Loading…
or to bookmark your favorites and sync them to your phone or calendar.
arrow_back View All Dates
Friday, February 7
 

7:00am MST

Eggs Benedict Breakfast (Ticketed Event)
Friday February 7, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am MST
Arapaho
Eggs Benedict Breakfest
Speakers
avatar for James Artimus Owen

James Artimus Owen

James Artimus Owen is part artist, part writer, and all heart. He has written and illustrated the Mythworld series, two dozen Starchild comics, available as The Twentieth Anniversary Nearly-Complete Essential Starchild, The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica (and coloring books... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am MST
Arapaho
  Ticketed Event

8:30am MST

Announcements
Friday February 7, 2025 8:30am - 8:45am MST
Colorado
Announcements by Mark Leslie Lefebvre and Marie Whittaker
Speakers
avatar for Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Mark has worked in the book industry since 1992, published more than thirty-five books, and is a pioneer in digital publishing. Past roles include President of Canadian Booksellers Association, Director of Self-Publishing & Author Relations and Director of Business Development, and... Read More →
avatar for Marie Whittaker

Marie Whittaker

Marie Whittaker enjoys teaching about publishing and project management for writers. She’s Associate Publisher at WordFire Press and Executive Director of Superstars Writing. She started her career writing horror. Marie created The Adventures of Lola Hopscotch, is published in Weird... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 8:30am - 8:45am MST
Colorado
  Announcements

8:45am MST

Collaborating With Experts
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
White River I
Multi-genre author Jonathan Maberry and scientist Ronald Coleman chat about how they collaborate on the science aspects in some of Maberry's bestselling novels.
Speakers
avatar for Ronald Coleman

Ronald Coleman

Ronald Coleman is a scientist and author from San Diego, California. He has a PhD in Biology from The Scripps Research Institute. He’s consulted as a scientist on projects for television, film, and novels. He has notably contributed to Jonathan Maberry’s Joe Ledger novels where... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Maberry

Jonathan Maberry

Jonathan Maberry is a New York Times bestselling author, 5-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, and comic book writer. His vampire apocalypse book series, V-WARS, was produced as a Netflix original series. He writes in multiple genres including suspense, thriller, horror, science fiction... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
White River I
  Panel

8:45am MST

The Economics of Self-Publishing
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Amphitheater (EPR)
Our panel of self-pub experts gets down into the nitty gritty of how to launch an indie career without breaking the bank.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Kennedy

Chris Kennedy

A Webster Award winner and three-time Dragon Award finalist, Chris Kennedy is a Science Fiction/Fantasy author, speaker, and small-press publisher who has written over 65 books and published more than 500 others. Get his free book, “Shattered Crucible,” at his website, https://chriskennedypublishing.com... Read More →
avatar for Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Mark has worked in the book industry since 1992, published more than thirty-five books, and is a pioneer in digital publishing. Past roles include President of Canadian Booksellers Association, Director of Self-Publishing & Author Relations and Director of Business Development, and... Read More →
avatar for David Sherrer

David Sherrer

David Sherrer is a lifelong gamer and story teller, and is the Marketing Director of Chenoweth Press and Lead Game Designer of Chenoweth Games. His debut card game "Cat Magic: The Game" released in 2022 and was funded on Kickstarter within hours of launching.
avatar for Jeanette Strode

Jeanette Strode

During the last 8 years as COO of Shadow Alley Press, Jeanette’s learned a lot about Indie Publishing. It takes persistence, a dedicated team, and big goals and dreams. Since 2016, she’s worked with numerous authors on these exact things. Helping them to narrow down their goals... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Amphitheater (EPR)
  Panel

8:45am MST

A New Take on Raising the Stakes
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Manitou
Once you understand—more accurately—the relationship between plot and stakes, you can create and raise them more easily and effectively.
Speakers
avatar for September C. Fawkes

September C. Fawkes

September C. Fawkes works as a freelance editor and writing instructor and is best known for her award-winning writing tip blog, SeptemberCFawkes.com. She has edited for award-winning and best-selling authors as well as beginning writers. For seven years she worked with David Farland... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Manitou
  Session

8:45am MST

Deep 6: Using Deep POV to Take Your Writing to the Next Level
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Gunnison
Using Deep POV to Take Your Writing to the Next Level
Speakers
avatar for Amy Cowan

Amy Cowan

Amy Cowan, a seasoned professional with nearly a decade of experience in publishing, excels in acquisitions, editing, and financial intricacies. Presently the Publisher at Young Dragons, an imprint of Roan & Weatherford Publishing Associates, she spearheads Children’s and Middle... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Gunnison
  Session

8:45am MST

Get Out Of Your Own Way
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Colorado
Through subconscious self-sabotage and other internal safety mechanisms, we hinder ourselves from realizing our full potential
Speakers
avatar for Craig Martelle

Craig Martelle

Craig Martelle is a million-selling author of Sci-Fi and Thrillers. He runs the Successful Indie Author series of author-help videos, books, and group.
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Colorado
  Session

8:45am MST

Getting Ready For Your Close-up
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Rio Grande
Understanding what film studios want and how to work with them
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Ikenberry

