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The Top Writers’ Conferences for 2024 by Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

The Top Writers' Conferences for 2024 by Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

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!

The Top #Writers’ Conferences for 2024 by Book Publicist Scott Lorenz #writingcommunity #books Click to tweet this article to your friends and followers! 𝕏

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 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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Christian Writers’ Conferences for 2024

Christian 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.

If you have a Christian focused book, here’s a good overview of upcoming Christian writers’ conferences in 2024. #writingcommunity #bookmarketing #authors #writerscommunity Click to tweet this article to your friends and followers! 𝕏

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 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!


Top 27 Author Websites in 2024 Compiled by Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

Top 27 Author Websites

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications

Your author website is a critical element for the promotion of your books. It’s where people turn to learn more about who you are and what you have to offer. Therefore, it’s important your website provides visitors what they are looking for… information about YOU, YOUR book and how to buy it. Don’t make people click on ten links to get to the buy button!

Key elements of an effective author website include:

  1. Book Cover
  2. Author Headshot
  3. Blurbs from Reviewers
  4. Book Trailer
  5. Buy Buttons to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.
  6. Excerpts or Quotes from the book
  7. Media Clips & Logos
  8. Book Awards
  9. Your Backlist of Books
  10. Option to sign up for your mailing list

If you’d like to create an attractive website that builds your brand and promotes your books, it’s a good idea to explore current author sites and ‘benchmark’ against them. Why reinvent the wheel right?  They can give you some inspiration and help you take the right steps toward the ideal online presence. Here’s a list I’ve compiled of the ‘Top 25’ author sites for your review. Let me know what you think. If you know of an author website to add to the list tell me in the comments section below.

1. James Patterson

James Patterson Author Website

James Patterson can afford to pay just about anything for his web design so what exactly is he doing? Take a look and find out for yourself. Fortunately, he has a mailing list you’re welcome to join. You can also tweet out all his books and check out his latest trailers.

2. Anthony Horowitz

Anthony Horowitz Author Website

When it comes to color, Anthony Horowitz nailed it. He was strategic about the colors he used. As you can see, the rustic orange highlights his top-selling books. Horowitz also displayed his Twitter handle prominently so you can follow him easily.

3. Colleen Coble

Colleen Coble

You can’t go wrong with a website layout like the one on Colleen Coble’s site. It boasts a clean look with features like a newsletter signup as well as designated pages for her current lineup of books, latest releases, and media coverage.

4. Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom

New York Times bestselling author Mitch Albom is one of the most famous authors of our day. He was a sportswriter with the Detroit Free Press and was perennially named best writer of the year by his peers. That’s saying something since many writers’ think they are the best!

His books, ‘Tuesday’s With Morrie’ and ‘Five People You Meet in Heaven’ catapulted him into bestseller stardom and into American culture. His website depicts his work, upcoming book tours, media clips, his work with charities, his radio show, favorites music, and advice to authors about writing. Study this website and Mitch Album.

5. Patrick Asare

Patrick Asare

Patrick Asare is the author of The Boy From Bodua and is one of my clients. His website exemplifies just about everything an author site needs.

You can see he’s got the cover on the top half of the page, buttons to buy the book, awards he’s won, a terrific author photo, a book trailer we created and media interviews. The website was created by Marketing Success.

6. Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins’ website is catchy and compelling thanks to the emphasis on his tagline. From the moment you visit it, you want to “Ignite. Achieve. Excel.” His website makes it clear that his coaching services have the potential to change your life.

7. Jay Shetty

Jay Shetty Author Website

Jay Shetty’s website promotes his offerings which include his podcast and courses. It also highlights his impressive media coverage. Once you visit his website, you’ll know right away that he was featured on The Today Show, Red Table Talk, World Mental Health Day, and many others.

8. Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell has a clean website that draws attention to one of his top books, “The Bomber Mafia.” The “Learn More” tab directs site visitors to take the next step and buy the book on places like Amazon and Apple Books.

9. Stephen King

Stephen King Author Website

In addition to the attractive design, Stephen King’s website features an informative frequently asked questions page (FAQ). Visitors can go there to find out why he became a writer, where he gets his ideas, and more.

10. Emma Davies

Emma Davies Author Website

When you go to Emma Davies’ website, you’re sure to notice the turquoise color scheme as it really stands out. There’s also a great picture of her as well as a welcome message that directs visitors to her social media outlets and contact page.

