Conference for Authors & Publishing Professionals
An Author’s Guide to the General Track at the 2025 Women in Publishing Summit 

We know there are many options when it comes to choosing a virtual conference for authors, so we’re breaking down the workshops in the Women in Publishing Summit by tracks and areas of focus.

This post covers the conference sessions that are best suited for Advanced Authors – meaning you’ve already published your first (or many) books and are looking to advance your writing and marketing skills.

The Women in Publishing Summit, a four-day virtual conference for authors and publishing professionals, offers sessions for authors of all levels. We’re bringing together authors, writing experts, and publishing professionals to discuss a range of topics—from creative resiliency to AI tools to connected marketing.

We focus on building community, educating our community, and creating an environment for support, encouragement, and sharing of resources. While the conference is virtual and runs “live” in zoom over the course of the event, all sessions are recorded, and you can rewatch them as many times as you’d like through the end of the year. We also have networking, community-building events, and special bonus sessions. 

You can visit the full schedule here.

Grab your ticket today, so you can participate in these author workshops at the conference and revisit the recorded sessions throughout the year!

The Best Day 1 – Writing/Mindset Sessions for an Advanced Author

Panel: The Art of the Literary Sex Scene (Fiction and Memoir) with Victoria Hetherington and Patricia Westerhof

Victoria Hetherington and Patricia Westerhof will provide writers of fiction and memoir techniques for writing character-driven, tasteful, and powerful sex scenes that work in today’s marketplace. Patricia Westerhof is an author, speaker, and writing coach. Victoria Hetherington is the author of two critically acclaimed novels and a polyphonic nonfiction book which explores a Canadian aviation tragedy in rural Saskatchewan. Her literary erotica recently appeared in the Secret Sex anthology (Rare Machines, 2024)

Writing to Your Throughline: Crafting Plot in the Character- and Theme-Driven Novel with Alida Winternheimer

Alida Winternheimer will teach you how to identify your throughline and why it matters to not only your drafting process, but your readers. Alida is an award-winning writer, developmental editor/writing coach, and podcaster. Winner of the 2023 Page Turner Writing Award and Best Historical, she is listed as a notable in Best American Essays 2022, and has thrice been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. She has taught fiction classes to incarcerated writers through the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop and hosts the Story Works Round Table podcast with over 300 episodes.

Tropes: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once with Jennifer Hilt

Jennifer Hilt will discuss the three tropes that are key to hooking your reader, how to use them, and most importantly, why they are crucial. Jennifer Hilt is a USA Today Bestselling author of The Trope Thesaurus: An Author Resource. She has written twenty-four books across four pen names plus her urban fantasy trilogy: The Undead Detective.

Write it Ugly: Dismantling Perfectionism to Finish the Darn Book with Brooke Black

Brooke Black will guide writers to shift their focus from perfection to progress by dismantling notions of perfectionism and imposter syndrome, embracing their craft, and thriving in their editor-author partnership to finish their manuscripts—with confidence. Brooke Black, the owner of blackbear communications, LLC, is the resident editor for Abound Publishing and multiple small businesses across the country. Dedicated to amplifying the voices of authors, Brooke also serves as a coach and editor for many independent, published, and pre-published authors.

The Best Day 2 – Routes to Publication Sessions for an Advanced Author

Beta Readers for Better Books: Your Guide to Leveraging These Essential Author Allies with Alexa Nazzaro

Alexa Nazzaro offers expert insights on how to optimize the value of beta readers, including crafting a beta reader avatar, selecting the right readers, creating effective feedback questionnaires, and interpreting critiques to refine your manuscript. Alexa Nazzaro founded the Aaxel Author Group in 2015, providing turnkey editing and publishing services for authors across all genres. Alexa has worked with many authors to help them perfect their manuscripts. Alexa also currently sits on the Membership Committee of the Independent Book Publishers Association.

The Selling Power of Book Design with Tamara Dever

Learn how your book’s design—inside and out—influences buyers and readers. Design goes well beyond aesthetics, having a different function for each part of your book: the front cover, back cover, and interior. Tamara Dever has been serving authors and publishers for more than 30 years by providing high-end editing, design, production, and coaching through her team at TLC Book Design. Together with their clients, they have received over 300 publishing and design awards.

Why People Buy: Using Psychology to Sell More Books with Chelsea Bennett

Why do people buy things? And, more importantly, how can you use that knowledge to sell more books? This video looks at the psychology of selling and actionable ways to use buyer behavior to drive book sales. No matter what kinds of books you sell, this is your go-to guide for understanding the “why” behind every purchase decision. Chelsea Bennett is the Education and Community Manager for Lulu.com and host of Lulu’s YouTube series, Lulu University, as well as their monthly webinar series.

