Science Fiction Writers' Week 2024 recap

It's easy to get your book listed in virtually any online catalog, but what if you want your book(s) to rise above the digital masses and be seen as more relevant to booksellers and librarians? What does it take to attract the attention of the curators of those sales channels? Author Mark Leslie Lefebvre who has been writing for more than forty years and has worked as a bookseller and book industry professional for more than thirty-two years will share insights and perspective to help you understand ways you can help highlight your books, spotlight your author brand, and get the support of bookstores and libraries to promote your book(s) to their customers and patrons.

Mark Leslie Lefebvre started writing in the mid 1980s and had his first work published in 1992, the same year he started working as a bookseller. He has since published more than thirty-five books under the name Mark Leslie that include novels, anthologies, and a series of non-fiction paranormal explorations for Dundurn, Canada’s largest independent publisher. He has also written several books about the business of writing and publishing under his full name, Mark Leslie Lefebvre that include Publishing Pitfalls for Authors, Wide for the Win, and The Relaxed Author co-authored with Joanna Penn. Mark has spoken as both an author and publishing industry professional across Canada and the United States, as well as in the UK and Europe, and since 2018 he has hosted a weekly podcast on the business of writing and publishing called Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing.

Special offer:

Get Mark’s eBook AN AUTHOR'S GUIDE TO WORKING WITH LIBRARIES AND BOOKSTORES for 99 cents (Regularly priced at $6.99) using code PROWRITING24: https://payhip.com/b/MQ1NW

Click here to download Mark's session slides

In the vast and imaginative worlds of science fiction, love often serves as the emotional heart that grounds readers in the story. But how do you seamlessly integrate romance into a genre known for its speculative concepts and futuristic landscapes? In this workshop, bestselling romance author and developmental editor Dana Pittman will guide you through the art of blending romance with science fiction to create narratives that are both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating.

Dana Pittman is a USA Today and Amazon Bestselling romance and paranormal romance author, Certified Developmental Editor, and the Chief Storyteller with Danja Tales, a boutique romance developmental editing company in Houston, Texas. She specializes in romances (contemporary, steamy, billionaire, etc), paranormal romance, fantasy, suspense/thrillers, and plotting. And she'd love to chat with you about YOUR novel.

Special links:

• Learn more about Dana Pittman: https://danjatales.com/

Science fiction novels either feature one hero (like Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games) or they feature multiple heroes (like Juliette, Lukas, Houston, and Major Jahns in Silo). How do writers decide how many protagonists to feature in your story? Or narrators? And what is a primary protagonist? In this workshop, we’ll dive into the benefits of each option and how to choose the perfect amount of protagonists for your sci-fi story.

Hannah Kate Kelley is a developmental editor and Author Accelerator certified book coach helping fiction writers write, revise and launch their stories. She lives in New York City with her partner.

Special links:

• Get 10% off Manuscript Evaluation services with code SCIFIPRO10. Valid until October 10, 2024: https://www.kelleyeditorial.com/manuscript-evaluation

• For more writing resources, head over to http://www.kelleyeditorial.com/

Click here to download Hannah's session slides

Science fiction indeed offers a rich tapestry of sub-genres, each captivating readers with distinct worlds and narratives. Dystopian fiction often explores grim futures where society has typically fallen into decay due to oppressive regimes or other catastrophic events, serving as a cautionary tale about current societal issues. Space Opera, with its grand scale and dramatic adventures, takes readers across galaxies to witness epic battles and complex, often political, dynamics between different civilizations. First Contact stories delve into the unknown, focusing on the initial meetings between humanity and alien species, exploring themes of communication, conflict, and the vastness of the universe. Lastly, Cyberpunk immerses readers in near-future Earth settings where advanced technology and cybernetics intersect with a breakdown in social order, often highlighting the struggles against mega-corporations and artificial intelligence. Each of these sub-genres not only entertains but also provides a lens through which we can examine human nature and our possible futures.

Kyle Cisco is a Story Grid Certified Editor from Winter Springs, Florida. He is a disabled Air Force Veteran, utilizing his discipline and attention to detail as an aircraft mechanic to check the structural integrity of your story. He is a writer working on a flintlock fantasy thriller series and horror story anthology. He has three kids, three dogs, a wife that supports his dream of editing books, and a love of reading that can never be sated.

As an editor he specializes in helping authors in bringing their world to life through compelling worldbuilding and his vast knowledge of history.