11. Daniel Gibbs

Daniel Gibbs

Daniel Gibbs knew what he was doing when he requested an interactive website. Visitors can enjoy a variety of unique pages like the map page, ship schematics page, timeline page, and robust universe encyclopedia.

12. Jonathan Fields

Jonathan Fields Author Website

There’s no denying that the close up of Jonathan Fields’ face catches your attention. His website also features a one-of-a-kind email signup that you’ll be directed to join if you state that you “totally agree” and love discovering stories and ideas that inspire you.

13. Henry Neff

Henry Neff

Henry Neff’s social media profiles stand out and draw visitors to become a follower or fan. Additionally, his website boasts a robust “About Henry” section with his biography, events, press and interviews, and school visits.

14. Kelly Minter

Kelly Minter

Kelly Minter’s website has a lovely picture of her and clearly conveys who she is: an author, speaker, and musician. We love the easy access to her bible study and email signup that lures visitors in with a free download.

15. Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury Author Website

Karen Kingsbury’s website is designed to get visitors to buy her New York Times bestselling book, A Distant Shore. Once you visit it, it becomes quite clear that she wants you to order it as soon as possible.

16. Julie Orringer

Julie Orringer

Julie Orringer’s website has dedicated pages on each of her books, which revolve around the experience of Jewish characters during World War II and current times. Each page includes a description of the book, reviews, and links that direct visitors to make a purchase.

17. Nicole Krauss

Nicole Krauss Author Website

Nicole Krauss’ website is unique in that the navigation is on the left rather than top of the home page. It also features pages that focus on each of her books about Jewish history, themes of identity, and family connections.

18. Janet Evanovich

Janet Evanovich Author Website

My wife loves Janet Evanovich and has read all of her books. On Janet’s website, her book “Game On” steals the show. The dark background really allows it to stand out. We also love the social media icons on the top left and subscribe button on the top right.

19. Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly’s website features a compelling about section that does a great job highlighting his key accomplishments. There’s also a space that gets visitors excited for his upcoming releases and dedicated pages for events he’ll be attending and podcasts he’s participated in.

20. Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts’ website has a rotating banner that draws attention to the various books she’s written. The books section is quite robust as it includes a release schedule, details on every book she’s written, and a printable full book list.

21. Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult’s website is simple yet compelling. The white background makes the teal social media icons and lovely picture of her stand out. Her site also includes unique pages for all her books, each featuring a synopsis and video.

22. Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson’s website focuses on his latest book and gives visitors a status update on his projects. In addition, there’s a regularly updated blog and online library with sample chapters, free fiction, and annotations.

23. James Clear

James Clear

James Clear’s website is all about his top book, Atomic Habits. It allows visitors to download the first chapter for free in the hopes of luring them in to purchase a copy and keep reading. Visitors can also subscribe to his weekly newsletter.

24. JK Rowling

JK Rowling Author Website

JK Rowling’s website revolves around her new children’s book, The Christmas Pig, visitors will find her signature at the very top as well as a great picture of her. There’s also an ‘Answers’ page where JK Rowling answers common questions about herself.

25. Gary Vaynerchuk

Gary Vaynerchuk Author Website

Gary Vaynerchuk’s website is a simple black and white color scheme. The large text about his book, Crushing It really stands out. His website also includes a link to learn more about VeeFriends, his collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

26. Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss’ website was definitely created with a lot of thought and strategy. He owns the phrase ‘FOUR HOUR’ as he is the author of The Four Hour Workweek, The Four Hour Chef and others with Four Hour in the title. There’s a great picture of him outside and an embedded recording of the latest episode of his show. The search box and teal callouts that showcase his greatness are other great additions. But, content is king and there’s plenty of it on his website/blog.

27. Michael Grumley

Michael Grumley

Michael Grumley’s website has a “Next Book Meter” to show visitors how far he is into his next book. It also treats them with a free ebook and shares information about how they can support St. Jude’s Research Hospital by buying his books.

The Bottom Line: When you design your author website, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Take a look at other author websites to get an idea of what you like and what type of layout and features would work best for your particular goals.

Top 27 #Author #Websites in 2024 Compiled by #BookPublicist Scott Lorenz #iartg #writingcommunity #bookmarketing Click to tweet this article to your friends and followers! 𝕏

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 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!


