Publishing

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

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March 4, 2025

Writing Your Second Draft: Elevating Your Story

After an author types “the end” on the first draft of a novel, the real work is about to begin. You’ve heard the adage that writing is revising, and that’s largely true. The difficulty is knowing how to begin the revision process. Where do you start? How do you identify weaknesses in your first draft? Is there a right way and a wrong way to go about this? 

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.

How to Find and Work with a Literary Agent

Recorded

July 16, 2024

Duration

2 Hours

Cost

$35

Subject

Publishing

Topic

Business

Latoya C. Smith, a 20-plus year publishing veteran, will teach novelists and nonfiction writers the tools they need to find a literary agent and also offer insights on what’s expected of authors as clients—as well as what they should be expecting from their agents.

Topics to include:

  • Understanding the Market
  • Proposal VS Full Manuscript
  • Manuscript Edits
  • Preparing Your Written and Verbal Pitch
  • Pitch Etiquette
  • Where To Find An Agent
  • Researching Publishers
  • The Ideal Client
  • Utilizing Your Agent
  • When to Part Ways With Your Agent
  • Q&A

Come prepared to learn, take notes, and ask questions!

What Attendees Have Said ...

"This symposium was excellent. Thorough, well-presented, reasonably-priced. Ms. Smith was so knowledgeable and candid, with very practical recommendations and ideas."

"I thought it was great. Some things I knew but others were informative and helpful. It has given me a shot in the arm to keep submitting my book."

"Latoya explained everything, and her graphics made it easy to follow. She answered every question afterward, too. Great job!"

Host

Latoya C. Smith
Latoya C. Smith started her editorial career as an administrative assistant to New York Times bestselling author, Teri Woods at Teri Woods Publishing while pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree at Temple University. She graduated Cum Laude from Temple in August of 2005. She then attained a full-time position at Kensington Publishing in March of 2006. In October 2006, […]

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March 4, 2025

Writing Your Second Draft: Elevating Your Story

After an author types “the end” on the first draft of a novel, the real work is about to begin. You’ve heard the adage that writing is revising, and that’s largely true. The difficulty is knowing how to begin the revision process. Where do you start? How do you identify weaknesses in your first draft? Is there a right way and a wrong way to go about this? 
March 11, 2025

Writing Great Dialogue

Writing believable, compelling dialogue is one of the hardest parts of constructing fictional narrative. Julia F. Green will guide you through how to create great dialogue, including hands-on exercises.

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Querying Literary Agents: Query Letter Essentials

Zoe Quinton is a book editor and has also worked as a literary agent. She will help you navigate the landscape of writing queries and finding the right representation for your writing career, as well as critique your query letter, post event.
February 19, 2025

Logline Workshop

You may have been banging your head against the wall trying to construct a great logline, but you’re frustrated you can’t quite hit the mark. Merridith with teach the components execs want to see in a logline, and provide tons of insights. You’ll leave with the tools you need to whip them into shape.
February 11, 2025

A Crash Course in Novel Writing

Your story matters, and "someday" is not the time to write it. If something has been holding you back from writing your novel—whether it be lack of time, lack of motivation, lack of knowing how to write it, or just plain fear—then Grant Faulkner, former Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month, can help you get your creative juices flowing and take the first steps to planning your novel.

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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