Authors discuss writing crime fiction for middle-grade readers, focusing on the young sleuths they’ve created and the mentors who guide them. This session explores the unique challenges and rewards of crafting mysteries for pre-teen audiences, from age-appropriate stakes to characters that inspire curiosity, courage, and problem-solving.
How Bestsellers Are Built
Chris Reardon, Eddie Lightsey, Helen Yu, Hurt Lombard, Joel Tomlin, and Robbie Bryan explore the marketing and publicity efforts behind bestselling books. They share how publishers and marketers support authors and outline steps writers can take to position themselves...