Authors: Contribute to Print Pubs to Promote Your Book

Book Publicist Scott Lorenz Offers Tips on How to Contribute to the New York Times, Huffington Post and Success!

Authors: Contribute to Print Pubs to Promote Your Book

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications

Whether you’re a new author or have been around for decades, it’s important to continually promote yourself. The more you build your brand, the more likely you are to get published, sell your works, and meet your goals.

By writing for prominent online publications, you can do just that. Do your research and find several publications that accept entries from authors. Then, follow their editorial guidelines and submit original, compelling articles.

Editorial Guidelines

Each publication has their own unique editorial guidelines so it’s important to write a piece to their target audience. If they say they want a 500-word piece don’t turn in 900-word piece. Simple right?

For example, The Huffington Post says they are “Looking for freelancers who have compelling and unique pitches about TV, film, music, celebrity and internet culture, with an eye toward how pop culture and entertainment trends reflect the world around us.”

A prominent business publication says “We inspire and educate small business owners to start and grow successful businesses.  We also work with large brands that want to reach small businesses.”

Then each publication has their preferred article structure, which often includes information about word count, titles, headings and subheadings, paragraphs, and sentences. The article must conform to their linking policy. (Some allow links to websites, and some do not)

Here’s an example, “Your article length should be from 500 – 1,000 words – give or take. We want to avoid the death wall of text, especially as our posts are seen on mobile devices. Keep paragraphs between 3-5 sentences max.” “Sentences should be no longer than 19 words. Break up long sentences into shorter sentences where you see “but, that and because.”

Add a minimum of two links. Aim to place one around the 50% mark. Have at least one quality internal link that relates to the blog content as well as 1-2 external, authoritative links.”

Most editorial guidelines will also discuss what types of media (images, videos, infographics, etc.) are permitted. In addition, they’ll also mention any SEO preferences and byline submission requirements. Typically, you’ll be able to include your headshot, social media platforms, and a link to your website. This part is almost as important as the actual article so put some thought into it!

Publications Seeking Contributors

There is no shortage of online publications that accept submissions from authors like you. Here are a few options to get you started.

The Bottom Line: Make the effort to contribute to publications. One big hit could propel you and your book to great heights!

Whether you’re a new #author or have been around for decades, it’s important to continually #promote yourself. The more you build your #brand, the more likely you are to get #published, sell your #books, and meet your goals. Click to tweet this article to your friends and followers! 𝕏

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 approach 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.


How Authors Can Benefit From BookTok

Can BookTok Sell Books?

By Scott Lorenz
Westwind Communications

The social media platform TikTok made its debut in 2016. It allows users to create and share short-form video content and slideshows, ranging anywhere from comedy to life advice to product reviews and much more. Today, the social media platform is available in over 150 countries and has over 1 billion users.

BookTok is a community on TikTok where readers discuss their favorite books, series, and authors. Users can create reviews, share their favorite books, show off their book collections, and even promote their own creations. Authors can learn what their readers love, find new fans, and answer questions from both readers and fellow authors.

“#BookTok is an honest and authentic community of readers, authors, and industry professionals who love to talk about and learn about books, writing and all things book related. BookTok is more than just social media word of mouth, it’s a tight community of book lovers where an author can find out in real-time what readers want to read,” says Sheila English, award-winning author of Adam Frankenstein: Dog Fight.

If you’re an author, it’s a good idea to explore BookTok as it can help you grow your audience and share with fans via text and video. It just might give you the type of exposure you need to get published and sell your work, as many users, especially the younger generations, are drawn to organic promotions directly from their source rather than traditional advertising. It gives the readers control over what becomes popular. Users can also form connections with their favorite authors or find books and communities for specific niches.

Publishers and bookstores have also begun to engage with BookTok. Walk into any Barnes and Noble and you will surely see a display with popular BookTok books. The company reported a 14% increase in sales after #booktok launched. Even some shopping websites, such as Books-A-Million and Target, have a category for books that gained popularity through BookTok!

Simon & Schuster marketing and publicity manager Olivia Horrox is quoted in The Guardian, stating, “There’s something about the fact that it is under a minute. People who are consuming this content want stuff that’s quicker and snappier all the time – you watch a 32-second video and someone’s like: ‘This book has LGBTQ romance, it’s really heartbreaking, it’s speculative fiction.’ And then the viewers think: ‘Oh, ok, those are all things that I’m interested in. I’ll go buy it.”

