Pre-conference Sessions
Attending a speaking and writing conference is a big step, and you want to get the most from the experience. Do you want to go deeper? The in-person pre-conference sessions will take place live on July 7 at 10:00 am.
$100 each (unless specified) including materials
Must be purchased with a conference ticket
Virtual conferees – two options available, and/or multiple prerecorded sessions available
In-Person Pre-Conference Options
Writers’ Pre-Conference Options
$100 – Book Proposal Intensive Clinic
Presented by Dave and Cindy Lambert
Limit: 25 registrants
Length: 3 hours
• Non-fiction Proposal Template
Prerequisite: Complete and bring with you a working proposal. Please download and use one of the templates above, or you may use a proposal model you’ve found on your own.
A winning book proposal is a tool that entices seven audiences to grasp a contagious vision for a book, and then equips them to successfully play their parts in placing the book into the hands of its ideal readership.
In this three-hour intensive clinic, you will be introduced to:
- the business side of publishing decisions
- the real details behind the closed doors of editors and publishing boards
- the craftsmanship to write an enticing proposal that captures the interest of publishing professionals.
“Proposal-writing classes have always left me feeling a bit bewildered. Each instructor had their own, different list of “musts,” “do’s,” and “don’ts.” The fog lifted for me after working with Cindy Lambert at the Colorado Christian Writers' Conference.” Lori Hynson, Author of SuperGal vs God
Presented by Kathy Bruins and Kim de Blecourt
$100
Limit: 25 registrants
Length: 3 hours
• Non-fiction Proposal Template
Prerequisite: Attendees for this session should come with a first draft completed using one of our two proposal templates above. Registered attendees will receive directions (via email, before the conference) to help you pull together the necessary information for your proposal
The BOOK PROPOSAL STUDIO is for writers in the process of preparing a book-length manuscript to present to agents or editors for traditional publication consideration. A well-written book proposal helps you to clarify your project so you can clearly communicate your idea for publishing consideration. Your book proposal must also answer the questions on an agent or editor’s mind, such as:
- the message of your book idea,
- your book idea’s audience,
- your book idea’s competition,
- and more.
“Kathy & Kim walked us through each step of writing a book proposal and equipped us with the tools necessary to go home and start the process right away. I highly recommend their wisdom and expertise.” --Barbara Winters, Attendee
$100
Length: 3 hours
Turning These Twin Dreads into Your Biggest Assets
They ask, “What is Your Platform?” and “What is Your Marketing Plan?” These two dreaded questions are part of the publishing reality. But how do you get a platform if you don’t have one, and what are you to do when the whole marketing thing overwhelms you? In this class you will learn to build on your strengths while tapping into a plan any writer can put into place. You will leave this class with a step-by-step course of action so you can confidently answer the twin questions with, “Yes, I have a platform and marketing plan, let me show you.”
Key concepts we will cover:
- Are you a speaker or someone with a message?
- Becoming the “expert”
- Getting the gigs
- The business side of writing- dollars and cents
- Marketing verses Promotion
- Getting more done with templates
- Social Media, Article Writing, Networking
- Begin before the book is written
- A blueprint for action
Visit Cheri's Bio
By Shellie Arnold
$100
Advanced Manuscript Review. Interested Speak Up attendees will pre-submit their manuscript synopsis, outline, and up to the first fifteen pages, no later than June 20, 2022. Shellie will evaluate for clarity, focus, continuity, market viability, and presentation. She will also do a deep edit of portions of the manuscript itself and return to the author no later than July 1, and will meet with each person for 45-minutes during the in-person conference. Shellie will meet for forty-five minutes by Zoom between July 10 through July 20 to answer questions and assist in finalizing edits for those taking the conference virtually. Keep in mind you must be registered for the 2022 conference--this review is available to Speak Up conferees only.
By Blythe Daniel
$50
Literary agent Blythe Daniel is offering to do critiques for up to twenty attendees prior to the conference. She will read 10 pages of a book proposal or manuscript, whichever you prefer, in Word format. She will provide detailed feedback with comments and recommendations of next steps, and critiques will be returned by email before June 30.
Email Blythe - blythe@theblythedanielagency.com
Speakers’ Pre-Conference Options
7 Strategies to Secure Speaking Engagements (3 hours)
Taught by Robyn Dykstra
$100
Are you searching for more audiences to benefit from the messages God has given you?
Let Robyn Dykstra provide the inside scoop on securing more opportunities to speak. You’ll leave this interactive session with:
- 7 tried and true strategies to secure events.
- A great elevator pitch that will capture an event planner’s attention.
- The pro-tips you need to find, land and negotiate as many gigs as your calendar can handle.