Catching Legal Red Flags in Memoir Before They Catch You with Tisha Morris

Publishing Attorney Tisha Morris walks you through a legal checklist of defamation, invasion of privacy, copyright, and other legal red flags to help you minimize the risk of legal exposure, not to mention unnecessary legal fees. Tisha Morris is the founder of Morris Entertainment Law where she practices entertainment law with a mission to help diverse voices tell their story for a better world. Tisha is the best-selling author of five nonfiction books.

Audiobooks: From Microphone to Marketplace with Mary Catherine Jones

Mary Catherine will give an insider’s perspective on the burgeoning Audiobook industry and discuss multiple ways to create an audiobook—from bootstrapping to pro-production and everything in-between! Mary Catherine Jones is the owner and executive producer of The Audiobook Experience at Voice Over Vermont. For over 15 years she has been helping authors find their voice by helping them create amazing, award winning audiobooks.

Understanding ISBNs on an International Stage: Dispelling the Myths and Avoiding the Mistakes for US, UK, AUS, and other major global markets with Elizabeth Ducie & Judy L Mohr

Judy L Mohr and Elizabeth Ducie will present an overview of the rules and regulations for sourcing and use of ISBNs and bar codes in major markets across the world. And for those who are seeking to get their books in libraries, they will also discuss CIPs (cataloguing-in-publication records). Elizabeth Ducie trained as a scientist and worked in the international pharmaceutical industry for nearly thirty years before deciding she gave up the day job, began studying the craft of creative writing, and now writes fiction and creative non-fiction more or less full-time. Kiwi Judy L Mohr is a writer, developmental editor, writing coach, amateur photographer, and a science nerd with a keen interest in internet technologies and social media security.

The Best Day 3 – Marketing & Book Launch Sessions for an Advanced Author

How to Write Six Months of Branded Content from Your Book for Increased Book Sales with Monica Miller

Monica Miller will teach published authors how to leverage their nonfiction book to write up to six months of branded online content from their book to boost book sales and increase visibility. Monica Miller is Your Content Guide and is an author, writer, and international speaker who transforms heartfelt stories into compelling marketing messages, captivating audiences and converting them into loyal clients. She is a six-time published author and runs her own business, Monica Writes.

Be Contagious Instead of Going Viral: The Power of Conversation In Book Marketing with Markeyla Henton​

This session will teach you how to leverage automation, messaging and tagging to make your content grow legs regardless of whether the algorithm picks it up. If you knew you had a magic touch that would make the world better, you would touch everything. Your book is your magic touch!

How to Market Your Book Like a Rock Star (Taylor Swift) with Yvonne DiVita

Yvonne DiVita will teach you how to market your book like a rock star (Taylor Swift)—which means building community ahead of publication. Swift is a genius at developing relationships and building community and that is your goal, also. Be the Taylor Swift of your genre! Yvonne is a publishing professional, blogger, and author. She comes from years of working in the print and publishing industry. In Windsor Media Enterprises, her first company (WME Books), she was a print-on-demand publisher. Yvonne’s latest book, The HOW TO WRITE A BOOK Book, co-authored with her husband Tom, is a how-to book in which she compares writing a book to building a house.

Book Influencers: How to Find, Contact, and Work with Readers on Social Media with Manon Wogahn

Book influencers have changed the book marketing game. As the online authorities on reading, influencers are known for passionate reviews, book recommendations, and building authentic book buzz. These influencers are most active on social platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where their posts can skyrocket previously lesser-known authors to bestseller status. Manon Wogahn is a publishing professional with six years’ experience working with indie authors and thirteen years’ experience with social media. As publishing operations manager for AuthorImprints, she performs comparables research, prepares and optimizes metadata, plans and executes Amazon marketing promotions, and manages the publication of print and eBooks. As Mystery Manon on Instagram and TikTok, she shares book reviews and mystery-related content.

The Best Day 4 – Business Growth Sessions for an Advanced Author

Book Series Brilliance: Strategies for Writing and Selling Multiple Titles with Jana S. Brown

Come and join Jana S. Brown to learn about the appeal of writing in series, how they benefit your author career, and boost your marketing efforts. Jana S. Brown has worked as a journalist, fiction writer, technical writer, editor, presenter, author coach, course creator, and a host of other positions. She’s assisted in the creation of bestselling and award-winning novels in the self-publishing space as well as working as an editor with small presses and as an acceptance editor for Book Cave, a book promotion company. 

