Speakers

Janet Fox – Traditional Publishing Success Story

Learn the In’s and Out’s of Traditional Publishing and Getting an Agent

Traditional publishing is a goal for many authors, but do you understand the process? You can learn from one of the best – an author of Young Adult novels who has succeeded in this competitive field and has much to share with you. Whether you think you want to publish traditionally or not, understanding the business will help you on your journey to your goal.

Janet is represented by Erin Murphy, of the Erin Murphy Literary Agency, and she can also answer questions about finding and selecting an agent.

More About Janet Fox

Janet writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction for children of all ages.

Janet’s published works include the non-fiction middle-grade book GET ORGANIZED WITHOUT LOSING IT (Free Spirit, 2006), and three YA historical romances: FAITHFUL (Speak/Penguin Group, 2010), FORGIVEN (Penguin, 2011), and SIRENS (Penguin, 2012). Her short fiction and non-fiction have appeared in anthologies and in magazines such as Spider and Highlights For Children.

Janet’s debut middle grade novel THE CHARMED CHILDREN OF ROOKSKILL CASTLE (Viking, 2016) is an eerie gothic fairy tale set in Scotland during World War 2. The novel received starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Shelf Awareness, is a Junior Library Guild selection, a 2016 Indies Next pick, and an ALA Notable Books nominee.

Her next novel, the middle grade THE LAST TRUE KNIGHT (Viking, 2018) is a tale of alternative facts – lies and stories – and gender identity – a girl disguised as a boy – set in a magical Elizabethan England.

Among her works in progress or under consideration are a non-fiction picture book (VOLCANO DREAMS), and a contemporary young adult novel (THE GRACES) set in Montana. She has also played with self-publishing, including a science fiction/dystopian young adult novel ARK (2017), now available on Amazon.

Janet is a 2010 graduate of the MFA/Writing for Children and Young Adults program at Vermont College of Fine Arts, a former high school teacher, a mom, and an assistant Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writer and Illustrators. She has spoken at conferences, in schools, and at workshops around the United States on topics of craft and the publishing industry, and her short articles on these topics have appeared in numerous magazines.

Janet lives in Bozeman, Montana. She’s represented by Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

Janet has been there and done it well, and she’s going to share her experiences with you in her presentation.

You can find more about Janet and her books at her website, JanetSFox.com.

Troy Kechely – Author & Instructor

Have you ever read a book and been disappointed because it was obvious the author didn’t have any knowledge of certain elements, such as location or how a business or organization really functions?

As a reader, it not only takes you out of the story, it damages the credibility of the author.

This is true whether it’s fiction or nonfiction. Accuracy and first-hand research are essential, especially in today’s world, where fact-checking is accomplished by a quick Google search.

But how do you go about getting the facts and real-life experience you want to incorporate realism into your novel or verify the details in your nonfiction book?

Troy knows, and in his presentation on Getting it Right: Research in the Real World, he’s going to share with you how you can get those interviews and experiences that make the difference in your writing and helps you connect with your readers.

With his scrupulous attention to research, Troy writes the best historical fiction he can with the intent of taking readers to another place and time. His factual backgrounds lend depth and authenticity to his work.

More about Troy Kechely

When he is not writing, he’s most likely teaching classes on canine behavior through Think Dog Consulting, as well as serving on the board of Big Sky Rottweiler Rescue, a non-profit, multi-state group that he founded in 1997. In his spare time, he’s out with his own rescued Rottweiler exploring the beauty of the Montana countryside.

Troy Kechely’s short stories and poems about the deep connection between humans and dogs have been published in Dog and Kennel Magazine and numerous newsletters and websites of canine rescue groups over the years. He is also a self-published author of the book Management of Aggressive Canines for Law Enforcement.

Having grown up on a ranch west of Helena, Montana Troy developed a strong connection with the land and the animals he cared for. This connection is carried over into his writing today and in fiction novels, Stranger’s Dance and Lost Horse Park. It is also highlighted in his blog, The Beautiful Bond, where he shares true stories about the amazing connection between humans and animals.

As founder of a non-profit Rottweiler rescue group, Troy took his passion for working with difficult dogs and grew it into a multi-state operation that has saved hundreds of dogs since 1997. This devotion grew into consulting business that provides expert testimony and classes on canine aggression and bite injury.

More information can be found at his website: Troy Kechely.

Lost Horse Park is Troy’s second self-published novel, after Stranger’s Dance. Lost Horse Park received 5-star reviews, and Stranger’s Dance got 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. He is currently working on his third novel.

About Lost Horse Park:

After causing trouble in his Montana hometown one time too many, teenager Jim Redmond has run out of options. A run-in with the law results in an ultimatum: either head to juvenile detention or spend the summer working with a backcountry trail crew along with the intimidating World War II veteran Tom McKee. What soon emerges is a moving exploration of the human heart.

Lost Horse Park is a stunning novel that takes readers from the rugged wilderness of Montana to the dark jungles of the Vietnam War and through the Italian mountains of World War II, uncovering the hearts of two men who are more similar than either of them could have ever imagined.