$100 — 15-minute video presentation with one-to-one critique with a Speak Up faculty member – 30-minute time slot
The final product will include your 15-minute (max) video, and specific verbal feedback that will move your speaking to the next level. Your 30-minute appointment will begin with reviewing the answers to the questions below. Then you will view your pre-recorded video with your Speak Up faculty member. Your content can be a complete talk, or a portion of a longer talk. You will be given feedback on both content and delivery during your 30-minute appointment. Video Worksheet - printable instructions
"How to" instructions will be available guiding you through taping your 15-minute presentation.
Ministry Development Pre-Conference Options
$100 – Become a Podcaster (3 hours)
Taught by Stephanie Rouselle
Length: 3 hours
Attendee profile: Christian communicators ready to launch their podcast OR curious to understand what it takes to launch a podcast.
Pitch: Podcasts have taken the world by storm. As a Christian communicator, you cannot ignore their influence. You will leave this workshop with a registered podcast and everything you need for it to go live in less than 30 days.
Stephanie Rousselle is an author and speaker, with NO technical skills, yet she hosts a podcast that ranks in the top 1% worldwide. She caters to thousands of listeners in over 130 countries, and it all happened in less than two years, while holding a full-time job, without hiring a single technician or podcast expert, and with an initial investment of $200. How? Because she simply dared to step out. She now invites you into the journey of podcasting as one of your primary platform-building and networking strategies. She shares her secrets, her strategies and her mistakes. She basically tells you everything she wishes someone had taught her when she got started.
Come with your podcast concept and you will leave this workshop with a ready-to-publish podcast, registered on a hosting platform for free. OR, come with your podcast idea and we will help you take the next step towards launch.
First, we will cover the basics:
- every pre-launch stage and issues;
- the questions you really need to ask;
- how to craft a compelling concept, from idea to first episode;
- how to make it through the first year of podcasting.
Then we will go very hands-on and you will:
- register on a hosting platform for free;
- populate your account with the marketing elements that will make your podcast stand out;
- learn how to distribute your podcast to all the major players (Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google play, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Deezer, TuneIn, etc)
- create your podcast’s very own website with its unique URL;
- link to your social media handles for easy marketing across your platforms;
- brainstorm monetizing options;
- learn to understand the statistics of your show to track progress
- and more!
You will leave this workshop with your podcast registered, and you will have one month of free trial on the hosting platform to refine your concept, record your first episode and launch before you have to pay a dime to the hosting provider (your credit card info is NOT required). Laptop required.
Exclusive bonuses:
- The podcasters’ networks you need to know to get started.
- 30-day free trial on the hosting platform to finalize details and go live (no CC required).
$100 - How to Utilize the 5 Major Social Media Platforms (3 hours)
Co-Taught by Bethany Jett
Length: 3 hours
We’ve been given a gift. No matter where we live in the world, we can connect with like-minded thinkers, make new friends, and establish relationships. What authors of years past would have given for this opportunity!
However, social media is often used selfishly. If the goal is JUST to sell books, you’ll lose every time. Instead, social media used with the reader or audience in mind is not only more effective but allows you to strategically get in front of your ideal customers, clients, and readers while building a strong platform.
In this workshop, we’ll cover the best practices for each of the five major social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn so you can strengthen community with your audience and readers.
$100 - Tech Tools that Make a Difference
Taught by Jill Savage
Length - 3-hours
In this Pre-Conference session, we will discuss tools you can use to take your message to the world that needs it. Jill will teach you how to be your own graphic designer, social media manager, and administrative guru by using technology tools that help you deliver your message in a professional way. Bring your laptop computer and smartphone because we will be doing projects in Canva, Creator Studio, Facebook, Instagram, email management systems, and more.
In this course, you will:
- Learn how to create beautiful social media graphics, posters, collages, and other design projects you need for writing, speaking, powerpoint, and ministry.
- Receive marketing tips to help your online presence come alive.
- Discover how to use Canva, Creator Studio, Linktr.ee, Reels, Stories, and other technology tools (or take them to the next level if you’re already using them!).
Join Jill in learning how to use technology to take your book, speech, or ministry to the next level!
Pre-Recorded Sessions Available ($50) You will have access for a full year.
Presented by Dave and Cindy Lambert
• Non-fiction Proposal Template
Start with a working proposal. Use one of the templates above, or you may use a proposal model you’ve found on your own.
In this three-hour intensive clinic, you will be introduced to:
- the business side of publishing decisions
- the real details behind the closed doors of editors and publishing boards
- the craftsmanship to write an enticing proposal that captures the interest of publishing professionals.
“Proposal-writing classes have always left me feeling a bit bewildered. Each instructor had their own, different list of “musts,” “do’s,” and “don’ts.” The fog lifted for me after working with Cindy Lambert at the Colorado Christian Writers' Conference.” Lori Hynson, Author of SuperGal vs God
3-hours
An author and literary agent of deep and wide experience offers three hours of instruction on writing all forms of nonfiction, from newspaper and magazine to book and more. Includes discussion of often overlooked opportunities for publication, what you need to know about rights, how to put your best foot forward, kinds of articles to write—and how, queries and one-sheets, and essential elements of a nonfiction book proposal.
