A writers’ conference can’t be everything to everybody. What it can be, when doing its job well, is in-person; invested in providing personal attention and vital information that aspiring authors need to publish well in an increasingly fickle marketplace, full of travails, trap doors, mercenary marketers, scam producers and trivial content. So often, solely online. Too often, un-accountable for failing to fulfill expectations. That’s where the COWC comes in. Immerse yourself in publishing craft, community and commerce by learning the vital tools and strategies necessary to succeed.
Special Guest Speakers
Jennifer Silva Redmond is a formidable, longtime editor whose memoir, Honeymoon at Sea, recounts she and her then-new husband’s fateful voyage on a twenty-six-foot sailboat to Baja California’s Sea of Cortez, south along Mexico and Central America and through the Panama Canal. After editing the work of many an author who chose a hybrid path she opted to go with a small traditional publisher for her own book. Jen will share why and how with us in Bend.
Grant Rosenberg, 40-year veteran of television and feature film development, moved on to publishing the character-driven thriller Gideon Trilogy through his house, Golden Gate Books. Yet another wizened soul’s election to eschew traditional publication and successfully pursue indie production. This is increasingly popular with both established and new authors. Hell, even Stephen King has elected to do so. Grant will discuss his author’s journey, his decision why, with us in October, along with the writing of a cookbook, 44 Degrees.
COWC 1 Schedule
There’ll likely be a tweak or two between now and conference weekend, but you can get a pretty firm grasp of where we’re at here.
Advance Submission Readers
Am opening up reader selection shortly. We’re having a code issue with the website backend. There are two solutions I’m working on in effort to resolve and simplify selection. I will be emailing all registered COWC conferees shortly with instructions on how to proceed with Advance Submission Reader selection.
Regardless which publication path you choose, you matter. Your story matters. Be the writer you aspire to be and join us. (And be sure to join our new Facebook COWC Group.)
And for all who plan on attending our 40th annual San Diego conference, January 16-18, 2026, details are here. Discounted pre-registration open now. We’re back at our old home. It’s gonna be smash. Don’t be square. Be there!
–Michael Steven Gregory
Executive Director, COWC
