by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Book Title Generator, How to title a book, Marketing a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
The saying goes “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but in the marketing world, the cover and title are crucial to the book’s success. No one picks up a book that doesn’t catch their attention with the cover and title. As a book publicist, I have gathered the tips and tricks for titling books in my awarding-winning Book Title Generator, which outlines 4 key factors for naming your book:
1. Make it Memorable
You want your title to stick with potential readers, so make it stand out! Use words that evoke emotion, try out some literary devices such as alliteration or allusions, or capitalize off of the popularity of “clickbait,” aka dramatic or sensational phrases that encourage the reader to seek out further information. Ask yourself, “among the hundreds of thousands of books out there, how can my book title stand out?”
2. Make it Descriptive
What is your book about? The title is the first indicator for readers, so you want your title to reflect the plot of the book. A single-word title may have worked decades ago, but with how many books exist now, it can easily get lost. However, you want to avoid overly complicated or difficult-to-remember titles, so consider using a subtitle. On Amazon, you can put 200 characters in your title, so take advantage of it! Subtitles increase searchability and pique the interest of potential readers. Use the title and subtitle to explain the theme, the genre, a character, or another aspect of your book that makes it unique!
3. Tell them the Genre
Genre is very important when it comes to book marketing, as people will often be seeking out specific types of books, so make it clear from the start. Include a reference to the genre directly in your title or subtitle. For example, if your book is about the paranormal, include that in the subtitle. If your book is part of a series, include that. Reaching your target audience is key to a book’s success!
4. Use Keywords to Increase Searchability
Keywords are what people enter into a website when searching for a product. For most products, this is straightforward, i.e. search “car wax” for car wax. For books, however, keywords are more subjective. This is why descriptive titles are so important; you want to include words or phrases that accurately describe your book but are also common things that people would type into a search bar. Figuring out keywords can take some effort: try typing a similar title or genre into Amazon or Goodreads and see what comes up. Are the results comparable to your book? If not, you may need to rethink your title. Additionally, there is new technology that many writers use to help with keywords. Software such as Publisher Rocket can analyze data directly from Amazon and determine the profitability and competition for specific words or phrases.
These four points are just the starting point to developing a strong title but are easily the most important. Taking the time to develop a title using these tools is crucial to your book’s reach, profitability, and long-term performance. Don’t be afraid to change your book’s title if it will increase your chances of success! For more information, check out Book Title Generator, which offers even more details on these key points, as well as more tips and tricks, a plethora of real-life examples, and a list of resources for authors to use.
The Bottom Line: The title is the first thing readers are drawn to when looking at books, so make it descriptive, make it memorable, incorporate the genre, and utilize keywords to increase your success!
About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Book Marketing at https://westwindbookmarketing.com/ or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award-winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book, Writers Conferences, Writing a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
If you are a serious writer with high aspirations, then you’ll want to go to a writers’ conference. Want to meet authors and exchange ideas, tips and techniques? Then sign up for a writer’s conference today.
A writers’ conference is a think tank for authors to build on each other’s ideas and inspire new achievements in their own work. For the cost of lodging and registration, the payoff for attending a writers’ conference could be tremendous.
Attending a writers’ conference gives you a chance to pitch your book, learn about the various publishing options and meet book editors, agents and book marketing specialists. If your book is six months or a year from being finished, you can talk to people with valuable input on shaping your book. At a writers’ conference, you’ll get all sorts of advice to help you wrap up your project when you return home.
Of course, you will want to prepare for any writers’ conference you attend by having a plan of what you want to find out and what you will do while there. I suggest you develop an ‘elevator pitch’ about your book that you can deliver in 30 seconds. Have a one-pager available with your book cover, author headshot, short 50-word synopsis, short bio, website URL, Twitter handle and your contact information. You never know who you’ll meet so be prepared for that moment!
Here are some upcoming writers’ conferences in 2024:
February 5-15, 2024: 2024 Sierra Writers Conference (Rocklin, CA). The 2024 Sierra Writers Conference celebrates the 21st anniversary of Sierra College Press and Standing Guard, its landmark book of stories about Japanese internment during WWII. This year’s conference draws on the spirit of the Sierra College Press, its first publication, and the talent of a diverse group of speakers who will discuss and provide instruction on stories of social justice, the environment, and the craft of writing. https://sierrawritersconference.wordpress.com/
February 7-10, 2024: AWP Conference 2024 (Kansas City, MO). The AWP Conference & Bookfair is the annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers of contemporary creative writing. It includes thousands of attendees, hundreds of events and bookfair exhibitors, and four days of essential literary conversation and celebration. The AWP Conference & Bookfair has always been a place of connection, reunion, and joy, and we are excited to see the writing community come together again in Kansas City, Missouri in 2024. https://www.awpwriter.org/AWP/AWP/Conference-Bookfair/Overview.aspx
February 15–18, 2024: 20th Annual San Francisco Writers Conference (San Francisco, CA). The San Francisco Writers Conference (“SFWC”) enjoys a rich literary culture. Over the course of four days, over 500 attendees and renowned keynote authors, presenters, editors, and agents, attend SFWC, combining the best of both the traditional publishing industry with the latest technology to empower authors to publish anywhere. Situated just north of Silicon Valley, the SFWC is truly a one-of-a-kind celebration of craft, commerce, and community. https://www.sfwriters.org/
February 16-18, 2024: Southern California Writers Conference (San Diego, CA). Founded and run by professional writers the SCWC provides veteran and emerging talent with authoritative guidance to help distinguish those manuscripts that are ready for market consideration, having facilitated well over $4 million worth of first-time authors’ book and screen deals. https://writersconference.com/sd/
February 20-23, 2024: 29th Annual Writers at the Symposium by the Sea (San Diego, CA). Writer’s Symposium by the Sea is an annual event to inspire readers and writers alike, featuring evocative conversations with exemplary writers from various genres, backgrounds, and perspectives. During each interview, the audience is invited to actively listen in as writers share what inspires their writing and delve into the practices that propel their success. https://www.pointloma.edu/opportunities/writers-symposium-sea
February 29 – March 1, 2024: 27th ASU Writers Conference in Honor of Elmer Kelton (San Angelo, TX). The 2024 conference will commemorate the 27th Angelo State University Writers Conference in Honor of Elmer Kelton. Our two-day conference is one of the few in the state that requires no registration or attendance fees for presenters and guests. https://www.angelo.edu/departments/english-modern-languages/writers_conference.php
March 3-4, 2024: I Write Writing Conference (Denver, CO). Whether you are a Creator, Author, or Soon-to-Be, this conference was designed with you in mind. Giving you a 2-Day Experience for you to network with others in your field. Come Learn, Create, and Thrive with us!
March 7-8, 2024: Write to Learn Conference (Columbia, MO). This year’s conference theme will be “The Kids ARE the Curriculum.” “I chose this theme because one of the best pieces of advice I ever got as a teacher was, “Don’t teach the curriculum; teach kids.” Sure, you have to teach some content—English, or Math, or History. But if you keep the focus on the biological units in front of you, everything works better.” – says Willy Wood, Write to Learn Conference Coordinator. https://10times.com/e1z5-k0p1-sgz9
March 8-9, 2024: 22nd Annual Rocky Mountain Legal Writing Conference (Las Vegas, NV). The Rocky Mountain Regional Legal Writing Conference began in 2000 at University of Arizona Law as the brainchild of Professor Suzanne Rabe (University of Arizona Law), Professor Judy Stinson (Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU) and Professor Terrill Pollman (William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV). The three professors designed the conference as an informal exchange of teaching ideas among legal writing professors from schools in the loosely defined “Rocky Mountain” region, but it quickly grew into one of the largest and most popular regional legal writing conferences in the nation, drawing participants from across the nation and, indeed, across the globe. https://cal.lmu.edu/event/22nd_annual_rocky_mountain_legal_writing_conference
March 9, 2024: Bay to Ocean Writers Conference 2024 (Wye Mills, MD). Now celebrating its 26th year, the Bay to Ocean Writers Conference is a one-day event that has attracted more than 4,000 writers over its history. It is sponsored by the Eastern Shore Writers Association (ESWA), a non-profit organization of writers from across the Delmarva Peninsula. https://www.easternshorewriters.org/event-5501034
March 16, 2024: The 2024 Atlanta Writing Workshop (Atlanta, GA). The title of the Atlanta Writing Workshop is “How to Get Published.” It focuses on classes and advice intended to help you get your works published. https://atlantawritingworkshop.com/
March 20-23, 2024: Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference (Andalusia, AL). At Blue Lake Christian Writers Retreat, you’ll experience the benefits of a large writers’ conference, but on a more personal level. Whether you’re a beginning or experienced writer, interested in fiction or nonfiction, our faculty of seasoned professionals can teach you how to improve your writing skills, market your work, and get published. https://bluelakecwr.com/
March 20-22, 2024: 55th Annual UND Writers Conference (Grand Forks, ND). Founded in 1970 and held every year since, the UND Writers Conference is a three-day event featuring six to eight authors annually ranging from Gwendolyn Brooks and August Wilson to Tommy Orange and Colson Whitehead. The UND Writers Conference is committed to community outreach, engagement, and finding ways to increase audience access to literature. https://und.edu/writers-conference/index.html
March 21-23, 2024: Moravian Writers Conference (Bethlehem, PA). To celebrate the conference’s 10-year anniversary, this FREE conference (featuring in-person and live streamed events) will focus on different approaches for thinking about story and story sharing. https://www.moravian.edu/writersconference
March 22-24, 2024: Let’s Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference (Chicago, IL). Let’s Just Write! An Uncommon Writers Conference was named one of the best conferences in the U.S. by The Writer Magazine two years in a row! Two days, twenty-plus presenters, workshops, sessions, panels…and more. https://www.chicagowrites.org/conference