Kevin Ikenberry

Kevin Ikenberry is a life-long space geek, bestselling science fiction and alternate history author, and teacher. With more than twenty-five novels published in multiple universes under his belt, Kevin continues writing stories uplifting the power of the human spirit in difficult... Read More →
avatar for James Fox

James Fox

James Fox is an award-winning author, screenwriter, and filmmaker with over 15 years of experience crafting compelling stories across film, books, and digital media. Creator of the acclaimed The Sol Saga series, he is known for his intricate world-building and character-driven narratives... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Rio Grande
  Session

8:45am MST

Legacy Planning: The Literary Side
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Arkansas
You have a successful story, novel, series, universe: does it all fade to black after you pass away? What do you want to happen, and how do you make it happen?
Speakers
avatar for Toni Weisskopf

Toni Weisskopf

Toni Weisskopf is an American science fiction editor and the publisher of Baen Books. She has been nominated four times for a Hugo Award. She has won the Phoenix Award, the Rebel Award, and the Neffy Award for best editor.
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Arkansas
  Session

8:45am MST

Pitches / Career Counseling
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
White River II
Please check in at the Appointments Desk at least 5 minutes prior to your appointment.
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
White River II
  Session

8:45am MST

Sustainable Social Media Strategies
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Platte
Detoxify your relationship with social media and find strategies that will fuel your creativity instead of draining it.
Speakers
avatar for Cindy Gunderson

Cindy Gunderson

Cindy Gunderson is a voice actress and award-winning author. Since she has commitment issues, she writes both sci-fi and fantasy, as well as contemporary romance and women's fiction under the pen name, Cynthia Gunderson.
Friday February 7, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am MST
Platte
  Session

9:45am MST

Break
Friday February 7, 2025 9:45am - 10:00am MST
None
Break
Friday February 7, 2025 9:45am - 10:00am MST
None
  Break

10:00am MST

The State of Traditional Publishing
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Amphitheater (EPR)
Editors and agents from the trad-pub world talk about what they think 2025 is going to bring to the industry, and how to navigate the rest of the year.
Speakers
avatar for Anne Fonteneau

Anne Fonteneau

Anne began at Blackstone Publishing in 2001 and quickly became Head of Retail Sales, significantly boosting sales. By 2008, she was managing Digital Sales, leading to rapid sector growth. Her innovative leadership as Chief Sales Officer has been key in adapting strategies in the dynamic... Read More →
avatar for Kristin Nelson

Kristin Nelson

Kristin established Nelson Literary Agency, LLC, in 2002 and over the last two decades, she has represented over fifty-five New York Times bestselling titles and many USA Today bestsellers. Her clients include Shelby Van Pelt, Hugh Howey, Jamie Ford, Marie Lu, Stacey Lee, Ally Carter... Read More →
avatar for Cherry Weiner

Cherry Weiner

Born and raised in Australia. Came to American when I married a Brooklyn boy. I worked for one of the biggest Literary Agents in NY until he fired me and then his clients took two years to convince me to open my own agency by sending me authors and their manuscripts. I handle all... Read More →
avatar for Toni Weisskopf

Toni Weisskopf

Toni Weisskopf is an American science fiction editor and the publisher of Baen Books. She has been nominated four times for a Hugo Award. She has won the Phoenix Award, the Rebel Award, and the Neffy Award for best editor.
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Amphitheater (EPR)
  Panel

10:00am MST

Using Social Media in Your Book Marketing Strategy
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
White River I
Social media marketing isn't just about Facebook ads anymore. Learn from our panel of gurus about social media strategies that have worked for them or their clients.
Speakers
avatar for Z.S. Diamanti

Z.S. Diamanti

Z.S. Diamanti is the award-winning author of the Stone & Sky series, an epic fantasy adventure and Guard in the Garden, the first book in the Fables of Finlestia cozy fantasy series. He attended college forever and has far too many pieces of paper on his wall. He’s a USAF veteran... Read More →
avatar for Cindy Gunderson

Cindy Gunderson

Cindy Gunderson is a voice actress and award-winning author. Since she has commitment issues, she writes both sci-fi and fantasy, as well as contemporary romance and women's fiction under the pen name, Cynthia Gunderson.
avatar for James Hunter

James Hunter

James Hunter is a full-time Inkslinger and the bestselling author of Vigil Bound, Rogue Dungeon, Shadowcroft Academy, Discount Dan, and the litRPG epic Viridian Gate Online! In addition to writing, James also runs Shadow Alley Press, a publishing company that specializes in LitRRP... Read More →
avatar for Lydia Sherrer

Lydia Sherrer

Lydia Sherrer is the award-winning and USA Today Bestselling author of the Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus universe of books which have sold over three-quarters of a million copies worldwide. She has also published the TransDimensional Hunter series with NYT bestselling author John Ringo... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
White River I
  Panel

10:00am MST

Avoiding the Sophomore Novel Slump
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Manitou
Master the art of writing on deadline and avoiding the dreaded "sophomore novel slump"
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Brody

