How to get syndicated...or self-syndicate (syndicate panel) -- Sue Roush, Gordon Kirkland, Kevin Williams, Jodie Lynn

What are the odds that you can get a syndicate to sign you? What are the best methods to get your work noticed by a syndicate? Should you consider self-syndicating? Get insight and advice from professionals who have seen thousands of pitches for new columns and worked with syndicates. Lots of time for your questions.

This session is also offered Saturday afternoon.

So, you want to write for a newspaper? (newspaper editor panel) -- Thom Fladung, Terry Eberle, Allan Walton, Ron Rollins

Curious about what newspaper editors really look for in stories, freelance writers and columnists? Four newspaper editors candidly discuss how to break into the newspaper business and what it's like once you're there. These seasoned veterans also provide tips on freelancing for newspapers. This is your chance to ask the questions you've always wanted to ask. This session is also offered Saturday afternoon.

Breaking into television writing (TV panel) -- Karyl Miller, Tom Anderson, Matt Bombeck

What does it take to break into the field of television writing? Three pros share how they broke into television and provide tips on how you can do it, too. They'll also discuss what to do once you’re there.

Query Letter Clinic -- Katie Brogan

Do you want to sell your nonfiction article or short fiction story? Do you know what to include in a book proposal? How long is a novel synopsis? This informative and all-important session will provide answers to these questions and many more, and will teach writers the basic skills every writer, nonfiction and fiction alike, needs when crafting and writing a query letter and book proposal.

Using the Principles of Stand-Up Comedy to Improve Humor Writing -- Mark Shatz

As the most concise and demanding form of humor writing, stand-up comedy requires a unique approach to writing humor. Dr. Mark Shatz will explain how the principles and techniques of stand-up comedy can enhance all types of humor writing.

This session is also offered Saturday afternoon.

Preparing & Serving Sizzling Hot Book Proposals! -- Steve O'Keefe

Writing an irresistible book proposal is key to getting a literary agent and a fat, juicy advance – yet 95% of all book proposals make the same crucial error. Find out what that mega mistake is, how to avoid it, and what elements your proposal should have. You’ll also learn how to write a cover letter that is pitch perfect for landing a literary agent or publishing contract.

Breaking into magazine writing -- Kristin Godsey

Want to know what magazine editors love -- and hate? Do you know the keys to ensure you'll get repeat assignments? Kristin Godsey, editor of Writer's Digest magazine will discuss those topics as well as how to spin one idea into multiple assignments for different magazines, what to expect during the editing process, how to determine the right magazines to pitch and how to pitch them effectively. Godsey has been active in magazine publishing for more than a decade and worked on such national titles as Fortune and Good Housekeeping. She has also freelanced as a writer and editor for other publications including Glamour, Working Woman and Pregnancy magazines. This session is also offered Saturday afternoon.