Speakers
The industry of self-publishing is a delicate balance of both business and craft. As self-published authors, not only do we need to tell a captivating story, but we also need to know how to find and keep readers.
The ASPC brings to you authors to help you unlock the secrets of success in both realms.
IRIS BOLLING
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ROMANCE & ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Presenting: Building Your Own Table: Creating Multiple Revenue Streams
Iris Bolling is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of romance and romantic suspense. The Heart Series, The Gems & Gents series, and the Brooks Family Values Series all were honored with a variety of accolades.
She was the executive producer and screenwriter for the indie film projects The Heart seasons 1 & 2 in addition to the full-length movie Deadly Sexy, based on the writings of the award-winning writing icon Beverly Jenkins. In addition, Iris believes in giving back. Her projects provide jobs and internships for those who don’t usually get the opportunity to work behind the scenes in technical roles.
With the recent implementation of her G.I.Y. workshops, Iris shares her experience, knowledge, and talents with others to assist them along the way. Encouraging everyone to simply BELIEVE! Iris currently lives in Richmond, Virginia where she is working on her next book, movie project, and/or workshop.
Website: https://irisbolling.com/ and https://siriaustin.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iris.bolling
X/Twitter: https://x.com/AuthorIBolling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iris_bolling/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ibolling01
HER PRESENTATION:
“Building Your Own Table” is a simple concept used by many entrepreneurs. It all comes down to this: If someone has a platform and you are not invited to be a part of that platform, build your own table, then invite them and others to it. In this workshop, Iris will share with you how and what entities she utilizes to create a steady stream of annual income, including their links for you to use. At the end, you will begin to create your own table by putting your first steps for this process in writing. She will cover the following streams of income:
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Books
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Ebooks, Paperback Books, Audiobooks
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Website Monetization
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Games, Merchandise, Ad Space, Affiliate Programs
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Entertainment
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Movies, Scriptwriting, Podcasting
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Educational
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Workshops, On-Line Courses, Speaking Engagements
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Audience takeaways:
1. Learn how to incorporate each of the income streams into your business plans.
2. Discover how each entity Iris utilizes can help you diversify your income streams.
3. Detail the first 3 steps you will take toward building your own table.
JESSICA CAGE
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF URBAN FANTASY & PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Presenting: Elevating Your Author Profile through Social Media
With over 200K followers across her social media platforms, Jessica Cage has mastered the art of leveraging social media to build a dedicated reader base and drive sales. Her impressive portfolio includes over 40 published fantasy books, and her most recent release achieved over 10,000 copies sold in just three months, thanks to her savvy social media strategies.
Jessica’s success story is a testament to her expertise, and her firsthand experience will offer invaluable insights into transforming your own author brand and boosting your book sales. Don’t miss the chance to learn from someone who has truly harnessed the power of social media to achieve remarkable results.
Website - https://www.jessicacage.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jessica.cageauthor
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jcageauthor/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jcageauthor
HER PRESENTATION:
Unlock the secrets to transforming your author brand with Jessica Cage’s exclusive social media class! As a seasoned expert who has built and leveraged dynamic platforms on TikTok and Instagram, Jessica will guide you through proven strategies to captivate your audience and convert followers into loyal readers. Whether you’re looking to amplify your book's visibility or enhance your engagement, Jessica’s insights will help you navigate the complexities of social media with ease. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a trailblazer who has mastered the art of turning social media into a powerful tool for book sales. Sign up now and start your journey to becoming a social media sensation!
Audience takeaways:
1. Determine the most effective social media platform(s) for you.
2. Develop your social media brand/style.
3. Establish your social media presence and start/continue building your audience.
STUART GROSSE
AUTHOR OF NEARLY 200 SCI-FI/FANTASY/HORROR SERIALS, NOVELLAS & SHORT STORIES
Presenting: You Don't Have to Write a Novel
Stuart Grosse started writing web novels in 2016, and translated those into serial novellas, publishing on Amazon since 2017. In that time, he has put out consistent content, with over 180 titles on his Amazon page, and monthly earnings of $3K-$5K dollars in royalties alone. Through consistent updates and building a recognized brand, he has been a “full-time” author with no muggle job since 2018. And you can do it too.
