November Writing Lives On with Novel November

November Writing Lives On with Novel November

November Writing Has Been Saved!

With NaNoWriMo no longer running, many writers are feeling the loss of that annual challenge to keep them motivated and accountable.

This November, ProWritingAid is launching Novel November—a month-long challenge designed to help writers turn blank pages into finished drafts. The goal: write 50,000 words in 30 days (about 1,667 words per day). It’s ambitious, but you’ll have an entire community writing alongside you … including the Women in Publishing Summit! We’re delighted to be supporting it as a sponsor.


What Can Writers Expect?

Expect daily writing sprints, Q&As, craft webinars, and community support, all designed to keep you motivated. The line-up features some of today’s most inspiring voices in publishing, including:

  • Madeline Miller (Circe)
  • Onyi Nwabineli (Someday, Maybe)
  • Rufi Thorpe (The Knockout Queen)

They’ll be joined by a host of bestselling authors, editors, and writing coaches offering expert advice throughout the month.


Who Can Participate?

Whether you’re chasing your first novel or your next one, Novel November is your chance to write with guidance, energy, and inspiration.


And the Best Part?

Participation is free—and your words will also support Room to Read, a global nonprofit bringing literacy and education to children in underserved communities.


Sign Me Up!

Learn more about the process, discover Preptober events and helpful resources, and add your name to the ranks of inaugural NovNov participants.

A Spotlight on the 2024 Workshops for Fiction Writers

A Spotlight on the 2024 Workshops for Fiction Writers

Workshops for Fiction Writers

We’ve got such a great lineup of workshop for fiction writers in the 2024 Women in Publishing Summit!

This year, we are presenting workshops for your specific needs, focusing on your level of experience. With a variety of workshops to choose from, you’re sure to find one (or several!) that will help you reach your goals and achieve your dreams as a fiction writer.

The conference runs live via Zoom March 6-9, 2024. All sessions are recorded, and you can replay to your heart’s extent until Dec. 31, 2024. We will learn, laugh, and leverage new opportunities together!

Be sure to get your ticket today so you can enjoy all of these workshops for advanced authors in the conference, and revisit the content in the recordings all year! 

 

Audience: Fiction Writers (sessions for beginner through advanced level)

“Six Secrets Every Indie Fiction Author Should Know”
Presenter: Alessandra Torre
It’s easy to get overwhelmed, frustrated and confused. New York Times bestselling author Alessandra Torre will share her six secrets, that include understanding the differences between successful and non-successful fiction authors, the types of novels are the easiest and most profitable to sell, the stumbling block that derails most careers, and why a “failed” release isn’t the kiss of death.

“How to Write a Well-Structured Scene”
Presenter: Savannah Gilbo
Beginner level attendees will learn the importance of well- structured scenes from start to finish, what it is to write a meaningful arc and how to troubleshoot scenes that need work.

“Every Word Matters: Using Prose to Enhance Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction”
Presenter: Wendy Van Camp
Beginner level attendees will learn about Meaning, Voice, Tone, Rhythm/Meter, Sound Devices, and Word Choice and how to best apply them as a novelist.

“How to Survive and Succeed as a Writer (without breaking your heart or losing your mind)”
Presenter: Gabriela Pereira
In this fast-paced session, Gabriela
1 – Debunks some major myths about creativity
2- Shares key mindset shifts that will help you get past blocks and get back to writing
3 – Walks you through an essential technique that will change your creative process forever.

“The At of Giving and Receiving Feedback”
Presenter: Georgia Clark
In this presentation, attendees will learn how to give feedback that expresses your ideas in a helpful way, how to receive feedback, even when it’s hard to hear, and how to turn feedback into a solid, achievable revision plan you feel excited to tackle.

