Schedule of Events
Writing can be a lonely business. But it doesn't have to be. Self-published authors achieve the greatest success when we lift one another up.
The ASPC offers multiple opportunities to grow through both learning and connections. Below you will not only find a full schedule of educational presentations but also multiple opportunities for connecting with other self-published authors.
During every presentation, the networking room will be open to anyone who needs a place to think, mingle, or ask professionals questions about the industry.
From the beginning of our day with coffee and conversations all the way into the evening with genre tables, the ASPC provides opportunities for development.
Learn how to make the most of ASPC with these tips from Kindlepreneur.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: APRIL 21ST, 2022 at 12:00 PM EST
Walkups at the conference will be welcome (cash or card only, no checks will be accepted)
THE ASPC 2023 EVENT SCHEDULE
Coffee & Conversations
8:00 am - 9:00 am
Are you an early bird? Do you love coffee as much as we do? Come early to meet and network with other self-published or aspiring authors and start building your own authors' network of support.
Welcome to ASPC
9:00 am - 9:15 am
Be sure to be in your seats at 9:00 am for the official celebratory launch of the inaugural Atlanta Self-Publishing Conference by conference director J. M. Tompkins! We will briefly discuss how to get the most out of your ASPC experience, the conference agenda, and more.
Presented by J. M. Tompkins
Wired For Story: What Your Reader’s Brain Really Craves, and How to Deliver It
9:15 am - 10:00 am
Imagine knowing what we’re hardwired to crave in every story we encounter, what hooks readers from pre-school to 80, and what keeps them turning pages. The answer is a game-changer, especially since the secret to writing a compelling story has very little to do with the surface plot or learning to "write well.” We’ll explore what the reader's brain is hungry for, why, what a story actually is, and why writers are therefore the most powerful people on the planet. The result? You’ll be able to zero in on what your story is really about before you write word one (or if you’re in the midst of your umpteenth rewrite, before you write another word). You'll not only produce a more powerful novel, chances are you'll drastically reduce your rewrite time.
Presented by Lisa Cron
How to Know When to Click Publish & Start Your Publishing Business
10:15 am - 11:00 am
There are a lot of pieces to becoming a successful self-published author and it can be daunting to figure out how to get started. Come to this session to learn how to know when you’re ready to put your book in front of readers as well as an introduction to the various aspects of starting your own publishing business.
Presented by J. W. Webb
Using the Pixar Method to Hook Your Reader
11:15 am - 12:00 pm
Through the magic of engaging characters and heart-tugging plot lines, Pixar has brought us stories that ring true to who we are for over 20 years. Discover their methods, unpack the Pixar secrets for success, and learn how to apply them in your own writing.
Presented by Charis Crowe
The Art of Selling at Events
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Selling your books in person isn’t as simple as piling them up on a table and hoping for the best. In this three-part presentation, we will cover all aspects of selling your books in person. We will discuss how to find events, set up a display, and make sales and well as what to do after the sale.
Presented by Ben Meeks
Your High Concept: Taking Your Book's Theme from Start to Finish
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Every story begins with a great idea, but how do you know whether your high concept is indeed great? Before you sit down to write, it’s important to have a grasp on what your high concept is. What will the book achieve? What will the book be about? What is the book’s theme? What happens throughout the course of the book? This class will address these questions and more.
Presented by Ben Wolf
Marketing with Confidence
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Whether your first book or your fiftieth, you have to get your book in front of the right readers. From understanding your genre (genre=marketing) to hitting the right tone with an elevator speech, to leaning into the vast world of readership, Craig will talk about an approach that will make sense and help you up your game.
Presented by Craig Martelle
Trouble-Shooting Your Self-Publishing Business
4:30 pm - 5:15 pm
Are you running your self-publishing business or is it running you? Come to this session to learn about resources available for self-published authors and how to identify the potential stumbling blocks that might be keeping readers from finding your books. Create a plan of action and analyze your own business so you can fix whatever is preventing your success.
Presented by Mel Todd
Author Panel
5:30 pm - 6:15 pm
Still have questions about tools, tips, and lessons learned? Our author panel will be comprised of independent authors ready to answer your questions about writing, publishing, marketing, and business.
Genre Tables
6:15 pm - 7:00 pm
At ASPC you'll learn some vital points about building an author business and developing your craft. But the biggest takeaway that you need to know is that you’re not alone. So don't head back into your solo writing world just yet, stay for genre tables. We'll have tables labeled with genres so that you can easily find your people.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: APRIL 21ST, 2022 at 12:00 PM EST
Walkups at the conference will be welcome (cash or card only, no checks will be accepted)