Overview: After finishing a manuscript, the next major step decision an author has to make is how to share the new book with the world. Will it be the traditional path, or the independent path? Every book is unique so the path that’s best is different for author and book. The panel will talk about indie publishing and the different experiences these authors have had publishing both independently and traditionally.

 Goals: The purpose of this panel is to talk with Independently published Authors. The path of the independently published author is a journey many have chosen. Is it the path for you? This panel seeks to discuss the experiences of being your own publisher, the tools and resources needed to self-publish, and the overall process for independent publishing.

Summary: Syrie James, Belle Ami, Collette Cameron, and Adam Holt have taken the independent author path. Besides taking the independent path, they have experience with the traditional path too. In this panel, they will share their knowledge and experience.

Summary: Stacy Juba, Deb Ewing, Tamara Cribley are professionals working in the publishing industry. They work with writers and authors of all types to help them produce a professional published book.  In this panel, they will share their knowledge and experience.

Summary: SEO for Authors is a workshop for authors and publishing industry professionals. Understanding and utilizing SEO on your own can seem complex and difficult. Doc Sheldon offers straightforward, fact-based advice and his professional thoughts on how to best use SEO in 2021 for your author website.

Qualifications: With over forty years of professional writing under his belt, and nearly nineteen years of constantly studying the complexities of SEO, combining his efforts between SEO and content strategy seemed to be a logical path.  Doc has founded his own content agency and an SEO agency. He is also co-founder of WebNarwhal, a full-stack development, marketing, and managed-hosting company, as well as co-host of the annual DeepSEO Conference. He is a regular on Bill & Ammon’s Bogus Hangout, a weekly gathering of SEO professionals, discussing various aspects of digital marketing and developments in the SEO industry.

Doc has authored numerous SEO articles for various online magazines and colleagues’ blogs and he manages clients’ sites in the UK, Oceania, and North America.

Summary: Influencer Panel Discussion is a meeting style session for authors and publishing industry professions to get to know influencers in book communities. These Influencers have been working within different book communities for years. They are in a unique position to share their knowledge and experience with authors.

Summary: Pinterest in 2021, is an interactive workshop for authors and publishing industry professionals. Exploring and Mastering Pinterest on your own can be difficult. Nan Jenkins offers fact base advice and  professional thoughts on how to get the most out of your Pinterest account in 2021.

Qualifications: Nan Jenkins is the Co-founder and Co-owner of The Author Encounter. She is a member of the Pinterest Business Community for platform creators. She has worked in SEO for several years now and loves to share knowledge. In this workshop, you will get to ask questions as Nan shares her experience and knowledge with you.

Bios:

LESLEY LIVINGSTON is the award-winning author of more than 15 young adult and middle grade fiction books, best known for her WONDROUS STRANGE trilogy. Lesley’s latest series begins with THE VALIANT, a YA historical epic which tells the story of a 17-year-old girl’s journey from fierce Celtic princess to female gladiator and darling of the Roman Empire. Lesley lives in Ontario, Canada.

Tom Phillips, logophile and amateur cryptologist, is honored to be part of the Prospect Family. Tom is an optimist, writer, craftsman and retired superhero. He masterfully crafts the power of the written word by assimilating everyday lessons into witty and humorous stories of heroism and bravery.

Interesting puzzles and zany characters are his jam,So naturally he married a woman named Autumn. 

An investigator and Sherlockian, Tom is an obsessive watcher of crime dramas. Tom also works as the video editor, a script doctor, and a monkey interpreter. Sometimes his dog, Dr. Watson, takes Tom for walks. Often, Tom uses the margin of his bio to hide secret messages for his readers. He believes the only way to educate is to entertain. He is repped by Ann Rose.

C.M McGuire

I am a storyteller at heart, and my poor mother was grateful when I started writing. It gave her ears a break. I write primarily science fiction and fantasy intended for the young adult and middle grade audience. Presently, I live in Texas with my two cats. My debut novel, Ironspark, came out in August, 2020.

Qualifications: 

Blue Willow Bookshop first opened its doors in 1973  under the name Musabelle’s Books in west Houston. It was given its current name in 1996 by its current  owner who loves books so much she offered to work for free at first. The store was already a local favorite and under Valerie’s love and care it has grown and prosper. Valerie will share her knowledge and experience as a member of this booksellers panel discussion.

 Katy Budget books has been a community favorite and bookseller for over 35 years. They aim to be a destination for Book Lovers from all over Houston. Katy budget books sells books in many different genres. In this panel they will share their years of book selling experiences.

Gulf Coast Cosmos Comics is a comic store with an eye for graphic novels. The store carries a wide range of comics to appeal to all comic fans both in the store and online. They are knowledgeable about what is trending and sending  in the world of comics.

Qualifications: Ann Rose currently works as a literary agent for Prospect Agency located in New York. She has a Degree in Communication from San Diego State University. In recent years following her literary passions, she has spent time mentoring and learning everything from editing to negotiating contracts to perfect her skills as an agent. In this workshop, you will get to quell your query conundrums as Ann shares her experience and experts with you.

Qualifications: Bethany Averie has been a professional author for over a decade. She’s a 5-time published author of Fantasy/Paranormal novels, an avid reader, graduate of Writer’s Digest School in Short Story & Novel Writing course, and Co-Founder/Co-Owner of The Author Encounter. As a critique-partner for several authors, she goes beyond the call of duty when assisting authors in polishing their novels for publication. As an author she has spent years researching and exploring resources in the publishing community that she will share through this workshop.