This sweeping novel examines the emotional connection humans share with animals, while poignantly exploring what it means to trust others and—above all—trust yourself.

Don’t miss hearing Troy and the other great speakers and topics – register today!

Rebecca Ballotta – Freelance Editor

So you’ve written a book. Or you’re working on one. Or maybe you just have some components; a concept, a few great character ideas, a twisted ending. Everyone tells you, if you’re serious about getting published, you must utilize a professional editor (good advice indeed). Do you know what type of editor you need in each of the above situations? There are several types of editors, and knowing the differences is essential in order to avoid frustrated expectations and misplaced resources.

Okay, let’s say you’ve sorted it all out; you know you need an editor and are clear on what type you need. How do you find the best editor for you? Are they all alike? In this presentation by Rebecca Ballotta, an award-winning writer, highly esteemed editor, and publishing coach, you’ll learn:

The different types of editors
How to determine if the editor is the right one for you
How to work with and build a successful relationship with an editor
Reasons to work with a developmental editor
What you should expect to pay for each type of editing
Where to look for the best editors (and where not to look)
And much more…

Rebecca has been writing and editing for over 40 years and has been a publishing coach for about 25 years. She has had dozens of articles published in magazines such as Homeschooling Today, At Home, Balance, B2B, and Distinctly Montana, one self-published book (Ways to Teach the Bible), and website and marketing content. In 2016, her article, Montana Mad Hatters, was a winner in the 85^th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition: Magazine Feature Article category.

On the editing side of things, recent examples of success achieved by authors Rebecca has worked with include one author’s manuscript being accepted by her first-choice publisher within two weeks of submission (released December, 2016), and another author being published on Amazon and hitting #1 within a week in both the U.S. and Canada. These examples demonstrate clear evidence of the importance of working with the right professional editor.

You can learn more about Rebecca at www.rebeccaballotta.com

Robyn Bridges – Author, Speaker, “Naturally Inspired” Podcaster

Do you have a passion for your project?

Passion activates the desire to describe situations and to have your reader join you in the experience of it. Yet many times authors struggle with this important element.

What would it mean if you could tap into those emotions and release that power in your work?

Turtle Medicine: The Art of Swimming Sideways

It could lift your writing from average to sublime, and be a factor in finding your audience and publication success. Just think, if you don’t love your own book, how can you expect others to?

This presentation, Passion for Your Project: The Heart of Direct Experience, by Robyn Bridges, is a hands-on, interactive workshop where you can discover how to explore, develop, and reveal your deepest connection to your work.

Unlock your passion, elevate your writing, and connect with your audience.

Author Robyn Bridges’ background includes 25 years as a Transpersonal Therapist and former counselor, and she shares her soulful support and encouragement in her numerous inspirational books, podcasts, CD’s, and presentations. She’s well-equipped to walk you through the process of connecting with your passion for your project and you won’t want to miss this workshop.

Make this the year you break out of the mundane and write the book you know you have in you! Sign up for the conference today!

Lynn Kinnaman – Publishing Options: How to Choose the One for You

What’s the difference between independent publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid publishing? How do you decide which one to choose?

In this presentation, Publishing Options: How to Choose the One for You, you’ll learn the pros and cons of each path so you can make the best choice for your publication strategy.

Lynn Kinnaman has experience in several different publication paths. She’s been published in fiction and nonfiction, both traditionally and independently. In her day job, she works with writers and small business owners to manage their marketing, create websites, and devise publication strategies. She also continues to publish her own books.

More about Lynn Kinnaman

Lynn Kinnaman has been published in fiction and nonfiction, traditionally and independently and she also is in the business of building websites building websites, teaching social media skills, and marketing strategies.

Lynn’s first writing job was is 1975 as a photojournalist for Cycle News, a weekly paper covering off-road racing in Southern California.

Since then, she’s published articles in magazines such as Big Sky Journal, Midwest Art, Sunset Magazine and Highlights for Children, won awards from the Montana Institute of the Arts, was president of Montana Authors Coalition and founded the Big Sky Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Lynn was a Book Project Manager for three cookbooks and Editor/Contributing Writer for Yellowstone Country, GoldWest Country, Russell Country and Missouri River Country Travel Guides.

Her book credits include Camping in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming (first edition), Southwest Montana Auto Adventures, Skinny Budget Marketing, Paying Forward, Divorce is not Destiny and several novelettes. She’s contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books and has a story in the Anthology of Cozy Noir, contributed to We’d Rather Be Writing, and 21 Days of Christmas.

Lynn has organized and hosted the Get Published Conference for the last eight years. Her writing website is LynnKinnaman.com.

When not writing, building websites or organizing promotions, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking dishes that sometimes requires chasing down exotic ingredients, fermenting kombucha and other delicacies, and venturing forth to find her own adventures in her travel trailer accompanied by her canine companion, a sweet Havanese named Trixie. Trixie is a registered Therapy Dog with Intermountain Therapy Animals, participating in the R.E.A.D. program, where children read to her at the library.

This conference is jam-packed with so much you can use as a writer, you don’t want to miss a thing! Register today!