Scroll down for bios and more information about areas of interest.
All times are ET (Eastern Time)
Blythe Daniel
Agent, Blythe Daniel Agency
Author, Marketer
Blythe is a literary agent, author, and marketer. Her agency markets books through podcasts, blogs, and launch teams and represents books to publishers including adult nonfiction, select adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction titles. Blythe has been the publicity director for Thomas Nelson Publishers and has spent the last sixteen years as a literary agent. The agency represents new and bestselling authors primarily in the Christian market. Blythe and her mother have co-authored two books: Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters (Harvest House) and I Love You Mom: Cherished Word Gifts from My Heart to Yours (Tyndale). She is married and lives in Colorado with her family.
Workshop 9A — Writing Marketing copy for Your book (Thursday, 2:15 – 3:05) I / ADV
Good writers don’t just write books. They have learned to write engaging and descriptive, marketing copy. How long should back cover copy be? What should your promotional emails look like? How do you write copy that can be used for multiple purposes? In this workshop, we’ll look at several examples and guide you to create your own marketing hooks and copy so you are equipped to walk away with effective marketing copy!
Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott
Award-winning Author, Editor, Speaker
Founder/CEO AuthorizeMe Literary Firm
website/blog: www.LifeThatMatters.net
From obscurity in Compton, CA, to commanding main stages teaching others how to write their books and understand the Bible, Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott encourages us to “Live significantly!” This inspiring message has driven Sharon to become an award-winning author, editor, agent, engaging speaker, and licensed minister. She is the author of sixteen books, and associated with several prestigious organizations such as AWSA, ACE, SCBWI, and HSBN.tv, Sharon is also co-director of the West Coast Christian Writers conference and the founder/CEO of the successful AuthorizeMe® Consulting, Coaching & Editing Firm, and Literary Agency.
Learning Lab, LL 7 – Ten P’s to Your Writing Success (Wednesday, 2:30 – 4:30) I / ADV
There’s more involved with being an author than getting a book published. What does it really take to be a successful author? Attend this learning lab and get the lowdown. Not only will you gain a wealth of knowledge about what really goes on in the business from an industry insider, but you’ll leave knowing what people to surround yourself with, how to brand yourself, and how to develop your personal mission statement and tagline. In addition, you’ll start thinking through your publishing plan for the future and much more.
Workshop 8C — From God, Through You (Friday, 2:15 – 3:05) ALL
Turn your personal Bible study into articles books, and/or talks that are sure to bless others. Bring your Bible and your creativity and go away from this workshop with a personalized message ready for you to further develop into a useable message.
David Fessenden
Literary Agent, WordWise Media Services
Editorial Coordinator, CLC Publications
Author, www.davefessenden.com
Dave has degrees in journalism and theology, and over thirty years of experience in writing and editing. He has served in editorial management positions for Christian book publishers and was regional editor for the largest Protestant weekly newspaper in the country.
Dave has published seven books, written hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, and edited numerous books. He is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences. Two of his books, Writing the Christian Nonfiction Book: Concept to Contract and A Christian Writer’s Guide to the Book Proposal, are based on his experience in Christian publishing. The Case of the Exploding Speakeasy, Dave’s first novel, reflects his love for history and for the Sherlock Holmes stories of Arthur Conan-Doyle. Dave is currently pitching his second novel to publishers. Figman O’Firth is about a Scottish storyteller at the cusp of the Renaissance.
Dave and his wife, Jacque, live in south-central Pennsylvania and have two adult sons.
Workshop 7B — Book Proposals – Front End Method (Thursday, 5:15 – 6:05) I / ADV
Maybe one in ten book proposals is complete and well- prepared. Why? Because most authors go about it backwards, and it’s a process doomed to failure. This workshop shows you how to prepare a simple and successful proposal.
Workshop 7E — The Publishing Contract (Saturday, 2:00 – 2:50) I / ADV
Just when you are rejoicing that your book is going to be published, you receive a thick envelope in the mail—the dreaded publishing contract. This seminar explains the clauses in a standard book contract, from a layperson’s perspective. [Disclaimer: I’m not a lawyer, and I don’t dispense legal advice!]
Linda S. Glaz
Owner, Agent, www.lindasglaz.com
Linda spent thirteen years as an agent before going out on her own with Linda S. Glaz Literary Agency. She understands authors because she is one! Married with three grown children, she also brags about six grands and two greats. Aw, they're all great! And needless to say, she LOVES books. She is always looking for that next wonderful All American best-selling novel! Linda handles nonfiction and fiction in both the Christian and general markets. General market is clean reads only. And no spec or children’s!
Continuing Session 1 – Deep POV ALL
Ever wonder just how deep Deep POV really is? Join me for a wander into the deep. We'll discuss dialogue tags: yeah or nah. Developing strong characters. Getting rid of filter words and Show vs. Tell. Why should we use these techniques? Because the deeper you go, the more you strengthen and tighten the writing! Bring a shovel, 'cuz we'll really dig DEEP…
Kathy Green 
Associate Literary Agent, EmboldenMedia Group
Website/Blog: https://kathyrgreen.com/blog
Kathy is an author, conference speaker, publishing consultant, editor, and writing coach with fourteen years of experience in the publishing industry. Her enthusiasm for reading, writing, and journaling led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in English and writing from Liberty University. Kathy has written three books on prayer. Her books have opened doors to interviews on Atlanta Live, TBN, and Daystar, and numerous radio shows and podcasts. As an Associate Literary Agent with Embolden Media Group, Kathy is passionate about advocating for ministry and marketplace leaders who bring life-transforming messages to faith-based audiences.
