You’ve been dreaming of getting your words out into the world, growing in the craft of writing, and working on a manuscript, but you need help navigating the myriad options for publishing and marketing.

If you started and stalled out–overwhelmed by all the noise–you’ve come to the right place to find clarity.  We’ve gathered fifteen industry professionals to equip you with best practice when it comes to publishing and marketing your book and sharing your message with the world.

The Publishing & Marketing Summit is designed to help aspiring and working writers successfully communicate the value of their message as they find and engage with readers. Our goal is to acquaint you with the ins and outs of traditional and self-publishing so you can choose the best next steps for you.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve written thousands of words, you need answers you can trust moving forward in your writing journey. 

Ready to join us? 

No Travel
A virtual summit is held online, not in a cold conference hall. The sessions come straight to you anywhere in the world.  No airport. No driving. No hotel.
No additional expenses. 100% convenience.
Expert Speakers
The summit features 15 seasoned publishing 
& marketing coaches who provide the skills aspiring and working authors need to find success in their writing journey, from birthing the idea to publishing a book.
Affordable Access
Most writer's summits are hundreds or thousands of dollars, but not this one. We offer two affordable viewing options including live QnA and lifetime access to all replays. 
LIVE Streaming
The virtual summit will be streamed LIVE on June 23rd & 24th. Our coaches provide expert instruction and  real-time answers to your questions.
I cannot say enough about FlourishWriters Conferences. The wide variety of elements you bring to all your virtual conferences is so useful. Each speaker has incredible nuggets of wisdom to offer. Some of them knock me out of my chair. Some leave me laughing until I cry. I feel better equipped to move to the next step. I feel like I have a clearer direction because of the things I heard. I am so grateful for what you pour into your conferences. 
-Jaci, FlourishWriter
We’ve gathered fifteen industry professionals to equip you with best practice when it comes to publishing and marketing your book and sharing your message with the world.

Jevon Bolden: Writer, Editor, Literary Agent
Best-selling editor, writer, and literary agent, Jevon Bolden is CEO of Embolden Media Group. In her sixteen-plus years in publishing, Jevon has worked as senior acquisitions editor for adult nonfiction at Charisma House and as senior editor for children’s nonfiction at Scholastic. Now a free agent, having launched her own firm in late 2017, Jevon shares the best of what she knows with passionate and creative people who desire to publish exceptional books. Connect with Jevon at jevonbolden.com
Stephanie Alton: Publishing Coach, Literary Agent
Stephanie Alton is a literary agent with The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc. and director of the agency’s blog network, BlogAbout. She is also the founder of a new network for creatives that launched in January 2019 called My Influence Circle. Stephanie specializes in creating custom launch teams, blog campaigns, and webinars with industry pros through the BlogAbout Blogger Network. Several of the books she has collaborated on have been in the top 10 on the New York Times Best Seller List and rated #1 on Amazon. She engages with publishers, authors, podcasters, ministries, and creative businesses to offer compelling and trendy material to the bloggers she works with. Connect with Stephanie at theblythedanielagency.com
Bonnie Gray: Best-Selling Author, Podcaster
Bonnie Gray is a passionate storyteller and author who loves empowering women to flourish in emotional wellness and find their true worth as God’s beloved daughters. Her newest memoir Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness became an Amazon #1 New Release. Having healed from anxiety, Bonnie loves pastries, hiking, meeting friends over coffee, and encouraging women as podcast host of Breathe: The Stress-Less Podcast. As soul care guide and inspirational speaker featured by Christianity Today and Relevant Magazine, she’s guided thousands to detox stress and find their inner spark again. Connect with Bonnie at her website bonniegray.com