Website: www.patreon.com/Mirikon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mirikon
X/Twitter: https://x.com/MIRIKON
HIS PRESENTATION:
Everyone has a story that they want to tell. However, not all stories are the same. Some stories need to be a nice, thick, doorstopper of a novel. But not all of them. Sometimes, a short story, a novella, or even just some serials can be the best thing, especially when self-publishing and looking to the almighty Amazon and how their algorithm helps or hurts your sales.
Audience takeaways:
1. There are more types of storytelling than just novels.
2. Pumping out serials is good for the algorithm and your bank account.
3. Don't be afraid to do something different.
TAMIKA JAMISON
PROLIFIC AUTHOR, PUBLISHER & LITERARY ADVOCATE
Presenting: How to Create an Author Brand Based on Your Story
Tamika Jamison (formerly Newhouse) is a prolific author, publisher, and literary advocate, known for her significant contributions to African American literature. As the founder of Delphine Publications and the AAMBC Literary Awards, Tamika has been instrumental in discovering and nurturing new literary talent. Her own writing career boasts over a dozen novels, with several bestsellers that have captivated readers with their authentic portrayals of African American life and experiences.
She self-published her first novel, The Ultimate No-No, at the age of 20, and its success spurred her to establish Delphine Publications. Through her publishing company, she has provided a platform for numerous authors, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them to reach wider audiences. In addition to her work as an author and publisher, Tamika is a dynamic speaker and advocate for literacy and diversity in publishing. She regularly speaks at literary events and conferences, inspiring others with her journey and dedication to the craft. Her efforts have earned her numerous awards and recognition within the literary community. Tamika continues to shape the landscape of African American literature, one story at a time.
Website: https://tamikanewhouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BossLadyTamika
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamikanewhouse/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/TamikaNewhouse
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tracesofmika
HER PRESENTATION:
Unlock the power of your unique narrative with Tamika Jamison (formerly Newhouse) and her transformative talk, "How to Create an Author Brand Based on Your Story." Dive deep into the essence of your personal journey and discover how to identify and amplify your unique story and voice, setting yourself apart in the crowded literary market. Learn the secrets of maintaining consistent messaging and a compelling visual identity that resonates with your audience and builds a loyal following. Plus, explore innovative strategies to leverage multiple revenue streams, turning your passion for writing into a sustainable and lucrative career. Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and practical tools from a renowned expert who has successfully navigated the path to author branding excellence. Start your journey towards a powerful and profitable author brand!
Audience takeaways:
1. Identify your unique story and voice
2. Learn to use consistent messaging and visual identity
3. Leverage multiple revenue streams
CALI MANN
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF PARANORMAL ROMANCE
Presenting: Writing Blurbs That Sell
Cali Mann is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy paranormal romance. She hasover twenty-four books self-published under Cali and other pen names. She also runs AuthorsFiction Academy, where she writes blurbs and concepts for authors of all genres, as well asdoes branding and platform audits for self-published authors.
Newsletter: https://calimann.substack.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calimannauthor and https://www.facebook.com/authorsfictionfactory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calimannauthor/
HER PRESENTATION:
Ready to get your books selling? Other than the cover, the most important selling tool you have is a book description, or blurb, whether you are selling in person, online, or through retailers. What makes a reader pick your book? How do we get their attention? Join Writing Blurbs That Sell and learn tips and tricks to get your books flying off the shelves.
Audience takeaways:
1. Write better blurbs for their books.
2. Understand what makes a blurb interesting to a reader.
3. Identify key parts of a blurb or book description.
PANELISTS:
AUTHORS FROM LITERARY & MEMOIR TO SCI-FI, MYSTERY & ROMCOM
Presenting: Book Marketing Successes and Failures: Lessons Learned
Every indie author struggles as they learn how to market their books—and the process of learning never ends—but eventually they discover what works as well as what doesn’t and can hopefully log more triumphs than setbacks. In this panel, four self-published authors will discuss the lessons they’ve learned from their book marketing successes and failures so you can adapt those wins to your own situation while avoiding the pitfalls they’ll warn you about.