Jennifer Brody

Jennifer Brody (a/k/a Vera Strange) is a Bram Stoker Award Finalist and the author of A SACRIFICE OF BLOOD & STARS, DISNEY CHILLS, THE 13TH CONTINUUM trilogy, STAR WARS: STORIES OF JEDI AND SITH, and SPECTRE DEEP 6, prompting Forbes to call her “a star in the graphic novel worl... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Manitou
  Session

10:00am MST

Copyrights 101
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Arkansas
An intro to why authors need to be aware of how to manage their own copyrights, even if they have an agent or publisher.
Speakers
avatar for Craig Martelle

Craig Martelle

Craig Martelle is a million-selling author of Sci-Fi and Thrillers. He runs the Successful Indie Author series of author-help videos, books, and group.
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Arkansas
  Session

10:00am MST

How to Make Money as a Writer
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Colorado
The bottom Line on how to build a successful income-driven writing career
Speakers
avatar for Jonathan Maberry

Jonathan Maberry

Jonathan Maberry is a New York Times bestselling author, 5-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, and comic book writer. His vampire apocalypse book series, V-WARS, was produced as a Netflix original series. He writes in multiple genres including suspense, thriller, horror, science fiction... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Colorado
  Session

10:00am MST

Level Up: Turning Your Intellectual Property into Successful Games
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Rio Grande
Join David Sherrer as he shares actionable insights on leveraging your intellectual property to create engaging and profitable games, drawing from his successful Kickstarter experience and game development expertise.
Speakers
avatar for David Sherrer

David Sherrer

David Sherrer is a lifelong gamer and story teller, and is the Marketing Director of Chenoweth Press and Lead Game Designer of Chenoweth Games. His debut card game "Cat Magic: The Game" released in 2022 and was funded on Kickstarter within hours of launching.
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Rio Grande
  Session

10:00am MST

Pitches / Career Counseling
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
White River II
Please check in at the Appointments Desk at least 5 minutes prior to your appointment.
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
White River II
  Session

10:00am MST

That’s Not What I Wrote: Listening and Learning From Your Editor
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Gunnison
Whether you’ve hired an editor to help take your book to the next level or your agent/publisher has made editorial suggestions, changing your manuscript can be hard. This course will go through the most common editorial mistakes (and how not to make them), what to do when the editor wants you to change more than you are willing, and how to come to terms with the changes you know you have to make. We will walk you through the right questions to ask after you get your edits and the best ways to go about making your changes.
Speakers
SB

Sabine Berlin

Sabine is an avid reader, writer, and editor. She has a BA in History, a Certificate of Proficiency in Editing and Document Design, and an M.Ed in Higher Education Leadership. During the day she works in higher education. At night she reads, writes, edits fiction, and watches K-dramas... Read More →
avatar for Lindsay Flanagan

Lindsay Flanagan

Lindsay Flanagan is an award-winning editor with an MA in English and Creative Writing.Her debut novel, AnnaGrey and the Constellation, was published by Young Dragons Press in August 2023, with two more books about AnnaGrey slated for publication in 2024 and 2025.She’s edited for... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Gunnison
  Session

10:00am MST

Transforming Profit Margins: A Guide to Direct Sales and Special Edition Books
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Platte
Learn actionable insights for breaking free from traditional distribution limitations, allow for greater control of profit margins, increase customer retention, and create a new paradigm of profitability in book publishing.
Speakers
avatar for Dana Claire

Dana Claire

Dana Claire, a marketing and sales expert, public speaker, and young adult author, founded The INKfluence, a specialized marketing agency for authors. The INKfluence offers special edition design & production, Kickstarter campaign management, and direct sales website build outs. Passionate... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MST
Platte
  Session

11:00am MST

Break
Friday February 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:15am MST
None
Break
Friday February 7, 2025 11:00am - 11:15am MST
None
  Break

11:15am MST

Diversity and Inclusion in Publishing
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
White River I
Including a wide variety of characters and viewpoints can be incredibly validating for writers and readers alike. Learn from our panel why diversity and inclusion matters.
Moderators
avatar for Jayrod P. Garrett

Jayrod P. Garrett

Jayrod P. Garrett (they/them) is a storyteller with an MFA in English: Creative Writing from the UNR. They have published work with the League of Utah Writers and currently work on poetry, novels, editing, and storytelling projects. They live in northern Utah with their spouse and... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Chaz Kemp

Chaz Kemp

I have been a professional illustrator for 25 years and I've done hundreds of book covers, interior illustrations and posters for clients in dozens of industries. In that time, I've studied marketing, branding and business. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with the Superstars... Read More →
avatar for Michael La Ronn

Michael La Ronn

Michael La Ronn (also known as M.L. Ronn) has published over 100 science fiction & fantasy novels and self-help books for writers.Michael also runs the award-winning YouTube channel “Author Level Up,” with over 40,000 subscribers and 2 million views. Writer’s Digest voted the... Read More →
avatar for Lisa Mangum

Lisa Mangum

Lisa Mangum is the Managing Editor for Shadow Mountain. She is also the author of four national best-selling YA novels, several short stories and novellas, and the nonfiction book Write Fearless. Edit Smart. Get Published. She regularly teaches at writing conferences. She lives in... Read More →
avatar for David R. Slayton

