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‘Manuscript to Marketplace’: Annual writers conference ready to return with big name speakers

By Tabitha Johnston - Chronicle Staff | Aug 5, 2022

Cutler

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Early birds may yet get the worm this coming month, with the return of the Manuscript to Marketplace Writers Conference, which will be held at Shepherd University on Sept. 9-10.

According to conference co-director Lee Doty, both authors seeking to further their career and writers still aspiring to be published can benefit from participating in the conference.

“[T]he weekend conference features workshops and panel discussions on a variety of writing and publishing topics, led by an impressive roster of experts in their fields,” Doty said in a press release. “This year, attendees will have the opportunity to pitch to a publisher and an agent, and to schedule a one-on-one manuscript critique with a published author or associate professor.”

Doty also noted that the conference’s special speakers are always “nationally known and influential experts,” who can best equipped to offer helpful advice to the serious writers attending the conference.

“Our aim in creating the conference, is to support, encourage, empower and inspire our writers at every stage in the process of writing, publishing and selling their books, so bringing exceptional talent to this event is essential,” said conference founder and director Alan Gibson.

Friedman

In line with that vision, this year’s keynote speakers include three industry experts: Robin Cutler, a favorite speaker from the 2019 conference returns now as the president of LMBPN Worldwide Publishing and CEO of How To Publish Books, an online consulting service for indie authors; Jane Friedman, internationally popular business strategist for authors and publishers with 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, with an award-winning blog; and Stephen Spotswood, winner of the coveted 2021 Nero Award for best American mystery and author of the Pentecost & Parker series.

Other national award-winning speakers include Karen Outen, 2018 recipient of the Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers Award, and novelist Han Nolan, two-time finalist for the National Book Award, who also won that award for the young adult novel, “Dancing on the Age.” Both authors have novels scheduled for release soon.

According to Doty, along with himself and Gibson, a number of local residents are working hard on the 2022 steering committee to make this conference the best one yet: local authors David Borchard, John Deupree, Tom Donlon, Patricia Donohoe, Gabrielle Hersey, Lisa Proulx and Lisa Taka; Shepherd University literature professors Betty Ellzey and James Pate; and Four Seasons Books owner Kendra Goldsborough, who will also be conducting the book sale, throughout the conference.

While these Shepherdstown literary enthusiasts will already be giving back to others by once again bringing this conference to Shepherdstown, they will also be be giving back in another way, locally.

“Shepherd University will host the program in the Emma Ora Byrd building and adjacent classrooms, and any proceeds above and beyond the costs of producing the event will be donated to the English and Modern Languages Department at Shepherd University,” Doty said.

Spotswood

Those interested in participating in the conference should register right away, to take advantage of the $40 early bird discount. Space is limited. Register at https://www.writersconferencesu.com.