Access Page – Publishing in Color Spring 2021 Online Conference

Thank you for registering!

This is the page where you can access all conference sessions – please do not share it with anyone who has not registered for the conference.

To access each session, click on the link showing the time for that session (for instance, 1:00 – 1:45 Eastern). Following each live session, the link will change from Zoom (for the live session) to YouTube (for the recording of that session) once the recording is available

Please note: all times are Eastern; end times are approximate. All conference sessions will be recorded.

All sessions can be viewed at the times indicated below, or at anytime through July 24, 2021.

All times and sessions are subject to change

Book discussions with each author are an opportunity for you to learn more about our speakers’ books and to ask them questions.

Sign ups for 1-on-1 meetings have now been closed.

If you would like to sign up for an Open mic reading (Thursday April 22 from 3:15 – 4:15 PM Eastern) you may do so here.

If you would like to submit a pitch to one of our industry speakers, please email it to brian@publishingincolor.com no later than June 24, 2021 and let me know to whom I should forward it.

Don’t forget to check out the Writing for Your Life Bookstore! There you can learn about many recommended books on writing, marketing, and getting published.

AND… CHECK OUT YOUR VIRTUAL BOOK TABLE FROM IVP:

Even though we’re not physically gathering at this time for Publishing in Color Online 2021, IVP is excited to bring you a virtual book table instead! You can still take advantage of their 40% conference discount and browse the books you would have seen in person. Check it out here.

 

Monday April 19 

  • 9:00 – 9:30 Eastern: Worship service (backup link here)
  • 9:30 – 10:15 Eastern: Joyce Dinkins (Our Daily Bread Ministries) presentation: “More Voices” – learn more about Joyce here
    • The depth of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in Christian publishing categories
  • 10:15 – 11:00 Eastern: Joyce Dinkins (Our Daily Bread Ministries) Q&R and book discussion
  • 11:15 – 12:00 Eastern: Jeff Crosby (IVP) presentation: ​“Publishing for Spiritual Formation in the 21st Century” – learn more about Jeff here
    • Jeff’s presentation is here and his handout is here
  • 12:00 – 12:45 Eastern: Jeff Crosby (IVP) Q&R and book discussion
  • 12:50 – 1:45 Eastern: Networking Lunch Break – an unmoderated, informal time for you to chat with other conference attendees
  • 2:00 – 2:45 Eastern: Paul Pastor (Penguin Random House) presentation “Writing With Your Whole Life: The Craft and Discipline of Sharing Your Self.” – learn more about Paul here
    • The distractions that hound a writer today are many: concerns about platform and publishing, the ever-present demands of craft and specific projects, and relating to an inner critic whose voice tends to make our work … complicated. How will we choose to relate to these inner and outer pressures? With encouragement for writing both as an exacting craft and a spiritual discipline, author and Penguin Random House editor Paul J. Pastor will help reorient you to the deeper reasons that we write, offering practical wisdom for growing in your work as part of a holy and exciting pursuit—growing in human wholeness in the Way of Jesus. You’ll be challenged and inspired to approach your work with new passion, and to see your writing life as the humble and holy journey it was always meant to be.
  • 2:45 – 3:30 Eastern: Paul Pastor (Penguin Random House) Q&R and discussion
  • 3:45 – 4:30 Eastern: ​Barbara Roose (literary agent) presentation: “​Getting Seen: How to Attract a Literary Agent’s Attention and Get Signed” – learn more about Barbara here
    • ​Landing a literary agent is essential to establishing a successful career in traditional publishing. How can you attract an agent’s attention when there are dozens of queries in his or her email inbox?  In this workshop, literary agent Barb Roose explains the three major elements that you need to attract a literary agent’s notice. She’ll share practical next steps to help you practically and creatively stand out in an email or during an in-person meeting.
  • 4:30 – 5:15 Eastern: ​Barbara Roose (literary agent) Q&R and book discussion
  • 5:30 – 6:15 Eastern: Sharon Norris Elliott (AuthorizeMe Consulting, Coaching, & Editing Firm, and Literary Agency) – Through the Eyes and Heart of Your Agent – learn more about Sharon here
    • What is a Christian literary agent thinking about and looking for? What connects with this agent’s heart? Functioning as a literary agent is more than just another job; it’s a calling. Attend this presentation and discover what’s going on in the mind of an agent like me who not only sees your work but feels the ministry behind it. Learn how you can work with your agent to present the best possible version of yourself and your work to just the right publishers.
  • 6:15 – 7:00 Eastern: Sharon Norris Elliott (AuthorizeMe Consulting, Coaching, & Editing Firm, and Literary Agency) Q&R and book discussion

