by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Events, Book Fairs, Book Festivals, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book, Writers Conferences
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications
There are several good reasons why writers should invest the time and effort required to attend writers’ conferences.
Attending a writers’ conference only takes a few hours, or a couple days at the most, a small investment, and a little effort to register and arrange travel and lodging, but the payoff can be big.
Attending a writers’ conference gives you a great chance to pitch your book, learn about the major publishing houses, meet book editors, agents and book marketing specialists. If your book is six months or a year from being finished, you can meet people who will give you valuable ideas on shaping your book and provide other advice to help you wrap up your project when you return home.
Or maybe you have been working on your book for a few months and are feeling insecure or unsure whether you really can be a published author. Attending a conference is a good way to get a reality check from book editors to get a professional opinion on your plot and characters and to determine whether you are on the right track.
Most importantly, attending a writers’ conference provides you with an opportunity to learn about the publishing business from fellow authors. You will also get honest and helpful professional assessments from book editors that will be more than worth the cost and effort of attending the conference.
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. You will want to develop an ‘elevator pitch’ of 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’ll you’ll meet so be prepared for that moment.
Now that you are ready, here are some writers’ conferences that you should consider attending:
Here are some upcoming writers’ conferences in 2026 for your consideration.
February 6-7, 2026: San Diego Writing Workshop (Online)
March 13, 2026 (Charlotte) and March 14, 2026 (Raleigh): Carolina Writing Workshop (Charlotte, NC)
March 16, 2026: Cincinnati Writing Workshop (Cincinnati, OH)
March 21, 2026: Colorado Writing Workshop (Denver, CO)
March 21, 2026: Chesapeake Writing Workshop (Online)
March 24, 2026: Kentucky Writers Conference (Louisville, KY)
March 27, 2026: Alabama Writing Workshop (Birmingham, AL)
March 28, 2026: Atlanta Writing Workshop (Atlanta, GA)
March 28, 2026: Boston Writing Workshop (Online)
April 11, 2026: Minnesota Writing Workshop (St. Paul, MN)
April 11, 2026: Writing Workshop of San Francisco (Online)
April 11, 2026: Toronto Writing Workshop (Toronto, ON)
April 17, 2026 (Orlando) and April 18, 2026 (Tampa): Florida Writing Workshop (Tampa, FL)
April 23-25, 2026: Las Vegas Writers Conference (Las Vegas, NV)
April 25, 2026: Philadelphia Writing Workshop (Philadelphia, PA)
April 25, 2026: Tennessee Writing Workshop (Nashville, TN)
May 1-2, 2026: Washington Writers Conference (Rockville, MD)
May 2, 2026: Michigan Writing Workshop (Livonia, MI)
May 2, 2026: Writing Conference of Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)
May 8, 2026: Portland Writing Workshop (Portland, OR)
May 8-9, 2026: Pittsburgh Writing Workshop (Online)
May 9, 2026: Seattle Writing Workshop (Bellevue, WA)
May 15-16, 2026: Storymakers Conference (Provo, UT)
May 15-17, 2026: Pennwriters Conference SCBWI (Coraopolis, PA)
June 20, 2026: Writing Workshop of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
July 26-31, 2026: Napa Valley Writers’ Conference (Napa, CA)
July 30 – August 1, 2026: Mendocino Coast Writers’ Conference (Mendocino, CA)
August 20-23, 2026: Killer Nashville’s International Writers’ Conference (Franklin, TN)
September 4, 2026: WriterCon 2026 (Choctaw, OK)
September 2026: James River Writing Show (Richmond, VA)
Select a writers’ conference of interest to you and be prepared to enjoy the benefits of meeting other writers, acquiring knowledge you can use immediately, learn about different genres, 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: Make a commitment to attend at least one writers’ conference this year. 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 scottlorenz@westwindcos.com 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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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 Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, Book Publishing, Promoting a Book
By: Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
Some authors wonder whether becoming a Hot New Release on Amazon really matters, or if it’s simply a flashy meaningless badge.
Recently, an author approached me with that exact question. The truth is that it matters much more than people realize, for a number of reasons. Not only is it an eye-catching marker of achievement, but it also drives traffic to your book and can increase the long-term sales trajectory.
What Is the Hot New Release Page?
Amazon defines its Hot New Release page list as the platform’s best new and future releases, with rankings updating frequently. This means books in this category aren’t just trending; they’re performing. This performance tells Amazon’s algorithm that your book is worth paying attention to. Amazon doesn’t have one singular Hot New Release page; it generates micro-lists, distinguished by every genre and subgenre. The differentiation of genres makes success achievable since your book isn’t competing with every single new book on Amazon. Mickey Toogood, Sr. Content Marketing Manager at Amazon, advises authors to pay attention to these lists: “Check out hourly updates on the Amazon Hot New Releases to research how similar products are performing and get a sense for what the market may be like for your idea.”