David R. Slayton

David R. Slayton (he/him) grew up in Guthrie, Oklahoma, where finding fantasy novels was pretty challenging and finding fantasy novels with diverse characters was downright impossible. Now he writes the books he always wanted to read. His epic fantasy, Dark Moon, Shallow Sea, won... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
White River I
  Panel

11:15am MST

Patreon
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Amphitheater (EPR)
Learn from our panel of Patreon pioneers on how and why you should consider launching a Patreon for your fans.
Speakers
avatar for Chuck Gannon

Chuck Gannon

Dr. Charles E. Gannon‘s best-selling books have won the Dragon Award, the ALA Choice Award (Outstanding Book), the Compton Crook Award, and have been nominated for four Nebulas. He is best known for the Caine Riordan series of hard sf novels, which have all been national best-sellers... Read More →
avatar for Lydia Sherrer

Lydia Sherrer

Lydia Sherrer is the award-winning and USA Today Bestselling author of the Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus universe of books which have sold over three-quarters of a million copies worldwide. She has also published the TransDimensional Hunter series with NYT bestselling author John Ringo... Read More →
avatar for James Artimus Owen

James Artimus Owen

James Artimus Owen is part artist, part writer, and all heart. He has written and illustrated the Mythworld series, two dozen Starchild comics, available as The Twentieth Anniversary Nearly-Complete Essential Starchild, The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica (and coloring books... Read More →
avatar for Clark Rowenson

Clark Rowenson

Fascinated by magic since pine cones could be fireballs, C. R. Rowenson (Clark) is an award-winning author, blogger, and writing coach that studies magic building like others study oil-painting. His prime directive is to help storytellers craft and repair unforgettable magic systems... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Amphitheater (EPR)
  Panel

11:15am MST

6 Secrets about 6-Figure Kickstarter Success
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Colorado
Explore advanced strategies and insights that power high-performing crowdfunding campaigns in this session tailored for experienced creators. Discover the key elements behind six-figure success, from maximizing audience engagement and crafting optimized prelaunch marketing funnels to designing premium reward structures and tackling mid-campaign slumps with tactics like flash rewards. Packed with actionable strategies and real-world examples, this session is designed to help you refine your approach and scale your results. If you're ready to push your campaigns to the next level, this is your blueprint for Kickstarter success.
Speakers
avatar for Dana Claire

Dana Claire

Dana Claire, a marketing and sales expert, public speaker, and young adult author, founded The INKfluence, a specialized marketing agency for authors. The INKfluence offers special edition design & production, Kickstarter campaign management, and direct sales website build outs. Passionate... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Colorado
  Session

11:15am MST

AMA: Running a Seven-Figure Author Business
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Rio Grande
Jeanette will be sharing secrets on how to get to the next level on your author journey from structure and process to networking and making deals.
Speakers
avatar for Jeanette Strode

Jeanette Strode

During the last 8 years as COO of Shadow Alley Press, Jeanette’s learned a lot about Indie Publishing. It takes persistence, a dedicated team, and big goals and dreams. Since 2016, she’s worked with numerous authors on these exact things. Helping them to narrow down their goals... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Rio Grande
  Session

11:15am MST

Author Branding for Success
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Platte
Exploring the ins and outs, ups and downs of successful author branding based on more than thirty years of tracking trad and indie authors.
Speakers
avatar for Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Mark has worked in the book industry since 1992, published more than thirty-five books, and is a pioneer in digital publishing. Past roles include President of Canadian Booksellers Association, Director of Self-Publishing & Author Relations and Director of Business Development, and... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Platte
  Session

11:15am MST

Pitches / Career Counseling
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
White River II
Please check in at the Appointments Desk at least 5 minutes prior to your appointment.
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
White River II
  Session

11:15am MST

Tax Myths Costing Authors Money
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Arkansas
There’s a lot of bad tax advice floating around, and following it could mean leaving money on the table—or worse, committing tax fraud without realizing it. In this session, we’ll tackle common misconceptions about tax deductions for authors, clarify what’s truly deductible, and explore strategies to maximize savings while staying compliant. Learn how to keep more of what you earn—legally and effectively.
Speakers
avatar for Seth C. Norris

Seth C. Norris

Norris CPA LLC
Seth Norris is a CPA with over 12 years of experience in public accounting, serving as a bank CFO, and running his own virtual tax and accounting firm. Married to an author, Seth has a deep understanding of the unique challenges creatives face, making him a trusted financial partner... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Arkansas
  Session

11:15am MST

The Plot Module
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Gunnison
When you're starting out as a writer (or even if you're experienced) sometimes it's a lot of work to fully plot out your novel. You might have heard of certain "beats" you're supposed to hit. But what if you had an exact guide that walked you through the entire plotting process, chapter by chapter, so you wouldn't have to guess what happens next? That's what you'll discover in Jason's Plot Module, an easy-to-follow and flexible plotting template that will take away the guesswork.
Speakers
avatar for Jason Hamilton

Jason Hamilton

Jason Hamilton is a mythic fantasy author, former content manager at Kindlepreneur, and now runs the largest YouTube channel about the use of AI in creative writing (The Nerdy Novelist). His Story Hacker membership (StoryHacker.ai) has helped hundreds of authors write their first... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Gunnison
  Session