Ann Kroeker: Writing Coach, Author, Podcaster
Ann Kroeker is a writing coach, author, podcaster, and speaker comfortable leading intimate interactive gatherings as well as delivering conference keynotes. Ann has been a popular presenter at retreats, civic groups, women’s organizations, communication seminars, and numerous writing conferences and workshops. Combining curiosity, creativity, and productivity, Ann empowers her audiences to communicate with greater confidence and clarity. She’s inspired writers to level up and achieve their goals, and she’s coached several award-winning authors who hit bestseller lists. Her compelling presentations deliver both inspiration and practical insight to listeners, like the valuable content she delivers through her website, which has landed on The Write Life’s annual “100 Best Websites for Writers” list five years in a row. Connect with Ann at annkroeker.com
Courtnaye Richard: Marketing Coach, Author
Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out Media Group, LLC—a faith-based PR, Marketing & Mentorship Agency. In her 15 years of experience, she has worked with platforms such as PBS, CBN, & TCT Networks, as well as local television and print publications. Courtnaye is also the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in their walk with Christ from the heart and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose. Courtnaye is also an author and contributing writer for ibelieve.com, Women’s Ministry Tools, YouVersion, and is a speaker of a host of women’s conferences including Entrusted Women and She Speaks. Her blog, Inside Out with Courtnaye reaches thousands of women across the globe and was listed as the Top 50 Christian Women Bloggers Every Woman Must Follow. Connect with Courtnay at courtnayerichard.com.
Allen Arnold: Author, Speaker
Allen Arnold is an author, speaker, and Executive Producer of Content for Wild at Heart (the ministry founded by New York Times bestselling author John Eldredge). His passion is awakening people's hearts to actively pursue their dreams and creativity with God. As a former Fiction Publisher, Allen oversaw the launch of more than 500 novels-and has mentored and presented to thousands of creatives. He is the author of three acclaimed books: The Story of With, Chaos Can't, and his latest release, Waves of Creativity. He loves blue oceans, black coffee, hot salsa, and big ideas. Discover more at withallen.com
Rachel Scott: Author, Speaker, Publishing Coach
As a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur, she has been featured nationally and internationally on television, podcast, radio, devotionals, and blogs. Rachel is the Founder of the I Can't Come Down movement, an organization dedicated to helping women walk in their purpose and assignment with focus. She is a former Huffington post contributor and current Youversion and Moody Radio Cleveland Partner. Connect with Rachel at rachelgscottspeaking.com

