Category: PastEvent11

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AGENTS UPDATE 2011: What You Need to Know to Be a Savvy Player in Today’s Publishing Game

Robin Quinn

Panel
AGENTS UPDATE 2011:
What You Need to Know to Be a Savvy Player in Today’s Publishing Game

Monday, May 2, 2011

In a changing marketplace, it’s more important than ever to have an advocate to fight for you when going the route of traditional publishing.

Our May program presents a panel of stellar Los Angeles agents and a prominent literary attorney who will provide a look at their world today. We’ll cover what you need to know to find the right representative, how to get their attention, and the steps you should take to create the strongest relationship. In addition, we’ll look at hot genres like YA, self-publishing’s influence on the book market, the ebook factor, and what you need to know to be a savvy player in the publishing game in 2011.

We also have a manager of screenwriters to cover representation when writing for film and TV. Come join us for insider insights into an ever-evolving world!

Our panelists:

Ashley Grayson
Carolyn Grayson — Grayson Literary AgencyFor more than three decades, Ashley Grayson has run the Ashley Grayson Literary Agency here in Southern California as a full-service literary agencyrepresenting authors to publishers. He represents commercial fiction (urban fantasy, thrillers, young adult) and some nonfiction. Ashley discovered Christopher Pike, and represents best-selling authors including Bruce Coville, Barb and J.C. Hendee, Carrie Vaughn, and John Barnes. He is an active member of AAR (Association of Authors’ Representatives), and he blogs at GraysonAgency.com/blog.Carolyn Grayson has been an active agent with the Ashley Grayson Literary Agency for more than 15 years. She represents fiction (including women’s fiction, romance, urban fantasy, young adult), and some nonfiction projects (self-help, true crime). The Agency is active in selling international rights and media rights. Carolyn is a member of AAR and the Romance Writers of America.
taylor-martindaleTaylor Martindale — Sandra Dijkstra AgencyTaylor is most interested in acquiring young adult fiction, specifically gritty contemporary, unique paranormal/urban fantasy, and any story with a captivating voice. She will also consider children’s picture books, commercial fiction, women’s fiction, and multicultural fiction. Taylor is looking for engaging and unforgettable characters and stories that stay with you long after you turn the final page. She recently sold a YA sci-fi thriller series for Debra Driza, which will come out from Katherine Tegen Books/Harper Collins in the fall of 2012.

JenniferRofeJennifer Rofé — Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc.Jennifer handles children’s fiction projects, from picture books to young adult. Middle grade is her soft spot; she’s open to all genres in this category, especially the tender or hilarious. For YA, Jennifer’s drawn to contemporary works; dramatic or funny romance; and urban fantasy/light sci-fi. For picture books, early readers, and chapter books, she’s interested in character-driven projects and smart, exceptional writing. Jennifer also enjoys how-to and sports-related nonfiction. Her clients include Laurie David, Cambria Gordon, Crystal Allen, and Barry Wolverton. Jennifer is co-author of the picture book Piggies in the Pumpkin Patch.

GregGertmenian-AbbotManagementGreg Gertmenian — Abbot Management

Greg is General Manager of Abbot Management, a literary management company for writers of TV and film scripts. Abbot Management strives to bring attention to developing talented writers by exposing work to accomplished producers and directors. At Abbot, Greg has overseen options and writing assignments, and he has associate produced. Experienced in writing, producing and directing sketch comedy, Greg also pursues his own projects. His film, Balrog: Behind the Glory, a mockumentary based on Street Fighter II, will screen at July’s EVO 2011. Abbot’s proprietary development software will roll out to production companies this summer.

Ivan-HoffmanIvan Hoffman — Literary AttorneyProudly in his 38th year of practice, Ivan Hoffman has legal specialties that include publishing and writing law.

Ivan stays on the cutting-edge of the law, addressing developments through his articles, speaking appearances, interviews and award-winning website. Ivan is a graduate of UCLA Law School.

PaulLevinePaul S. Levine — Paul S. Levine Literary AgencyThe vast majority of Paul S. Levine’s clients come to him as new previously unpublished or self-published authors. For over 28 years, he has offered clients a unique combination of publishing industry knowledge and legal services. Paul will consider fiction, nonfiction, children’s and young adult manuscripts and proposals. Projects include Victoria Johnson’s Get Grant Money Now, David Seidman’s What If I Am an Atheist?; A Guide for Teenagers, Sheila Copeland’s Chocolate Star, and Steven Savile’s Guild Wars 2: Novel. Paul has taught at UCLA Extension Writers Program for over a decade.

Robin Quinn
Robin Quinn

Moderator:
Robin Quinn — award-winning book editor, ghostwriter and publishing consultant who specializes in health, spirituality and self-help, as well as select fiction and memoir. Her website is WritingAndEditing.biz.