11:15am MST

TribeTalks: “Ted Talk” Style Presentations from Tribe
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Manitou
Critical Community: How to Build an Excellent Critique Group (presented by Elise Stephens)
Harnessing Your “Starter” energy to become a “Finisher” (presented by C.L. Fors)
East Meets West: Exploring the Fusion of Storytelling Traditions (presented by Sammie Trinidad)
Moderators
avatar for Joshua Essoe

Joshua Essoe

Joshua Essoe is a full-time editor who’s edited for NYT bestsellers, like David Farland and Piers Anthony, along with hundreds of independents. His books on writing, funded in just hours on Kickstarter cover the most-common issues he sees in fiction writing. Find him teaching at... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for C.L. Fors

C.L. Fors

CL Fors, Cherrie Lynn to her friends, is an author, illustrator, and publisher hailing from the California desert where she lives with her author husband, four clever children, and a small menagerie of creatures. She is a recent Illustrators of the Future winner and author of the... Read More →
avatar for Elise Stephens

Elise Stephens

Elise Stephens (she/her) writes stories influenced by the themes of family, memory, and finding hope after a devastating loss. She also draws inspiration from her love for theater and a globetrotting childhood. She is a first-place winner of Writers of the Future (2019) and a finalist... Read More →
avatar for Sammie Trinidad

Sammie Trinidad

Sammie Trinidad likes to call herself the "Filipina Wonder Woman" - she even has the cosplay to prove it. Her stories include romance, both in SFF and contemporary, and her stories have been published in League of Utah Writer anthologies and the Eagle Con anthology. The three C's... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm MST
Manitou
  Session

12:15pm MST

Lunch On Your Own
Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:45pm MST
None
Meal on Your Own
Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:45pm MST
None
  Meal

1:45pm MST

Live Editing and Q&A
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
White River I
Editors answer all your editing questions while showing (not telling) the editing process, live.
Speakers
avatar for Joshua Essoe

Joshua Essoe

Joshua Essoe is a full-time editor who’s edited for NYT bestsellers, like David Farland and Piers Anthony, along with hundreds of independents. His books on writing, funded in just hours on Kickstarter cover the most-common issues he sees in fiction writing. Find him teaching at... Read More →
avatar for Lisa Mangum

Lisa Mangum

Lisa Mangum is the Managing Editor for Shadow Mountain. She is also the author of four national best-selling YA novels, several short stories and novellas, and the nonfiction book Write Fearless. Edit Smart. Get Published. She regularly teaches at writing conferences. She lives in... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
White River I
  Panel

1:45pm MST

The Future of AI in Publishing
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Amphitheater (EPR)
AI isn't just a plot device; it's already here, there, everywhere. How will impact publishing in the next year or two? Our panel discusses ideas and theories, as well as real-world implications.
Speakers
avatar for Chuck Gannon

Chuck Gannon

Dr. Charles E. Gannon‘s best-selling books have won the Dragon Award, the ALA Choice Award (Outstanding Book), the Compton Crook Award, and have been nominated for four Nebulas. He is best known for the Caine Riordan series of hard sf novels, which have all been national best-sellers... Read More →
avatar for James Hunter

James Hunter

James Hunter is a full-time Inkslinger and the bestselling author of Vigil Bound, Rogue Dungeon, Shadowcroft Academy, Discount Dan, and the litRPG epic Viridian Gate Online! In addition to writing, James also runs Shadow Alley Press, a publishing company that specializes in LitRRP... Read More →
avatar for Nick Thacker

Nick Thacker

I'm a USA Today Bestselling Author, with over 40 thrillers published to my name. I run Book Career In A Year, helping authors reach the next level.
avatar for Toni Weisskopf

Toni Weisskopf

Toni Weisskopf is an American science fiction editor and the publisher of Baen Books. She has been nominated four times for a Hugo Award. She has won the Phoenix Award, the Rebel Award, and the Neffy Award for best editor.
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Amphitheater (EPR)
  Panel

1:45pm MST

Badass Book Covers 101
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Platte
Learn how to create standout covers in any genre.
Speakers
avatar for Jake Clark

Jake Clark

I make badass art for badass stories. Full of grit and storytelling, my work is geared to capture attention. Using 3-d modeling software combined with digital painting and other assets, my fully custom creations play with perspective and scale in a way few other covers do.
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Platte
  Session

1:45pm MST

Build Your Author Platform Through Writing & Selling Magazine Articles
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Arapaho
Led by Kerrie Flanagan, a seasoned freelance writer with hundreds of published articles and the author of Writer's Digest Guide to Magazine Article Writing, this workshop is your gateway to becoming a published and paid magazine writer.
Speakers
avatar for Kerrie Flanagan

Kerrie Flanagan

Kerrie Flanagan, with 25+ years in publishing, is an accomplished author, consultant, and instructor. She’s written for top magazines, authored 24 books, and developed the Magazine Writing Blueprint. Kerrie supports authors through her expertise and dedication and through speaking... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Arapaho
  Session

1:45pm MST

Elephants and Elevators: Demystifying Marketing
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Manitou
Focusing on marketing principles and how they apply to self-publishing and indie authors, this class will be an exploration of marketing and how to make it work for you. Advertising is only one small part of marketing and understanding what else it is will help you to be more a more effective promoter.
Speakers
avatar for Logan Uber