Amy Carroll: Author, Speaker, Speaking Coach
Amy Carroll is a speaker and writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries. She’s the author of Breaking Up with Perfect as well as the director and coach of Next Step Speaker Services. Amy and her husband live in lovely Holly Springs, NC. You can find her on any given day texting her two sons at college, typing at her computer, reading a book, or trying to figure out one more alternative to cooking dinner. Share life with Amy at amycarroll.org and find out more about her speaker coaching services.
Sarah Barnum: Editor, Writer
Sarah Barnum is an award-winning freelance editor with a calling to help others tell their story and make their writing the best it can be. When she's not writing her own narrative nonfiction or working with words, Sarah enjoys outdoor life in Virginia with her husband, children, and Appaloosa horse. Learn more about TrailBlaze Writing & Editing at trail-blazes.com
Valerie Coleman: Author, Award-Winning Publisher
Best-selling author and award-winning publisher, Valerie J. Lewis Coleman serves professional speakers and experts to magnify and monetize their message by publishing quality books. With over fifteen years of experience in the book business, she helps aspiring authors navigate the mysterious labyrinth of self-publishing to leverage their expertise and make money. Connect with Valerie at penofthewriter.com
Chad Allen: Writing Coach, Speaker, Editor
Chad Allen is a writer, speaker, editor, and writing coach. A 20-year publishing professional, he has worked with such bestselling authors as Michael Hyatt, Caroline Leaf, Mark Batterson and Phyllis Tickle. He is the creator of Book Proposal Academy, an online course, and BookCamp, a mentoring and community hub for writers. His passion is helping writers get their books into the world, and he blogs at chadrallen.com
Ruthie Gray: Marketing Coach, Podcaster, Writer
Ruthie Gray is a wife, Gigi, empty nester, and marketing coach for Christian female entrepreneurs, writers, and podcasters, specializing in Instagram and newsletter strategies. Her hobbies include Florida beach walks, RV-ing with hubby, and creating fun hashtags like #muffintopsrock and #Gigirules. Ruthie teaches her Community Marketing Framework™ inside the Authentic Online Marketing School and Insider Mentorship, and podcasts at Authentic Online Marketing (so easy, your mom can do it). Connect with her on Instagram or on her website authenticonlinemarketing.com.
Blythe Daniel: Author, Literary Agent
Blythe is a literary agent and marketer who secures books with publishers, conducts publicity campaigns and online marketing. She helps writers build the right book proposal, secures contracts, promotes books, and has placed authors in the national media. She has worked in publishing for more than 20 years and represents bestselling non-fiction authors and new voices. As an agent, she has represented authors associated with Focus on the Family, Cru, Proverbs 31 Ministries, Women of Faith, North Point Community Church, International House of Prayer, Dollar General, JPMorgan Chase, Houston Chronicle, The Huffington Post, Today Show Parenting, American Management Association, and others. Connect with Blythe at theblythedanielagency.com
April Cox: Author, Publishing Coach
April Cox fell in love with children's picture books all over again when she had grandchildren. "There's nothing like the feeling of a child melting into your lap and snuggling together to read a favorite book." Her little Labradoodle, Brady, would jump up on her lap and soon became the subject of some of the stories they would make up together. Wanting to leave behind a legacy of beautiful children's books for her grandkids, she began to write down some of their stories as a legacy project and The Little Labradoodle series was born. However, fate had another plan. After 30 years in IT / Businesses in the corporate world, April's position was eliminated. Rather than seeing it as a negative, April saw it as an opportunity to make a change and follow her passion so she created Little Labradoodle Publishing. Her Flagship Program: Self-Publishing Made Simple has helped hundreds of students go from a completed manuscript to a self-published book in 12 weeks. Connect with April at selfpubmadesimple.com
Al Hsu: Senior Editor, Author
Albert Y. Hsu (pronounced "shee") is senior editor for IVP Books at InterVarsity Press, where he acquires and develops books in such areas as culture, discipleship, church, ministry, and mission. He earned his PhD in educational studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. Al is the author of “Singles at the Crossroads, Grieving a Suicide,” and “The Suburban Christian.” He has been a writer and columnist for Christianity Today and served as senior warden on the vestry of Church of the Savior in Wheaton, Illinois. He and his wife, Ellen, have two sons and live in the western suburbs of Chicago. Connect with Al at ivpress.com

All times listed Eastern  Daylight Time (New York)

