fbpx

Writers’ Institute 2018 gives authors all the tools they need

tablet computer surrounded by pens, postings and other office supplies

In 2018, there are more options than ever for writers looking to publish their work. That’s why the University of Wisconsin-Madison has organized its annual Writers’ Institute around the theme of “Pathway to Publication.” On April 12-15 at the Madison Concourse Hotel, the event will feature authors, agents, publishers, and UW-Madison instructors who can help attendees find the path that works for them.

Ann Voss
Ann Voss Peterson will examine ‘A Writer’s Life,’ providing inspiration and a vision of what success can look like.

To set the tone, keynote speaker Ann Voss Peterson will examine “A Writer’s Life,” providing inspiration and a vision of what success can look like. The author of such thrillers as Pushed Too Far and Manhunt, Peterson has won a Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.

Kimberli Bindschatel has self-published five novels, selling tens of thousands of copies. She’ll explore the benefits of self-publishing in “A Case for Indie Publishing” and “Ten Marketing Ideas for Indie Published Authors.”

Laurie Buchanan followed the more traditional route, placing her self-improvement books The Business of Being and Note to Self with a publisher. She’ll delve into the nuts and bolts of the writing biz with “Creating an Artist’s Statement and Writer’s Resume,” “Building Your Author Brand—the Basics,” and “Creating a Successful Book Launch.”

UW-Madison alum Jane Kinney-Denning adds an industry perspective with a look at New York City publishing. She’ll instruct participants in the finer points of “Making Connections in the Publishing World.”

Bringing scenes to life

Along with the publishing tips and tricks, the Writers’ Institute will help participants improve their work in fiction and nonfiction, including such genres as mystery, romance, memoir, history, and true crime.

Kimberli Bindschatel huggin her dog in the woods
Kimberli Bindschatel will explore the benefits of self-publishing in ‘A Case for Indie Publishing’ and ‘Ten Marketing Ideas for Indie Published Authors.’

John DeDakis, author of the award-winning mystery novel Bullet in the Chamber, will shed light on “Bringing Your Scenes to Life for Writers of Fiction and Nonfiction” and “How to Write in the Voice of the Opposite Sex.”

John Peragine, a national-caliber journalist and prolific ghostwriter, offers three sessions of “Advanced Manuscript Critiques.” Along with several other conference presenters, he’ll meet one-on-one with attendees who sign up for the service, providing feedback on 10 pages of their manuscripts.

Participants also have the unique opportunity to pitch their work directly to industry professionals, who attend the conference to find new authors and to help attendees sharpen their skills. They include agents from the Frances Goldin Literary Agency, Red Sofa Literary, and Second City Publishing. These insiders will also share their wisdom on a “Pathways to Publishing” panel, discussing radical changes in the publishing industry and the new opportunities they’ve opened up for authors.

Learn about the many workshops, talks, and networking events at the 2018 Writers’ Institute, or contact director Laurie Scheer, 608-265-3972, laurie.scheer@wisc.edu.