Logan Uber

The Brothers Uber
Logan Uber, author, publisher, and presenter, has more than a decade of marketing and crowdfunding experience. He runs the Brothers Uber, a publishing house with a focus on telling great stories. He holds four master’s degrees and has been a guest lecturer at schools throughout... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Manitou
  Session

1:45pm MST

Fantastical Implications: Enhancing Magic, Story, and World with the Magic-System Blueprint
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Gunnison
Explore how the Magic-System Blueprint can systematically elevate your fantasy writing by creating richer, more impactful fantastical elements that deepen your storytelling and expand your world-building.
Speakers
avatar for Clark Rowenson

Clark Rowenson

Fascinated by magic since pine cones could be fireballs, C. R. Rowenson (Clark) is an award-winning author, blogger, and writing coach that studies magic building like others study oil-painting. His prime directive is to help storytellers craft and repair unforgettable magic systems... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Gunnison
  Session

1:45pm MST

How to Catch a Trend: Romantasy and the Business of Trends & Genre Mash-ups
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Rio Grande
Catching a hot publishing trend is like lightning in a bottle, but trends are always changing and evolving, so explore practical tips for writing to market but not being derivative.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Brody

Jennifer Brody

Jennifer Brody (a/k/a Vera Strange) is a Bram Stoker Award Finalist and the author of A SACRIFICE OF BLOOD & STARS, DISNEY CHILLS, THE 13TH CONTINUUM trilogy, STAR WARS: STORIES OF JEDI AND SITH, and SPECTRE DEEP 6, prompting Forbes to call her “a star in the graphic novel worl... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Rio Grande
  Session

1:45pm MST

International Rights 101
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Arkansas
An introduction to international rights — what they are, pros & cons to reserving or granting those rights, the role of international book fairs, and how authors can best make decisions to manage these rights, even if they have an agent or publisher.
Speakers
avatar for Kristin Nelson

Kristin Nelson

Kristin established Nelson Literary Agency, LLC, in 2002 and over the last two decades, she has represented over fifty-five New York Times bestselling titles and many USA Today bestsellers. Her clients include Shelby Van Pelt, Hugh Howey, Jamie Ford, Marie Lu, Stacey Lee, Ally Carter... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Arkansas
  Session

1:45pm MST

Pitches / Career Counseling
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
White River II
Please check in at the Appointments Desk at least 5 minutes prior to your appointment.
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
White River II
  Session

1:45pm MST

Writing Real Law Enforcement Characters
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Colorado
Getting it right without getting bogged down. Where to get information, what you need to know—and what you don’t need to worry about. Do you have to have experience as a cop to write about that life? Not at all. But it helps to "know a guy."
Speakers
avatar for Marc Cameron

Marc Cameron

New York Times bestselling author Marc Cameron has written short fiction for The Saturday Evening Post and Boys’ Life Magazine. He’s the author of thirty books—Westerns, Jericho Quinn Thrillers, Arliss Cutter Mysteries featuring a deputy US marshal based in Alaska, and seven... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm MST
Colorado
  Session

2:45pm MST

Break
Friday February 7, 2025 2:45pm - 3:00pm MST
None
Break
Friday February 7, 2025 2:45pm - 3:00pm MST
None
  Break

3:00pm MST

Mystery: Keeping Readers in Suspense
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
White River I
A panel of bestselling writers pick apart the puzzle of keeping readers mystified—but hooked.
Speakers
avatar for Marc Cameron

Marc Cameron

New York Times bestselling author Marc Cameron has written short fiction for The Saturday Evening Post and Boys’ Life Magazine. He’s the author of thirty books—Westerns, Jericho Quinn Thrillers, Arliss Cutter Mysteries featuring a deputy US marshal based in Alaska, and seven... Read More →
avatar for Casey Cowan

Casey Cowan

Casey brings thirty years of expertise in journalism, publishing, and design to his work as a graphic designer, reporter, and publisher. His career began with a foundation in graphic design, where his creative vision shaped countless projects across various industries. In 2013, Casey... Read More →
avatar for Laura Hayden

Laura Hayden

An early reader, Laura exhausted the children’s section of her local library by age ten. At that point, she switched to adult mysteries and science fiction and never looked back. Trained as an engineer, she continued to write “for fun” until one day, she decided to write “for... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Maberry

Jonathan Maberry

Jonathan Maberry is a New York Times bestselling author, 5-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, and comic book writer. His vampire apocalypse book series, V-WARS, was produced as a Netflix original series. He writes in multiple genres including suspense, thriller, horror, science fiction... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
White River I
  Panel

3:00pm MST

Panel: Writers of the Future
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Colorado
Writers of the Future was launched in 1984 by L. Ron Hubbard to provide a means for writers to have a chance for their creative efforts to be seen and had some of the biggest names in SF&F as its judges, which continues to this day. Join Writers of the Future and WotF judges as they discuss the backstory to Writers of the Future as well as what it has meant to the SF&F community.
Speakers
avatar for Kevin J. Anderson