Tuesday April 20 

  • 9:00 – 9:30 Eastern: “How to Heal Our Divides”– book introduction
    • If we didn’t recognize it already, 2020 put a spotlight on several serious, deep divides that have had strong negative impacts on our society. Many good books have been written describing these divides and how they came about, or encouraging us to look deeply inside ourselves to discover our own flaws. But there is a lack of illumination on role model organizations demonstrating what to do about it. “How to Heal Our Divides” is a book that lifts up and builds awareness of organizations that are taking real action to heal serious divides – particularly racial and political divides. The book is not an attempt at glossing them over or “making happy” but instead highlights tangible efforts that are actually decreasing divides in practical ways.
  • 9:30 – 10:15 Eastern: Rachelle Gardner (literary agent) presentation “​Write a Book Proposal That Sells” – learn more about Rachelle here
  • 10:15 – 11:00 Eastern: Rachelle Gardner (literary agent) Q&R
  • 11:15 – 12:00 Eastern: Greg Johnson (literary agent) presentation: “Getting to the Third Level of Publishing Success (or How to Know For Sure, For Sure, For Sure, you’re ready for traditional publishing)” – learn more about Greg here
  • 12:00 – 12:45 Eastern: Greg Johnson (literary agent) Q&R and book discussion
  • 12:45 – 2:00 Eastern: Break
  • 2:00 – 2:45 Eastern: Lisa Kloskin (Broadleaf Books) presentation: “How to get the most out of your relationship with your editor” – learn more about Lisa here
    • Whether you’re hiring a freelance editor to help you polish your manuscript before querying or self-publishing, or working with your assigned editor after selling your book to a publishing house, you’ll want to make the most out of that editorial relationship. In this session, we’ll go over some of the common pitfalls and advantages to working with an editor, and give you the tools you need to advocate for yourself and your book.
  • 2:45 – 3:30 Eastern: Lisa Kloskin (Broadleaf Books) Q&R and book discussion
  • 3:45 – 4:30 Eastern: Susan Salley (Abingdon Press) presentation “Writing with Purpose: Three Questions” – learn more about Susan here
    • Can you describe your message and audience in 60 seconds? Publishers want clarity and a razor sharp focus on the primary audience, why they will choose your book, and what will change in their lives from the experience.  If you are intentional and focused through your process from start to finish,  the benefit to the reader will be in the spotlight in the finished content as well as from the title to the packaging to the layout and marketing.
  • 4:30 – 5:15 Eastern: Susan Salley (Abingdon Press) Q&R and book discussion
  • 5:30 – 6:30 Eastern: Celeste McCauley (Guideposts) presentation and Q&R “The Power of the First-Person Inspirational Story: How to Pitch and Write for Guideposts” – learn more about Celeste here
    • Here are the Guidepost submission guidelines Celeste mentioned during her presentation. When you submit please mention that you are coming from Publishing in Color 🙂

Wednesday April 21

  • 9:30 – 10:15 Eastern: Jessica Miller Kelley (Westminster John Knox Press) presentation “Lessons from the Slush Pile” – learn more about Jessica here
    • Having an agent or a direct connection to an editor is a great way to get a leg up toward publication. But many small and midsize presses do consider proposals that come unsolicited—AKA the slush pile. The tips I’ll offer in this session can help you put your best foot forward when submitting your proposal through a general submissions inbox, or when you send it directly to an editor or an agent. Learn how to avoid some of the common blunders as well as the things that might seem positive but actually send the wrong message to prospective publishers. Unpacking potential pitfalls, we will explore many more things to know about making the right first impression for yourself and your book.
  • 10:15 – 11:00 Eastern: Jessica Miller Kelley (Westminster John Knox Press) Q&R and book discussion
  • 11:15 – 12:00 Eastern: Edwina Perkins (Harambee Press) presentation “A Writer’s Armor” – learn more about Edwina here
    • Scripture tells us to put on the armor of God so we can prepare for battle. In this workshop learn ways to equip yourself to prepare for what God has called you to do as a writer.
  • 12:00 – 12:45 Eastern: Edwina Perkins (Harambee Press) Q&R and book discussion
  • 1:00 – 1:45 Eastern: What Do You Need As A Writer? – this informal conversation is an opportunity for you to share and discuss the most important kinds of support you need as a writer
  • 1:50 – 2:45 Eastern: Raela Schoenherr (Bethany House) and Toni Shiloh (author) presentation “Finding the Right Fit” – learn more about Raela here and Toni here
    • How do you know which publishing house or editor is the right fit for you? This workshop will help authors know what to look for as they seek a publishing home or publishing option that’s the right fit for them. Authors will also learn what might will help them be the right fit for publishers seeking new authors. Experienced author, Toni Shiloh, and Senior Acquisitions Editor for Bethany House Publishers, Raela Schoenherr, will bring perspective experience to these topics from both the author and the publisher perspective.
  • 2:45 – 3:30 Eastern: Raela Schoenherr (Bethany House) and Toni Shiloh (author) Q&R and discussion
  • 3:45 – 4:30 Eastern: Jenny Baumgartner (HarperCollins Christian Publishing) presentation “​An Inside Look at an Acquisition Editor’s Job” – learn more about Jenny here
    • ​An acquisitions editor’s take on how books are selected for publication. This workshop will provide insider tips about becoming a published author. I’ll describe the three areas I evaluate when considering a new book for acquisition: Idea, Writing, Platform. A unique and compelling idea, stellar writing, and your ability to reach a core audience are the keys to success. We’ll also discuss the Christian publishing industry, the significance of agents, the elements of a successful proposal, the concept of platform, and the importance of good writing. Bring your questions for the Q&R time!
  • 4:30 – 5:15 Eastern: Jenny Baumgartner (HarperCollins Christian Publishing) Q&R and book discussion
  • 5:30 – 6:15 Eastern: Jenni Burke (literary agent) presentation “Marketing Your Book: How You Can Prepare Your Platform in Advance for a Strong-Selling Book Launch” – learn more about Jenni here
  • 6:15 – 7:00 Eastern: Jenni Burke (literary agent) Q&R and book discussion