“From Flat to Fabulous: Reviving Characters with Dynamic Body Language”
Presenter: Stacy Juba
By the end of this session, beginner and intermediate authors will
1 – Know how to identify and avoid the most overused nonverbal phrases that result in flat characters and lackluster writing
2 – Gain strategies for enriching nonverbal communication, allowing your unique voice to shine and fostering deeper reader connections with your characters
3 – Learn three critical mistakes to steer clear of when using nonverbal communication in your writing

“Six Techniques to Create More Compelling Novels”
Presenter: Shirley Jump
This is an interactive class will guide you into more powerful writing. Benefits include
1 – Deeper, richer plot
2 – Stronger, more compelling characters
3 – A tool to make any aspect of your book more unique

“The Art of Immersion: Boost Productivity and Morale with Journaling, Role-Playing, and Method Writing Techniques”
Presenter: Eryka Parker
By the end of this presentation, you will know
1 – How to create compelling imagery through vivid descriptions and emotions
2 – How to tap into your reader’s deepest needs, wants, and desires
3 – Ways to create a writing strategy that defies obstacles and embraces your author theme

“Creating Believable Characters Using Myers Briggs Types”
Presenter: Barbara V. Evers
The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) will help you answer questions about your characters, such as, what makes them tick? How do they recharge? What type of information do they trust? And more.
After this session, you will be able to
1 – Establish your character’s type
2 – Recognize examples of the four areas that create the sixteen MBTI types and how you might use this information to create characters who leap off the page
3 – Begin to develop how your character behaves under normal circumstances and how their enviroment might change those behaviors
4 – Describe what happens to your character’s type under stress and conflict

“Writing About Grief and Trauma in Your Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction Books”
Presenter: Jacci Turner
This session focuses on writing characters who have experienced trauma with sensitivity and compassion, without spreading misinformation.

“Show, Don’t Tell: A Secret Weapon for Writers”
Presenter: Leslie J. Hall
After this session you will
1 – Understand what the phrase “show, don’t tell” means for your story
2 – How to identify “telling” prose
3 – How to convert “telling” to “showing”
4 – What is it okay to tell
5 – How to use point of view to height ‘show, don’t tell’

“From Data to Drama: Leveraging Market Research to Create Bestselling Fiction”
Presenter: Jana S. Brown
By the end of this session, you will know
1 – How to research the genres you are passionate about to find out what your audience needs to be satisfied
2 – How to choose your cover, blurb, and details about your content to fit wtih the best sellers in your genre
3 – Why market research matters and how it can be applied to work that is completed, or used to create a writing plan for your newest novel

“Serving Your Superfans: How to Build and Foster a Fandom”
Presenter: Steff Green
Participants in this workshop will learn what fans are, how they respond to a strong brand, and how to cultivate fandom into your work from the beginning. 

“From Page to Screen: Screenwriting Basics for Novelists”
Presenter: JoAnn Sky
This workshop will teach writers how to understand the strengths and weaknesses, similarities and differences of adopting a novel into a script. Important information will be shared in this session such as structural choices made during the adaptation process, stylistic components to embed in your script, formatting requirements, and more.

While these are the sessions that speak directly to fiction writers, you’ll also receive a large number of sessions that are for the general audience, special sessions, and lots of networking time. Plus, time to meet with our sponsors and publishers!

“My Facebook Ads are Failing: Strategies to Reboot and Improve the Performance of Your Facebook Ads”
Presenter: Malorie Cooper
Attendees of this session will learn from a Facebook ad expert the basics of utilizing Facebook ads, the set up and creation, and how to grow your audience from the use of ads on Facebook.

There are other sessions in the GENERAL track that may also be applicable, so check out the full schedule below!

See the full schedule here and grab your ticket today!

We hope to see you at the 2024 Women in Publishing Summit! We’re Better Together!

How can Kindle Vella help authors?

How can Kindle Vella help authors?

In April, Amazon announced their new Kindle Vella program. This brand new opportunity is tailor made for indie authors and new voices in publishing. It also seems to be an interesting way to diversify your income as an author, always key to making a writing life work. 

It’s open to US-based authors writing in English now, and it will be ready for readers this summer. Is it right for you? Let’s dig into it!

A Spotlight on the 2024 Workshops for Publishing Professionals

A Spotlight on the 2024 Workshops for Publishing Professionals

Workshops for Publishing Professionals

This year, we’re really excited to offer a track for all of the professionals in our community! These are sessions for publishers, publishing assistants, self-publishing assist professionals, editors, and others who are building businesses in the publishing industry!