9:30 AM 
Publishing & Marketing Summit Kickoff
Join us at 9:30 am for our official virtual summit kickoff. Bring your own coffee to get the plan for the day and ask questions to make the most of these two days together. We'll start early with giveaways, so don't miss your alarm on Thursday, June 23rd. 
10:00 AM 
Your Platform Matters
We’ve seen too many writers with a message, a story, and a heart to reach readers, but no idea how to share it. The Internet throws too much information at you: try this, try that. Stuck and stalled, talented writers lose motivation. Ann Kroeker helps authors find their way past the frustrations, enabling them to construct a platform that supports authentic connections and gathers people they desire to connect with. She promotes a method of platform building that avoids sleazy marketing techniques and ensures you take time to make thoughtful choices flowing from your values and goals. Your platform isn’t going to be exactly like anyone else’s. It’s not a one-size fits all. Ann wants to help you construct a meaningful platform that feels creative, deep, and others-focused. Join us as we walk through the process of establishing and expanding a meaningful author platform that reaches your ideal readers and helps you share the message on your heart. 
11:30 AM
Writing & Editing for Diverse Audiences
Although authors talk about an “ideal reader,” sometimes they have a hard time imagining someone who is not like themselves. Chances are your readers will be from a variety of diverse backgrounds. Your reader’s life experience will not exactly mirror the plot points of your history, yet you desire to write words that reach beyond the details of your life and make a heart-to-heart connection with everyone the Lord wants to reach through your message. One of Jevon Bolden's missions is to allow us to hear from diverse creators of faith whose ideas move the world through written, audio, and visual content. When we share a gospel message, we want to create an open place for conversations with all people. Learning to write and edit for diverse audiences impacts the way we craft and market our message, becoming writers, speakers, faith leaders, and cultural influencers who cultivate life-giving community.
1:00 PM 
Finding Your First 50 Readers Panel Discussion
Writers love to write. Right? Well, let’s be more specific. Writers love to work on their writing projects (most of the time), but there is another kind of writing that is less familiar. Marketing. Do you feel the shivers creeping up your back? Marketing, guaranteed to cause writer’s block! But why? If you don’t have any readers, writing loses its purpose. And how are you going to find readers if you don’t market? Time to admit it: part of the writer’s job is to go out and find readers. Want the good news? Marketing these days doesn’t work like it used to. Instead of selling, you connect with others and give them value. When you build a relationship of trust, when they encounter your passion, you don’t have to sell, but instead, you connect them with what they already want: your words! This lively panel discussion with Rachel G. Scott, Amy Caroll, Ann Kroeker, and Courtnaye Richard provides the practical marketing wisdom you need to find your first 50 readers. 
2:30 PM 
The Strategy to a Successful Book Launch
You’ve seen other authors celebrating their new book with a book launch party. Some launches are quite involved while others are quite simple. It’s easy to feel that you have to orchestrate a massive media event when you launch, but is that really necessary? What are the most important elements to a successful book launch? It begins with clarifying your goals and knowing yourself. When you understand what you hope to achieve and whom you wish to reach, you’ll be equipped to put together the elements to achieve success as you define it. Bonnie Gray shares from her experience how to make heart-to-heart connections with readers, showing them that you genuinely care as you build community spirit. You worked hard to write the message on your heart. Now learn to launch that book and get it into the hands of your readers. 
5:30 PM 
Preparing Your Manuscript for Publication
Everyone has their own unique story to tell—whether it’s crafted from true experiences or an original imagination. For some, the purpose of writing may simply be for personal fulfillment or for particular people in their life, but if the path leads to sharing your writing in a public space, Sarah Barnum is here to help you prepare your manuscript for publication. Starting with market research and identifying your target audience creates a solid foundation so that you’re clear on the basics of who your message is for and why they want it. Once you have completed a rough draft, you then turn to editing where you review the overall structure, pacing, narrative arc, chronology, transitions, and character development. You can learn to be an excellent self-editor, and you’ll also learn to work with a professional editor and proofreader. Sarah equips you to craft a manuscript ready for publication, whether you choose the traditional or self-publishing route. Whatever your path, you will blaze your own trail.
7:00 PM 
Writing a Winning Book Proposal
Find out how to write a compelling book proposal that gets noticed. Chad Allen walks us through the elements of a book proposal, how to research, write and submit your proposal once it is completed. Chad has had his eye on thousands of book proposals during his 20 years in the traditional publishing industry, Your book proposal offers to enter into partnership with a traditional publisher. That publisher is looking for a writer who is a reliable person—one who tells the truth, follows through on their commitments, and sees writing as an integral part of life and ministry. Let’s learn how to construct this document in such a way that you attract the attention of literary agents and acquisition editors. 

All times listed Eastern  Daylight Time (New York)