Thursday April 22 

  • 8:45 – 9:15 AM Eastern: an interview and Q&R with Sophfronia Scott, Director of the MFA in Creative Writing Program at Alma College
  • 9:30 – 10:15 Eastern: ​Amy Newmark (Chicken Soup for the Soul) presentation: “Writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul – How to Get into One of Our Books” – learn more about Amy here
  • 10:15 – 11:00 Eastern: Amy Newmark (Chicken Soup for the Soul) Q&R and book discussion
  • 11:15 – 12:00 Eastern: Bunmi Ishola (Penguin Random House) presentation “Kid Lit These Days” – learn more about Bunmi here
    • A general overview of writing for kids—the age ranges/categories publishers use, the genres/styles, what works and doesn’t work. Bunmi has also put together this resource document that includes websites to check out, a list of Christian publishers, as well as a list of Black-owned publishers + other imprints that focus on multicultural publishing that she had pulled together for a previous client.
    • Here are Bunmi’s presentation and resource list
  • 12:00 – 12:45 Eastern: Bunmi Ishola (Penguin Random House) Q&R and book discussion
  • 2:00 – 3:00 Eastern: Jevon Bolden (Embolden Media Group) Q&R and book discussion
  • 3:15 – 4:15 Eastern: Open mic
  • 4:30 – 5:15 Eastern: Jeff Munroe (The Reformed Journal) Q&A
    • The Reformed Journal publishes Christian writing that delights, inspires, and engages readers. Jeff Munroe, editor of the Reformed Journal, will join us and is actively looking to publish new essayists, bloggers, book reviewers, and poets.
    • You can contact Jeff at jeff@westernsem.edu with any submission questions
  • Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, JoLanda Rogers (T.A.L.K. Publishing) will be unable to participate

Friday April 23

  • 9:30 – 10:15 Eastern: Amy Gingerich (Herald Press) presentation “Through the Looking Glass” – learn more about Amy here
    • A solid proposal and platform will get you noticed but your topic needs to be of interest to publishers too. With long lead times for writing and publishing, how do publishers and authors look ahead and project what readers will want to read next year or the year after next? What are the topics on which publishers are hoping to acquire right now and into the near future? What topics have become last year’s news? We’ll talk together about trends in Christian publishing as well as larger cultural trends, paying special attention to how they intersect around book acquisitions.
  • 10:15 – 11:00 Eastern: Amy Gingerich (Herald Press) Q&R and book discussion
  • 11:10 – 12:00 Eastern: Taneki Dacres (Vine Publishing) presentation “Your story is about you BUT it’s not for you: 3 Ways To Move from Story to Impact” – learn more about Taneki here
    • What if I told you that no one cares about your story as much as they care about solving their own problems? The reality is that non-fiction writers are problem solvers and knowing how to pivot from simply telling your story to providing transformational content will position you as an invaluable resource and provide opportunities for greater influence, impact and income. In this session we will explore the three things you must incorporate in your writing to ensure that your readers’ lives are transformed.
  • 12:00 – 12:45 Eastern: Taneki Dacres (Vine Publishing) Q&R and book discussion
  • 12:50 – 1:45 Eastern: Networking Lunch Break – an unmoderated, informal time for you to chat with other conference attendees
  • 2:00 – 2:45 Eastern: Pam Perry presentation; “How to Get Media Ready” – learn more about Pam here
    • Learn how to show up and shine your light in the media. When to pitch yourself, what to say and to whom. Craft Sound bites and great talking points. Become the “go to” guest that the media loves. How to share your message to get out there using publicity tactics from a book publicist for TD Jakes, Bill Winston, Dr. Cindy Trimm… more.
    • Checklist on how to get on podcasts
    • How to get publicity – this is PR Bootcamp
  • 2:45 – 3:30 Eastern: Pam Perry Q&R and book discussion
  • 3:45 – 4:15 Eastern: Nikki Harris (author) Q&R – learn more about Nikki here
  • 4:30 – 5:30 Eastern: Elevator pitch practice session

 

All times and sessions are subject to change