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AGENTS UPDATE 2011: What You Need to Know to Be a Savvy Player in Today’s Publishing Game

Robin Quinn

Panel
AGENTS UPDATE 2011:
What You Need to Know to Be a Savvy Player in Today’s Publishing Game

Monday, May 2, 2011

In a changing marketplace, it’s more important than ever to have an advocate to fight for you when going the route of traditional publishing.

Our May program presents a panel of stellar Los Angeles agents and a prominent literary attorney who will provide a look at their world today. We’ll cover what you need to know to find the right representative, how to get their attention, and the steps you should take to create the strongest relationship. In addition, we’ll look at hot genres like YA, self-publishing’s influence on the book market, the ebook factor, and what you need to know to be a savvy player in the publishing game in 2011.

We also have a manager of screenwriters to cover representation when writing for film and TV. Come join us for insider insights into an ever-evolving world!

Our panelists:

Ashley Grayson
Carolyn Grayson — Grayson Literary AgencyFor more than three decades, Ashley Grayson has run the Ashley Grayson Literary Agency here in Southern California as a full-service literary agencyrepresenting authors to publishers. He represents commercial fiction (urban fantasy, thrillers, young adult) and some nonfiction. Ashley discovered Christopher Pike, and represents best-selling authors including Bruce Coville, Barb and J.C. Hendee, Carrie Vaughn, and John Barnes. He is an active member of AAR (Association of Authors’ Representatives), and he blogs at GraysonAgency.com/blog.Carolyn Grayson has been an active agent with the Ashley Grayson Literary Agency for more than 15 years. She represents fiction (including women’s fiction, romance, urban fantasy, young adult), and some nonfiction projects (self-help, true crime). The Agency is active in selling international rights and media rights. Carolyn is a member of AAR and the Romance Writers of America.
taylor-martindaleTaylor Martindale — Sandra Dijkstra AgencyTaylor is most interested in acquiring young adult fiction, specifically gritty contemporary, unique paranormal/urban fantasy, and any story with a captivating voice. She will also consider children’s picture books, commercial fiction, women’s fiction, and multicultural fiction. Taylor is looking for engaging and unforgettable characters and stories that stay with you long after you turn the final page. She recently sold a YA sci-fi thriller series for Debra Driza, which will come out from Katherine Tegen Books/Harper Collins in the fall of 2012.

JenniferRofeJennifer Rofé — Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc.Jennifer handles children’s fiction projects, from picture books to young adult. Middle grade is her soft spot; she’s open to all genres in this category, especially the tender or hilarious. For YA, Jennifer’s drawn to contemporary works; dramatic or funny romance; and urban fantasy/light sci-fi. For picture books, early readers, and chapter books, she’s interested in character-driven projects and smart, exceptional writing. Jennifer also enjoys how-to and sports-related nonfiction. Her clients include Laurie David, Cambria Gordon, Crystal Allen, and Barry Wolverton. Jennifer is co-author of the picture book Piggies in the Pumpkin Patch.

GregGertmenian-AbbotManagementGreg Gertmenian — Abbot Management

Greg is General Manager of Abbot Management, a literary management company for writers of TV and film scripts. Abbot Management strives to bring attention to developing talented writers by exposing work to accomplished producers and directors. At Abbot, Greg has overseen options and writing assignments, and he has associate produced. Experienced in writing, producing and directing sketch comedy, Greg also pursues his own projects. His film, Balrog: Behind the Glory, a mockumentary based on Street Fighter II, will screen at July’s EVO 2011. Abbot’s proprietary development software will roll out to production companies this summer.

Ivan-HoffmanIvan Hoffman — Literary AttorneyProudly in his 38th year of practice, Ivan Hoffman has legal specialties that include publishing and writing law.

Ivan stays on the cutting-edge of the law, addressing developments through his articles, speaking appearances, interviews and award-winning website. Ivan is a graduate of UCLA Law School.

PaulLevinePaul S. Levine — Paul S. Levine Literary AgencyThe vast majority of Paul S. Levine’s clients come to him as new previously unpublished or self-published authors. For over 28 years, he has offered clients a unique combination of publishing industry knowledge and legal services. Paul will consider fiction, nonfiction, children’s and young adult manuscripts and proposals. Projects include Victoria Johnson’s Get Grant Money Now, David Seidman’s What If I Am an Atheist?; A Guide for Teenagers, Sheila Copeland’s Chocolate Star, and Steven Savile’s Guild Wars 2: Novel. Paul has taught at UCLA Extension Writers Program for over a decade.

Robin Quinn
Robin Quinn

Moderator:
Robin Quinn — award-winning book editor, ghostwriter and publishing consultant who specializes in health, spirituality and self-help, as well as select fiction and memoir. Her website is WritingAndEditing.biz.

