no matter where you are in the process.
PRE-CONFERENCE BONUS SESSION #4: FEBRUARY 19 AT 1:00 PM
Lessons from the Village: Authors on Growth, Resilience, and Collaboration with Amanda Johnson, Amron Bevels, Mira Megan Lathrop, Gayle Wilson, and Lynn Carpenter
Publisher Amanda Johnson of Awaken Village Press and a panel of authors will share practical lessons in resilience, mindset, and collaboration to help authors at any stage build support systems and sustain their creativity.
This session is designed for authors at any stage of the journey who want to feel less alone and more supported in their writing and publishing process. The panel will share real lessons they’ve learned about resilience, mindset, and collaboration while bringing their books to life. Together they will discuss what helped them overcome doubt, stay productive, and find the courage to release their stories into the world.
Attendees will walk away inspired and equipped with practical strategies to build resilience and creative momentum through the power of community and collaboration.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- Mindset tools for navigating self-doubt and staying resilient during the ups and downs of the author journey.
- Collaboration strategies to create support systems and avoid the isolation that often comes with writing.
- Practical ways to sustain creativity and productivity by drawing on community and shared wisdom.
PRE-CONFERENCE BONUS SESSION #5: MARCH 3 AT 1:00 PM
The Conference Playbook: Focus, Follow-Through, and Fueling Success with Raquel Durden
Raquel Durden will show brand-new authors how to focus on the right sessions, make meaningful connections, and create an action plan that turns conference inspiration into tangible success.
When Raquel first attended a conference, she was simply an aspiring author with a manuscript in hand. One year later, by strategically engaging in both in-person and virtual events, she had completed her book, launched a successful tour, advanced her nonprofit, and was honored as 2025 Georgia Woman Veteran of the Year. The difference? She stopped “just attending” and instead treated each conference as a catalyst for growth.
This workshop is designed for authors, aspiring writers, and mission-driven leaders who want to maximize the value of every event they attend. Through her story and a clear, actionable framework, participants will learn how to engage with laser focus, build authentic connections, and turn conference insights into measurable success.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- How to select the right sessions and opportunities that align with your goals.
- A step-by-step method for creating and executing a results-driven post-conference plan.
- Real-world examples of how to translate conference inspiration into milestones like finishing a manuscript, publishing, or growing a platform.
Attendees will leave with both inspiration and a practical playbook to transform conferences into catalysts for meaningful progress and success!
The Women in Publishing Summit is a four-day virtual event running from March 8 to 11. All sessions are recorded, and you can rewatch them as many times as you’d like through the end of the year. The best part is that you get to be a part of the WIP community all year long with free bonus post-conference webinars, monthly networking sessions, and exclusive access to sponsor discounts. We hope you’ll join us there!