3-hours
This session features the international speakers and best-selling authors of Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti, Pam & Bill Farrell. You’ll learn how to take an idea, a thought, or a truth and begin building a full-time ministry around it. Pam & Bill will share their journey from being a struggling young couple who invested their last $25 in a writers’ conference that grew into a full-time writing, speaking, and coaching ministry, along with a membership community, and both for profit and non-profit organizations. You’ll learn many practical steps that will help to launch your ministry, along with hearing their captivating personal story.
3-hours
In this Pre-Conference session, we will discuss key components to help you take your story to the world using the latest technology. We will help erase any fears of tackling technology in your ministry by presenting key ideas and then spend some time with hands-on support implementing the ideas. We will demonstrate the many ways to save time, direct your focus, and increase your income by turning to technical programs.
In this course, you will:
- Learn how to create a framework to sell your story.
• Receive marketing tips to help your online presence come alive.
• Find out what words to never use on social to get more viewers and interaction.
• Hear words to use to prevent you from being ignored on social media.
• Review the benefits of apps and online programs to save time and money.
• Learn how to take one talk and make money through online courses.
• Understand online membership platforms and build community.
• See how to produce an online book in just a few steps.
Join us as we help you use technology to take your book, speech, or ministry to the next level.
An excellent session for both writers and speakers.
Virtual Pre-Conference Options
By Shellie Arnold
$100
Advanced Manuscript Review. Interested Speak Up attendees will pre-submit their manuscript synopsis, outline, and up to the first fifteen pages, no later than June 20, 2022. Shellie will evaluate for clarity, focus, continuity, market viability, and presentation. She will also do a deep edit of portions of the manuscript itself and return to the author no later than July 1, and will meet with each person for 45-minutes during the in-person conference. Shellie will meet for forty-five minutes by Zoom between July 10 through July 20 to answer questions and assist in finalizing edits for those taking the conference virtually. Keep in mind you must be registered for the 2022 conference--this review is available to Speak Up conferees only.
By Blythe Daniel
$50
Literary agent Blythe Daniel is offering to do critiques for up to twenty attendees prior to the conference. She will read 10 pages of a book proposal or manuscript, whichever you prefer, in Word format. She will provide detailed feedback with comments and recommendations of next steps, and critiques will be returned by email before June 30.
Email Blythe - blythe@theblythedanielagency.com
Pre-Recorded Sessions Available ($50) You will have access for a full year.
Presented by Dave and Cindy Lambert
• Non-fiction Proposal Template
Start with a working proposal. Use one of the templates above, or you may use a proposal model you’ve found on your own.
In this three-hour intensive clinic, you will be introduced to:
- the business side of publishing decisions
- the real details behind the closed doors of editors and publishing boards
- the craftsmanship to write an enticing proposal that captures the interest of publishing professionals.
“Proposal-writing classes have always left me feeling a bit bewildered. Each instructor had their own, different list of “musts,” “do’s,” and “don’ts.” The fog lifted for me after working with Cindy Lambert at the Colorado Christian Writers' Conference.” Lori Hynson, Author of SuperGal vs God
3-hours
An author and literary agent of deep and wide experience offers three hours of instruction on writing all forms of nonfiction, from newspaper and magazine to book and more. Includes discussion of often overlooked opportunities for publication, what you need to know about rights, how to put your best foot forward, kinds of articles to write—and how, queries and one-sheets, and essential elements of a nonfiction book proposal.
3-hours
This session features the international speakers and best-selling authors of Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti, Pam & Bill Farrell. You’ll learn how to take an idea, a thought, or a truth and begin building a full-time ministry around it. Pam & Bill will share their journey from being a struggling young couple who invested their last $25 in a writers’ conference that grew into a full-time writing, speaking, and coaching ministry, along with a membership community, and both for profit and non-profit organizations. You’ll learn many practical steps that will help to launch your ministry, along with hearing their captivating personal story.
3-hours
In this Pre-Conference session, we will discuss key components to help you take your story to the world using the latest technology. We will help erase any fears of tackling technology in your ministry by presenting key ideas and then spend some time with hands-on support implementing the ideas. We will demonstrate the many ways to save time, direct your focus, and increase your income by turning to technical programs.
In this course, you will:
- Learn how to create a framework to sell your story.
• Receive marketing tips to help your online presence come alive.
• Find out what words to never use on social to get more viewers and interaction.
• Hear words to use to prevent you from being ignored on social media.
• Review the benefits of apps and online programs to save time and money.
• Learn how to take one talk and make money through online courses.
• Understand online membership platforms and build community.
• See how to produce an online book in just a few steps.
Join us as we help you use technology to take your book, speech, or ministry to the next level.
An excellent session for both writers and speakers.