Moderating a panel with Medialoper's Kirk Biglione, FSG editor Ryan Chapman, and agent Richard Curtis

Here’s a list of topics/sessions that I regularly present. My teaching style is friendly and focused on giving writers concrete actions steps and advice they can act on right away.


Getting published / traditional publishing

• Getting published in today’s competitive market
• Finding and working with agents and editors
• How to effectively pitch a project to an agent or editor
• Crafting compelling fiction and nonfiction hooks
• Writing successful query letters
• Secrets of nonfiction book proposals
• How to evaluate publishing contracts and deals
• Evaluating your first page for red flags

Self-publishing and e-publishing

• What it takes to succeed at independent/DIY publishing
• Pros and cons of print-on-demand services
• E-book publishing options
• Instant online publishing models
• How to establish your own small publishing company

Marketing and promotion

• Branding yourself as an author
• Effective use of social media for building audience and platform
• How to sell books using online tools
• General online marketing strategies and tools
• Platform building and audience development
• How to build a website or start a blog (in an hour / for free / no experience)

The future of publishing

• How authors can succeed amid transformational change
• Emerging models for successful authors in a digital era
• Diversifying your platform and products through multimedia
• The impact of Google, Amazon, and Apple on your career
• New publishing models and book deal options

Consultations & appointments

• Availability for one-on-one appointments at any event
• Critiques on the spot—or with materials sent in advance
• Small or large group Q&A
• Take pitches for Writer’s Digest Books or magazine

Moderator, panelist, and referrals

• Expert moderator or panelist on any publishing topic
• Can assemble panels of experts if needed and moderate
• Can offer referrals and suggestions of editors, agents, and other professionals available to speak at your event

Moderating a panel with author Christina Katz and industry blogger Kassia Krozser

Presenting at the 2009 Writer's Digest Conference in NYC