Kevin J. Anderson

Kevin J. Anderson is one of the founders of Superstars, a #1 international bestselling author known for his work in the Dune, Star Wars, X-Files, Batman and Superman universes. He is also publisher of WordFire Press, and director of the Publishing Masters Degree program at Western... Read More →
avatar for Rebecca Moesta

Rebecca Moesta

Rebecca Moesta (pronounced MESS-tuh) is a freelance editor, co-publisher at WordFire Press, and bestselling author. She writes SF/F and nonfiction books for writers, both solo and with her husband, Kevin J. Anderson. Her work includes novels in Star Wars, Star Trek, and Buffy the... Read More →
avatar for Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Mark has worked in the book industry since 1992, published more than thirty-five books, and is a pioneer in digital publishing. Past roles include President of Canadian Booksellers Association, Director of Self-Publishing & Author Relations and Director of Business Development, and... Read More →
avatar for Todd McCaffrey

Todd McCaffrey

New York Times Bestselling Author Todd J. McCaffrey has over sixty books in print including eight in the classic Dragonriders of Pern® series. He holds degrees in art and engineering, is a licensed pilot, and an Army veteran.
avatar for John Goodwin

John Goodwin

John Goodwin, President Galaxy Press, has been involved with book publishing since 1986, publishing the fiction works of bestselling author L. Ron Hubbard which includes the Writers of the Future anthology. He is also host of the award-winning Writers and Illustrators of the Future... Read More →
avatar for Emily Goodwin

Emily Goodwin

Emily has been involved with book publishing since 2007, including the international Writers & Illustrators of the Future Contests. She is the producer for the Writers of the Future annual Achievement Awards and the online writing workshop. She is involved in community activities... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Colorado
  Panel

3:00pm MST

Writers Beware
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Amphitheater (EPR)
Our panel of expert agents and authors talk about some of the gotchas that writers should look out for, when seeking a book deal or licensing their work.
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Ikenberry

Kevin Ikenberry

Kevin Ikenberry is a life-long space geek, bestselling science fiction and alternate history author, and teacher. With more than twenty-five novels published in multiple universes under his belt, Kevin continues writing stories uplifting the power of the human spirit in difficult... Read More →
avatar for Craig Martelle

Craig Martelle

Craig Martelle is a million-selling author of Sci-Fi and Thrillers. He runs the Successful Indie Author series of author-help videos, books, and group.
avatar for Kristin Nelson

Kristin Nelson

Kristin established Nelson Literary Agency, LLC, in 2002 and over the last two decades, she has represented over fifty-five New York Times bestselling titles and many USA Today bestsellers. Her clients include Shelby Van Pelt, Hugh Howey, Jamie Ford, Marie Lu, Stacey Lee, Ally Carter... Read More →
avatar for Cherry Weiner

Cherry Weiner

Born and raised in Australia. Came to American when I married a Brooklyn boy. I worked for one of the biggest Literary Agents in NY until he fired me and then his clients took two years to convince me to open my own agency by sending me authors and their manuscripts. I handle all... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Amphitheater (EPR)
  Panel

3:00pm MST

Book Marketing In 2024
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Platte
Three Marketing Strategies You MUST Be Focusing On
Speakers
avatar for Nick Thacker

Nick Thacker

I'm a USA Today Bestselling Author, with over 40 thrillers published to my name. I run Book Career In A Year, helping authors reach the next level.
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Platte
  Session

3:00pm MST

Combating Burnout
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Rio Grande
Discover effective strategies to recognize, manage, and overcome burnout, revitalizing your passion and productivity in the creative process.
Speakers
avatar for James Hunter

James Hunter

James Hunter is a full-time Inkslinger and the bestselling author of Vigil Bound, Rogue Dungeon, Shadowcroft Academy, Discount Dan, and the litRPG epic Viridian Gate Online! In addition to writing, James also runs Shadow Alley Press, a publishing company that specializes in LitRRP... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Rio Grande
  Session

3:00pm MST

Creating Calm Waters and Navigating Personal Finance with Ease
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Arkansas
Discover essential financial strategies to stop bailing water and instead ride the winds of success when they arrive.
Speakers
avatar for Clark Rowenson

Clark Rowenson

Fascinated by magic since pine cones could be fireballs, C. R. Rowenson (Clark) is an award-winning author, blogger, and writing coach that studies magic building like others study oil-painting. His prime directive is to help storytellers craft and repair unforgettable magic systems... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Arkansas
  Session

3:00pm MST

Editing and Polishing Your Manuscript in MS Word
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Arapaho
What are the most common issues editors see that can be minimized by the author? Advice for authors on what should and should not do, and tips and tricks to help you present your best manuscript to their editor and/or publisher.
Speakers
avatar for Mia Kleve

Mia Kleve

MRK'd Up Editing
Mia has been an avid reader since she was a kid, starting with science fiction and fantasy, but soon moving into detective fiction. She’s one of those people who always has a book. She started as a proofreader, but soon moved into line, copy, and developmental editing. She has... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Arapaho
  Session

3:00pm MST

Indie Author Book Services
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Manitou
TBD
Speakers
avatar for Dave Sheets

