If this is your first time attending one of our Proverbs 31 Ministries conferences, prepare to experience a life-changing conference. Listen to what a previous conference attendee had to say about her experience:
I came to the She Speaks conference last year with one goal in mind: to make it a learning experience. My expectations were far exceeded. In addition to learning solid information about the book writing business and practical ways to manage my God given passion for writing with my life as a full time mom, I discovered the heart of my purpose.
The God that created the universe works all things for good, including the creative desires inside of us. Two months after attending She Speaks, a publisher contacted me to sign a book contract. With this new step, I knew that God was taking my learning curve to a new level, one that started with the bold encouragement of Proverbs 31 Ministries and continues me forward today in His inspired plan.
Jennifer Silvera
She Speaks Conference Guest
If you are like me, God has placed a dream in your heart to write. Maybe this dream has been simmering for a while, or maybe you feel you’ll burst if you don’t do something about it now. You might be an experienced writer, but sense God calling you to a new place in your writing. Congratulations on taking this next step of faith in pursuing your dream. I believe you will be inspired and better equipped this weekend.
We’ve planned a variety of practical breakout sessions, inspiring speakers and opportunities for you to meet with both publishers and agents. I encourage you to get the most out of this weekend. Talk with every publisher and editor you meet. Ask a thousand questions. Share with other women who likely have the same fears. Soak in every bit of teaching. And most importantly pray. Pray that God will be evident in every part of this She Speaks 2012 Conference.
We have an exciting line-up of agents and acquisition editors from major publishing companies in attendance this year. Many will address writing and publishing issues in breakout sessions. But all will be available to meet one-on-one with you during the weekend to acquire book proposals. These appointments are limited due to the number of women who want them. Please make sure you check the box on the registration form indicating your interest in an appointment. They are not usually available at the conference. We do ask that you be fully prepared for this meeting with a book proposal. Keep reading if you aren’t sure what that is.
Optional Writing Peer Critique
Whether or not you are pitching a book idea, everyone can participate in our peer critique session. One of the best ways to improve as a writer is to get feedback from other writers. We’re giving you the opportunity to have your writing reviewed by other participants of She Speaks. If you would like to participate, please read and adhere to these guidelines:
- Bring two copies of an article you have written.
- Please be sure your name and contact information is on every page.
- Keep your article under 800 words.
- Double-space the article.
- Use Times New Roman font, size 12.
- Choose a topic you would submit to a Christian magazine for publication.
On Friday evening, after our main session, all writers who have brought an article will meet and break up into groups of three. You’ll have time to read and critique each other’s articles and discuss your thoughts. This is a great way to grow your writing and editing skills.
Book Proposal Requirements
If you plan to present a book idea to an agent or publisher, we ask that you come fully prepared. This means you’ll need to have a book proposal in hand.
If this is your first time preparing a book proposal, we suggest you research what is included in a fiction and non-fiction proposal, as the requirements are different for each. There are many good books available that will walk you through the process of developing your proposal. We will also be offering an optional pre-conference call to review this information.
Although some of the publishers may ask you to e-mail the proposal if they are interested, it is good to have the hard copy in hand in case they want to take it on the spot. Please keep the proposal simple and professional. No binders.
Many authors are also preparing a “one-sheet.” This is a one-page document summarizing your book idea and your qualifications for authorship. Consider this your best pitch-on-a-page.
If you sign up for a publishing appointment, you’ll be hearing from me in the months prior to the conference. But if you have any questions before then, please feel free to e-mail me directly.
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis Whitwer
Director of Writers Track, She Speaks
P31 Woman Editor, Proverbs 31 Ministries