Beyond the Bestseller: Creating Multiple Revenue Streams for Authorpreneurs with Alesha Brown

Alesha Brown will share step-by-step guidance and examples, ensuring attendees can transform their books into thriving businesses. Alesha Brown is the Founder & CEO of Fruition Publishing Concierge Services®, a hybrid publisher devoted to helping authors find their voice, monetize their expertise, and create profitable author platforms.

How to Expand Your Author Business Internationally With Translations with Isabella Nanni​

Based on her direct experience, Isabella Nanni will illustrate the new trends in the consumption of books on the international markets and how indie authors and publishers can benefit from the new post-pandemic scenario when considering investing in translations. Isabella graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature in Bologna, Italy, in 1994 and is listed as Expert Interpreter and Translator at the local Chamber of Commerce. She has worked for major international companies as well as publishers and specializes in literary translations and marketing materials.

Mastering Collaborative Books for Business Success with Lanette Pottle

In this workshop, Lanette Pottle will delve into a case study of a successful 6-figure collaborative book series, and share essential questions and support needed to incorporate collaborative books into your business model with efficiency and excellence. Lanette Pottle is a business strategist and book coach, specializing in helping clients create and publish books that become powerful business assets. She is a multi-book bestselling author. As the founder and creator of the She Gets Published brand, Lanette also hosts the podcast of the same name. She is the creative and publishing force behind the bestselling LIGHTbeamers Collaborative Book series.

Beyond Courses: Crafting Immersive Learning Experiences with Digital Workbooks with Parchelle Tashi

Discover how to move beyond traditional online courses and create captivating, interactive learning experiences for your audience using innovative digital workbooks and other cutting-edge learning assets. Parchelle Tashi is an award-winning creative educator, modern day scribe and executive producer who partners with authors and thought leaders to help them repurpose and monetize their expertise as premium, profitable learning assets that create impact and additional income.

For *advanced* authors seeking to refine their craft, adopt cutting-edge marketing strategies, and scale their publishing career, the 2025 Women in Publishing Summit offers the perfect environment. Connect with industry-leading professionals, discover new tools and techniques, and collaborate with peers who share your passion for excellence. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your writing journey—secure your ticket and join us at the summit!

What is the Women in Publishing Summit?

The Women in Publishing Summit is a four-day virtual event running from March 5 to 8. All sessions are recorded, and you can rewatch them as many times as you’d like through the end of the year. We also have networking, community-building events, and special bonus sessions. It’s a LOT of fun! 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 access to sponsor discounts.

We know there are many options when it comes to choosing a virtual conference for authors, so we’re breaking down the workshops in the Women in Publishing Summit by tracks and areas of focus.

This post covers the conference sessions that are best suited for Beginner Authors – new to writing, publishing, and selling a book.

The Women in Publishing Summit, a four-day virtual conference for authors and publishing professionals, offers sessions for authors of all levels. We’re bringing together authors, writing experts, and publishing professionals to discuss a range of topics—from creative resiliency to AI tools to connected marketing.

We focus on building community, educating our community, and creating an environment for support, encouragement, and sharing of resources. While the conference is virtual and runs “live” in zoom over the course of the event, all sessions are recorded, and you can rewatch them as many times as you’d like through the end of the year. We also have networking, community-building events, and special bonus sessions. 

You can visit the full schedule here.

Don’t forget to grab your ticket today, so you can participate in these author workshops at the conference and revisit the recorded sessions throughout the year!

The Best Day 1 – Writing/Mindset Sessions for Beginner Authors

Genre: The Key to Writing a Story That Works with Savannah Gilbo

Savannah will teach the importance of determining your story’s genre—both the sales/marketing category AND the content genre (aka what KIND of story you’re actually writing). She’ll also share how identifying your genre can help you write better books. Savannah Gilbo is a certified developmental editor and book coach who helps fiction authors write, edit, and publish stories that work. She’s also the host of the top-rated Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast.

The Pantser’s Guide to Outlining with Maile Starr

Maile Starr will provide a guide for pantsers to outline their story after it is written, focusing on intuitive storytelling, writing with joy, and forming your own process. Maile Starr writes stories with graveyards and magic that are laced with sarcasm. She’s published several short stories and is working on her upcoming debut novel, The Marbhaven Reaper. 

