Learn the ins and outs of publishing, make connections, and build your writing career!
Publish Now is a one-day conference for writers interested in learning more about all the ways you can share and publish your work. You’ll attend up to 4 panels featuring experts in all aspects of the writing and publishing cycle. Topics will include broad overviews, preparing your work, querying agents, publishing short-form work, and more!
More than 25 panelists will be giving their insights and expertise on all aspects of publishing. Learn more about our panelists at the links in the panel descriptions below.
Many of our panelists will be available between sessions, at lunch, and at the closing reception, so you can make personal connections. And you’re strongly encouraged to connect with your fellow attendees, too.
Morning coffee, lunch, and a post-conference reception are included.
Schedule
8:15am: Registration & Coffee
9:00am: Welcome
9:15 – 10:30am:
Intro Panel
Paths to Publication
with Dara Kaye, Jessica Berg, Manil Suri, Alonzo Vereen, moderated by Brandon Blue
This panel provides an overview of the different ways to get published, ranging from major presses and indie presses to vanity presses and self publishing. Panelists include authors and agents experienced with the whole publishing spectrum.
10:45am – 12:00pm: Session 1
Panel A – Theater
Traditional Publishing Step-by-Step
with David Stewart, Alonzo Vereen, and Ken Ackerman, moderated by Karen Outen
Learn from experienced authors about the steps of working with a traditional publisher, from querying through the editing process and into publication and marketing.
Panel B – Reading Room
Making a Career as a Writer
with Ariel Felton, GG Renee Hill, Chet’la Sebree, Hannah Grieco, moderated by Amy Freeman
This panel will provide advice on how to make a living (or at least part of one) from writing. Learn how to craft sellable pieces, find paid publication opportunities, and work freelance.
12:00pm – 1:15pm:
Lunch
1:30 – 2:45pm: Session 2
Panel C – Theater
First Books: Debut Authors Share Tips, Tricks, and Surprises
with Sam Ashworth, Lacey Dunham, Michele Evans, Marisa Kashino, moderated by Emily Hollland
Debut authors share their experiences of publishing a book for the first time and offer guidance on how to navigate the first-book experience.
Panel D – Reading Room
Breaking Down Barriers – Diversity in Publishing
with Tope Folarin, Brandon Blue, Majda Gama, moderated by Steve Majors
As hard as it is to get published, writers from historically underrepresented populations face even greater challenges. Learn from experienced authors and industry professionals about how to overcome some of these challenges and grow your writing career.
3:00 – 4:15pm: Session 3
Panel E – Theater
Working with Small Presses and Lit Mags
with Lauren Woods, Sylvia Jones, Tope Folarin, moderated by Zach Powers
This panel will feature experienced authors and editors sharing tips for sending out work to small presses and literary magazines. Learn the benefits of these forms of publishing and how to get your work in shape to submit.
Panel F – Reading Room
Building Your Literary Community
with Rachel Coonce, Majda Gama, Luke Sutherland, moderated by Varun Gauri
Working toward publication can be a slow process. Being part of the community of writers is one great way to make the wait bearable. Plus, the right connections can help you find a home for your writing.
4:30pm:
Reception
Scholarships
We plan to offer 5 scholarships to Publish Now for writers unable to pay the registration fee. Please apply for the scholarship by emailing claude.olson@writer.org with “Publish Now Scholarship” in the subject line; no additional information is required. Scholarship recipients will be selected randomly from among all applicants. Scholarship Deadline: February 7, 2026
If you need an accommodation for this event, please contact us at access@writer.org. We will attempt to fulfill all requests, but advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility services.