His experience in data management from the military gave him an expertise in spreadsheets, and a level of dedication that helps authors to hone their craft to reach the next level. He never backs down from a challenge and lives by the values instilled in his Air Force service of integrity, Service before self and excellence in all he does.

Special links:

• Check out more about Kyle and the services he offers at https://www.ironravenediting.com/

• Book a 30 minute consultation call now: https://calendly.com/kyle-cisco/consultation-call

During this networking session, you will have the opportunity to meet other people in the Science Fiction writing community. We will be sending you into breakout rooms in groups of 4 or 5.

In this generative workshop, we’ll walk through a series of questions designed to get you thinking about all aspects of the unique world you want to create to inspire and delight your readers. Alternating craft instruction with writing time to start on (or continue to create) your book universe, along with Q+A, writers will walk away with the tools (and some words!) to craft a captivating setting for your novel.

A voracious reader of all kinds of fiction (and sometimes memoir and non-fiction), Kerry Savage (she/her) is an Author Accelerator certified book coach who works with novelists from the planning stages through revision, helping writers get their best book ready for the world. She is also a J-school grad and former project manager, as well as being hard at work on her first novel (a work of historical fiction based on the life of a real badass female pirate). She serves as a volunteer mentor for the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA) and Sisters in Crime (SinC). She loves good wine, cheese, and trying to keep her succulents alive.

Special link:

Access Kerry’s presentation slides, a free workbook with world-building exercises, and a special offer for ProWritingAid users: https://www.kerrysavage.com/prowritingaid-scifi-week

In this session, we'll dive into the details of how Keywords and Categories work on Amazon, tactics Science Fiction authors can use to gain traction, and optimizations for effective sales results.

Included topics are:

• Finding profitable keywords that Science Fiction readers actually search for on Amazon

• Identifying niche bestseller categories while avoiding devastating ghost categories

• Learning how to become a category bestseller without spending thousands

• Strategies to make a book more discoverable to target readers

• ...plus more!

Data Engineer turned Amazon bestselling author, Hank Marcacci writes in several genres including Science Fiction on Amazon KDP. As Product Manager of Publisher Rocket, he's always on the lookout for how authors can better connect with readers who will love their work.

Special links:

Access your exclusive offer from Publisher Rocket and Kindlepreneur: https://kindlepreneur.com/SFWeek

Click here to download Hank's session slides

Join developmental editor and book coach Savannah Gilbo for an in-depth presentation about how to craft the perfect dynamic between your protagonist and antagonist. She’ll walk you through considerations for developing both your protagonist and antagonist as well as how to make sure they’re linked through conflict—aka the secret sauce that makes your story both engaging and satisfying.

Savannah Gilbo is a certified developmental editor and book coach who helps fiction authors write, edit, and publish stories that work. She’s also the host of the top-rated Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast, where she delivers weekly episodes full of simple, actionable, and step-by-step strategies that you can implement in your writing right away. When she’s not busy crafting her own stories, you can find Savannah curled up with a good book, a cozy blanket, and her three furry partners in crime.

Special links:

Get Savannah’s freebie “The Writer’s Guide to Crafting Compelling Characters”: https://www.savannahgilbo.com/pwa

Click here to download Savannah's session slides

Congratulations! You finished the draft of your novel! You’ve written this amazing book with dynamic characters, an immersive world, and a riveting plot. Now… it’s time to edit. But how? Too many writers start linearly with a scene-by-scene, chapter-by-chapter process. Unfortunately, with this method, you can miss some of the larger, structural issues which then go unfixed – and might even get worse. What if you had a process that gives you some distance and allows you to see the overall picture and where it’s succeeding or not? Join Author Accelerator certified book coach Rona Gofstein as she shows you how to use six key scenes so you can see what’s working, what needs strengthening, and what’s not there yet. Discover a new system that emphasizes the pivotal moments in your story, so your revision has a more significant impact on your book - in less time - and improves your editing process.

Rona Gofstein is a published author and an Author Accelerator certified fiction book coach who loves working with writers of heroine-driven fiction. She describes her style as intensive feedback combined with compassionate enthusiasm because she knows that on this journey, writers need clarity, support, and encouragement. She has spoken on writing craft and business across the country and is the past president of the New Hampshire RWA chapter and Broad Universe. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and sons, misses the 24-hour diners of her home state of New Jersey. A proud Gen-Xer who’s been published since 2007 (you can learn her pen name if you work together), she’s always up for getting coffee, talking about movies, and finding great places to eat.

