First Annual Writer's Digest Conference Addresses the Business of Getting Published 9/18-20 In NYC

The first annual Writer's Digest Conference: The Business of Getting Published breaks from the traditional writing conference mold with a program focused on the business of publishing rather than the writing craft. The three-day event takes place September 18-20, 2009 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square, New York. The speaker roster boasts a Who's Who of publishing and marketing experts and as an added bonus-each attendee gets a 15-minute personal appointment with a Writer's Digest editor to discuss their query letter, book proposal or self-published book. Full details and registration information can be found online at www.writersdigestconference.com.

With major publishers implementing cutbacks on all fronts -from acquisition of new books, design and editorial staff to marketing and publicity- it's more important than ever for authors to take control of their careers and become savvy to all the tools at their disposal. The Writer's Digest Conference: The Business of Getting Published offers sessions on self-publishing, social media usage, online sales, marketing, platform and other related topics, presented by today's proponents of new media. The star-studded roster of speakers includes:

Mike Shatzkin, publishing's top consultant and observer, who kicks off the conference on opening night with a talk on "The Changing World of Book Publishing, setting the tone for the weekend program.

Chris Brogan, one of the country's top names in social media, keynotes the conference. His address, "The Book as Platform," draws on his ten years of experience using new technologies.

April Hamilton, a vocal advocate of independent publishing, offers aspiring self-published authors a guide to overcoming obstacles that they'll face along the way.

Kassia Krozser, editorial voice of BookSquare, a daily blog about publishing, dissects Twitter, blogs and other online tools to help authors build their platforms.

Authors and popular bloggers Scott Sigler and Seth Harwood, show how podcasts and videocasts can drive online book sales.

David Mathison, media expert, seals the deal, teaching authors how to build effective websites and gain even more online sales.

Amy Cook, an attorney who specialized in publishing, presents the "Top Five Legal Questions" every author should ask.

Jennifer Gilmore, author and former publicity director at Harcourt has effective marketing and promotion tools for fiction writers.

Independent editors Linda Carbone, Alice Rosengard and Ruth Greenstein ask (and answer) "Do You Really Need an Editor?"

Christina Katz, author, well-known blogger and conference speaker, navigates authors through a meaningful marketing platform, and along with Kassia Krozser and Writer's Digest publisher and editorial director Jane Friedman, shows them how to find the time to update their Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and website pages.

Plus, Guide to Literary Agents editor Chuck Sambuchino leads a panel discussion with New York agents on what they really want and how they discover talent and, finally, one of the country's best motivational speakers, Bill O'Hanlon wraps things up and helps writers "Find the Energy to Keep Writing."

Everyone attending the Writer's Digest Conference can schedule a 15-minute appointment with a member of the Writer's Digest editorial team to discuss a book proposal or idea, query letter, or get impressions on an already published book. Attendees will receive immediate, personalized feedback and suggestions for their next steps.

As an added bonus, 10 writers who register early and submit a 1-page query, a nonfiction book proposal (up to 50 pages), or a self-published book (including e-books), no later than September 1, 2009 will be selected to meet with a New York-based literary agent for an additional appointment at the conference site.

Writer's Digest will also take over the Bowery Poetry Club on Friday, September 18, 2009, for the First Annual Writer's Digest Poetry Slam. Accomplished poet and poetry slam veteran Guy LeCharles Gonzalez will host the show. The evening will feature three rounds of original poetry. Participants will vie to win prizes and ultimately to be chosen as the evening's Slam Champion.

Also, what could be better than networking with the conference speakers and Writer's Digest editors over breakfast? Attendees can sign up for "Breakfast with the Stars" on Saturday and Sunday during the conference and get extra conference content and a meal. Saturday Breakfast will feature Jane Friedman, publisher of Writer's Digest, author Al Katkowsky, and Peter Clifton, president and CEO of FiledBy.com. Sunday breakfast features author William Cane, digital media consultant and publisher Kirk Biglione and Jane Friedman.

The Marriott Marquis on Times Square in New York is the official hotel of the Writer's Digest Conference and they have set an incredibly low room rate of just $199 per night for conference attendees.

The Writer's Digest Conference is sponsored by Writer's Digest and FiledBy, the most comprehensive directory of author sites anywhere (filedby.com) and the BookMasters Group

Complete details on all speakers, sessions, events, travel and registration may be found at www.writersdigestconference.com.