Making the List
According to Michelle Kulp, bestselling author of 32 books, “The Hot New Release badge tells readers your book is not just new, it’s noteworthy. It boosts discoverability, fuels organic sales, and signals to Amazon’s algorithm that your book deserves more visibility. It’s instrumental in accelerating a book’s early success.”
So how can you ensure that your book makes the cut? There are a few key factors to consider when publishing your book on Amazon:
- Sales performance: Amazon will highlight your book if it’s selling consistently typically withing the first 90 days of listing and not just spiking over a short period of time. In this case, it’s important to market your book on all platforms to increase your daily sales count.
- Visibility: Amazon doesn’t add you to the list strictly based on sales; it also considers visits to your product page. To increase visibility, you need a catchy, striking title and cover. You can learn more about titling by reading my Book Title Generator.
- Reviews: Strong titles attract attention, but reviews provide social proof. Good reviews establish credibility and build trust with prospective readers.
Launchpad for Long-term Success
While the Hot New Release page is designed for new titles, it’s just the beginning of your potential as an author. This kind of publicity will help you build relationships, secure media opportunities, and create a sustainable publishing career.
Popular Amazon strategist and YouTuber Steven Pope (known as The Amazon Guy) emphasizes the financial benefits of the badge:
“If you get that number one new release badge, it’s going to relieve pressure on your need to spend lots of money on advertising. It’s going to allow you to potentially raise prices and help your margins. Chase the number one release badge whenever possible.”
Appearing on such a high-traffic site can sometimes make a book get lost in the mix, but this list puts your book in front of millions of browsing readers who may have never discovered it before. It sets your book apart from the competition when it matters most and lays the foundation for discoverability and long-term achievement.
If one of my authors attains the “Hot New Release” badge I make it a point to add it to press releases and place the news on social media platforms like X. It is definitely something to brag about!
The Bottom Line
The Hot New Release badge not only highlights your book, it’s a distinction that Amazon created for a reason and is often a precursor for the Best Seller Status.
About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Book Marketing, 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 scottlorenz@westwindcos.com 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 | Agents, Blog, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publicity, How to title a book, Marketing a Book, Promoting a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
If you’ve ever wondered whether you need a literary agent, the short answer is probably yes- that is, if you want to take your writing career to the next level.
A great agent helps you reach heights you’ve only imagined, without losing the heart, purpose, or calm that got you there. For more firsthand perspective, check out my article featuring insider insights from 18 literary agents who share exactly how they help authors succeed.
So, what exactly can an agent do for you? More than what you might think- let’s get into how they make all the difference.
Opening Doors You Can’t
Most major publishers do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. An agent gets your work on the right desks- the editors who are actually buying books in your genre. Without that connection, your manuscript may never be seen.
Taking Care of Business
Publishing contracts are full of complex verbiage about advances, royalties, and rights. Agents understand the fine print and negotiate better deals, which protects you from signing away valuable rights such as film, foreign, or audio adaptations. An agent lets you focus on the writing while they handle getting your work the attention it deserves.
Adding Credibility
An agent’s stamp of approval tells publishers your book is worth their time. Plus, agents can help you polish your manuscript before submitting, giving you a stronger shot at landing a deal.
Thinking Beyond One Book
A great agent is not just chasing your current goal; they’re helping you build a long-term writing career. From branding and strategy to future contracts, they act simultaneously as your advisor and your biggest fan.
Knowing the Industry Inside and Out
With a strong understanding of trends, editor preferences and timing, agents know what can make or break a deal. They can even explore opportunities beyond publishing, such as Hollywood adaptations and international sales.
Want to take your story to the big screen? Learn more about breaking into Hollywood in an article I wrote here.
The Bottom Line
If you’re serious about growing as an author, a book agent isn’t just helpful- they’re your strategist, business partner, and most powerful advocate.
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 scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s award-winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net.
by Scott Lorenz | Blog, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Publishing, BookTok, Promoting a Book, Social Media, TikTok
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
In a world dominated by screens, short-form videos, and constant stimulation, it may come as a surprise that Gen Z is reading more than ever. Born between 1997 and 2012, this generation is reshaping the future of book marketing and publishing.
According to the American Library Association, “Gen Z is using libraries at higher rates compared to older generations.” So, what does this mean for authors? You have to meet Gen Z where they are visually, digitally, and authentically.
