Publishing Appointments
Getting to pitch your book idea to a literary agent or an acquisitions editor is a rare opportunity in today’s publishing world.
Yet for over 20 years, She Speaks Conference has been bringing in representatives from top agencies and publishing houses to meet with you one on one and hear your book idea.
At She Speaks 2023
We are thrilled to have publishing experts who are making themselves available for 15-minute, live video appointments. Please note: All appointments will be held virtually post-conference, July 17-19.
The purpose of meeting with a publisher or an agent is to pitch your idea for a well-formulated book. Most publishers may also want a book proposal or one-sheet.
• A book proposal is a written document containing information about you, your platform, your audience, and an overview of your book, including two to three sample chapters. (Fiction books typically require the manuscript to be completed.) Consider it a sales pitch for you and your book.
• A one-sheet is a summary of your book proposal on only one sheet of paper.
Depending on the specific preference of the agent or editor you meet with, you may be asked to submit either a one-sheet or a book proposal before the conference. Though we can’t guarantee the publisher or agent will review your proposal before your meeting, sometimes they like to have it available.
When you register for our in-person She Speaks event or all-access online experience …
you’ll have the opportunity to sign up for a publishing appointment. Once you pay and are registered, here’s what you can expect. We’ll provide more information on each of these steps, but for now, here’s an overview of important dates.
MAY 2
Our team has prepared a live, informational webinar, taught by Glynnis Whitwer and Karen Ehman, on how to prepare for your publishing appointment. This is optional and has a charge. Click here for more information.
MAY 22
We’ll provide a comprehensive list of the publishers and agents in attendance and the types of books they are looking to acquire. Your job will be to read this carefully, review the publishers, and then prepare a list of those who are looking for what you are writing.
JUNE 1
The publishing-appointment selection process will begin.
JUNE 16
The publishing-appointment selection process will end.
JUNE 26
Your book proposal or one-sheet is due. You will upload your document to the She Speaks event portal.
We’ve also assembled some common questions below. If you don’t see yours, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
Appointment
Details and
Common Questions
Can I get more than one appointment?
Due to demand, we are limiting appointments to one per attendee.
When will the appointments be held?
Your publisher or agent appointment will be scheduled during a three-day period in the week after the conference: July 17-19, 2023.
When do I select my appointment?
On June 1, 2023, you’ll be given a chance to select an appointment. Please note these appointments are first come, first served. So you will want to be ready on the day and time we open the appointments.
Do I get to pick whom I meet?
Yes. And you also get to select the day and time. However, we are unable to guarantee your first choice will be available when you go to make your selection. We suggest you identify your top five choices before the selection process opens.
How do I create a book proposal?
Good question! It’s important to know that fiction and nonfiction books require slightly different proposals. There are many free online resources you can search, or you can purchase a book that will help you. Here is one we recommend: A Christian Writer’s Guide to the Book Proposal.
Our team has prepared a live, informational webinar, taught by Glynnis Whitwer and Karen Ehman, on how to prepare for your publishing appointment. This is optional and has a charge. Click here for more information.
Our Publishers:
Rachel O’Connor | Baker Books
Blythe Daniel | Blythe Daniel Agency
Debbie Alsdorf | Books and Such
Suzanne Niles | BroadStreet Publishing
Dave Fessenden | CLC Publications
Susan McPherson | David C Cook
Janene MacIvor | Emanate
Kristy Cambron | Gardner Literacy
Emma Saisslin | Harvest House
Elissa Schauer | InterVarsity
Jason Fikes | Leafwood
Tina Boesch | Lifeway
Dave Almack | P&R Publishing
Andrea Doering | Revell
Grace P. Cho | Revell
Rachel McRae | Revell
Jillian Schlossberg | Tyndale
Carrie Mars | W Publishing
Teresa Evenson | William K. Jensen Agency
Keely Boeving | WordServe Literary Services