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One-on-One: Explore Historical Fiction Writing with Adam Sikes

September 30, 2026
Jeanne Veillette Bowerman chats with novelist Adam Sikes to dissect the processes they each use when writing their historical novels. Join us for a casual conversation, including your questions, as they dive into the strategies that have helped them as well as the challenges of bringing history to life in a dynamic, and fictional way.

Book Pipeline

Book Pipeline connects writers to publishers, agents, and the film industry through competitions and workshops, providing hands-on support to bridge the gap between emerging authors and the industry since 2014.

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From Draft to Deal: What REALLY Happens After You Finish Your Book

Held

July 15, 2025

Duration

2 Hours

Cost

$35

Subject

Publishing

Topics

Business, Craft

You typed “The End”… now what?

Finishing your book is huge—but what comes next is what separates a finished manuscript from a published one. In this real-talk symposium, bestselling author and book coach Rea Frey takes you behind the curtain of what actually happens after you finish your draft—and why the real work (and magic) starts after the final page.

We’ll cover:

  • Why the “now what?” feeling is totally normal—and what to do with it
  • How to revise your book like a pro (hint: you’re not ready to query yet)
  • What literary agents really do—and how to get their attention
  • Realistic timelines from draft to deal to bookshelf (think years, not weeks)
  • What happens when you do get the book deal: contracts, royalty math, and red flags to watch for
  • How to ask the right questions up front about your publishing team—so you’re not caught off guard by what’s on you to handle
  • Why marketing starts before your book comes out—and how to make a plan you’ll actually stick to

You’ll walk away with:

  • A “Ready to Query?” checklist
  • A sample query letter that sells
  • A publishing timeline breakdown
  • A 3-month book launch marketing plan to build early buzz and long-tail sales

Perfect for:
Writers with a finished (or almost finished) manuscript, querying authors, and anyone stuck in the “what now?” limbo after typing The End.

What attendees have said ...

I thoroughly enjoyed the insightful journey into the intricacies of navigating the publishing world post-manuscript. Rea Frey's expertise shone through as she demystified the process, offering practical advice and real-world examples that were both inspiring and invaluable.

What I loved most was Rea's ability to blend her personal experiences with concrete strategies, making complex topics accessible and engaging. It was refreshing to gain a deeper understanding of what truly happens behind the scenes once the manuscript is complete.

It was incredibly informative. This went above and beyond. She was Great!

it was well done, comprehensive. I can't think of anything that was left out.

Host

Rea Frey
Rea Frey is the #1 bestselling author of a dozen books. As a book doula, she has helped nearly a thousand first-time authors land agents and publishing deals. A Silver Falchion finalist, Book Pipeline’s Film Adaptation Winner, Target's Book of the Year Finalist, and voted one of Marie Claire’s Best fiction writers, Rea's work has been […]

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Upcoming Events

One-on-One: Explore Historical Fiction Writing with Adam Sikes

September 30, 2026
Jeanne Veillette Bowerman chats with novelist Adam Sikes to dissect the processes they each use when writing their historical novels. Join us for a casual conversation, including your questions, as they dive into the strategies that have helped them as well as the challenges of bringing history to life in a dynamic, and fictional way.

I Finished My Script—Now What?

October 7, 2026
Timothy Michael Cooper shares the insights earned during his decades-long career, teaching you how to interpret and incorporate feedback, find the true heart of the story, focus your rewrites,cut away characters and scenes that aren’t pulling their weight, and build strategic relationships to get your script into the right hands.

Stop Waiting for Permission. Write and Produce your Proof of Concept Short!

October 14, 2026
Award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker, Merridith Allen, guides you step-by-step through making a proof-of-concept short film that will get you noticed ... and expand your options for either financing or representation.

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Corey Mandell joins our Symposium converstaion to dive into the essentials every screenwriter needs to know, including what it takes to launch your career in the current marketplace. Plus, we'll sprinkle your questions into the conversation.

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Symposium, presented by Pipeline Artists, is a year-round virtual conference empowering creatives with honest, no-nonsense guidance across the arts. Through seminars, industry panels, and Town Hall discussions on screenwriting, filmmaking, publishing, and career-building, Symposium offers grounded advice from working professionals to help you forge your own unique path.

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