Workshop 7F – The Journey to Your Dream (Saturday, 3:45 – 4:35) ALL
This workshop offers insight on the writing and publishing process. Discover what it takes to go from merely dreaming about being a published author to actually holding your book in your hand. Kathy will share from personal experience how to establish good writing habits, avoid the pitfalls of procrastination, deal with distractions, and overcome obstacles along the journey. Gain the encouragement and inspiration you need to see your writing dreams become a reality.
Michelle S. Lazurek
Literary Agent, WordWise Media Services
Award-winning Author
Speaker, Certified Writing Coach
Acquisitions Editor, Roaring Lion Publishers
www.michellelazurek.com
Michelle is a multi-genre award-winning author, literary agent, certified writing coach, speaker, pastor’s wife, and mother living in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania. She has won two Golden Scroll Children’s Book of the Year awards, Article of the Year award, and the Enduring Light silver medal, among seventeen other honors. She is also a member of the Christian Author's Network and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.
Workshop E3 — Writing to Shape Culture (Wednesday, 5:00-5:50) ALL
Global Pandemic. Government shutdowns. Economic uncertainty. Given the tumultuous nature of the world around us, is it any wonder Christians feel more hopeless than ever? It can feel like no matter what they do to spread the Gospel, it doesn’t seem to help. This workshop will help them understand that they already possess some of the best tools to tell people about Jesus.
Workshop 6E — Writing for Early Readers ALL
Many people want to write for children. But how do you write engaging content that not only tells a story but also keeps a young audience engaged despite the instant gratification world in which we live? In this workshop, Michelle will address the following aspects of children’s writing:
Tamela Hancock Murray
Tamela has been a literary agent since 2001. She is a bestselling author of over thirty novels, novellas, and nonfiction books and won an RWA Inspirational Readers Choice Award (follow this link for a complete list of her books). Although her current writing for publication is limited to the Agency blog, because of her experience, Tamela brings the perspective of a working writer to her role as a literary agent. She represents many top authors and continues to develop new talent.
In 2017 she was named Agent-of-the-Year by ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).
She earned her BA with honors in Journalism from Lynchburg College in Virginia. Today she enjoys living in Northern Virginia with her husband of over thirty years. They are the proud parents of two lovely adult daughters. When not focused on her passion for being a literary agent, Tamela enjoys cooking, particularly with her mother's vintage 1970s harvest gold crockpot. She's always on the lookout for new recipes. As the aromas of dinner waft through the castle, Tamela loves reading all sorts of amazing books.
Mytecia R. Myles
Associate Literary Agent, Author Development & Publishing Consultant
Embolden Media Group
A native of Detroit, MI, Mytecia leads author development and is a publishing consultant and associate literary agent at Embolden Media Group. She is also the founder and Global Head of PR & Communications of Supernatural Success, LLC. Myteciua oversees innovation and client development. She is a sought after advisor, speaker, and writing coach.
As a co-creator, book editor, and workshop presenter, Mytecia has had the honor of working with diverse groups of aspiring writers. She has helped writers in becoming published authors. In addition, she provides her signature writing course Inspired to Write, helping writers navigate from concept ideation through publishing.
Mytecia is the author of a newly released book, Success Shifts: Navigating Your Divine Calling by Faith. She has two brilliant adult daughters and is supported by a loving family. Her personal journey of faith, healing, and transformation, and entrepreneurship is inspiring to many.
Workshop 9F — PR for Authors: Pre, During, and Post Launch (Saturday 3:45 – 4:35) I / ADV
Karen Neumair
Chief Operating Officer and Senior Literary Agent
www.credocommunications.net
https://www.facebook.com/KarenNeumairLiteraryAgent
Karen Neumair is a Senior Literary Agent and the Chief Operating Officer of Credo Communications, where she assists authors with their book proposals and connects them with potential publishers. Since 2009, she has worked alongside nonfiction authors who write about Christian living and Spiritual Growth, as well as topics geared toward women and families. In 2017, she expanded her representation to also include picture and board books. You can visit her on Facebook.
Learning Lab, LL 2 – Book Proposals Publishers Love (Wednesday, 2:30 – 4:30) I / ADV
Are you ready to pursue a traditional publisher? This lab will help aspiring authors of nonfiction, fiction, and children’s books to put together the perfect presentation for their project and give them a sneak peek at proposals that sell.
Workshop 5C So You Want to Write a Children’s Book
(Target Audience: Aspiring Children’s Authors with no publishing experience)
How hard could it be? It turns out there are several parameters you need to know before you start that children’s manuscript. Join Senior Literary Agent Karen Neumair as she unpacks the ins and outs of writing board books and picture books for young readers.