Audience takeaways:
1. How to implement more effective online (including social media) marketing/advertising strategies.
2. How to conduct more effective in-person sales.
3. How to grow a fanbase of readers/followers.
MODERATOR:
Letitia Carelock (aka Kyoko M)
Kyoko M is a USA Today bestselling author and a fangirl. She is the author of The Black Parade urban fantasy series and the Of Cinder and Bone science fiction series. The Black Parade has been reviewed by Publishers Weekly and New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews. Of Cinder and Bone placed in the Top 30 Books in Hugh Howey's 2021 Self-Published Science Fiction Contest. Kyoko M has appeared as a guest and panelist at such conventions as Geek Girl Con, DragonCon, Blacktasticon, Momocon, JordanCon, ConCarolinas, and MultiverseCon. She is also a contributor to Marvel Comics' Black Panther: Tales of Wakanda (2021) anthology as well as the Captain America: The Shield of Sam Wilson (2024) anthology. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Lit degree from the University of Georgia.
Website: http://www.shewhowritesmonsters.com
X/Twitter: https://x.com/misskyokom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misskyokom
PANELISTS:
Tulasi Acharya, Ph.D.
Originally from Nepal, Dr. Acharya embarked on his American journey in 2008, pursuing a Master’s degree in Professional Writing at Kennesaw State University and is currently an MFA student at Georgia College and State University. Dr. Acharya's literary footprint spans genres from fiction to nonfiction, poetry, and translation. He has already published over a dozen books, which are available on various online platforms. His debut English novel, Running from the Dreamland, received acclaim, boasting an impressive 86% positive rating on Amazon. Venturing into academia, he published Sex, Gender, and Disability in Nepal: Marginalized Narratives and Policy Reform with Routledge and Sex, Desire and Taboo in South Asia with Lexington Books. His literary contributions aren't confined to English; he has penned novels in Nepali, including Mochan (translated to "Emancipation") and Swapnabhumi, the Nepali translation of Running from the Dreamland. Beyond publications, Dr. Acharya's short stories have earned accolades such as a Certificate of Excellence from the University of New Hampshire. He cherishes his deep-rooted passion for reading and writing. He is both traditionally and self-published and has good knowledge of promoting and selling self-published books.
Website: https://tulasiacharya.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apersonwithbhav
X/Twitter: https://x.com/tulsirames
Jeff Shaw
Jeff is an award-winning, best-selling author. He served twenty-four years in law enforcement and, after retiring, wrote his memoir, Who I Am: The Man Behind the Badge. His dream was to traditionally publish it but soon learned the realities of pitching nonfiction. After many attempts, he chose to self-publish it and was satisfied with the results. Since then, he has written three crime novels in The Bloodline series—Lieutenant Trufant, LeAnn and the Clean Man, and Broken—and self-published them based on the success with his memoir.
Website: https://jshawwrites.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffshaw.writes
X/Twitter: https://x.com/jshaw_six
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jshawwrites
Terra Weiss
Terra is a Maggie Finalist, a Catherine Award Finalist, and Fools for Love Winner. She is the author of four published novels, two of which have been Amazon #1 new releases, and two were in the top 10 in Romantic Comedy, free category. She’s also had two literary short stories published.
Website: https://www.terraweiss.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terraweissauthor and https://www.facebook.com/groups/541299358136549
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terraweissauthor
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@terraweissauthor
$139.00 PRICING FOR ATLANTA WRITERS CLUB MEMBERS and $179 FOR NON-MEMBERS, WHICH INCLUDES ONE YEAR OF AWC MEMBERSHIP
DEADLINE TO REGISTER ONLINE: MARCH 21, 2025 at 8:00 PM EST. Walkups at the conference will be welcome based on availability (cash or card only, no checks will be accepted).
No refunds after MARCH 1, 2025.
Included with your registration for the full day of educational talks and networking on March 22, 2025:
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Free sample edit of your manuscript sample
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Free virtual one-on-one meetings about the professional book-related services you're interested in
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Free pre-conference webinars on Self-Publishing 101 topics (file requirements, uploading to Amazon and Ingram, keyword selection, etc.)
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Free ebooks (how to outline, a guide to self-revisions, more)