Dave Sheets

Indie Author Book Services
Dave Sheets has spent more than 28 years in the publishing industry working with many of the top book publishers, distributors, and printers in the industry, followed by owning a publishing services company working with independent authors. He has served clients in various sales and... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Manitou
  Session

3:00pm MST

Let's Trim That Word Count
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Gunnison
This workshop will explore techniques for reducing your word count and getting your book into a lean, mean, competitive shape.
Speakers
avatar for David R. Slayton

David R. Slayton

David R. Slayton (he/him) grew up in Guthrie, Oklahoma, where finding fantasy novels was pretty challenging and finding fantasy novels with diverse characters was downright impossible. Now he writes the books he always wanted to read. His epic fantasy, Dark Moon, Shallow Sea, won... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
Gunnison
  Session

3:00pm MST

Pitches / Career Counseling
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
White River II
Please check in at the Appointments Desk at least 5 minutes prior to your appointment.
Friday February 7, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MST
White River II
  Session

4:00pm MST

Break
Friday February 7, 2025 4:00pm - 4:15pm MST
None
Break
Friday February 7, 2025 4:00pm - 4:15pm MST
None
  Break

4:15pm MST

Announcements
Friday February 7, 2025 4:15pm - 4:30pm MST
Colorado
Announcements by Mark Leslie Lefebvre and Marie Whittaker
Speakers
avatar for Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Mark has worked in the book industry since 1992, published more than thirty-five books, and is a pioneer in digital publishing. Past roles include President of Canadian Booksellers Association, Director of Self-Publishing & Author Relations and Director of Business Development, and... Read More →
avatar for Marie Whittaker

Marie Whittaker

Marie Whittaker enjoys teaching about publishing and project management for writers. She’s Associate Publisher at WordFire Press and Executive Director of Superstars Writing. She started her career writing horror. Marie created The Adventures of Lola Hopscotch, is published in Weird... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 4:15pm - 4:30pm MST
Colorado
  Announcements

4:30pm MST

A Special Presentation: Drawing Out the Dragons
Friday February 7, 2025 4:30pm - 6:00pm MST
Colorado
A Special Presentation: Drawing Out the Dragons
Speakers
avatar for James Artimus Owen

James Artimus Owen

James Artimus Owen is part artist, part writer, and all heart. He has written and illustrated the Mythworld series, two dozen Starchild comics, available as The Twentieth Anniversary Nearly-Complete Essential Starchild, The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica (and coloring books... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 4:30pm - 6:00pm MST
Colorado
  Special Event

6:30pm MST

Dinner On Your Own
Friday February 7, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pm MST
None
Meal on Your Own
Friday February 7, 2025 6:30pm - 8:00pm MST
None
  Meal

7:00pm MST

Banquet (Ticketed Event)
Friday February 7, 2025 7:00pm - 10:00pm MST
Cheyenne
Friday Night Banquet
Friday February 7, 2025 7:00pm - 10:00pm MST
Cheyenne
  Ticketed Event

8:00pm MST

Romance: A Hot Genre That Keeps Getting Hotter
Friday February 7, 2025 8:00pm - 10:00pm MST
Colorado
The hottest genre in the market is still romance! Learn from our panel of romance writers how to amp up the steam between your characters while keeping the genre fresh.
Speakers
avatar for C.J. Anaya

C.J. Anaya

C. J. Anaya is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author and writes teen and young adult fantasy romance. However, she tends to tell stories within the genres she loves to read. So you can find her sweet romantic comedies of the billionaire variety under the pen name Cynthia... Read More →
avatar for JanaLee Brown

JanaLee Brown

Jana S. Brown has been involved in publishing as an Author, Editor, Presenter, slush reader, executive secretary, and marketer for nearly 30 years. She is the acceptance editor for Book Cave and an editor and author coach specializing in self-publishing. She writes the weird and the... Read More →
avatar for Lindsay Flanagan

Lindsay Flanagan

Lindsay Flanagan is an award-winning editor with an MA in English and Creative Writing.Her debut novel, AnnaGrey and the Constellation, was published by Young Dragons Press in August 2023, with two more books about AnnaGrey slated for publication in 2024 and 2025.She’s edited for... Read More →
Friday February 7, 2025 8:00pm - 10:00pm MST
Colorado
  Panel

8:00pm MST

Freewriting
Friday February 7, 2025 8:00pm - 10:00pm MST
White River I
Freewriting
Friday February 7, 2025 8:00pm - 10:00pm MST
White River I
  Special Event

8:00pm MST

Gaming and Social
Friday February 7, 2025 8:00pm - 10:00pm MST
Gunnison
Game Time!
Friday February 7, 2025 8:00pm - 10:00pm MST
Gunnison
  Special Event
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date - 
Clear filter
Wednesday, February 5
Thursday, February 6
Friday, February 7
Saturday, February 8
Sunday, February 9
Amphitheater (EPR)
Arapaho
Arkansas
Centennial
Cheyenne
Colorado
Gunnison
Manitou
None
Platte
Registration Desk
Rio Grande
White River I
White River II
  • Announcements
  • Break
  • Keynote
  • Meal
  • Panel
  • Registration
  • Session
  • Skills Day
  • Special Event
  • Ticketed Event
  • Popular