Check-in & Registration

Traditional Publishing – Catching an Agent’s Attention

Speaker | Michael Joy – Agent with the Seymour Agency

Submitting a manuscript to an agent seems easy, but with many agencies only responding if they’re interested, it’s hard to tell if you’ve done everything you can to get noticed. Michael’s presentation will review common mistakes authors make when approaching an agent and offer options for avoiding them.

Choices for the Independent Author

Speaker | Brenda Spalding – Author and Publisher with Heritage Publishing US

Brenda will explain the ins and outs of the publishing industry. How traditional publishing differs from self-publishing and the benefits and drawbacks of each. She will also discuss e-books and audiobooks and the options for each.

Break

Think like a Bookpreneur: Ways to Monetize Your Book Beyond Traditional Sales

Speaker | Tieshena Davis – CEO and Senior Publisher with Purposely Created Publishing Group

A professionally written and organized book can be the launchpad to creating a profitable business model for long-term author success. In this session, Tieshena will share how any author can transform their book into multiple streams of income, acquire new consumers, and identify new revenue-generating opportunities.

How to Sell More Books More Profitably (with no returns)

Speaker |  Brian Jud – Author, Book-Marketing Consultant

More books are sold annually to non-bookstore buyers than through bookstores. Brian will show you how to get your fair share of large-quantity, non-returnable sales. These can be through non-bookstore retailers and to non-retail buyers in businesses of all sizes, associations, schools, and the military. Brian’s tips work for fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and more. Brian’s step-by-step formula works for people even if they don’t like to sell, don’t know how to sell, or don’t have time to sell.

Break

Social Media and Marketing for Authors (For Beginners)

Speaker |  Chris Gibson – Author, Content Creator, and Multi-Media Expert

Social Media and Marketing for Authors (Advanced Level)

Speaker | Pierre Alex Jeanty – Author, Publisher, Marketing Consultant

Registration and Breakfast

Welcome
Pat Stanford, FAPA President

Take It To Your Readers

Speaker | Eddie Price – Author, Speaker, Educator

This inspirational and practical program encourages authors to identify their audience and seek creative ways to get their books in front of them. Authors will learn the importance of developing a marketing plan–networking, socializing, and making contacts–looking for ways to make meaningful connections.

Break

Common Legal Issues Facing Authors and Publishers

Speaker | Lorna Owens – Attorney

Writing a book is hard work. Don’t let small mistakes turn your hard work into a legal nightmare. Learn to protect your intellectual property rights whether you are an author or publisher. Understand copyrighting, licensing agreement, defamation, plagiarism, and of course the basic elements of a literary contract. Come prepared to ask lots of questions.

Break

Keynote Speaker Presentation  and Q&A
Keynote Speaker | Steve Berry – New York Times and #1 Internationally Bestselling Author

Steve is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of 20 novels. His books have been translated into 41 languages with 25,000,000 copies sold in 52 countries.

Lunch Break & Keynote Signing

Increase Your Sales with Three Simple Book Launch Strategies

Speaker | April O’Leary – Author and Publisher of O’Leary Publishing

During this presentation, April will share three sales strategies that will help you structure the timeline of your book launch to: cultivate reader interest and collect their contact info; organize an online event to generate excitement; and launch with success, incorporating multiple sales channels and the opportunity to increase revenue beyond your book sale.

Break

Success by Design: How to Plan for or Grow a Successful Business in the Publishing Industry

Speaker | Julia Demkowkski – CEO of Stanford Management Consulting

Using insightful techniques and solid business analysis, Julia will identify opportunities for change and improvement to help authors make sound decisions that lead to business productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

Book Award Winners Reception (Cash Bar)

Photo ops available in front of red carpet banners.

2021 FAPA President’s Book Awards Celebration

Join us for an exciting evening of celebration of the more than 80 finalists who will be receiving either a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Medal for their books.