9:30 AM
Authentic Online Marketing
Many authors feel completely lost on social media. They don’t know how to use hashtags (or understand the point), attract followers, or get engagement on their posts. The good news is that with a few small tweaks, social media can help you find readers and pour into the lives of those you wish to reach with your message. As Christian entrepreneurs, we have a direct line into God for wisdom and guidance. It's both terrifying and exciting. In this session, Ruthie Gray helps us figure out the marketing side of things in a way that fits with our personality and highlights the offering we make with our message.  
11:00 AM
When and How to Pitch Your Book Idea
Literary agents come alongside writers who want to publish and make available a message to reach not just a few but the masses. They are skilled in supporting authors present and place their book with publishers, negotiate publishing contracts, and advise on promotional aspects of book projects from contract through publication. Blythe Daniel and Stephanie Alton invest time with writers to develop the content of their book, the title, and the unique marketing hooks that make their book stand out from others. They help authors think through how to reach potential readers. Get ready to learn when and how to pitch your book idea. 
1:00 PM
Self-Publishing Made Easy
Writing a book is a massive undertaking with a steep learning curve. The beginning writer is forced to navigate an unfamiliar world, not only the writing side of things, but also the publishing and marketing side as well. It’s enough to make you crazy. With finished manuscript in hand, what's next? Self-publish? Vanity press? Print-On-Demand? With Self-Publishing Made Easy, Valerie J. Lewis Coleman will save you thousands of dollars, hours of research, and mountains of frustration. Avoid the top mistakes made by 95% of all new authors. This expert problem solver will navigate you through the mysterious labyrinth of self-publishing to make publishing quick, easy, and affordable! 
2:30 PM
Publishing & Marketing a Children's Book
You need a self-publishing guru to teach you the secrets of how to successfully self-publish a quality illustrated children’s book, while saving money and time. April Cox’s superpower is making hard things simple. When she saw how much conflicting information was out there and how much went into self-publishing, she was inspired to create a repeatable framework that simplifies the complexity and provides step by step assistance for authors. During this interview, she will help you avoid the mistakes that can cost you thousands and delay your book by months–or worse, result in you giving up altogether. You wish to leave a legacy of beautiful children's books in the world, heirlooms that live on in the hearts of families. We want to see your stories come to life. 
4:00 PM
Marketing Your Book Without Selling Your Soul
You sense a sacred call to write and proceed with prayer, desiring to steward the message God has placed on your heart. The whole process is terrifying and exhilarating, creating more hope and doubt than you ever imagined. After wrestling with the creative process of turning your ideas into words on a page, you hold the result of your labor. This “book baby” is part of you. Feelings of vulnerability arise as you send it out into the world. What will happen when others encounter your message? During this interview, Allen Arnold helps us navigate the tension between owning our creation and giving it up as a sacrifice of praise. This requires a Spirit-guided approach to marketing inspired by sharing not only the hope of your message, but also the transformed individual you’ve become in the process of writing it. What does soul-filled marketing look like? Learn how to navigate common marketing pitfalls and show up with bold confidence as you share the message on your heart. 
5:30 PM
Current Trends in Traditional Publishing
With an insider view of the traditional publishing industry, author and senior editor, Al Hsu, describes how authors and publishers work best together. In over two decades at IVP, he has worked with over 275 authors and published more than 400 titles. He will help you understand the trends in traditional publishing and position your book idea accordingly. You’re looking to build a relationship with a publisher who aligns with your vision and mission. As an author looking for a book contract in partnership with a Literary Agent and/or Acquisitions Editor, your goal is to find a good match for your book project. During this interview, Al’s goal is to help you find clarity about your audience needs and the market fit for your book idea so you can find your place in the traditional publishing landscape today.
Mindy Kiker and Jennifer Kochert, co-founders of FlourishGathering and FlourishWriters, are passionate to help women grow in God’s Word. They have authored and published Bible studies and devotionals, workshops, online conferences and training courses. Jenny and Mindy are guides who help birth stories from the heart to the page. We mentor writers who flourish.
Can I have lifetime access to the presentations?
Yes, lifetime access to the summit presentations, including additional bonus resources, are available with an All-Access Pass. You will be provided with more information about the All-Access Pass after your register.
Can I watch the conference on any device?
The videos are designed to function on all computers and mobile devices. If you are unable to view the content on one device, try another. Between computers, phones, and tablets, something should work. If you are unsuccessful after giving it your best shot, you are welcome to email us at info@flourishgathering.com.
What if I can't attend live on June 23rd-June 24th, 2022?
If you are not able to attend live, we suggest you purchase the All-Access Pass option for lifetime access of all summit content plus bonuses. 
Where do I find the live presentations? 
When you register for the retreat, you'll receive instructions on how to access the live presentations. 
Who is FlourishWriters?
We are an online ministry whose mission is to equip women to grow in their passion for God’s Word and write their God Stories. You can find us at flourishgathering.com and flourishwriters.com. If you wish to contact us, we answer emails at info@flourishgathering.com.
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