Glamorizing Reading
Reading has become not just a hobby, but an aesthetic. Movies have long glamorized the “quiet girl with a book,” and now social media has amplified that image. Being a reader is an endearing trait. On social media, we see popular figures like Emma Chamberlain, or even models like Kaia Gerber, who have publicly embraced reading. For Gen Z, intellect and emotion are part of personal style. Reading is attractive, and being a “book person” is something to show off, not hide.
BookTok
#BookTok has become a huge force in the world of publishing. BookTok is a trend that arose on the popular social media app TikTok, where authors, readers, and publishers give input and promote books. It’s become a huge community that people turn to for recommendations and opinions. According to WordsRated, books that go viral on BookTok see an average sales increase of 113%. Authors like Colleen Hoover rose to fame from BookTok. Her best-selling novel, It Ends With Us, gained traction through TikTok in 2020 and was later adapted into a movie. For Gen Z, BookTok is more than entertainment. It’s a trusted source for discovering their next read.
Formats and Accessibility
Gen Z’s reading habits extend far beyond traditional paperbacks. They consume stories in all kinds of formats, making reading more accessible and convenient than ever. Some of these formats include:
- Wattpad: A free platform for reading and writing stories, where authors can interact. Popular works like Anna Todd’s After began here before being adapted into movies.
- Ebooks: A convenient way to access books at anytime, anywhere, often at a lower price.
- Audiobooks: Perfect for multitasking, Gen Z “reads” on commutes, walks, or while relaxing with headphones.
These flexible formats break down barriers, ensuring that stories fit seamlessly into busy, tech-centered lifestyles.
Sense of Community
Unlike the stereotype of solitary reading, Gen Z often reads together. Thousands of reading communities, both online and offline, are thriving! Some platforms like Goodreads or Fable allow users to review, recommend, and discuss books, creating social and even parasocial connections. According to the Edinburgh Press, “These online reviewing communities and social lists are social and parasocial spaces where fans can communicate with each other and also with authors or other creators of storyworlds.” The pandemic also fueled the growth of virtual book clubs on Zoom, Discord, Reddit, and Instagram. Meanwhile, authors engage readers directly through platforms like Patreon or Substack, Q&As, bonus content, and sneak peeks into upcoming chapters.
How Authors Can Reach Gen Z
If you want your book to resonate with this generation, consider these strategies:
- Establish a presence on all platforms, such as TikTok, Instagram, and Goodreads.
- Experiment with hybrid formats, such as creating book trailers and interactive websites.
- Explore cross-genre storytelling (think thrillers with romance twists, such as E. Lockhart’s We Were Liars).
The Bottom Line
To captivate Gen Z, authors must embrace the evolving landscape of publishing. The future of reading isn’t just digital. It’s interactive, inclusive, and community driven.
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 scottlorenz@westwindcos.com 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, Promoting a Book
By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Book Marketing
Authors often ask me, “Should I spend money on ads or focus on publicity?” It’s a fair question—after all, both can get your book in front of readers. But here’s the truth: advertising may give you a quick bump in sales, while publicity creates a long-lasting buzz that keeps paying off long after the campaign ends. Readers are smart; they know an ad is an ad. But when your book is featured in a magazine, spotlighted on a podcast, or recommended by a trusted reviewer, that’s credibility you simply can’t buy.
Find out how to generate this kind of buzz in an article I wrote here.
Publicity: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Publicity is all about earned attention. When a journalist, blogger, or podcast host talks about your book, it carries weight because it’s not something you paid them to say—it’s their genuine endorsement. A feature in the local paper, a radio interview, or even a well-placed guest blog post can live online for years, continuing to attract new readers. That’s the magic of publicity: it builds credibility and trust. People are far more likely to buy a book that’s been talked about than one that’s simply advertised to them.
Advertising: The Quick Fix
Advertising, on the other hand, is more like flipping a switch: once you stop paying, the lights go out. Sure, a Facebook or Amazon ad might drive some immediate sales, but the results usually vanish as soon as the budget runs dry. And let’s be honest—most readers scroll right past ads these days. They’re used to being sold to, and it shows. Advertising can work, especially for launch week promotions or limited time offers, but it rarely creates the long-term buzz authors need to keep a book alive.
Publicity For the Win
Advertising buys attention, while publicity earns it- and readers know the difference. A paid ad might get your book in front of someone once. But an enthusiastic book blogger? A thoughtful podcast interview? Those create authentic connections that ripple outward- leading to more shares, more conversations, and ultimately more sales. Publicity gives your book staying power in a way ads simply can’t match.
The Bottom Line
If you want your book to stand out, be talked about, and remembered long after the ads stop running, invest in publicity. It’s the smartest move an author can make.
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 scottlorenz@westwindcos.com 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
