Mastermind Sessions
The Idea Machine
We all have ideas for stories, essays, or books hidden away in notebooks, on scraps of paper, in computer files, and (worst of all) in our heads. We'll cover where the best ideas come from, how to safely store and reliably find them, and how to judge their merits.This session has space for just 20 attendees and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis to ASJA members only. There is an additional charge of $39.99. Sign up now when you register for the conference!
Get the Attention of the Big Five: A Book Proposal Mastermind Class
A proposal and an agent are critical to seeking publication at one of the big five traditional houses—but why? In this intimate, interactive class, get one-on-one feedback and advice to craft a book proposal that sells. The mastermind will show you how the primary elements of a proposal (overview, author platform, target audience, and comp titles) reflect what agents and editors are looking for and impact your opportunities for publication. You’ll also learn what you can do to increase the chances your work will connect with your prospective publishing partners. Due to the hands-on coaching focus of this special program, it’s limited to 25 participants.
Speaker: In her fourteen years at
Random House, Porscha Burke has acquired works by Dr. Maya Angelou,
Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, and Chief David O. Brown, and spearheaded new editions
of The Autobiography of Malcolm X and The Black Book,
originally edited by Toni Morrison. A Queens, New York native and University of
Virginia graduate, Porscha received her MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher
College, where she currently teaches book proposal writing.
This session is available on a first-come first-serve basis to members only at an additional charge of $39.99.
Join other conference attendees for lunch at a local New York restaurant for a discussion group and networking! Each yeah ASJA volunteers and conference attendees organize these lunches at restaurants close to the hotel with a different discussion topic; from books to travel writing to creative non-fiction, these lunches are a great opportunity to make new friends and have an intimate discussion about your craft. Attendees pay for their own meal so it's recommended you bring cash to cover the bill. You can see what lunches are being offered via the
google sign-up sheet here. Interested in leading a lunch? Contact Conference Co-Chair
Kristine Hansen for more information.
Lynne S. Dumas Personal Mentoring Program
Sunday and Monday): $60 additional fee
Trying to break into the magazine market? Need help making a
query sing? Want to know how to get your nonfiction book published? Get answers and career advice from a professional writer. For $60, you'll get 30 minutes of face-to-face guidance from an ASJA mentor on the nonfiction writing topic you choose. Space is limited, so sign up early! Appointments will be scheduled Sunday and Monday mornings.
Mentoring can jump-start careers. "I went to that meeting as a longtime newspaper writer, with no clue how to pitch anything," said ASJA member Laura Beil. "I followed what I learned about query letters and pitching to editors. I just completed a story for the New York Times (which made it onto the front page yesterday!) Reader's Digest query accepted right away."
Select a Mentoring Session add-on when you register, and find the personalized help you've been seeking.
To Be a Mentor: Simply tick the box when you register. Your information will be sent to the Mentoring Chair who will inform you the week before the conference if your services will be needed and ASJA will apply the mentoring discount retroactively. Thank you!