March 22-26, 2024: Vision Christian Writers Conference (Felton, CA). The Vision Christian Writing Conference is the response to the devastating news that Mt. Hermon was ceasing their legacy 50-year writing conference at the beginning of the pandemic. https://vcwconf.com/
April 3-7, 2024: Monterey Writers Retreat Conference (Pacific Grove, CA). Join us on the wondrously scenic and soothing Monterey Peninsula in Pacific Grove for the express purpose of working intimately with experienced author and agent professionals. Know that writers of every kind have journeyed for over a century to this location on the California west coast. They come in search of inspiration, individuality, purpose and vision, but more importantly, to share an understanding that art has preceded their arrival in the form of a brutally beautiful sea and windswept shore. https://montereywritersretreat.com/
April 6-7, 2024: South Asian Literary Association Annual Conference (Virtual). In the 2024 annual meeting of SALA, we take seriously the call for collective action, coalition building and solidarity between Black and South Asian peoples across the world in the aftermath of Black Lives Matter and new awareness about anti-Asian racism. https://southasianliteraryassociation.org/cfps/sala-conference-ethics-of-representation-forms-of-resistance-and-narratives-of-discomfort/
April 11-13, 2024: 21st Las Vegas Writers Conference (Las Vegas, NV). This year – and every year – the 21st Las Vegas Writers Conference is dedicated to helping writers of all genres improve their craft, sharpen their business skills, and network with publishing professionals. Held each spring, this year’s conference will draw virtual attendees from around the world. Pitch sessions with literary agents and editors are included in the price of registration. Writers will have the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring sessions with faculty members and other published authors. https://lasvegaswritersconference.com/
April 18-21, 2024: The 2024 Chanticleer Authors Conference (Bellingham, WA). What makes the Chanticleer Author Conferences so special? Most importantly, the attendees! You are what makes this conference so special. Learning from the experts – Learn from the Best! Learning from each other and Networking and making new friends and connections. https://www.chantireviews.com/chanticleer-conference/
April 19-20, 2024: American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW)- Colorado Springs Chapter (Colorado Springs, CO). American Christian Fiction Writers, Colorado Springs Chapter, has offered an affordable conference experience for Christian writers annually since 2009. We invite you to join us at Glen Eyrie Castle in the foothills of Colorado Springs, Colorado, for an unforgettable weekend of teaching, fellowship and inspired writing, whether you are already an established author or just starting your journey to publication. https://acfwcosprings.net/
April 22-23, 2024, International Conference on Corpus Design, Compilation and Linguistics (Boston, MA). International Conference on Corpus Design, Compilation and Linguistics aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Corpus Design, Compilation and Linguistics. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered, and solutions adopted in the fields of Corpus Design, Compilation and Linguistics. https://waset.org/corpus-design-compilation-and-linguistics-conference-in-april-2024-in-boston
April 25-27, 2024: NWG Annual Conference (Omaha, NE). The Nebraska Writers Guild offers three days of consultations, critique boot camps, and shop talk seminars. Appointments with literary agents like Kristina Slater are first-come, first-served, and have no extra cost. This conference is perfect for writers who would rather focus on intimate group or pair discussions rather than large panels. Workshops are capped to allow for in-depth discussion and a focus on networking without small talk. https://nebraskawriters.org/register-now-for-the-2024-annual-conference/
April 25-28, 2024: 31st Annual Pikes Peak Writers Conference (Colorado Springs, CO). Jazz up your Writing: The Roaring 20s comes to the Pikes Peak Writers Conference!
Pull out your flapper dresses, fedoras & channel your inner Gatsby. We’re going to Paris 1920 to learn from the best: Hemingway, Stein, Joyce, Beach, Eliot, the Fitzgeralds. https://conference.pikespeakwriters.org/
April 26–28, 2024: 7th Annual Sonoma Valley Authors Festival (Sonoma, CA). The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival Brings people together to hear authors from a variety of literary genres and speakers who discuss advances being made in science, technology, and medicine. https://svauthorsfest.org/
April 27, 2024: Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference (Atlanta, GA). They offer the Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference annually for authors who are interested in self-publishing or who have self-published and want to get the most out of their publishing business. https://atlantawritersclub.org/aspc/
May 2-4, 2024: 2024 OWFI Writers Conference (Oklahoma City, OK). Founded in 1968, the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. (OWFI) is a non‑profit federation of writers’ groups dedicated to promoting higher standards for the written word. We believe that the literary profession has come of age and merits a fair share of the critical acclaim so generously lavished on other worthwhile arts. OWFI shall seek to coordinate and encourage professional writing within and without its organization and promote the recognition of outstanding contributions to the written language. https://www.owfi.org/
May 3-4, 2024: Lakefly Writers Conference, (Oshkosh, WI). EVERYONE HAS A STORY! Come to the Oshkosh Premier Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center for a two-day conference. They offer workshops on the craft and business of writing designed to inspire and guide your creative journey. https://lakeflywriters.org/
May 4, 2024: The 2024 Michigan Writing Workshop (Detroit, MI). At this writers’ conference, participants will enjoy a day of intense instruction on how to get their works published. https://michiganwritingworkshop.com/
May 4, 2024: The 2024 Washington Writers Conference (Rockville, MD). The Washington Independent Review of Books presents the 11th annual Washington Writers Conference, the DC area’s premier literary gathering! Visit www.wirobooks.com for complete conference information. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/f3500c50-8eb2-4071-9762-a5a73f256ad8
May 9-11, 2024: Storymakers Conference (Provo, UT). The Storymakers Conference will consist of various classes that cover various topics such as cover design, marketing, creating a writing business, and the nuts and bolts of screenwriting. The Storymakers conference features over a hundred classes geared toward aspiring and established writers alike, taught by some of the best presenters in the publishing industry. https://storymakersguild.org/storymakers-conference
May 10-12, 2024: Muse and the Marketplace (Boston, MA). It will include goal setting, small cohorts of writer friends and those working in your genre, and 70 sessions given by excellent guest authors on the craft of the novel, memoir, poetry, and more, plus sessions on navigating the publishing world led by premiere literary agents, editors, publicists, and more. https://museandthemarketplace.com/muse-2024/
May 16-19, 2024: Looking Glass Rock Writers Conference (Brevard, NC). Exploring the theme “A Sense of Place,” small select groups of conference attendees experience working under the guidance of notable writers. Founded in 2016 as a partnership between the Transylvania County Library and Brevard College, the annual conference consists of writing workshops for select participants and public readings by the workshop leaders free to the community. https://www.lgrwc.org/
May 17-19, 2024: Technical Communication Summit (Minneapolis, MN). In 2024, STC is excited to offer a Summit experience that breaks the mold, providing more opportunities to network and learn from fellow practitioners, dive deeper into intensives on important topics, and keep up with the industry. This in-person event will provide knowledge-building, skill-building, and networking building every hour of the day to meet the ongoing educational needs of technical communication professionals. https://summit.stc.org/
May 18-21, 2024. Kachemak Bay Writers Conference (Homer, AK). The Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference has been the place where writers from Alaska and beyond come together to create community and learn how to be better writers. https://writersconf.kpc.alaska.edu/
May 26-30, 2024, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (Black Mountain, NC). The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference began nearly four decades ago as a spirit-filled environment where writers could move forward in their writing journey and publishing dreams. The legacy event is focused on God’s path for each writer, and the conference is dedicated to meeting professional and spiritual needs. https://www.blueridgeconference.com/blue-ridge-mountains-christian-writers-conference/
May 28–June 1, 2024: ThrillerFest XIX (New York, NY). Notable thriller writers like Dennis Lehane will join other experts to offer Master Classes, workshops, pitches, panel discussions, and more. The conference’s PitchFest and QueryFest offer opportunities for self-published authors, traditionally published authors, and unpublished authors seeking query letter or manuscript help. Pricing is via day passes, per event, or with packages. https://thrillerfest.com/
June 5-11, 2024: TWH MAINE “Mini MFA” Writers Conference (Boothbay Harbor, ME). Serious writers attend our program and go on to publish. There is no other writing program like it. The Writer’s Hotel Maine “Mini MFA” is a unique, hybrid, comprehensive writing program. Our programming includes our TWH two-editor pre-conference Team Reading and our conference, to be held IN-PERSON at the Spruce Point Inn Resort and Spa in Boothbay Harbor, Maine! https://thenewguard.submittable.com/submit/260397/apply-to-our-twh-2025-maine-mini-mfa-all-genre-writers-conference-june-4-10-2
June 7-9, 2024: Between the Pages Writers Conference (Springfield, MO). Springfield Writer’s Guild, Sleuths’ Ink, and Ozarks Romance Authors are pleased to present the second annual Between the Pages Writers Con, June 7-9, 2024. Join us for an exciting lineup of guest speakers, workshops, and the opportunity to network with industry professionals. https://btpwriterscon.com/
June 10-14, 2024: 25th Anniversary – Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Conference (Draper, UT). Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers presents an exciting five-day conference every June, consisting of intensive, week-long classes and daily breakout sessions. The heart of Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers is its morning workshops, where attendees have the opportunity to workshop their manuscripts with an industry professional. In the afternoon workshops, registrants have the opportunity to attend plenary and breakout sessions to learn more about the craft of writing.” https://www.wifyr.com/
June 11-14, 2024: Write-to-Publish Conference (Wheaton, IL). Since 1971, Write to Publish has been training, inspiring and encouraging writers like you, connecting them with editors to help them improve their craft, with publishers who are looking for good books to publish, and with literary agents who can represent them. https://writetopublish.com/
July 19-20, 2024: 2024 Writing Heights Writers Conference (Fort Collins, CO). Starting in 2024, the Writing Heights conference is taking on a new tone and focusing on the business and professional aspects of being an author. Our hybrid format will ensure that attendees have an engaging and interactive experience, whether they attend in-person or from the comfort of their own home. https://www.facebook.com/WritingHeightsWritersConference/
