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    MWA Writing Conference – Mar. 28-29, 2020

    Maryland Writers’ Association will hold its MWA writing conference on March 28 – 29, 2020 at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center on the University of Maryland College Park Campus, 3501 University Blvd East, Hyattsville, Maryland. 

    Ally is part of this year’s MWA writing conference and will be speaking on Saturday, March 28th about how to “Get More Book Reviews, Sell More Books.” Here’s a little more info about what the talk will cover:

    It may seem like the first step for any author is to try and sell books, but in fact, if you haven’t already gotten at least 25 4- and 5- star reviews on Amazon, anyone who lands on your sales page is unlikely to take the next step and buy your book. And that’s not the only thing that’s probably keeping you from making more sales. It’s all about having the right approach to listing and promoting your book, especially in its first 30 days, a crucial window for engaging Amazon in promoting your book for you.

    If you’re tired of begging your friends and family to post reviews of your book online, and if you feel like you don’t understand why reviews are so important or how to get more of them, this presentation will answer your questions. Come on out!

    For conference registration, visit the MWA writing conference website here.

    Filed Under: Book Marketing, Latest News, Speaking/Teaching Tagged With: Ally Machate, book marketing, book marketing strategies, book marketing tips, get more book reviews, getting book reviews, Maryland Writers Association, Maryland Writers Conference, MWA

    Point of View Is About More than Pronouns–Maryland Writers Conference, March 29-31

    The Maryland Writers’ Association will hold its Annual Conference in a week and we are happy to announce that our very own Harrison Demchick will be presenting an intensive session on POV and perspective.

    A story can be told from different perspectives—first-person, third-person limited, third-person omniscient, and more—but point of view is about far more than the pronouns you use. What are the pros and cons of each? How can point of view be used to focus your narrative? And what perspective best reflects the story you want to tell?

    Harrison brings his unique experiences as a developmental editor, author, and filmmaker to this offbeat but informative talk on the craft of writing fiction. You can find him at the conference on the 31st of March at 9:30 am.

    The conference begins March 29 and runs through the 31st for an info-packed weekend at the BWI Airport Marriott. For more details about the conference, you may contact Eileen McIntire at president@marylandwriters.org or you may register for the conference here.

    Filed Under: Latest News, Speaking/Teaching, Write Better Fiction Tagged With: Harrison Demchick, Maryland Writers Association, Maryland Writers Conference, point of view, POV

    Self-Publishing Success at Maryland Writers Conference – March 2018

    I’ve been an active member of the Maryland Writers’ Association for several years now, and so it’s with great pleasure that I will be participating as a speaker at this year’s Maryland Writers Conference. The MWA is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with a two-day event. That means double the networking, double the fun, and double the amount of excellent information for authors of all levels.

    This year’s conference features screenwriter and consultant to the stars Michael Hauge, known for his motivational writing workshops; the Poet Laureate of Maryland Stanley Plumly presenting a half-day workshop, and award-winning thriller writer John Gilstrap. Agent pitches, keynote talks at breakfast and lunch on Saturday, panels and workshops. This is one conference you won’t want to miss.

    I’ll be there giving my presentation, “5 Steps to Self-Publishing Success.” With so many options, it can be difficult to navigate your way to self-publishing success. But if you want great results, you need to get real! Just copying what indie phenoms like Amanda Hocking or J.A. Konrath are doing may not work for you. You need a plan designed for your type of book and your particular situation. This presentation will give you a simple five-step roadmap while revealing crucial industry secrets to help you get past the 100-copy ceiling that disheartens so many self-publishers.

    I’ll also be available for private, one-on-one consults during the event along with several other excellent editors and agents.

    The Maryland Writers Conference is happening on March 23-24, 2018 at the BWI Marriott. I’m speaking in the afternoon on Saturday (check out the schedule here).

    For more information, you may visit the Maryland Writers Conference website or fill out the form on the site to contact Conference Coordinator Jess Williams.

    Ally Machate Book EditorFounder of The Writer’s Ally, Ally E. Machate is a bestselling book collaborator, award-winning editor, and expert publishing consultant who loves using her insider knowledge and experience with the publishing industry to lead serious authors toward success. She and her team live to help make great books happen, whether that means showing a writer how to improve a manuscript, get an agent, or self-publish; or coaching an author on growing her platform to sell more books. Since 1999, she has supported hundreds of authors on their publishing journey and takes pride in serving as their books’ best ally.

    Filed Under: Latest News, Self-Publishing, Speaking/Teaching Tagged With: indie publishing, Maryland Writers Association, Maryland Writers Conference, presentations, publishing advice, self publishing, self-publishing, writing business

    Just Write Conference Happened Last September 2016

    TWA editors Harrison Demchick and Susan Korman were invited to present at the Just Write. Writers Conference hosted by the Harford County Public Library last September 25, 2016.

    The Just Write. Writers Conference is an annual event sponsored in part by the Maryland Humanities Council that brings successful regional writers together with local aspiring writers.

    Harrison and Susan presented talks on Perspective, Story Structure, and the Editing Process.
    The conference was at Towson University-North East Building, 510 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015.

    “Harrison easily provided valuable information to improve writing particularly through point of view. He was thoughtful and knowledgeable.” – Stephanie McCannon, Darlington, MD

    “Before the MasterClass with Harrison Demchick on point of view I was like the Hubble Telescope without focus.” – Jim Horn, Havre de Grace, MD

    “I have an MFA in creative nonfiction writing, but this is the first time the three-act structure has been explained to me in a way I understand.” – Robyn Barberry, Aberdeen MD, Editor of A Peachy Life and Blogger for The Catholic Review

    Filed Under: ., Latest News, Speaking/Teaching, Write Better Fiction Tagged With: Harrison Demchick, Just write, Maryland Writers Conference, Susan Korman, writers conference

    Harrison and Susan at the Just Write. Writers Conference – September 25, 2016

    TWA editors Harrison Demchick and Susan Korman will present at the Just Write. Writers Conference hosted by the Harford County Public Library on September 25th, 2016.

    The Just Write. Writers Conference is an annual event sponsored in part by the Maryland Humanities Council that brings successful regional writers together with local aspiring writers.

    Harrison and Susan will present talks on Perspective, Story Structure, and the Editing Process.
    This conference will be at Towson University-North East Building, 510 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD 21015.

    To register, you may visit their website or you may contact Bethany Hacker at hacker@hcplonline.org

    Filed Under: ., Latest News, Speaking/Teaching, Write Better Fiction Tagged With: Harrison Demchick, Just write, Maryland Writers Conference, Susan Korman, writers conference

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