Where to Begin: How to Start a Nonfiction Book Proposal with Sally Ekus

Senior literary agent Sally Ekus will walk first-time authors through the elements of a nonfiction book proposal. At the end of the presentation you will know: what goes into a comprehensive nonfiction book proposal that can be used to pitch agents, which section to start with, and what to do with your proposal when it is done. Sally Ekus is the President and Lead Agent at The Ekus Group, the culinary and lifestyle division of the Jean V. Nager Literary Agency. From concept to contract, she has brokered over 300 book deals with top publishers including Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, and numerous indie publishers.

Writing and Editing with Your Audience in Mind with Kathy Meis

New writers often struggle with moving beyond writing the story THEY want to tell versus one readers will want to buy. In writing and editing mode, the end-goal of publishing a successful book can sometimes get lost. To publish a successful book, it’s important to consider how your book will be positioned and marketed WHILE you’re still writing and editing. Kathy Meis, a veteran ghostwriter and editor with more than 30 years of experience, is expert at helping authors align their creative and commercial dreams so that they write unique stories that sell. She’s ghostwritten or been the lead editor on a long list of books that have won awards, been optioned for tv and film, and hit The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon bestseller lists. In this session for beginner writers, Kathy will touch on positioning with a heavy focus on writing and editing your manuscript.

How to Create a Compelling Protagonist with Rhonda Douglas

Rhonda will provide a new framework to create a compelling protagonist for your novel or short story. This framework is ideal for writers just starting a new project. Rhonda Douglas is an award-winning poet and fiction author. She’s the host of The Resilient Writers Radio Show and the founder of First Book Finish.

KidLit 101: How to write readable and appealing stories for children to read and love and adults to buy with Antoinette Truglio Martin

Learn the mysteries of children’s lit, discover the connections to language and development, and explore how grown-ups (publishers, marketers, teachers, and parents) are influenced by these connections when purchasing books. Antoinette Truglio Martin is a retired speech therapist and special ed teacher, who now enjoys life as a children’s book author, memoirist, and blogger. She wrote the memoir, Hug Everyone You Know: A Year of Community, Courage, and Cancer, the award winning middle-grade historical fiction series, Becoming America’s Stories, and the picture book, Famous Seaweed Soup.

The Best Day 2 – Routes to Publication Sessions for Beginner Authors

The Selling Power of Book Design with Tamara Dever

Learn how your book’s design—inside and out—influences buyers and readers. Design goes well beyond aesthetics, having a different function for each part of your book: the front cover, back cover, and interior. Great for authors looking to DIY or hire a designer. Includes tips and techniques, dramatic before-and-after samples, and a Q&A. Tamara Dever has been serving authors and publishers for more than 30 years by providing high-end editing, design, production, and coaching through her team at TLC Book Design. 

Choosing the Right Fit: How to Research, Communicate with, and Hire the Right Editor for Your Work with Sara Letourneau

During this session, you’ll learn strategic, value-centered tips that will help you find not just any editor, but the right editor for you and your project. You’ll walk away with these and other takeaways: which steps to take before contacting prospective editors about your project, important questions to ask as you send out inquiries and talk to editors, and red flags to watch out for when interacting with editors. Sara Letourneau is the writing coach and editor at Heart of the Story Editorial & Coaching Services. She specializes in a wide range of fiction and nonfiction as well as poetry. Sara is also an award-winning poet and the cofounder of the Pour Me a Poem open mic series in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Her debut poetry collection, Wild Gardens, is out now.

From Query to Contract: Essential Steps in Submitting Your Manuscript with Tara Alemany

Tara R. Alemany will walk you through the essential steps to successfully submit your manuscript to a publisher, covering how to stand out, negotiate a fair deal, and protect your rights. Tara Alemany is a multi-award-winning author of seven books. She is also a speaker, business consultant and publisher, as well as the host of the Publish with Purpose virtual summit and the Art of Self-Editing Challenge.

Finding and Collaborating with Your Perfect Editor with Cristy Robinson & Editor Kayleigh Merritt

Finding and working with a freelance editor can be like walking through a minefield for many new authors. Learn the do’s and don’ts of finding your editor and ensuring a healthy editorial collaboration in this presentation from indie author CC Robinson and developmental editor Kayleigh Merritt. Cristy Robinson is the author of the Divided series, with a background in finance and medicine. She writes under the pen name CC Robinson and has over two decades’ experience in cross-cultural settings as a medical doctor working in post-civil war nations and as an Associate Pastor at a multi-ethnic congregation. Kayleigh Merritt has sixteen years’ experience working as a freelance editor and three years’ experience teaching undergraduate writing and editing. Her preferred focus for developmental editing and beta reading services is genre fiction.