June 19-23, 2024: St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference (Meadville, PA). St. Davids is special. They’re an intimate gathering of writers that provides an opportunity to build a network, not by exchanging business cards in a busy hallway. Here they connect, like real people – laughing over lunch, chatting about their projects in the lounge, or giving their elevator pitch in genre group meetings. Writing is a different beast with the digital world but connecting with people is still done face to face. https://stdavidswriters.com/
June 24-29, 2024: Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference (Bemidji, MN). The Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference has given hundreds of participants from Minnesota and across the United States the opportunity to work closely with award-winning faculty. We offer a range of scholarships to support emerging writers, important voices, and community leaders. This writing conference is full of workshops, Q&A sessions, panel talks. https://www.northwoodswriters.org/
June 7-11, 2024, SWA 2024 Writers Conference (St. Simon’s Island, Georgia). This low-key summer conference for Southeast-based writers features book signing, socializing, and workshops on writing, publishing, and marketing works. https://www.southeasternwritersassociation.org/
July 7-13, 2024: Leopardi Writing Conference (Recanati, Italy). An immersive program for new and experienced authors, the Leopardi Writing Conference offers workshops and craft talks in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. As writing tends to be a solitary endeavor, the Leopardi Writing Conference will serve the inspiring purpose of community and place. We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to receive expert feedback on your writing project, and get to know your fellow writers, including the distinguished members of our faculty. https://www.leopardiwc.org/
July 10-14, 2024: GCLS Annual Conference (Denver, CO). The GCLS’s annual conference is the premier literary event for both authors and readers. The event brings together readers, fans, writers, editors and publishers to celebrate women-loving-women and sapphic literature. https://www.goldencrownliterarysociety.org/2025-annual-conference
July 11 – 13, 2024: Midwest Writers Workshop (Muncie, Indiana). MWW’s primary goal is to nurture aspiring and accomplished writers to improve their craft and achieve their writing and publishing goals in an inclusive community that welcomes and uplifts all voices. At our annual hybrid summer conference, you’ll find a thriving and lively community eager to welcome new faces and catch up with old writer friends from across the Midwest–and beyond! We offer sessions and panels covering a wide array of genres, topics, and approaches to craft, all led by top-notch faculty. https://www.midwestwriters.org/mww24-summer-conference/
July 11-14, 2024: Readercon 33 Conference (Quincy, MA). Although Readercon is modeled on “science fiction conventions,” we have no art show, no costumes, no gaming, and almost no media. Instead, Readercon features a near-total focus on the written word. In many years the list of Readercon guests rivals or surpasses that of the Worldcon in quality. Readercon is the only small convention regularly attended by such giants of imaginative literature as Samuel R. Delany, Ellen Datlow, Amal El-Mohtar, John Crowley, Greer Gilman, and Catherynne M. Valente. https://readercon.org/
July 12-14, 2024: SAGA 2024 Genre Fiction Writers’ Conference (Winston-Salem, NC). SAGA is fast becoming the premier genre fiction writing conference east of the Mississippi. With a concentration on genre writing (science fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery, thriller, horror, etc.), SAGA brings the master class-style presentation of a professional writers’ conference to commercial fiction, with presentations and workshops focused both on craft and on the business of writing. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/saga-2024-tickets-677588795327
July 14-20, 2024: Port Townsend Writers Conference (Port Townsend, WA). The Port Townsend Writers Conference will feature guided free writes as well as readings and lectures by contemporary writers in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. In 2024, Centrum’s writing programs will offer participants vital support for the creation and revision of new and existing work from PTWC Artistic Curator Gary Copeland Lilley and award-winning faculty (listed alphabetically) Kim Addonizio, Quenton Baker, Elizabeth Colen, Alice Derry, Melissa Febos, CMarie Fuhrman, Tess Gallagher, Jennifer Givhan, Derrick Harriell, Arna Bontemps Hemenway, Brandon Hobson, Ravi Howard, Sasha LaPointe, Sam Ligon, Rena Priest, Sebastian Matthews, Laura Read, Anastacia Reneé, Shawn Vestal, and Kristen Millares Young. https://centrum.org/program/writers-conference/
July 19-21, 2024: Imaginarium (Louisville, KY). Imaginarium 2024 proudly welcomes author, publicist, podcaster, publisher and book marketing expert Stephanie Feger as a Spotlighted Guest! The founder of the emPower PR Group, following a 15-year career in the communications and marketing industry, Stephanie and her team of marketing experts help authors build or grow meaningful businesses around their books’ empowering messages! https://www.entertheimaginarium.com/
July 20-22, 2024: Sun Valley Writers’ Conference (Sun Valley, ID). The Sun Valley Writers’ Conference (SVWC) began with a conversation among four friends – journalist Reva B. Tooley, Sun Valley Community School leaders Jon and Leslie Maksik, and venture capitalist Gordon Russell, who sat around a kitchen table in 1994 and fantasized about starting a writers’ conference. One year later, SVWC held its first event in a tent at Sun Valley Community School, featuring 12 writers, 108 attendees, and an opening talk by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, David Halberstam. https://svwc.com/
July 21 – July 26, 2024: Napa Valley Writers Conference (Napa, CA). Since 1981, the Napa Valley Writers’ Conference has provided literary fellowship and a craft-focused experience among the foothills and vineyards that have made this region famous. http://www.napawritersconference.org/
July 31 – August 4, 2024: Willamette Writers Conference (Portland, OR). Willamette Writers is the largest writers’ organization in the Pacific Northwest. Writers of all genres and at all stages of their careers come to our meetings, annual conference, and workshops to connect with their community, develop their craft, and advance their career. https://willamettewriters.org/
August 1-3, 2024: Mendocino Coast Writers Conference (Mendocino, CA). The Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference is a vibrant gathering that offers morning workshops in a wide range of genres. Afternoons are packed with craft seminars, panels, one-on-one consultations, and open mics; and every evening offers an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie and connection that make this conference, in the words of one participant, “life changing.” At this conference, writers can participate in morning workshops that are related to various genres. https://mcwc.org/
August 1-4, 2024. The 60th Cape Cod Writers Center Conference (Barnstable, MA). The Cape Cod Writers Center is committed to assisting published and aspiring writers of all genres, abilities and ages to develop their writing skills and learn the business of editing, publishing and promotion. https://capecodwriterscenter.org/mark-your-calendars-for-upcoming-ccwc-events/
August 2-4, 2024: Advanced Speakers & Writers Conference (AWSA). AWSA is a special fellowship of over 800 Christian women. We are professional authors, entertainers, publishers and speakers who encourage and train one another. https://awsa.pages.ontraport.net/conference
August 3–9, 2024: 29th Annual Postgraduate Writers’ Conference (Montpelier, VT). VCFA’s annual Postgraduate Writers’ Conference is a haven for serious, emerging practitioners seeking to connect, recharge, and lift their process and craft to new levels. https://vcfa.edu/postgraduate-writers-conference/
August 22-25, 2024: 2024 Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference (Franklin, TN). Killer Nashville is the premier forum for all genres incorporating mystery, thriller, or suspense elements; learn, present, meet agents & editors, sign books, mingle with forensic experts, and network. Writers who attend the Killer Nashville Writers Conference can expect writing workshops, pitch sessions, panel discussions, author signings, and a book fair. https://www.killernashville.com/
September 5-8, 2024: American Christian Fiction Writers Conference St. Louis (St. Louis, MO). If you’ve attended an ACFW conference before, you understand what the excitement’s about. Each year, hundreds of veteran authors and those just learning the craft of Christian fiction gather in a setting like this to hear skilled instructors, inspiring keynoters…to gain from the insights of industry professionals…to interact with other writers…and to present their ideas to agents and editors looking for stories like theirs, or to mentors who can help them move forward in their writing career. If you write Christian fiction—or want to learn how—the ACFW conference is an investment worth making. We hope you’ll join us on this exciting journey, taking a major step forward in your writing career. ACFW, the Voice of Christian Fiction. https://acfw.com/acfw-conference/
September 27-29, 2024: Colorado Gold Writers Conference (Denver, CO). They want to help you “lift up and lift off” your writing career at 2024’s Colorado Gold Writers Conference with a smashing line-up of keynotes, super-star agents (including for film adaptation), workshops for a variety of topics and genres, and networking galore. (Did someone say Bar-con?). https://rmfw.org/conference/
September 28-29, 2024: Gotham Writers Children’s Lit Conference (Via Zoom). This online conference features a lot of great people in kid-lit, including agents and publishers. Attendees can pay a bit extra and have pitch sessions, too. https://www.writingclasses.com/childrens-book/writers-conference/index
October 10-12, 2024: Ozarks Creative Writers Conference (Eureka Springs, AR). This conference is for new, emerging, and accomplished writers focusing on the craft of writing, further developing skills, as well as stimulating and encouraging participants. OCW also focuses on opportunities for the participants to interact with editors, agents, and publishers. https://www.ozarkcreativewriters.com/
October 17-20, 2024: Writer’s Digest Annual Conference (New York, NY). Writer’s Digest Annual Conference is excited to meet in person this October in the hometown of Writer’s Digest! More details will be available soon including a call for speakers, registration, etc. As time evolves, we will post updates so be sure to check our website for the latest information. https://writersdigestconference.com/
November 1-2, 2024: Atlanta Writers Conference (Atlanta, GA). AWC’s 31st conference offers an in-person experience for all activities—critiques and pitches, a workshop, Q&A panels, free talks, an award ceremony, a book fair & more—and a virtual option for agent/editor meetings https://atlantawritersconference.com/
November 15-17, 2024: Kauai Writers Conference, (Lihue, Kauai). The Kauai Writers Conference attracts major authors of both literary and popular fiction, memoir, poetry, non-fiction and screenplay. A three-day conference including about 40 workshops, lectures and panels with each of the author faculty. https://kauaiwritersconference.com/
Select a writers’ conference of interest to you and be prepared to enjoy the benefits of meeting other writers. You may acquire knowledge you can use immediately, find a new market for your book, elevate your professional effectiveness, meet editors, agents and publishers, become inspired and return home energized.