Special links:

• Visit Rona’s website: https://ronagofstein.com/

• Follow Rona on Instagram @write.with.rona

When it’s you against your self-doubt, distractions, and a fast-approaching deadline, writers need more than a cup of coffee to forge ahead. Learn how to step into a creative mindset and enjoy the process of writing again with simple tips which will cover:

• Comparison is a prison.

• Play is vital for writers.

• Failing is part of life.

• Connection strengthens us as creatives.

You will leave this session inspired and energized with the tools you need so you can create with more joy and ease.

Isabelle Hardesty writes stories about people doing magical things and kicking butt. She writes for all readers, and people like her, who didn’t see themselves in their favorite fantasy adventures growing up.

She is the author of The Witch of Belle Fleur, which is part of her book series, The Destroyer Witch Chronicles. She has written other book series, including The Delacourt Shapeshifter Trilogy, Sea Witch High, and Viola the Vampire Witch.

Isabelle Hardesty has written a short story which is being published in the Marvel anthology, Captain America: The Shield of Sam Wilson, published by Titan Books.

She lives with her husband and family in Atlanta.

Special links:

For more information, visit her at https://isabellehardesty.com/

Click here to download Isabelle's session slides

Unlock the full potential of your science fiction novel in "Edit Your Way to an Epic Sci-Fi Adventure Using Technology." This session delves into how you can leverage ProWritingAid to elevate your manuscript to new heights. You'll learn how to utilize the advanced features of ProWritingAid to enhance your sci-fi novel's world-building, character development, and overall readability. ProWritingAid's Director of Community, Hayley Milliman, will guide you through the process of:

• Identifying common pitfalls: Learn how to identify and correct common mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and style that could disrupt your narrative flow.

• Strengthening your narrative: Use ProWritingAid's tools to tighten your plot, craft believable futuristic worlds, and maintain an exhilarating pace that keeps readers fully immersed.

• Analyzing readability: Employ readability reports to ensure your novel is accessible and captivating, whether your readers are hardcore sci-fi fans or newcomers to the genre.

And more!

As Director of Community at ProWritingAid, Hayley Milliman is dedicated to creating engaging, informative content for the millions of users who rely on ProWritingAid to sharpen their writing. With an extensive writing portfolio spanning education, marketing strategy, history, and beyond, Hayley is well-equipped to help you bring your sci-fi masterpiece to life.

During this networking session, you will have the opportunity to work in small groups with other people in the Science Fiction writing community to create a Science Fiction world. We will be sending you into breakout rooms in groups of 4 or 5.

In this session, Dave will talk about his mid-life shift from geology professor to writer and game designer. He’ll share his journey from occasional spare-time writer to his current pace of two to three novels a year, starting with the writing and creative process. He’ll talk about plotting, character development, discovery writing, and the specific challenges he’s faced writing science fiction compared to other genres. He’ll also describe his process for seeking feedback from early readers, editing, proofreading, and then building a finished, marketable product, then launching and shilling it out in the real world. He’ll also discuss how to find an audience for your books and stories as an indie author, sharing his failures and successes, and spending some time particularly on indie book competitions (Dave won the SPSFC this past summer with Kenai). Finally, Dave will talk about how adding writing as a side hustle or full mid-life career shift can work, and what it can do to your life, your income, your relationships, and your priorities. There will be ample time for questions, discussion, and talking about participants’ projects as well.

A native of Ames, Iowa, Dave Dobson loves writing, reading, boardgames, computer games, improv comedy, pizza, barbarian movies, and the cheaper end of the Taco Bell menu. Also, his wife and kids.

Dave has written nine novels including fantasy, sci-fi, mysteries, and thrillers. In addition to his books, Dave is the author of Snood, Snoodoku, Snood Towers, and other computer games. Dave first published Snood in 1996, and it became one of the most popular shareware games of the early Internet. His most recent project (other than writing) is Doctor Esker's Notebook, a series of puzzle card games in the spirit of escape rooms.

Dave taught geology, environmental studies, and computer programming at Guilford College for 24 years, and he does improv comedy every week at the Idiot Box in Greensboro, North Carolina. He’s also played the world’s largest tuba in concert. Not that that is relevant, but it’s still kinda cool.

Special links:

Learn more about Dave Dobson: https://davedobsonbooks.com

Check out Dave Dobson’s sci fi books:

• Kenai (space opera, SPSFC winner 2024): https://books2read.com/u/3JenJe

• Daros (space opera, SPSFC semifinalist 2022): https://books2read.com/u/braoA7

Follow Dave Dobson on socials:

• https://www.facebook.com/FlamesOverFrosthelm

• https://www.facebook.com/DaveDobson

• https://twitter.com/GCDaveDobson

• https://www.instagram.com/davedobsonfromiowa

• https://mas.to/@davedobson

• https://bsky.app/profile/davedobson.bsky.social

Click to download Dave's session slides

Join this session to learn:

• Key things you should include on an author website

• How to make the design immersive and engaging

• Ideas on how to promote your site

• To sell direct or not…?

Stuart Grant is the highest rated author web designer on Reedsy, a high end marketplace for authors. He also runs a very successful web design agency (Digital Authors Toolkit) specifically for authors. With over 10 years of experience in the publishing industry, he knows what makes a successful author website. He designs stunning, world class sites that help to sell books and grow mailing lists.

Stu has worked with the team at The Self Publishing Formula (Learn Self Publishing) for the last decade but is now focused on helping authors to grow their online business. He was a speaker and sponsor at The Self Publishing Show 2024 in London, will be speaking at Author Nation this year in Las Vegas.

Having created over 300 sites for authors, there are few people out there who know more about the process of building an author website than Stu and his team. With his background in teaching and broadcasting, Stu is in an ideal position to bring his skills to sessions and talk about websites for authors.

He is based in Norfolk UK and is Dad to a very sassy 6-year-old, a crazy dog, and an even crazier wife.

Expect a fun session, with loads of takeaways for your Author Website.

Special links:

Find Stu at:

• https://www.digitalauthorstoolkit.com

• https://reedsy.com/stuart-grant

• Mention ProWritingAid for an exclusive discount!

Click here to download Stuart's session slides

Step into the role of a creator and bring your science fiction universe to life in this dynamic, interactive world-building workshop. Whether you're crafting an epic space opera or a dystopian future, this session will guide you through the essential elements of constructing a rich, immersive world that captivates readers. In this hands-on workshop, you'll:

• Design intricate worlds: Learn how to create detailed settings, from the geography and ecosystems to the cultures, politics, and technologies that define your universe.

• Develop compelling societies: Explore how to build societies with unique histories, governments, and social structures, ensuring your world feels authentic and lived-in.

• Integrate world-building into your narrative: Discover techniques to seamlessly weave world-building details into your story, enhancing your plot and character development without overwhelming the reader.

• Collaborate and share: Engage with fellow writers in group activities, brainstorming sessions, and feedback exchanges to refine your world-building ideas.

As Director of Community at ProWritingAid, Hayley Milliman is dedicated to creating engaging, informative content for the millions of users who rely on ProWritingAid to sharpen their writing. With an extensive writing portfolio spanning education, marketing strategy, history, and beyond, Hayley is well-equipped to help you bring your sci-fi masterpiece to life.

Join developmental editor and book coach Kerry Savage as she critiques some audience-submitted query letters. You'll learn how to immediately capture an agent's attention with a strong hook, what plot and character details to include (and what NOT to include), as well as how to think about comp titles and what biographical information to share. 

A voracious reader of all kinds of fiction (and sometimes memoir and non-fiction), Kerry Savage (she/her) is an Author Accelerator certified book coach who works with novelists from the planning stages through revision, helping writers get their best book ready for the world. She is also a J-school grad and former project manager, as well as being hard at work on her first novel (a work of historical fiction based on the life of a real badass female pirate). She serves as a volunteer mentor for the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA) and Sisters in Crime (SinC). She loves good wine, cheese, and trying to keep her succulents alive.

Join developmental editor and book coach, Savannah Gilbo, as she critiques the first five pages of a few different stories. You’ll learn what agents (and readers) are looking for in the opening pages of a story—plus, how you can avoid some of the most common mistakes writers make in their opening pages, too.

Savannah Gilbo is a certified developmental editor and book coach who helps fiction authors write, edit, and publish stories that work. She’s also the host of the top-rated Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast, where she delivers weekly episodes full of simple, actionable, and step-by-step strategies that you can implement in your writing right away. When she’s not busy crafting her own stories, you can find Savannah curled up with a good book, a cozy blanket, and her three furry partners in crime.