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Marketing the Big 5 Way

November 5, 2025
Leila Siddiqui has spent ten years working in marketing in two of the Big 5 publishers and will walk you through what to expect when the book has passed acquisitions and finds a publishing date. Whether you’ve self-published, on the editor submission journey with your agent, or a seasoned traditional author, there’s always something to learn about the publishing process from an insider.

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.

Networking When You Don't Know Anybody

Recorded

April 15, 2022

Duration

2 Hours

Cost

$35

Subjects

Filmmaking, Screenwriting

Topic

Business

Forget getting past Hollywood’s gatekeepers ... how do you even reach them in the first place? In the entertainment world, all you hear is "Network! Network! Network!" and the path ahead tends to be filled with closed doors, cold contacts, and more roadblocks than places to step.

This presentation will help clear a little space.

Beth Szymkowski, Executive Producer of Hulu's teen-horror drama, Freakish, will give practical tips and examples from her own life on how to meet people who can help you break in. Knowing what it’s like to go from zero contacts in the writing world to a full-blown career, she understands the agony of an introverted writer being told networking is the key to success. She'll explain how you can build relationships in a way that doesn’t involve completely changing your personality—or becoming a shameless social schmoozer.

Topics covered:

  • How to tell when you’re ready to put yourself out there
  • Contests as a way in
  • Peer groups for emotional support and more
  • How to make first contact with someone on the inside
  • Dos and don’ts of contacting established writers
  • Maintaining relationships

Host

Beth Szymkowski
Beth Szymkowski created and executive produced both seasons of the Hulu teen-horror drama Freakish.  She’s currently developing a series with Westbrook Entertainment and has recently written projects for Snap and Nickelodeon. She’s written feature-length screenplays for Lionsgate, Disney and others, and created and executive produced all three seasons of AwesomenessTV’s first scripted show, Runaways, which […]

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Upcoming Events

Marketing the Big 5 Way

November 5, 2025
Leila Siddiqui has spent ten years working in marketing in two of the Big 5 publishers and will walk you through what to expect when the book has passed acquisitions and finds a publishing date. Whether you’ve self-published, on the editor submission journey with your agent, or a seasoned traditional author, there’s always something to learn about the publishing process from an insider.

Demystifying Audiobooks: A Workshop for Authors

November 12, 2025
Professional audiobook narrator and producer Megan Tusing of Little But Fierce Productions®, LLC will guide authors through the essentials of audiobook creation. Whether you're looking to hire a professional, understand the audiobook production process, or make informed decisions about your audio rights, this workshop will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward.

How to Approach Edits Without Losing Your Sh*t

November 19, 2025
In this two-hour virtual workshop, bestselling author and editor Rea Frey (who recently rewrote her entire thriller in two weeks) will walk you through exactly how to approach edits without spiraling into self-doubt, analysis paralysis, or burning your manuscript in a ritual fire.

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Privacy for Writers: Why Writers Should Care about Privacy in a Connected World and What They Can Do About It

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Privacy is hard and its designed to be hard by the companies that profit from surveilling our lives.  How do you protect your privacy so that you can both have an online platform and connect with readers while protecting yourself, your family, and your reputation? As an author and a privacy professor, she understands that privacy often doesn’t matter to people - until it does.

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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