The Bottom Line: Take a little working vacation and hit some writers’ conferences. Make it a priority to sign up for one in the coming weeks and months. You’ll be glad you did!
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://westwindbookmarketing.com/ or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Events, Book Fairs, Book Festivals, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Christian Writer's Conferences, Promoting a Book, Writers Conferences
By Scott Lorenz
WestWind Book Marketing
If you’re a Christian writer and want to take your career to the next level, then writers’ conferences are certainly worth exploring.
There are many Christian writers’ conferences that can give you the opportunity to meet and learn from other authors, pitch your book, and network with agents, editors, and book marketing experts.
Here’s a good overview of some of the Christian writers’ conferences in 2024 that you should consider attending:
1. Asheville Christian Writers Conference, February 23-25, 2024, Asheville, NC. The Asheville Christian Writers Conference is a small conference limited to 120 attendees. It will offer one-on-one mentoring and critiques with award-winning authors. https://ashevillechristianwritersconference.com/
2. Carolina Christian Writers Conference, March 8-9, 2024, Spartanburg, SC. The Carolina Christian Writers Conference will offer tips and tricks on topics like book proposals, social networking, and pitching to editors and publishers. https://www.fbs.org/christian-writers-conference/
3. Midsouth Christian Writers Conference, March 15-16, 2024, Central Church, Collierville, TN. This workshop will be full of workshops by editors and agents, a keynote speaker, and faculty appointments. https://midsouthchristianwriters.com/
4. Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, May 26-30, 2024, Black Mountain, NC. The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference will offer a keynote speaker, workshops, and plenty of networking opportunities for new and seasoned writers. https://www.blueridgeconference.com/
5. Write to Publish Conference, June11–14, 2024, Wheaton, IL. Write-to-Publish, which is owned and managed by the Christian Writers Institute will host a conference with a focus on networking. https://writetopublish.com/
6. St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference, June 19-23, 2024, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA. Held at Allegheny College, the St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference will feature boot camps, workshops, and more. https://stdavidswriters.com/
7. Realm Makers 2024, July 18-20, 2024, St. Louis, MO. Realm Makers is specifically designed for Chrisitan writers who write speculative fiction. https://www.realmmakers.com/annual-conference/
8. Taylor University Professional Writers Conference 2024, July 26-27, 2024, Upland, IN. Sponsored by Taylor University’s nationally recognized Professional Writing major, this conference stresses tools and tips for getting your writing into print. You’ll learn from professional writers and network with agents and editors who can take you to the next level in your writing. https://taylorprofessionalwritersconference.weebly.com/
9. Colorado Christian Writers Conference, May 15-18, 2024, YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO. Our in-person conference offers Teaching Sessions, Keynote Speakers, Round Table Discussions, and FREE appointments with agents and editors of your choice! Plus … you have access to all recorded sessions for the rest of the year! https://colorado.writehisanswer.com/
10. Florida Christian Writers Conference, October 16-20, 2024, Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center, Leesburg, FL. This conference will include workshops, VIP breakfasts with special speakers, and the chance to connect to agents, editors, and award-winning writers. https://word-weavers.com/floridaevents
11. Vision Christian Writers Conference, March 22-26, 2024, Mount Hermon Conference Center, Felton, CA. This is an annual gathering of collaborative, mutually encouraging writers focused on improving their skills, networking with professionals (agents, editors, publishers, etc.), and enjoying the fellowship of like-minded folks. https://vcwconf.com/
12. C.S. Lewis Writer’s Conference, co-hosted by Cultivating Oaks Press, May 2 – 4, 2024, Glen Eyrie Castle & Colorado Conference Center, Colorado Springs, CO. The C.S. Lewis Writer’s Conference is based on the work and life of C.S. Lewis, a British writer and theologian. Their first conference on writing revolves around the important theme of “Cultivating a Writer’s Life.”. https://www.cslewis.org/writers/
13. Blue Lake Christian Writers Retreat, March 20-23, 2024, Blue Lake Camp, Andalusia, AL. At Blue Lake Christian Writers Retreat, you’ll experience the benefits of a large writers’ conference, but on a more personal level. Whether you’re a beginning or experienced writer, interested in fiction or nonfiction, our faculty of seasoned professionals can teach you how to improve your writing skills, market your work, and get published. https://bluelakecwr.com/
14. Mt Zion Ridge Press Online Writing Conference 2024, May 16-18, 2024, Online. The Online Conference with an In Person Experience. It covers fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, marketing, and more. Keynote Speaker: Bob Hostetier. https://mzrpchristianwritingconference.com/
15. The Premier Christian Fiction Conference, September 5-8, 2024, Hyatt Regency, New Orleans, LA. If you’ve attended an ACFW conference before, you understand what the excitement’s about. Each year, hundreds of veteran authors and those just learning the craft of Christian fiction gather in a setting like this to hear skilled instructors, inspiring keynoters…to gain from the insights of industry professionals…to interact with other writers…and to present their ideas to agents and editors looking for stories like theirs, or to mentors who can help them move forward in their writing career. https://acfw.com/acfw-conference/
16. West Coast Christian Writers Conference, November 7-8, 2024, Roseville, CA. WCCW is a writers’ conference with a reputation for high-value teaching, expert speakers and mentors, hands-on help, a welcoming atmosphere, and innovation. Our faculty members are industry professionals – agents, editors, authors, and marketing and business experts – chosen to represent a variety of publishing methods, genres, interests, and ethnicities. https://www.westcoastchristianwriters.com/
The Bottom Line: If you’re writing or have written a book with a Christian theme or genre, Christian Writers’ Conferences are well worth the investment. They can help propel your writing career forward.
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers.
His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://westwindbookmarketing.com/ or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
Would you like help promoting your book?
If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Book Fairs, Book Festivals, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Christian Book Marketing
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
If you’re an author, you owe it to yourself to check out this list of book festivals and fairs that authors can attend for 2024. These events are an excellent way for authors to meet book buyers and reviewers, interact with fellow authors and publishers, meet your readers and find new ones too. As an author you can network with book industry leaders, locate the help you need, such as a publicist or book editor, and learn what’s new in the marketplace.
Book fairs usually want speakers. By volunteering to speak, authors not only gain great exposure but can also add that appearance to their resume and press releases. One of my author clients was a member of a panel of authors at a Southern Book Festival. I issued a press release about it and added it to her accomplishments on her bio. Not only is she a respected author but she’s now an author admired by her peers. It’s these little things that all add up in the minds of reviewers and the media when they decide who they will write about. If you want to land a panel slot or speaking gig you must plan ahead; dates for panel participants, speakers and autograph sessions are usually arranged months in advance.