For both established authors and new authors, BookTok allows for organic exposure and a chance to build effective connections with your audience.

Authors: Is It Time To Put BookTok Into Your Book Marketing?

How to Get Started on BookTok

If you are an author looking to establish yourself on BookTok, follow these steps.

1. Download the App and Create an Account

You can link to Facebook, Twitter, or Gmail and download the app. Once you do, choose a catchy username to sign up.

2. Create Your Profile

Add your picture and a short description that explains the type of author you are and what books you write. Prove that you are authentic and passionate about your books!

3. Follow BookTokers

Go to the home page and follow some BookTokers by searching the hashtag #BookTok. This will ensure the TikTok algorithm displays book-related content in your feed. You can also keep up with current trends by paying attention to who and what is popular.

4. Make Your First Video

Now, the fun part begins! It’s time to get noticed by other BookTok users. Hit the + sign at the bottom of the screen, add a sound at the top, and press the red button to record yourself. You can talk about anything related to your books or you as an author. Then, hit next and add the #BookTok hashtag as well as a few others that relate to your genre and target your readers. Additionally, take some time to observe what other authors like you are doing. TikTok thrives on trends, so keeping your content catchy and relevant is key!

As you begin your journey as an author on BookTok, be careful about what kind of engagement you create. You don’t want to start arguments with negative reviewers or be too overbearing. Don’t force yourself on other users; let them come to you. Remember, BookTok is about the readers!

BookTok may seem daunting at first, but practice makes perfect! Just make more videos, engage with others in the community, and remain enthusiastic about your books!

Successful Authors on BookTok

Here are a few of the many authors who have decided to harness the power of BookTok and found success in doing so.

Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover AKA CoHo is a romance and thriller author that has published more than 20 novels and used BookTok to find loyal fans and readers. As a result of her efforts on BookTok, she gained 1.1 million followers and 14.8 million likes. This helped some of her books, including It Ends With Us earn a spot on the New York Times best seller list. Check out CoHo’s profile here.

Victoria Aveyard

Victoria Aveyard is best known for her novel series The Red Queen and is a popular content creator on BookTok. She frequently gains fans through her posts on upcoming new books, publishing, and general lifestyle content. Check out Victoria’s profile here for advice on writing.

Aiden Thomas

Aiden Thomas, who writes folkloric fantasies such as Lost in the Neverwoods and New York Times best seller Cemetery Boys, jumped on the BookTok bandwagon in 2021. He shares promo videos for his book and memes about being a Trans Latinx fantasy writer. Check out his profile here.

Ayana Gray

Ayana Gray used BookTok to promote the launch of her first book, Beasts of Pray. She shares updates that share her enthusiasm for the process and gives other aspiring authors some inspiration. Check out Ayana’s profile here.

Jennifer Millikin

Through BookTok, Jennifer Millikin creates teasers for her books, such as Our Finest Hour and The Patriot. in an effort to generate excitement. During each teaser, she pretends to be the main character in the book. Check out Jennifer’s profile here.

Fiona Lucas

If you go to Fiona Lucas’ BookTok, you’ll find videos of her that walk you through her process of publishing her first book, The Last Goodbye. Check out Fiona’s profile here.

There are hundreds of authors who have found success through BookTok, and reading their stories is sure to inspire anyone to follow in their footsteps. Caseen Gaines, author of Footnotes: The Black Artists Who Rewrote the Rules of the Great White Way, decided to engage with BookTok. “My first video [about Black suffragettes, Aug. 18, 2021] had over 3,000 views. Once I got that immediate gratification, I was off to the races,” he says.

David Alan Arnold (@davidalanarnold), author of Help From Above, has 1.8 million followers on TikTok. He’s also helicopter cameraman for the Deadliest Catch, Survivor and numerous others shows and newscasts. David started a Facebook Group called How to Grow on TikTok. He offers free advice on the topic. This is a treasure trove of information for authors.

The Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a fresh yet effective way to promote your work as an author, you owe it to yourself to explore BookTok.

If you're looking for a fresh yet effective way to #promote your work as an #author, you owe it to yourself to explore #BookTok. Click to tweet this article to your friends and followers! 𝕏

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 Communications’ book marketing approach 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.

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!