FAPAcon2021 for authors and publishers in Florida takes place on July 30 & 31, 2021, at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace in Orlando, Florida. (Special conference rates for attendees. Check with the hotel for more information call (407) 827-2727.
Helpful and informative sessions for authors and publishers scheduled for July 30, 31, 2021
Decisions! Decisions! FAPAcon2021 attendees will have to make decisions at the Friday afternoon sessions. There are six 75-minute sessions: two at 1:00 pm, two at 2:30 pm, and the final two at 4:00 pm.
Here are your choices for the 1:00 pm sessions. We’ll be back next week with the speakers for the 2:30 and in two weeks with 4:00 pm choices.
The Friday Sessions are priced separately. Go to https://myfapa.org/product/fapa-conference/ for pricing and registration. For FAPA membership visit https://myfapa.org/about-fapa/.
1:00 pm sessions on Friday
Brenda Spalding
Brenda Spalding, award-winning author and head of Heritage Publishing US will offer tips, options, and information for authors who want to self-publish their books. She is a prolific author of children’s books and several adult novels. She has won awards from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association and the National League of American Pen Women. Her website is www.heritagepublishingus.com.
Michael Joy
For most authors, getting an agent interested in their work is the first step in a dream. Michael Joy is a literary agent for The Seymour Agency, author and storyteller.
His session is titled: “Catching an Agent’s Attention 101”
Michael says, “I’m looking for art, music, pop culture or sub-culture topics, including positive mental and physical health for an artist. True crime. Business Self-Help: How to survive and keep positive while starting a business, running a business, or working a high-pressure job. I’d be excited to look at graphic novel formats for non-fiction also. No politics or religion.”
Learn more about The Seymour Agency at https://www.theseymouragency.com and see Michael’s bio and interests on the “About-Us” page.
Michael is a graduate of the Stonecoast MFA Creative Writing program and a board member of the Florida Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, where he is the co-chair of their annual mystery writing conference, SleuthFest. (SleuthFest.com). He is a professor of English, musician and recovering programmer living in Southwest Florida.
There are four additional sessions on Friday to choose from + More on Saturday
Saturday’s sessions will feature four topics: growing your book business, pre-launch strategies, understanding legal issues, and exploring out-of-the-box marketing strategies. Sponsors and vendors will also be available to answer questions about their products and services.
NETWORKING:
In addition to two days of valuable information, FAPAcon2021 attendees should also plan to attend the Friday evening Pool Party where you can join your fellow conference attendees for a casual social get-together designed to give you an opportunity to mingle and network with old and new friends.
The President’s Annual Book Awards Celebration is on Saturday night. It’s an exciting night of celebrating the book award finalists and honoring the people who are making a difference in our publishing community. Please note that this year, FAPA has switched from a sit-down banquet to a more affordable heavy hors d’oeuvres menu to accompany our celebration of our esteemed book award winners.
So… bring your questions. Bring your enthusiasm. And bring your business cards so you can make some valuable connections. Remember, there’s no need to go it alone when you’re with FAPA!
The Florida Authors & Publishers Association is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that is dedicated to providing the highest quality of information, resources, and professional development to members and others interested in the writing and publishing profession in the state of Florida.