Upcoming Book Fairs and Festivals
For more upcoming book events check out C-SPAN2 at: https://www.c-span.org/bookTv/ click on the Book Fairs tab. For more information about book events and book marketing visit https://westwindbookmarketing.com/
1. Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway, January 12-15, 2024, Galloway, NJ. A participant-focused writers’ conference. Advance your craft and energize your writing at the 29th Winter Poetry & Prose Getaway. Enjoy challenging and supportive workshops, insightful feedback and an encouraging community. Choose from workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, memoir, songwriting and more. https://wintergetaway.com/
2. Colrain Poetry Manuscript Conference, January 12-15, 2024, Zoom (Virtual). Unparalleled for its rigor, thoroughness, and integrity, Colrain is the original, one-of-a-kind manuscript conference. Faculty includes nationally renowned poet-editors and publishers. Work with the best for the best results! https://colrainpoetry.com/
3. Writers in Paradise at Eckerd College, January 13–20, 2024, St. Petersburg, FL. Located on the beautiful waterfront campus of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, this writers’ conference features professional writers at the top of their form spending quality time with motivated and talented participants seeking an intimate, unhurried climate for learning…in paradise. https://www.writersinparadise.com/
4. Unblocked Creativity: A Day-Long Retreat, January 20, 2024, Anchorage, AL. Join them for Unblocked Creativity: a relaxing, restorative day-long retreat designed specifically for Alaska’s creative writers. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the world and spend the day reconnecting with your creative spirit, clearing creative blocks, and setting fresh intentions for your creative journey in 2024. Experience the healing power of communal writing exercises, breathwork in nature, gentle somatic movement, and guided meditation to recover your creative flow. https://49writers.org/event/unblocked-creativity-retreat/
5. Sunshine State Book Festival, January 26-27, 2024, Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville, Gainesville, FL. Sunshine State Book Festival is bringing readers and writers together again for the fourth year. Their 2024 festival will feature 150 authors writing in 15 genres. https://sunshinestatebookfestival.com/
6. 12th Annual Movable Feast Weekend, January 27-28, 2024, Reynolds Place Theatre in Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, Winston-Salem, NC. The Movable Feast Saturday Showcase is a literary evening featuring 23 authors whose work spans a variety of genres. If you are excited to learn about books by debut authors, are part of a book club, or just love books, this is an event you do not want to miss! https://www.bookmarksnc.org/festival
7. Rancho Mirage Writers Fest, January 30, 2024, Rancho Mirage, CA. The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival is a world-class gathering of the finest writers who contribute to the intellectual vitality of their time. The City of Rancho Mirage, California, welcomes 60 authors and 1,000 readers from around the globe to the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory each January. Jamie Kabler, who wanted to bring a premier intellectual event to the Coachella Valley, founded the festival in 2014, which has been described as “Coachella for the brain.” https://www.rmwritersfest.org/
8. AWP Conference and Bookfair, February 7–10, 2024, Kansas City, MO. At the AWP Conference and Bookfair, you’ll find hundreds of authors, publishers, and exhibitors. There will be panel discussions and a keynote speaker. The AWP Conference & Bookfair is the annual destination for writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers of contemporary creative writing. It includes thousands of attendees, hundreds of events and bookfair exhibitors, and four days of essential literary conversation and celebration. https://www.awpwriter.org/AWP/AWP/Conference-Bookfair/Overview.aspx
9. SCBWI In-Person Winter Conference 2024, Feb 9-11, 2024, New York Hilton Midtown, New York, NY. This is the first in-person conference in over two years, they’re launching a brand-new format: Creative Labs. The conference is now built around an intensive workshop model, which will allow attendees to learn so much more and form lasting community connections. https://www.scbwi.org/events/scbwi-in-person-winter-conference-2024
10. Savannah Book Festival, February 15-18, 2024, Savannah, GA. The Savannah Book Festival has been around since 2008. It offers live streaming sessions with leading authors. https://www.savannahbookfestival.org/
11. 20th annual San Francisco Writers Conference, February 15-18, 2024, Hyatt Regency, San Francisco, CA. This will be the 19th Celebration of Craft, Commerce and Community for all writers. Attendees will join with 100+ presenters and fellow writers from across the country and around the world at this year’s event. The SFWC events are consistently rated among the top writers’ conferences anywhere. https://www.sfwriters.org/
12. Indie Book Fair, February 17, 2024, Orlando, FL. The Indie Book Fair’s mission is to create a space to allow independent authors to sell and showcase their work, build their readership and make everyone aware of their brand. The vision is through multiple book fair events that are FREE to the public and will include virtual buying for readers who cannot attend. The fair will be held 3 times a year. https://www.indiebookfair.net/
13. Southern Voices 2024, February 23-24, 2024, Hoover, AL. Southern Voices is a five-day festival celebrating art, music and writing. Sponsored by the Hoover Public Library, the first conference was held in 1993. The author’s conference is a one-day part of the festival celebrating the written word. https://www.southernvoices.info/
14. F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival, February 23-24, 2024, Julia T. and Charles W. Cherry, Sr. Cultural and Educational Center, Daytona Beach, FL. F.R.E.S.H. Book Festival promotes literacy year-round. They provide students with books, host conversations with authors from around the world, and support other literacy initiatives. https://www.freshbookfestivals.net/freshbookfest2024
15. Asheville Christian Writers Conference, February 23-25, 2024, Asheville, NC. The Asheville Christian Writers Conference is not a level of writing – it’s a battle cry. God calls us to step up and answer with the best work possible using the talents He has given. They are called together to focus their hearts on the task Christ assigned us… to strengthen their ties with one another and hone their craft of writing so they might effectively spread the Word of God through fiction and non-fiction books, screenplays, scripts, articles, and blogs. https://ashevillechristianwritersconference.com/
16. 2024 Authors’ Expo & Readers’ Extravaganza – Amelia Island Book Festival, February 24, 2024, Fernandina Beach, FL. During the Expo, you’ll have opportunities to engage with readers in an up-close and personal way to showcase and sell your books. Multiple activities and Celebrity Author breakout presentations are designed to keep visitors engaged and circulating around exhibits throughout the day. https://www.ameliaislandbookfestival.org/authors-expo-readers-extravaganza
17. Rose Glen Literary Festival, February 24, 2024, Sevierville Convention Center, Sevierville, TN. The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce initially created the festival in 2010 to help local authors, giving them a chance to sell books, meet readers and network. The event will feature presentations, book signings and workshops. https://www.roseglenfestival.com/
18. 27th Annual Children’s Literature Festival, March 1-2, 2024, Redlands, CA. The Children’s Literature Festival has been hosted by the University of Redlands for the last 26 years, and it returns in-person this coming March. It’s designed to bring together students, librarians, teachers, parents, authors and illustrators for a celebration of children’s literature. https://www.redlands.edu/events/featured-events/charlotte-huck-festival
19. Dahlonega Literary Festival, March 2, 2024, Dahlonega, GA. The Dahlonega Literary Festival is an annual celebration of books that takes place in March. Situated in Historic Downtown Dahlonega, it is an intimate festival about books and authors with a mission to promote interaction between readers and writers in a relaxed, informal environment. https://www.literaryfestival.org/
20. Southwest Florida Reading Festival, March 2, 2024, Fort Myers Regional Library, Fort Myers, FL. There is something for all ages to experience at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival. Everyone enjoys the multiple stages with the celebrity authors who share ‘inside scoop’ about their latest books or what makes a story idea click for them. You will be able to buy books and have the authors personalize and sign them too! Kids will be mesmerized by the storytellers. There’s also an abundance of family fun activities such as crafts, readings, drawings and so much more. It’ll be a day you will thoroughly enjoy and one you will want to repeat every year! http://readfest.org/
21. 39th annual Texas Storytelling Festival, March 7 – 10, 2024, Denton Civic Center, Denton, TX. Join the masters of storytelling at the Texas Storytelling Festival in Denton, Texas. Held over four days, this festival brings together the best in storytelling for an oral tradition that can be enjoyed by all ages. Tales of all genres are shared, and various bands perform throughout the event. https://tejasstorytelling.com/festival/
22. Literary Women Long Beach Festival of Authors, March 9,2024, Long Beach, CA. Started in 1982 the Literary Women Festival of Authors is dedicated to helping balance the field of writers. They seek to share work that may not have the stage to do so. Proceeds go to the Long Beach Public Library to purchase books that will be featured at upcoming festivals. Any bookworm will like this spin on literary festivals. https://literarywomen.org/festival.php
23. Tucson Festival of Books, March 9-10, 2024, Tucson, AZ. The Tucson Festival of Books is a community-wide celebration of literature. Offered free-of-charge, the festival exists to improve literacy rates among children and adults. All proceeds for the festival support local literacy programs. http://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/
24. New Orleans Book Festival At Tulane University, March 14-16, 2024, New Orleans, LA. The New Orleans Book Festival will bring the world’s leading authors to Tulane University for a multi-day celebration of their works. https://bookfest.tulane.edu/
25. WCoNA 2024, March 15-16, 2024, Loretto, PA. The Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia Inc. (WCoNA) brings together writers and others interested in the region’s literature to honor our distinct body of work and to enhance the craft of our authors. WCoNA is a catalyst to inspire more novels, poetry, essays, history, memoir, drama, and other modes of literary writing that represent, in some way, northern Appalachia, and so create and promote a canon of writers and writing of northern Appalachia. https://wcona.com/conference
26. Palm Beach Book Festival, March 15-17, 2024, Boca Raton, FL. The Palm Beach Book Festival is an annual gathering of NY Times, best-selling award-winning, celebrity authors, taking place in the Palm Beaches. https://www.palmbeachbookfestival.com/
27. 30th anniversary Virginia Festival of the Book, March 20-24, 2024, Charlottesville, VA. The Virginia Festival of the Book brings together writers and readers to promote and celebrate books, reading, literacy, and literary culture. Featuring the annual Festival in March plus the year-round Shelf-Life virtual event series, their programming offers something for readers of all levels and interests. https://www.vabook.org/festival-info/
28. Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, March 20-24, 2024, New Orleans, LA. The Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival is a five-day New Orleans affair for writers, readers, and theater lovers. https://tennesseewilliams.net/
29. Algonkian Writer Retreat and Novel Workshop, March 20 – 24, 2024, Algonkian Park, VA. In keeping with the spirit of this place and the goals of this unique workshop retreat, you can be as goal-oriented or as hesitant in approach as you wish. You can show us your manuscript, improve your skills, have your work read by their writer mentors, attend their workshops, pitch a literary agent or two, whatever works for you, whatever helps you grow and discover your vision as a writer. https://algonkianconferences.com/AlgonkianWriterRetreat/
