Attending a speaking and writing conference is a big step, and you want to get the most from the experience. Do you want to go deeper? You may want to add a pre-conference session on Thursday afternoon before the main Speak Up Conference begins at 6:00 p.m. There are eight options covering speaking, writing, branding, social media, and more. The pre-conference sessions are $100 each, and cover all materials, but do not include meals. Those can be added. The pre-conference sessions are not available for purchase alone, and are only available as an addition to the full conference registration. If you’d like to select more than one option, email Bonnie for more information.
Writers’ Pre-Conference Option
Presented by Somersault with Dave and Cindy Lambert
Limit: 25 registrants
• Non-fiction Proposal Template
Prerequisite: Complete and bring with you a working proposal. Please download and use one of the templates above, or you may use a proposal model you’ve found on your own.
A winning book proposal is a tool that entices seven audiences (author, agent, editor, pub board, marketing, creative, and sales) to grasp a contagious vision for a book, and then equips them to successfully play their parts in placing the book into the hands of its ideal readership.
We've all heard it said, "Write to your audience, not to yourself." Good advice! Many authors, however, may know the audience of their book, but have no understanding of the true audience of their book proposal. In this three-hour intensive clinic, you will be introduced to the business side of publishing decisions, discover what really happens behind the closed doors of editors’ meetings and publishing boards, and learn how to craft an enticing proposal that captures the interest of editors and publishers.
Broken into four segments, this hands-on interactive clinic will begin with an in-depth presentation, then offer individual time to work on and refine specific proposal elements of your own, then break into small groups for fiction and nonfiction personal feedback and critique, and finally come together again for advice and guidance to launch you into the world of meeting with editors.
Endorsement:
Proposal-writing classes have always left me feeling a bit bewildered. Each instructor had their own, different list of “musts,” “do’s,” and “don’ts.” The fog lifted for me after working with Cindy Lambert at the Colorado Christian Writers’ Conference. A delightful and caring mentor, I would have enjoyed her class under any circumstances. But as a teacher Cindy really zeroed in on: WHAT we needed to include in our proposal, WHY that information was important to an Acquisitions Editor, WHERE each section should be shown for optimum effect, HOW to dig deeply to uncover what made our writing stand out in a crowd, and, maybe most importantly, WHO are our readers? It took my understanding of writing and publishing to a whole new level.
Lori Hynson, Author of SuperGal vs God
Presented by Cheri Cowell
Marketing and Platform: Turning These Twin Dreads into Your Biggest Assets
They ask, “What is Your Platform?” and “What is Your Marketing Plan?” These two dreaded questions are part of the publishing reality. But how do you get a platform if you don’t have one, and what are you to do when the whole marketing thing overwhelms you? In this class you will learn to build on your strengths while tapping into a plan any writer can put into place. You will leave this class with a step-by-step course of action so you can confidently answer the twin questions with, “Yes, I have a platform and marketing plan, let me show you.”
Key concepts we will cover:
- Are you a speaker or someone with a message?
- Becoming the “expert”
- Getting the gigs
- The business side of writing- dollars and cents
- Marketing verses Promotion
- Getting more done with templates
- Social Media, Article Writing, Networking
- Begin before the book is written
- A blueprint for action
Speakers’ Pre-Conference Option
Videotaping & Critiquing of Speeches – Times will be assigned based on your arrival plans for specific appointments between 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
$100 — 15-minute video presentation with one-to-one critique with a Speak Up staff member – 30-minute time slot
You will leave with a flash drive or a digital download of your presentation, as well as specific verbal feedback that will help you move to the next level in your speaking. Your 30-minute appointment will begin with looking over the answers to the questions below. Then you will be taped with your Speak Up staffer observing. If you choose to speak longer than 15-minutes, it will cut into your time of feedback, but that is your choice. Your content can be whatever you choose. It can be a complete talk, or a portion of a longer talk. You will be given feedback on both content and delivery during your 30-minute appointment. (click for printable directions)
Instructor: Robyn Dykstra
There are many ways to get more opportunities to speak and Robyn will give you 10 tried and true strategies to find places to talk. You will leave this interactive session with a good elevator pitch, dialogue for cold calls and templates to email to your leads.
Speakers’ and Writers’ Pre-Conference Options
Video Interview with Carol Kent
Feature your ministry or newest book on your website or on YouTube by utilizing a digital download of a 5-minute interview with Carol. 5-minute video/15-minute session. This option involves a 15-minute time slot where you will have the opportunity to familiarize Carol with your ministry or book. Then, Carol will participate with you in a 5-minute interview style video that would be usable on your website, Facebook page, or on YouTube. You will be mailed a flash drive with your interview a few weeks after the conference. (click for printable directions)
(Participants can choose one speaking option and the Interview with Carol Kent option if they want to select both.)
Presented by Suzanne and & Shawn Kuhn
Your brand is your promise of what your audience should expect to receive from interaction with you and your products. In this session we will explore means for discovering, defining, embracing and promoting your personal brand. We will discuss key components to successful branding, dos and don’ts of branding, and the benefits of taking the time to create a brand and build a brand. This session will be rounded out with a rapid-fire brand-storming opportunity for each participant.
Taught by Carol Ensminger & Shawna Culp
In this Pre-Conference session, we will discuss key components to help you take your story to the world using the latest technology. We will help erase any fears of tackling technology in your ministry by presenting key ideas and then spend some time with hands-on support implementing the ideas. We will demonstrate the many ways to save time, direct your focus, and increase your income by turning to the technical programs.
• Hear the benefits of online programs and apps that will make your life easier
• Understand the steps to use one talk and offer it through online courses.
• Learn how to incorporate a membership area to offer monthly membership levels and build community.
• Produce an online book in just a few steps.
• Give you an easy guide to guide you with a book launch online.
• Receive some marketing tips to help your online presence come alive.
Bring your ideas, questions, and laptops for this hands-on tech training. Join us as we help you use technology to take your book, speech or ministry to the next level.
Presented by Anne Denmark
- Discover an amazing clear overview of your life…Roots, Defining Moments and Dreams
- Experience the beauty and fingerprints of God’s design…in and through the timeline of your own story
- Learn a creative process to support you in sharing their story
Presented by Susan Call
Want to make the most of your conference? Learn tips for navigating the workshops and appointments at the conference while developing an effective action plan for after the conference. Gain tips that you can implement for your speaking presentations, your writing small group critique, and your 15-minute appointments.
Meals
Thursday Baked Potato Bar Lunch Baked Idaho potatoes served with a variety of toppings; butter, sour cream, chopped bacon, grated cheddar, steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese sauce, a mini salad bar, fruit salad and beverage.
Baked Idaho potatoes served with a variety of toppings; butter, sour cream, chopped bacon, grated cheddar, steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese sauce, a mini salad bar, fruit salad and beverage.
Optional–please choose this option when registering.
Optional Dinner Buffet: A Taste of Italy Grilled Italian chicken breast and pasta with Alfredo and Marinara sauces, served with steamed vegetable, garlic bread, fresh fruit and Caesar salad. Beverage included.
Optional–please choose this option when registering.
