Working closely together, the five writers participating in the SuperStars Writing Seminar—Eric Flint, Dave Wolverton (aka David Farland), Brandon Sanderson, Rebecca Moesta, and myself—have developed the full curriculum of the talks and panels we will be giving during the three-day session.

As I’ve described in previous posts, the seminar will be held at the Pasadena Convention Center from March 19-21.  This is an in-depth, no-nonsense, nuts & bolts workshop for serious writers, both aspiring writers and already-published writers who want to push their careers to a new level.  Look at the list of topics below.  We hope you’ll want to join us.  http://www.superstarswritingseminars.com

March 19 (Friday)

Econ 201 for Writers: Economics of Commercial Publishing
Understand the foundation of how commercial publishing works, from advances, royalty rates, printing, bookselling, distribution and returns. What do all those line items on a royalty statement mean?

Inside Editors: How editors look at manuscripts, novels & short fiction
Learn how to make a great first impression when your story or novel lands on an editor’s desk, how editors look at submissions, and how you can get an edge on the slushpile competition.

“Dirty Secrets”—What you need to know about being a Professional Author
What are the key characteristics that separate the amateurs from the pros? How to look, act, and *be* a professional and how to be taken seriously in the publishing world.

From Slushpile to #1 New York Times Bestseller in 4 Years
Discover the steps to success by following the true story of how an unknown author went from “wannabe” to unseating Dan Brown in the top slot of the New York Times bestseller list.

Intellectual Property: How to Exploit Yours
Your creation can be more than just words in print. Learn how to explore other options to expand your intellectual property, from graphic novels to games to merchandizing.

Balancing Acts: Writing World & Real World
While working to become a successful professional author, how do you juggle the conflicting demands of jobs, family life, and other commitments? We’ll show you how to be productive and focused even with the distractions of the real world.

Brainstorming Improv: Real-Time Creation of a Story
An interactive audience experience where the Superstar authors guide you through plotting and brainstorming to come up with story after story.

March 20 (Saturday)

Agents: The “A” Word
What can an agent do for you? Does a new writer really need one? How do you get an agent? Straight talk from our experts on good and bad agents.

Networking for Writers
Learn how to make connections, be in the right place at the right time, and make sure your name pops into an editor’s mind when a new project is being considered.

Self-Promotion for Authors
How do you call attention to your book, once it’s published? We’ll share our experiences in getting interviews and media coverage, online exposure, mailing lists, fan clubs, book signings, and effective promotional products.

Self-Publishing: Realities & Pitfalls
Alternatives abound for authors to publish and market their own books, bypassing traditional publishers. What are the realities of do-it-yourself publishing? Can you really land a contract from a major publisher on the basis of a self-published book?

Pitching the Big Proposal
You have your idea, your outline, your sample chapters. Understand what makes a good sales pitch, how to get editors, marketers, and publishers excited about your work even before you deliver the manuscript.

Two Heads Are Better than One: Collaborative Writing
Discover the advantages, and challenges, of working with another author, how to draw upon areas of expertise, and how to work smoothly together in a highly charged creative environment.

Autographing Session

Exclusive Saturday Dinner with the Speakers

March 21 (Sunday)

New Media: Using It to Get an Edge
Understand the potential of new technologies to open up unexpected avenues for promoting your book and advancing your career—blogs, websites, social networks, podcasts, e-mail blasts.

Movies, TV—and Authors
Learn how your book can attract the attention of filmmakers for TV or movies. Understand options, treatments, pitch sessions, and spec scripts.

E-Publishing
Online publishing is a direct way to bypass paper, printing, and distribution costs, but in many ways it is still uncharted territory. Learn the basics of e-publishing, e-books, and the economic advantages and pitfalls.

Anatomy of a Major Book Release
A publishing house prepares for the release of a book sometimes a year or more in advance. Learn the crucial milestones in the lead-up to your book’s appearance on the shelves and how you can take advantage of these key points.

Eleven Tips to Increase Your Writing Productivity
How can you be more productive amid the obligations of chaotic life? These eleven proven techniques used by bestselling authors will give you an inside track on how to produce, and publish, more of your work.

Note, the Early Bird special expired at the end of the year and prices went up $50 on Jan 1, but we are still offering the package at substantially lower than the full price.  http://www.superstarswritingseminars.com