30. Revival: Lost Southern Voices 2024, March 21-23, 2024, Atlanta, GA. Revival: Lost Southern Voices, a festival for readers, celebrates historically excluded, erased, or marginalized Southern voices. During this annual conference, invited presenters discuss Southern authors or artists whose works are out-of-print or otherwise do not receive the attention they deserve. Revival: Lost Southern Voices, a festival for readers, is a celebration of lost or underappreciated Southern writers’ work. https://georgiacenterforthebook.org/ongoing-programs/revival-lost-southern-voices
31. Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival, March 22-23, 2024, Venice, FL. An event for book lovers. Authors selling and signing their latest books in Centennial Park. Proceeds benefit the Venice Heritage Inc. https://venicebookfair.com/
32. 21st Annual Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival, March 22-24, 2024, New Orleans, LA. Created in 2003. the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival helps educate the community on HIV/AIDS. It brings together writers, thinkers, and spokespeople. https://www.sasfest.org/
33. 13th Anniversary Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference, March 23, 2024, Hilton Garden Inn, Hamilton, NJ. The Liberty States Fiction Writers presents two full days of activities to develop and promote writers of all levels of experience and every genre, as well as the opportunity to pitch works to prominent editors and literary agents. A separate Reader Track will offer those who love a good read the chance to meet authors in attendance and discuss their works. https://www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com/conference/
34. Norwescon 46: Into the Wylde, March 28-31, 2024, SeaTac, WA. Norwescon is the Pacific Northwest’s premier science fiction and fantasy convention, and one of the largest entirely volunteer-operated regional conventions in the United States. https://www.norwescon.org/
35. Oxford Conference for the Book, April 3-5, 2024, Michigan. MS. Founded by the Center for the Study of Southern Culture and Square Books, the Oxford Conference for the Book brings together fiction and nonfiction writers, journalists, artists, poets, publishers, teachers, students, and literacy advocates for three days of conversation in the literary town of Michigan, Mississippi. https://oxfordconferenceforthebook.com/
36. 8th Annual Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, April 5-7, 2024, New Iberia, LA. A celebration of Southern writing and culture, the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival takes place in and around the charming town of New Iberia, and features authors, social events, panel discussions, and more. The popular annual gathering draws bibliophiles, arts enthusiasts, lovers of Louisiana cuisine and music. https://booksalongthetecheliteraryfestival.com/
37. Minnesota Writing Workshop, April 6, 2024, St. Paul, MN. The Minnesota Writing Workshop is a two-day “How to Get Published” writing event in typically in St. Paul, MN. It recurs each year. All writers are welcome. https://minnesotawritingworkshop.com/
38. Las Vegas Writers Conference, April 11-13, 2024, Las Vegas, NV. Held each spring, the Las Vegas Writers Conference is dedicated to helping writers of all genres improve their craft, sharpen their business skills, and network with publishing professionals. https://lasvegaswritersconference.com/
39. Get Lit! Literary Arts Festival, April 11-14, 2024, Spokane, WA. The Get Lit! Festival began in 1998 as a one-day marathon of literary readings sponsored by Eastern Washington University Press and EWU’s Department of Creative Writing. Then The Spokesman-Review lovingly called it the little literary festival that could, and they were right. By 2004, the audience had swelled to 10,000 people from Spokane and the surrounding region. https://inside.ewu.edu/getlit/
40. Left Coast Crime 2024: Seattle Shakedown, April 11-14, 2024, Hyatt Regency Bellevue, Bellevue, WA. Left Coast Crime is an annual mystery convention sponsored by mystery fans, both readers and authors. LCC is held during the first third of the year in Western North America. https://leftcoastcrime.org/2024/
41. San Antonio Book Festival, April 13, 2024, San Antonio, TX. The free, daylong event is a gift to visitors and the citizens of San Antonio, bringing books to life through author presentations, innovative panel discussions, and book sales and signings. Also included in this fun day of literary entertainment are family activities such as children’s theater performances, a technology area, interactive play and art stations, and a selection of the city’s famous food trucks. https://sabookfestival.org/
42. BAM Festival, April 13, 2024, West Palm Beach, FL. BAM Festival merges books, art, and music for teachers, students, and families, and features a number of children and young adult authors and illustrators. https://www.booksartmusic.org/
43. A Rally of Writers, April 13, 2024, Lansing Community College, West Campus, Lansing, MI. Held every spring for the past 35 years (except for the two Covid years) in Lansing, Michigan, A Rally of Writers features 16 sessions of Michigan writers, poets, teachers, editors and publishers discussing every aspect of writing and the publishing business. Choose among four sessions that run simultaneously. https://arallyofwriters.wordpress.com/ / https://arallyofwriters.com/
44. Unbound Book Festival, April 18-21, 2024, Columbia, MO. The Unbound Book Festival brings nationally and internationally recognized authors of world-class renown to Columbia, Missouri, to talk about their books, their work, and their lives. https://www.unboundbookfestival.com/
45. Chanticleer Authors Conference, Four Points by Sheraton, April 18-21, 2024, Bellingham, WA. The Chanticleer Authors Conference is an event unlike any other. They host a wide variety of guest speakers and experts that wow experienced authors and help new authors take their publishing game to the next level. https://www.chantireviews.com/chanticleer-conference/
46. Midwest Literary Walk, April 20, 2024, Chelsea, MI. For more than a decade this unique literary event has showcased more than 60 award-winning authors and poets at historic venues throughout downtown Chelsea. It includes author talks, book signings, and is free and open to the public. https://midwestliterarywalk.org/
47. Ohioana Book Festival, April 20, 2024, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus, OH. Since its inception in 2007, the Ohioana Book Festival has given readers the opportunity to connect with their favorite Ohio writers. Held each spring, the festival welcomes roughly 140 authors and more than 3,000 visitors every year. https://www.ohioana.org/programs/ohioana-book-festival/
48. Los Angeles Festival of Books, April 20-21, 2024, University of Southern California, LA. Now in its 27th year, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books brings together not just writers, but also artists, chefs, filmmakers and musicians. It takes place on the University of Southern California campus, with a mixture of indoor and outdoor events, and hundreds of exhibitor booths and author signings. https://events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks/
49. Newburyport Literary Festival, April 26-28, 2024, Newburyport, MA. The Newburyport Literary Association, Inc., was founded in 2005 and hosts an annual Festival that brings together readers and writers for a weekend of readings, panel discussions, and other book-related events. https://newburyportliteraryfestival.org/
50. North Texas Teen Book Festival, April 27, 2024, Irving Convention Center, Irving, TX. The North Texas Teen Book Festival brings YA authors and YA readers together to celebrate teen literature, cultivate a love of reading, and inspire lifelong readers (the three core components of their mission statement). https://www.northtexasteenbookfestival.com/
51. Annapolis Book Festival, April 27, 2024, Annapolis, MD. The Annapolis Book Festival is one of the premier community events in the region. Join the Key School for activities, music, refreshments, and more. Every year thousands of people enjoy this free community Festival that celebrates the beauty, power, passion, and excitement of the written word. The festival is bringing nationally and internationally renowned authors to the community to discuss their books and the craft of writing. The festival also features a day filled with children’s activities, live music, food, and a huge used book sale. https://www.keyschool.org/community/annapolis-book-festival
52. Oklahoma Writers Federation Conference, May 2-4, 2024, Oklahoma City, OK. Enjoy sessions with publishing experts who can provide career-advancing knowledge. Speakers on legal issues, short stories, writing for film, editing, literary agents and publicists. Space is also provided for attendees to sell their books. https://www.owfi.org/#!conference/
53. Atlanta Writers Conference, May 3-4, 2024, Atlanta, GA. Our 30th conference offers an in-person experience for all activities—critiques and pitches, a workshop, Q&A panels, free talks, an award ceremony, a book fair & more—and a virtual option for agent/editor meetings. https://atlantawritersconference.com/
54. Hudson Children’s Book Festival, May 4, 2024, Hudson, NY. The Hudson Children’s Book Festival, established in 2009, is held each year in the historic city of Hudson, NY, and strives to create, sustain, and nurture a culture of literacy in partnership with their community and schools. This free, public event fosters a love of reading as families meet and greet world-class creators of books for children of all ages. https://hudsonchildrensbookfestival.com/
55. Montclair Literary Festival, April 27 – May 4, 2024, Montclair, NJ. Montclair Literary Festival is a community-wide event that aims to exchange ideas, inspire future literary works and engage with different points of view. Working closely with the Montclair Public Library, Montclair Art Museum, Watchung Booksellers and a team of local volunteers, the festival will also generate lasting connections between arts institutions, the schools and the community, benefiting a broad cross-section of participants and attendees. https://succeed2gether.org/montclair-literary-festival/
56. The Nonfiction Writers Conference – 14th annual event, May 8-10, 2024, Virtual. Since the Nonfiction Writers Conference began in 2010, their mission has always been to take the traditional writers’ conference experience and deliver it online. This allows more people to attend from around the world, saving valuable time and travel expenses. It also delivers powerful access to speakers during LIVE learning sessions with interactive Q&A. https://nonfictionwritersconference.com/
57. Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books, May 11, 2024, Pittsburgh, PA. The Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books (GPFB) showcases Pittsburgh’s historic, vital role on the national and international literary stage. Readers, writers, booksellers, publishers, critics, educators, and neighbors will connect with, learn from, and support each other. With free, diverse programming featuring nationally recognized authors (many living in Western Pennsylvania), and across age, genre, and background, the festival will celebrate the joys of literacy. https://www.pittsburghbookfestival.org/
58. Longleaf Writers Conference, May 11-18, 2024, Santa Rose Beach, FL. The Longleaf Writers Conference includes a full week of intensive and generative writing workshops (where attendees and scholars and fellows engage with small group workshop critiques of writing (for 2024 they offer fiction, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, poetry workshops)), daily seminars, agent consultations, school outreach programs, and special social events. https://longleafwritersconference.com/
59. Biographers International Organization (BIO) Conference, May 16-17, 2024, Santa Fe, NM. The conference features panels on current issues in biography and the craft of biography, including discussions on building suspense, getting into print, Black women’s biography, and more. https://biographersinternational.org/conference/
60. Maine Romance Writers Retreat, May 17-18, 2024, Embassy Suites, Portland, ME. Maine Romance Writers strongly supports their members through education, advocacy, networking, support and recognition of the romance genre. The MRW annual retreat weekend features speakers on a variety of topics related to researching, writing, and self-promotion. https://www.maineromancewriters.com/p/retreat.html