Cover Designers: Where to Look, How to Choose, and How to Communicate with a Pro with Zoe Norvell

Zoe Norvell will show you how to find a professional cover designer, what to look for in their portfolios, how to communicate with them, and how to arrive at an accurate budget. Zoe Norvell has been designing book covers professionally since 2011 for Big 5 Publishers, tiny poetry houses, self-publishing authors, and everything in between. In 2023, she launched INeedABookCover.com, which offers an ever-growing gallery for cover inspiration, a directory of the industry’s top talent, and a Jobs Board.

The Best Day 3 – Marketing & Book Launch Sessions for Beginner Authors

Book Launch Budgeting 101 with Sayde Walker

In this presentation, Sayde Walker will provide a book launch budgeting primer: how much to budget for each stage of the campaign, where to cut corners (or not), and what kind of profits to expect. Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to book budgeting, so we’ll review “options” so each author can create their own plan. Sayde Walker is the managing director at Launch My Book and has a decade of experience as a journalist and marketing professional. She helps authors with book marketing and platform building.

Substack 101 for Newbies: What You Need to Know if You Want to Gain an Audience with Claire Tak

This workshop will cover basics and what people should know before they start a Substack. I will share my personal story of what I learned in the last few years. I have two Substacks both with different purposes. I will cover why Substack is so popular now and what makes it different than WordPress or Squarespace. I will also give basics of what to do when you’re first starting out and what to be aware of.  Claire is a writer with a background in building content and editorial strategies for tech companies. She regularly writes newsletters on Stories About My Brother, a Substack dedicated to her struggles in dealing with an incarcerated loved one, and stories of her brother’s troubled past. 

How to Market Your Book Like a Rock Star (Taylor Swift) with Yvonne DiVita

Yvonne DiVita will teach you how to market your book like a rock star (Taylor Swift)—which means building community ahead of publication. Swift is a genius at developing relationships and building community and that is your goal, also. Be the Taylor Swift of your genre! Yvonne is a publishing professional, blogger, and author. She comes from years of working in the print and publishing industry. In Windsor Media Enterprises, her first company (WME Books), she was a print-on-demand publisher. Yvonne’s latest book, The HOW TO WRITE A BOOK Book, co-authored with her husband Tom, is a how-to book in which she compares writing a book to building a house.

The Best Day 4 – Business Growth Sessions for Beginner Authors

Building an Author Business Plan: Strategies for Success with Joyana Peters

Joyana Peters will teach you how to create a comprehensive business plan to professionalize your writing career, including branding, goal setting, marketing strategies, and exploring revenue streams. Joyana Peters is the Indie author of the best-selling novels, The Girl in the Triangle and The Girl From Saint Petersburg. Joyana has taught literature and composition on both the secondary and university levels. She also writes non-fiction and has been published in digital and print publications nationwide.

Mastering the Art of Creative Presentations – aka: How to Relax and Have Fun with Author Talks with Pat Black-Gould

This workshop teaches techniques and strategies for crafting engaging and innovative presentations that captivate and inspire audiences. Pat Black-Gould, PhD, is an author and psychologist with a background as an actress, director, and playwright. Her book The Crystal Beads, Lalka’s Journey received three gold medal awards.

Funding Your Goals with Sharissa Bradley

Sharissa Bradley will provide actual step-by-step directions for applying for writing grants, as well as providing crowdfunding and presale options to get funds for completing and publishing a manuscript. Sharissa Bradley is an author, publisher and owner of the charity organization Project Seed Money. At PSM Sharissa focuses primarily on inspiring female authors to write their story. 

Copyright and Fair Use with Kelley Way

Kelley Way will explain what rights authors have under copyright law, and when they can safely use third party content.

For any beginner author ready to take the next step, the 2025 Women in Publishing Summit offers the perfect environment to learn, connect, and grow. You’ll gain crucial knowledge on everything from writing craft to marketing strategies, all while building supportive relationships with fellow writers and industry professionals. Don’t miss out on this chance to set your writing career on the right track—grab your ticket and join us at the summit!

What is the Women in Publishing Summit?

The Women in Publishing Summit is a four-day virtual event running from March 5 to 8. All sessions are recorded, and you can rewatch them as many times as you’d like through the end of the year. We also have networking, community-building events, and special bonus sessions. It’s a LOT of fun! 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 access to sponsor discounts.