If you’re a publishing professional, there are several sessions just for you at the 2024 Women in Publishing Summit! This year we have some really good sessions specifically for you.

Be sure to get your ticket today so you can enjoy all of these workshops for publishing professionals in the conference and revisit the content in the recordings all year! 

Audience: Publishing Professionals

“Beyond the Red Pen: Amplifying Author Voice Through Skillful Editing”
Presenter: Angela James
In this workshop, editors will move through a 5-step approach of working with authors in a way that creates a positive editing environment that respects author voice, and amplifies and highlights the author’s vision, while also polishing and enhancing the story to create the best reader experience possible.

“Welcome, Ghosts: Should Your Writing Client Use a Ghostwriter?”
Presenter: E, Danielle Butler
This session will walk publishing professions through the considerations of working with a ghostwriter.

“The 42 Minute Hour: A Time Management Tool for Enhancing Business Productivity”
Presenter: Michelle Oucharek-Deo
This workshop is a time mentoring program for real women whose goals often get sidelined by everyday challenges and the technique shared can revolutionize your productivity, not just in writing but in managing many areas of your life.

Everything You Need to Know About Prepping for Taxes”
Presenter: Lily Tran
Join Lily Tran to learn about how to best prepare your small business for tax season!​

“The Case for Community: Why Editors and Freelancers Need to Find Their People”
Presenter: Tara Whitaker
This part how-to, part tell-all session discusses why and how joining or building the right values-focused virtual community- whether as an author, editor, or creative freelancer- has become necessary for a stronger and more sustainable solo business.

“Offset Printing vs POD- Truths, Lies, and Virtual Examples”
Presenter: Lori McKnight
In this session, the pros and cons of both offset and POD printing with real life examples will be discussed to help writers make an informed decision on the best route for their book and business.

“Developmental Editing of Fiction Concepts and Deliverables: An Intro to Developmental Editing for Copyeditors and Others Considering Adding it as an Editing Service”
Presenter: Miranda Darrow
During this workshop, an overview of developmental editing will be shared, and a discussion on main developmental editing concepts will take place, with examples of deliverables and more.

“Achieve Success – Find the Manual to Your Brain and Optimize Your Workspace”
Presenter: Dayna Reidenour and Penni Askew
In this presentation, authors and service providers will learn different ways to approach their work with a focus on neurodivergent brains and ways to flourish using methods that fit for every person.

“How to Motivate Your Author in Marketing Strategy”
Presenter: Nev March
This presentation cover an approach to building an effective marketing plan with a publisher.

“Goal Focused Distribution”
Presenter: Keri-Rae Barnum
This workshop will cover distribution opportunities for print books, eBooks and audiobooks and the costs, time commitments, and sustainability for every option.

“The Top Tools You Didn’t Know You Needed for Your Publishing Business”
Presenter: Tara Alemany
Workshop attendees will learn of tools that streamline publishing to give them the productivity boost needed to run their business efficiently and effectively.

“How to be Successful as a Publisher at In-Person Book Signing Events”
Presenter: Jen Milius
You have an in-person event, like a book fair, book signing, or table at a conference, lined up – now what? How do you create a wonderful experience and best present yourself, your authors, all of your books and your business?

When this presentation is complete, attendees will be able to:
1 – Have the right mindset for success
2 – Understand what is needed for publishers to put themselves, their authors, and their businesses in the best light
3 – Know how to shine during the event for your business AND your authors.

This session will also be valuable for authors looking to do more in person events.

“Leveraging LinkedIn for Entrepreneurial Authors and Editorial Professionals”
Presenter: Jessican Andersen
Authors, publishers, editors, freelancers, and industry professionals will learn how to turn their long-neglected LinkedIN profile into a powerful marketing asset for their personal brand or business in this session.

“Building a Media Kit That Gets Your Author Noticed”
Presenter: DiAnn Windsor
This workshop will cover the elements of a media kit, where to find templates that are editable, how to write and distribute a press release, and how to find the right person to send the kit to.

Join the Summit for these and many more sessions you will be able to access through the end of the year!

See the full schedule here and grab your ticket today!

We hope to see you at the 2024 Women in Publishing Summit!