Publishing

Tune into live conversations with authors, editors, and literary agents sharing their journeys and expertise in the world of publishing.

Screenwriting

Watch live panels featuring screenwriters as they break down their techniques for crafting compelling scripts and navigating the entertainment industry.

Filmmaking

Discover live streaming events where directors, producers, and cinematographers discuss the creative and technical processes behind their films.

Surveillance: What is It, How to Write It

April 15, 2026
You’re writing a mystery or maybe a thriller, and your protagonist needs to surveil a suspected villain to confirm if they really are as bad as alleged. Or, perhaps your character is the one being hunted, his or her every move watched, tracked, and listened to. This is surveillance. If you want to learn about the reality of surveillance so you can write more compelling fiction, tune in to this event to hear from Adam Sikes, a former CIA Officer and expert in physical and technical surveillance.

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.

Script Pipeline

Script Pipeline connects writers with producers, agents, and managers, facilitating over $8 million in sales through competitions and ongoing industry support, helping launch major films and secure high-profile representation since 1999.

Film Pipeline

Film Pipeline connects filmmakers and writers with agencies and executives, focusing on diverse storytelling and playing an active role in developing and promoting projects, reviewing thousands of submissions annually since its launch in 2018.

Hiring a Book Editor: How to Maximize the Collaboration

Recorded

January 24, 2023

Duration

2 Hours

Cost

$35

Subject

Publishing

Topics

Business, Craft

Whether you plan to self-publish or go the traditional route, it’s more common than ever for authors to hire their own editors before publishing their books. And no wonder—you want your book to stand out as professional, compelling, and consistent, and an editor’s ability to approach your story elements, writing style, and grammar from an outsider’s perspective is an indispensable tool in making that happen. 

But it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into so that you can ensure that the time, effort, and money you dedicate to your book is worth it. Editor Karen Krumpak will prepare you for getting the most out of working with an independent editor to prepare your book.

This presentation will cover: 

  • The different stages of editing in practice so you can decide which is right for you.
  • How to benefit from your editor’s advice—whether you agree with it or not.
  • How to evaluate work styles and personalities to choose your editor and develop a positive working relationship.
  • The differences (and similarities) between working with independent and in-house editors.
  • Why you should hire an editor … instead of just asking a writer or reader friend for their opinions.
  • When you shouldn’t hire an editor (and can save some money in the process).
  • An overview of finding potential editors, payment, and other administrative tasks that come along with the process.

Host

Karen Krumpak (she/her) has been helping writers create their best work for over a decade. A former editor with Writer’s Digest magazine and WD books, she now provides editorial services to publishers and independent authors of speculative fiction, YA and middle grade fiction, literary nonfiction, and more. Her goal is to support writers as they […]

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Upcoming Events

Surveillance: What is It, How to Write It

April 15, 2026
You’re writing a mystery or maybe a thriller, and your protagonist needs to surveil a suspected villain to confirm if they really are as bad as alleged. Or, perhaps your character is the one being hunted, his or her every move watched, tracked, and listened to. This is surveillance. If you want to learn about the reality of surveillance so you can write more compelling fiction, tune in to this event to hear from Adam Sikes, a former CIA Officer and expert in physical and technical surveillance.

Deconstructing Books for Craft and Marketability: Read Like a Writer

April 22, 2026
Learn how to turn every book you read into a craft lesson. We’ll analyze openings, character construction, themes, and endings to uncover the mechanics beneath the magic. Instead of guessing what works, you’ll learn directly from stories that have already earned their place on the shelf: how authors hook readers, build momentum, and deliver satisfying endings that helped them secure publication in the first place.

Building a Powerful Query Letter

April 29, 2026
In this practical session, author Angela Douglas will show you how to take the key elements of a strong pitch: your logline, comparable titles and bio and turn them into a clear, engaging query letter that stands out in a crowded inbox.

Latest Streaming

Proven Framework for Successful Collaboration

March 25, 2026
In this candid, craft-focused session, authors Lauren Nossett and Rea Frey share what they have learned from co-writing together, from early brainstorming sessions to managing deadlines and dividing responsibilities. Attendees will walk away with a practical, step-by-step framework for successful collaboration.

Better Your Chances of Getting an Agent, Manager or Mentor

March 18, 2026
We all know the struggle. It feels harder than ever before to find an agent, or even a mentor to help with a little advice or guidance. This session will give you that insight and those tools. It'll be equal parts irreverent, fun, and really useful. Packed with practical things you can do to differentiate yourself from the masses, and make yourself more of an undeniable catch.

10 Questions to Figure Out What Your Memoir is REALLY About

March 11, 2026
Memoir is a deeply challenging genre for any writer seeking to parlay real-life events into a story that connects with total strangers. One big challenge at the outset is figuring out the “container” for your book: Where to begin, where to end, what to include, what to exclude, and how to tell a compelling story about your transformational journey.

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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