TOPICS FOR WRITERS’ CONFERENCES

(Note: Each talk runs approximately 45 minutes.)

 

21 Secrets to Make Your Speech Sizzle

Includes effective speech elements, style do’s and don’t’s, and successful Q & A.

 

How To Develop a Speaking Platform

A look at the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of developing speaking topics and targeting an audience based on your writing—fiction, nonfiction, freelance.

 

How to Start & Maintain a Writer’s Critique Group

Leslie discusses how to recruit members, publicize meetings, critique effectively, vary the format, grow the membership, and handle difficult members.

 

Tried-and-True Critique Methods: Critique Effectively and Stay Friends!

Includes these basics:

• Effective critique
• Differences between proofreading
• Editing and substantive edits
• Speaking the truth in love using the “sandwich” critique
• How to challenging fellow writers by telling them what they need—not just want—to hear.

 

Writer, Edit Thyself

Editing is almost as important to producing a quality finished product as writing is. Leslie—who as the nonfiction editor for The Writing Spa (www.TheWritingSpa.com) has edited dozens of manuscripts— teaches writers powerful techniques to improve their work.

 

Top Ten Mistakes Writers Make & How to Avoid Them

In talking with dozens of writing professionals (agents, editors, authors and freelancers), Leslie has compiled a list of mistakes that betray beginning writers. She teaches “newbies” how to move past these quickly to improve their craft significantly.

 

Query, Query, Quite Contrary

Crafting a powerful, effective query letter is key in getting noticed by industry professionals. Leslie takes new authors through a step-by-step process sharing plenty of examples, both good and bad.

 

The Proposal: How to Get Your Project Noticed by Editors and Agents

Leslie shares industry insights into crafting a nonfiction book proposal that will get noticed. She focuses on all the key elements: Overview, Audience, Felt Need, Market Analysis, Author Biography & Publishing History, Author Marketing, Competition, Outline and Sample Chapters. Bonus: She gives each attendee a sample template.