61. Gaithersburg Book Festival, May 18, 2024, Bohrer Park, Gaithersburg, MD. Since its inception in 2010, the festival has quickly become one of the nation’s top literary events, attracting hundreds of award-winning and best-selling authors, poets and songwriters from across the country to its beautiful park setting. https://www.gaithersburgbookfestival.org/
62. Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference, May 18-21, 2024, Homer, AK. Held in Homer, Alaska, this nationally recognized writing conference features workshops, readings and panel presentations in fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and the business of writing. Since 2002, the Kachemak Bay Writers’ Conference has been at the heart of Alaska’s growing literary community. With its focus on community and craft, this conference strives to celebrate and enhance the connection between writers and readers in their communities. https://writersconf.kpc.alaska.edu/
63. Poetry by the Sea: A Global Conference, May 21-24, 2024, Madison, CT. The Poetry by the Sea community began in 2015 in the spirit of beginning afresh. The choice of meeting ground–Mercy by the Sea, a beautiful retreat center with its own private beach–signifies our connections as a community where you will find diversity and inclusiveness. After successful conferences in 2022 and 2023, plans are in the works to meet again in person from Tuesday May 21 to Friday May 24 2024. https://poetrybytheseaconference.org/
64. Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, May 26-30, 2024, Ridgecrest, NC. The Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference began nearly four decades ago as a spirit-filled environment where writers could move forward in their writing journey and publishing dreams. The legacy event is focused on God’s path for each writer, and the conference is dedicated to meeting professional and spiritual needs. https://www.blueridgeconference.com/
65. 10th Anniversary Bay Area Book Festival, June 1-2, 2024, Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center Park, Berkeley, CA. Since 2015, Bay Area Book Festival has featured the boldest and most brilliant literary voices in conversations about issues that matter, with a focus on justice and diversity. https://www.baybookfest.org/2024proposals/
66. Indiana University Writers’ Conference, June 6-9, 2024, Bloomington, IN. The Indiana University Writers’ Conference is the second oldest in the United States. 2024 marks the 84th anniversary of the conference which, since its inception, has stood for literary excellence. We are proud to boast a faculty that has included lauded writers of the post-WWII years, such as Katherine Anne Porter, Lillian Hellman and Stephen Spender, as well as 20th century icons Raymond Carver and Kurt Vonnegut. https://iuwc.indiana.edu/
67. Juniper Summer Writing Institute, June 9, 2024, Amherst, MA. In association with the MFA Program for Poets & Writers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Juniper is a weeklong immersion in the writer’s life. It is time out for you and your writing, time for wild invention, and time to become part of a diverse community of acclaimed and emerging writers from all walks of life. https://juniperinstitute.umasscreate.net/
68. Tinker Mountain Writers’ Workshop Summer Residential Program, June 9-13, 2024, Roanoke, VA. Since 2005, Tinker Mountain Writers Workshops have nurtured and empowered writers of all ability levels. Over 750 writers have participated through manuscript reviews and “write now workshops” in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. https://www.hollins.edu/academics/continuing-education-camps/tinker-mountain-writing-workshops/
69. Write-to-Publish Conference, June 11-14, 2024, Wheaton, IL. Since 1971, Write-to-Publish has been training, inspiring and encouraging Christian writers, connecting them with editors to help them improve their craft, with publishers who are looking for good books to publish, and with literary agents who can represent them. https://writetopublish.com/
70. Nantucket Book Festival, June 13-16, 2024, Nantucket, MA. The Nantucket Book Festival has established itself as a major summer destination for booklovers with impressive and eclectic line-ups of award-winning authors. The multi-day festival offers author readings, panel discussions and social events in an informal atmosphere that encourages conversations between writers and readers. Most of the Festival events are free and held within walking distance of the ferries. https://www.nantucketbookfestival.org/
71. Aspen Summer Words Writing Conference, June 23-28, 2024, Snowmass Village, CO. The conference features workshops, including a workshop with a focus on revision, for poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers; panels; and readings; as well as opportunities to meet with agents and editors. https://www.aspenwords.org/programs/summer-words/
72. Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop, June 23– August 3, 2024, San Diego, CA. Established in 1968, the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop is the oldest workshop of its kind and is widely recognized as a premier proving and training ground for aspiring writers of fantasy and science fiction. Applications are judged by a student selection committee. The review panel selects 18 applicants and a few waitlist students. All applicants are notified of their status by late March/early April. The review panel does not comment or give feedback on stories. https://sites.ucsd.edu/clarion/
73. The RBMS Booksellers’ Showcase, June 25-28, 2024, Hilton Orange County, Costa Mesa, CA. The RBMS Booksellers’ Showcase offers a variety of exhibitors and products like original art and illustration and manuscripts. https://rbms.info/conferences/
74. 2024 American Library Association Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 27 – July 2, 2024, Chicago, IL. Over 25,000 experts in the industry will help you take your career to new heights. As the world’s largest library event, the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition brings together thousands of librarians and library staff, educators, authors, publishers, friends of libraries, trustees, special guests, and exhibitors. https://2024.alaannual.org/
75. Community of Writers – Writers Workshops, July 8-15, 2024, Olympic Valley, CA. These workshops assist serious writers by exploring the art and craft as well as the business of writing. The week offers daily morning workshops, craft lectures, panel discussions on editing and publishing, staff readings, as well as brief individual conferences. The morning workshops are led by staff writer-teachers or editors. https://communityofwriters.org/workshops/writers-workshops/
76. Readercon, July 11-14, 2024, Boston Quincy Marriott, Quincy, MA. The premiere book festival for science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction took a break over the pandemic (including last year), but they are all set for an in-person convention next July. https://readercon.org/
77. Detroit Festival of Books, July 21, 2024, Eastern Market, Shed 5, Detroit, MI. The Detroit Festival of Books is the largest book festival in the State of Michigan. They have vendors from all over the USA and Canada. The Bookfest is dedicated to promoting the joy of reading and the rich culture surrounding it. https://detroitbookfest.com/
78. Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference, July 21-23, 2024 (Virtual) and July 29-30, 2024 (In-Person), Los Angeles, CA. Attendees to this conference benefit from a full spectrum of educational lectures, panels, interactive workshops and special events, featuring veteran educators, industry professionals, agents and publishers focused on the craft and business of writing. Speakers are selected based on who is best suited to the curriculum, so you get the most informed presentations and the latest from the world of publishing. Along with perennial favorites, they offer important new voices and industry experts. http://www.wcwriters.com/aglawc/
79. Macondo Writers Workshop, July 23-28, 2024, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX. The Macondo Writers Workshop is an association of socially-engaged writers working to advance creativity, foster generosity, and serve community. Founded in 1995 by writer Sandra Cisneros and named after the town in Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, the workshop gathers writers from all genres who work on geographic, cultural, economic, gender, and spiritual borders and who are committed to activism in their writing and work. https://macondowriters.com/
80. Writers Studio, August 1-4, 2024, Westwood Village, Los Angeles, CA. Offered by the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program, the Writers Studio brings together a community of writing students to workshop with some of Southern California’s most accomplished writers and teachers. https://www.uclaextension.edu/writers-studio
81. Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, August 14-24, 2024, Ripton, VT. The Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, founded in 1926, is one of the oldest and finest of its kind in the country. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction, as well as lectures; craft classes; meetings with editors, agents, and publishers; and readings by faculty and guests. https://www.middlebury.edu/writers-conferences/
82. Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, August 22-25, 2024, Franklin, TN. The Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference is a four-day event bringing together some of the world’s best authors, aspiring writers, agents, editors, and other industry professionals. https://www.killernashville.com/
83. Murder and Mayhem in Music City – Bouchercon, August 28-September 01, 2024, Nashville, TN. The World Mystery Convention is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization which holds an annual convention in honor of Anthony Boucher, the distinguished mystery fiction critic, editor and author. Bouchercon is their annual world mystery convention where every year readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers, and other lovers of crime fiction gather for a 4-day weekend of education, entertainment, and fun! https://www.bouchercon2024.com/
84. Bumbershoot, August 31 – September 1, 2024, Seattle, WA. The Seattle Arts Festival always has active coffee houses and a book fair spotlighting literary artists. https://www.seattlecenter.com/events/festivals/bumbershoot
85. WriterCon, August 30 – September 2, 2024, Oklahoma City, OK. The annual WriterCon Conference is three days of 60+ speakers providing more than 80 sessions designed to cover all genres and all aspects of the writing experience: skills, industry knowledge, opportunities, networking, pitching, contests, opportunities to meet with writers privately, to obtain manuscript reviews or private consultations, and much more. https://writercon.com/
86. Carolina Mountains Literary Festival, September 5-7, 2024, Burnsville, NC. Their mission is to bring together, in small, intimate settings, authors, readers of all ages, novice writers, listeners, and learners. They are a festival of readers who appreciate discussing the ideas in literature. https://cmlitfest.org/
87. American Christian Fiction Writers Conference, September 5-8, 2024, St. Louis, MO. Each year, hundreds of veteran authors and those just learning the craft of Christian fiction gather in a setting like this to hear skilled instructors, inspiring keynoters…to gain from the insights of industry professionals…to interact with other writers…and to present their ideas to agents and editors looking for stories like theirs, or to mentors who can help them move forward in their writing career. https://acfw.com/acfw-conference/
88. Printers Row Lit Fest 2024, September 7-8, 2024, Chicago, IL. This is a large book fair with more than 150,000 book lover attendees. https://chicagoliteraryhof.org/events_entry/printers-row-lit-fest-2024
89. Milford Readers and Writers Festival, September 13-15, 2024, Milford, PA. The Milford Readers and Writers Festival aims to inspire and ignite conversations between people who love to read books and people who write them. https://milfordreadersandwriters.com/
90. Mississippi Book Festival, September 14, 2024, State Capitol Complex, Jackson, MS. The Mississippi Book Festival, a nonprofit founded by literacy advocates, launched in August 2015 on the State Capitol grounds and continues to draw thousands to its annual “literary lawn party” and book lovers’ celebration. Visit their Replay festival pages for highlights, pictures and videos of past festivals. https://msbookfestival.com/
