Mastermind Sessions

 

Grow Your Business Mastermind

 

From time to time, every writer feels challenged in their business. Grow Your Business will tap into the power of the mastermind to help you find solutions to your pain points. Members who apply will be placed in small groups, according to several criteria. When you leave this two-hour session, you'll be armed with ideas and inspiration to solve your business challenges.

 

Get the Attention of the Big Five: A Book Proposal Mastermind Class

A proposal and an agent are critical to seeking publication at one of the big five traditional houses—but why? In this intimate, interactive class, get one-on-one feedback and advice to craft a book proposal that sells. The mastermind will show you how the primary elements of a proposal (overview, author platform, target audience, and comp titles) reflect what agents and editors are looking for and impact your opportunities for publication. You’ll also learn what you can do to increase the chances your work will connect with your prospective publishing partners. Due to the hands-on coaching focus of this special program, it’s limited to 25 participants.

Speaker: In her fourteen years at Random House, Porscha Burke has acquired works by Dr. Maya Angelou, Rev. Dr. Amy Butler, and Chief David O. Brown, and spearheaded new editions of The Autobiography of Malcolm X and The Black Book, originally edited by Toni Morrison. A Queens, New York native and University of Virginia graduate, Porscha received her MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher College, where she currently teaches book proposal writing.

This session is available on a first-come first-serve basis to members only at an additional charge of $19.99. 

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Lynne S. Dumas Personal Mentoring Program

(Sunday and Monday): $60 additional fee

Trying to break into the magazine market? Need help making a query sing? Want to know how to get your nonfiction book published? Get answers and career advice from a professional writer. For $60, you'll get 30 minutes of face-to-face guidance from an ASJA mentor on the nonfiction writing topic you choose. Space is limited, so sign up early! Appointments will be scheduled Sunday and Monday mornings.

Mentoring can jump-start careers. "I went to that meeting as a longtime newspaper writer, with no clue how to pitch anything," said ASJA member Laura Beil. "I followed what I learned about query letters and pitching to editors. I just completed a story for the New York Times (which made it onto the front page yesterday!) Reader's Digest query accepted right away."

Select a Mentoring Session add-on when you register, and find the personalized help you've been seeking.

To Be a Mentor:
Simply tick the box when you register. Your information will be sent to the Mentoring Chair who will inform you the week before the conference if your services will be needed and ASJA will apply the mentoring discount retroactively. Thank you!

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Professional Headshots Onsite - Steve Schulman Photography

Portrait photographer Steve Schulman will once again be shooting headshots at this year’s Conference on Sunday and Monday. Steve is known for his engaging, relaxed style, quickly making writers feel comfortable and look their finest. Headshots can be used for book jackets, articles, social media, LinkedIn, and all other professional needs.

Steve Schulman’s special package includes: a brief consultation with an expertly crafted 20-minute shoot -- with original images ready to download onto your computer. All this for ONLY $195! That’s over 75% off his private studio rate.

ADVANCE SCHEDULING STRONGLY SUGGESTED! Before the conference, schedule your shoot by reaching out to steveschulmanphotography@gmail.com. Sessions available on a first-come, first-served basis so don’t miss this opportunity. Make your appointment now! Accepts cash, personal checks, venmo, and credit cards (with 3% service charge).

steveschulmanphotography@gmail.com             www.steveschulmanphotography.com

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Office Hours

 

ASJA’s Executive Director Holly Koenig will be in the Financial Ballroom Foyer twice each day to get to know the conference attendees on a more personal level. Some Board members will be popping by too. Come with any questions that you may have about the organization, membership, the industry, or general queries. This is a great opportunity to see behind the curtain of ASJA!

Sunday
8 am – 9 am
1 pm – 2 pm

Monday
7:30 am – 8:30 am
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm