Is self-publishing truly a sustainable path or just a fallback? A.K. Amherst, Charlie Pearson, Debra Gaskill, and Linda Falgoust share their real journeys into independent publishing, speaking candidly about creative control, marketing realities, and long-term career growth. This session offers an honest look at what works, what does not, and how writers can decide if self-publishing fits their goals.
What Agents Want in the First Five Pages
The first five pages often determine whether a manuscript moves forward or stops cold. Literary agent Carly Watters of P.S. Literary shares what agents look for immediately, how to capture attention fast, and why some submissions stand out while others fade. Writers...




