Off the Page: Publishing Day

Join us for a full day writers' conference! 

Please note, all events are free of charge except the food from Bonanno's and Currywursttruck.

Welcome and Networking

10 a.m. in the Rotunda

Sign up for Pitch & Pro Connect appointments, grab coffee and a bagel from Bonanno's Bagels, and check out our local author book fair!

Which Path Is Right for You? Big Publisher, Indie Press, or DIY?

10:15-11:10 a.m. in the Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
A clear-eyed, friendly look at today’s primary publishing routes. Perfect for writers deciding where—and how—to submit their work.

Beyond the Book: Getting Paid to Write—Magazines, Freelance Markets, & More

11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Learn how to identify the right markets, craft effective pitches, and get your work published and paid for. Participants will leave with a list of paying outlets to try and a sample pitch template to help them get started. 

12 p.m. Enjoy lunch from the Currywursttruck SRQ!

Pitch & Pro Connect

12:15-1:25 p.m.
After lunch, head into the Lit Lounge, for a variety of drop-in activities. 

The Pitch Table: “Pitch, Please!” 

12:15-1:25 p.m. in the Conference Room
It’s literary speed dating—with purpose. Each table is hosted by a faculty member with specific expertise, so you can tailor your three-minute pitch to the right professional. Open to all genres. Each pitcher leaves with a mini scorecard outlining strengths and suggested next steps.

Quick Consults: “Ask an Editor/Agent” 

12:15-1:25 p.m. in Group Study Rooms
These one-to-one, 10-minute sessions are your chance to ask industry-focused questions and get honest, practical advice from publishing professionals. By sign-up or drop-in (pending availability). Open to all genres.

Book Your Look: Author Headshot Booth 

12:15-1:25 p.m. in the Creation Station
A professional photographer offers free headshots for authors looking to level up their online presence. Includes a digital image emailed within 1 week.

Voice, Vision & Vibe: Finding the Heart of Your Project

1:30-2:15 p.m. in the Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Through guided writing prompts and short sharing opportunities, participants will explore voice, refine tone, and walk away with a working draft of a tagline, comp list, or elevator pitch.

First Pages That Stick: Hooking Readers from Line One

2:30-3:15 p.m. in the Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
In this interactive session, we’ll read opening pages (up to 250 words) aloud and offer supportive, constructive feedback. Whether your page is read or you’re in the audience listening, you’ll leave with fresh insight into what makes a beginning truly work. Optional: Submit your first page in advance for a chance to be included. Printed copies are welcome the day of as space allows.

Revision Ready: The Art of Rewriting Like a Pro

3:30-4:15 p.m. in the Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium
Learn how to tackle big-picture edits (structure, pacing, character arcs) before moving into line-level work (voice, dialogue, rhythm). We’ll share before-and-after samples, offer a revision checklist, and do a few guided exercises to help writers see their work with fresh eyes. Writers are encouraged to bring a printed page or two from a current project.

Write for Your Life: A Closing Keynote with Roy Peter Clark

4:30-5:00 p.m. in the Rotunda
Through story, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, our speaker shares why writing matters, what it asks of us, and how it can serve both the writer and the reader. You’ll leave feeling reconnected to your voice, your purpose, and the power of the written word.

All-Day Writers’ Hub
Located around the Rotunda both upstairs and downstairs, find space to connect, discover, and celebrate the local writing community, including a book swap table, author fair, writers' resource station, and more.