This intensive track, with a small and select group of writers, covers everything you need to know about writing and publishing a memoir (or writing about a loved one). You’ll start with learning how to “pitch” your story to agents, editors and eventually, to readers. Successful editor and publishing consultant Jennifer Silva Redmond will help you craft a compelling story from your concept, or find the best through-line in your manuscript.
You’ll learn the importance of using fiction-writing techniques to write gripping non-fiction, and how to find help for the many stages of writing your book. Discover self-editing techniques and how to find and use beta readers. Find out when you need structural editing, line-editing, or copy-editing. This “track” is perfect for people considering writing their life story, and for those who have started writing—anyone who’s not sure about the best process and structure for telling their life story.
Your Legacy in Print: Writing and Publishing Your Life Story sessions include:
- Overview & Pitch session
- Structure your book like a novel
- First/last chapters, where good stories go bad
- True or False? Writing a gripping memoir
- Editing, what it is and when you need it!
- Polishing, perfecting, and pitching your book
- Self-publish or go the traditional route?
- Selling your memoir (to agents/editors or the public)
Staffed by Jennifer Silva Redmond
After more than a decade as editor-in-chief/acquisitions editor at Sunbelt Publications, Redmond is now a freelance publishing consultant and editor. On the staff of the Southern California Writers Conference and San Diego Writers, Ink, she was also prose editor for A Year in Ink Vol 3, and co-founder of the Sea of Cortez Review. Her essays, articles, and short fiction have been published in various anthologies, such as Latinos in Lotusland, and national magazines. She is always looking for “great new stuff” and has a wide circle of agents, editors, and publishers with whom to share marketable fiction and non-fiction. More information, a short list of edited titles, and client testimonials can be found at www.jennyredbug.com.