91. Washington Island Literary Festival, September 19-21, 2024, Washington Island, WI. The Washington Island Literary Festival is a moveable feast of writing, reading, discussion, and thought about the written word. Writers’ workshops, author panels and presentations, readings and parties are scheduled at various quaint, historic and beautiful venues around the Island. https://writeondoorcounty.org/2024-washington-island-literary-festival-2/
92. Southern Kentucky Book Fest, September 21, 2024, The Capitol, Bowling Green, KY. The Southern Kentucky Book Fest is one of the state’s largest literary events. Held in Bowling Green, Kentucky each April, Book Fest draws thousands of readers of all ages who welcome the occasion to meet their favorite authors and purchase signed copies of their books. https://www.facebook.com/SOKYBookFest/
93. The Brooklyn Book Festival, September 22-30, 2024, Brooklyn, NY. New York’s biggest free literary festival is held each year in Brooklyn, bringing together readers and writers from all over the world for a week of talks, shopping and more. https://brooklynbookfestival.org/
94. Sleuthfest, September 26-29, 2024, Hilton Bayfront, St. Petersburg, FL. Sleuthfest is all about writing workshops, social events, and pitch sessions for mystery, suspense, and thriller writers. Sessions will be held on the craft of writing, marketing and promoting your work, and practicing your pitch with experienced authors. https://sleuthfest.com/
95. Harbor Springs Festival of the Book, September 27-29, 2024, Harbor Springs, MI. Held in beautiful Harbor Springs, Michigan, the Festival is a three-day celebration of readers, writers, books, and the literary craft. They feature 50+ nationally published authors and illustrators in sessions including eight genres: fiction, nonfiction, mystery/thriller, poetry, cookbook, picture book, middle grade and young adult. https://www.hsfotb.org/
96. Kansas Book Festival, September 28, 2024, Topeka, KS. This event, designed to celebrate the best of Kansas literature, arts and history, will offer a variety of activities for Kansans of all ages, including meet-the-author sessions, panel discussions, book signings and sales, and a special tent with projects for children. This event is free and open to the public. https://www.kansasbookfestival.com/
97. Las Vegas Book Festival, October 19, 2024, Las Vegas, NV. The Las Vegas Book Festival is the largest literary event in Nevada. Their annual celebration of the written, spoken and illustrated word is free and open to the public. https://lasvegasbookfestival.com/
98. Iota Short Forms Conference, October 20-23, 2024, Trescott, ME. Iota is designed to help writers break from questions about genre. When is a piece a micro essay and when is it a prose poem or when does it turn into flash fiction? Iota posits that it doesn’t matter just write it. https://cobscookinstitute.org/iota/the-conference
99. Jackson Hole Book Festival 2024, October 26, 2024, Snow King Resort, Jackson, WY. A Conversation for the Community in Stunning Jackson Hole, WY. The Jackson Hole Book Festival celebrates books, authors, and readers to inspire conversation, deepen understanding, and enrich the connections within the community. Enjoy hearing from 30 national and internationally best-selling authors in the morning and participating in conversational panels with authors in the afternoon. https://jacksonholebookfestival.org/
100. The Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair 2024, October 26, 2024, Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, Seattle, WA. The Seattle Antiquarian Book Fair features exhibitors from the U.S., Canada, and Europe. https://seattlecenter.com/events/event-calendar/antiquarian-book-fair-x39132
101. Charleston Literary Festival, November 1-10, 2024, Charleston, SC. Charleston Literary Festival 2024 runs this year from Nov. 1 to 10th featuring world-class authors from the US and beyond. It’s a boutique Festival that runs over 10 days with over 34 events. https://www.charlestonliteraryfestival.com/
The Bottom Line: Take a break from your pen and attend one of these top book fairs and festivals. You won’t regret it!
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at https://westwindbookmarketing.com/ or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
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If so, tell us a little about your book. What is the title? Do you have a publisher? What is the publish date? How many pages is your book? What is the cost? Do you have web site? What is your specific goal I.E., to make money, raise awareness, get the attention of an agent or publisher, sell the story to a movie or TV studio or something else?
Submit the form below with this information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
by Scott Lorenz | Author Advice, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publishing, Book Title Generator, Marketing a Book
I’ve worked with some of the best photographers in the USA. I’ve been in dozens of studios all over the country and have been privy to their backstage techniques. These photographers have photographed Miss America contestants, professional hockey and baseball players as well as CEOs, authors, doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs. I got the skinny directly from them on their tips for getting the best head shot possible.
While the written word is powerful in landing a media placement, as a book publicist I know that a great photo can clinch a media opportunity just as well and sometimes even faster. How? It’s simple. The photo immediately tells the reporter if the author looks credible and it tells a TV producer if the person is going to look good on a TV interview. If you don’t think they care, think again. It also declares race, sex and sometimes creed. It all matters, and don’t assume it’s a negative thing as it helps news producers provide a balanced newscast so that all voices can be heard. It’s the same with print or broadcast media.
To be sure you convey your message in your headshot and to put your best face forward you’ll want to hear some tips on How to take a great headshot.
First let’s talk about the use of the head shot and its purpose as that dictates the style.
Author Headshots will be used on a book cover and press materials, website and social media. You want multiple variations as the thumbnail close up on Amazon will be different from the one you use on LinkedIn, Amazon and your book flap. Is this a serious book? If so then you should look professional. If it’s a cookbook then look like a cook in proper attire in the kitchen. If you are a doctor, then look like one!
Renowned photographer Sam T’ang of Sam T’ang Production Studios, who regularly photographs Miss America and Miss USA contestants, says planning ahead is critical and offers these tips:
- Get a good night’s sleep and rest the day before your shoot. (You don’t want wrinkles or baggie eyes for your shoot).
- A good headshot should focus just on your face. Clothing should be complementary & should have contrast, IE, someone with lighter color hair should have darker tops or suits, someone with darker hair should have lighter colored tops or suits.
- Clothing/wardrobe should not be busy or have patterns. Always bring several different outfits if possible. It is always better to have too much than only one outfit to work with.
- Backgrounds should be clean, un-cluttered and should not have a pattern (unless it’s an environmental portrait).
- Accessories (Women). Jewelry should be subtle and not overpowering (again, the main focus is on the face).
- MAKEUP/HAIR (Women & Men). If it is possible to have a makeup artist/hair stylist, hire one! Makeup is not only important, but makeup looks COMPLETELY different on camera than in real life and the camera PICKS UP EVERYTHING. Everyday makeup under professional photography lighting and strobes will look like you have no makeup at all. A professional makeup artist is well worth the investment!
- A professional photographer should understand lighting conditions whether it’s natural light or strobes (flash). Good lighting makes a huge difference in your photos. Be aware that shooting under fluorescent lights will cast a green tint to your photos.
- There are many talented photographers out there, but only a few who actually specialize and can take a GREAT HEADSHOT. A good photographer should make you feel comfortable and be able to communicate and direct you, thus making your shots look natural and relaxed instead of stiff or too posed and awkward.
- Almost all images are retouched and edited. One caveat just doesn’t have your photographer OVER RETOUCH your photo or use FILTERS that make you look too plastic and not real (unless that is the look you want).
Jack Kenny whose photography book CUBA is filled with photos of the people of Cuba says he likes shooting outdoors in available light. Natural light outside can be beautiful. I like to shoot in doorways or windows or under overpasses, keeping the subject just out of the direct light.
For headshots, says Kenny, “I like to work both in the studio and in natural light. Sometimes I use a combination of the two where the natural light isn’t sufficient to “fill” the subject. For males I prefer to use a single light source (in varying sizes depending on the drama desired). The light is placed at a 30 to 90-degree angle from the subject and sometimes I use an edge light on the opposite side or a reflector to fill in the shadows. For women I tend to use a softer light – usually two front lights – one weaker than the other, and I keep the light sources closer to the camera.”
According to Steve Kovich who shot for the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers, Lions and is currently the Tampa Bay Rays official team photographer, “You want to create depth and mood. Lighting a subject from high above and off to the side is what I like to do. This lighting style is commonly referred to as “Rembrandt” lighting as this is the way the light came into his studio.”
“On the creative end, it’s the ability to evoke or more likely to capture emotion. Whether it be happy, sad, or otherwise,” says Kovich.
In the end, says Jack Kenny, almost any light can be used depending on the effects desired, but a true headshot should emphasize the subject and not the photographer.
About Sam T’ang
Based in Detroit and Miami, Sam T’ang is a national and international published photographer specializing in Beauty, Glamour, Fashion and Swimwear. Sam’s work has appeared in advertisements, calendars, magazines and posters: MAXIM, STUFF, PLAYBOY, FHM, COSMOPOLITAN, GLAMOUR, TEEN, YOUNG MISS, PERFECT 10, OCEAN DRIVE, HAWAIIAN TROPIC, VENUS SWIMWEAR, FITNESS USA, AUTORAMA, and many others.
Sam has photographed headshots for the Miss America, Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss Venus Swimwear, Miss Hawaiian Tropic pageant contestants, the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings players headshots/promos as well as thousands of models, actors and celebrities. 248-845-8274 and 305-502-1354.
About Jack Kenny
Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Kenny specializes in headshots and has photographed dozens of CEOs, doctors, lawyers, authors, and entrepreneurs. Kenny is also author/publisher of Cuba where he takes readers on a photographic journey through modern day Cuba. (734) 395-1265
About Steven Kovich
Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Steven Kovich has photographed celebrities such as Kevin Costner, Kevin Bacon and Hulk Hogan as well as hundreds of sports figures including Derek Jeter and Red Wing hockey great Steve Yzerman. He’s also the Tampa Bay Rays official team photographer. His list of corporate clients includes Hyatt, Ameritech, AT&T, CBS, Coke, Chrysler, Domino’s Pizza, Detroit Symphony, ESPN, Ford, Dupont, General Motors, Getty Images, Proctor & Gamble, Pulte Homes, American Red Cross and the US Postal Service. Kovich’s web site has few words as he lets his photos speak for themselves. www.kovich.com 727-452-2349.
The Bottom Line: Your headshot is one of the most important elements in your book promotion. Get a professional to shoot it. Don’t skimp out and use a cropped shot from your summer vacation!
About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Book Marketing at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at [email protected] or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