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A Proposal and Query Workshop

Seminar
A Proposal and Query Workshop

Saturday, April 16, 2011

So you’ve got a story to tell. You’ve done your research, you know this is not a movie or a magazine article. You’re committed to write a book. How do you get published? If your story is fiction, get your backside in a chair and write it. If it’s nonfiction, the first and most critical step is creating a proposal. When you have a proposal, when your novel is in final manuscript, you will need an irresistible query letter that will convince an agent to represent you. Only literary agents have the contacts to get your work seen and read by editors in publishing houses. But how to begin?

Powerhouse writer MARVIN J. WOLF offers practical advice and savvy tips on how to turn your work into an attractive product ripe for picking by the book-publishing establishment. Wolf has written professionally since 1965. In addition to authoring or co-authoring a dozen nonfiction books, his articles have appeared in magazines and newspapers around the world. Wolf collected material and honed his instincts for self-preservation while serving as a U.S. Army infantryman, Ranger School instructor, basic training drill instructor, combat photographer, public affairs officer, communications-electronics officer and company commander. Later, he worked in creative advertising positions for Foote Cone, Wells Rich Greene and in employee communications for Northrop, Transamerica, and Avco before becoming an independent writer in 1978.

In partnership with veteran screenwriter Larry Mintz, Wolf took up screenwriting in 2001. Their script “Ladies Night,” based on a chapter of Wolf ‘s 1988 book “Platinum Crime,” aired in February 2005 on the USA Cable Network, as did “The Pierre Heist,” based on another Wolf book. Wolf’s books include “Buddha’s Child” (St. Martin’s, 2002) the wartime memoirs of former South Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Cao Ky; and “Where White Men Fear To Tread ” (St. Martin’s, 1995), the autobiography of Native American activist and film actor Russell Means. His “Beating The Odds” (Scribner’s, 1991) recounts the life story of ABC Television founder Leonard Goldenson. In addition, he’s written several true-crime anthologies, including “Fallen Angels, Chronicles of Los Angeles Crime and Mystery ” (Ballantine, 1986), long considered a minor classic of its genre. Wolf is a charter member of IWOSC and served four terms as president. He’s now working in on his second novel, “The Aleppo Codex.”

Posted on by

A Proposal and Query Workshop

Seminar
A Proposal and Query Workshop

Saturday, April 16, 2011

So you’ve got a story to tell. You’ve done your research, you know this is not a movie or a magazine article. You’re committed to write a book. How do you get published? If your story is fiction, get your backside in a chair and write it. If it’s nonfiction, the first and most critical step is creating a proposal. When you have a proposal, when your novel is in final manuscript, you will need an irresistible query letter that will convince an agent to represent you. Only literary agents have the contacts to get your work seen and read by editors in publishing houses. But how to begin?

Powerhouse writer MARVIN J. WOLF offers practical advice and savvy tips on how to turn your work into an attractive product ripe for picking by the book-publishing establishment. Wolf has written professionally since 1965. In addition to authoring or co-authoring a dozen nonfiction books, his articles have appeared in magazines and newspapers around the world. Wolf collected material and honed his instincts for self-preservation while serving as a U.S. Army infantryman, Ranger School instructor, basic training drill instructor, combat photographer, public affairs officer, communications-electronics officer and company commander. Later, he worked in creative advertising positions for Foote Cone, Wells Rich Greene and in employee communications for Northrop, Transamerica, and Avco before becoming an independent writer in 1978.

In partnership with veteran screenwriter Larry Mintz, Wolf took up screenwriting in 2001. Their script “Ladies Night,” based on a chapter of Wolf ‘s 1988 book “Platinum Crime,” aired in February 2005 on the USA Cable Network, as did “The Pierre Heist,” based on another Wolf book. Wolf’s books include “Buddha’s Child” (St. Martin’s, 2002) the wartime memoirs of former South Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Cao Ky; and “Where White Men Fear To Tread ” (St. Martin’s, 1995), the autobiography of Native American activist and film actor Russell Means. His “Beating The Odds” (Scribner’s, 1991) recounts the life story of ABC Television founder Leonard Goldenson. In addition, he’s written several true-crime anthologies, including “Fallen Angels, Chronicles of Los Angeles Crime and Mystery ” (Ballantine, 1986), long considered a minor classic of its genre. Wolf is a charter member of IWOSC and served four terms as president. He’s now working in on his second novel, “The Aleppo Codex.”

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DOCUMENTARIES: The Writer’s Vision Illuminated

Panel
DOCUMENTARIES: The Writer’s Vision Illuminated

Monday, March 28, 2011

As writers, we have a unique vision and a variety of platforms in which to express our thoughts.  A perennial and growing medium is the documentary.  If you look at the list of documentaries in the past several years, you will find almost every subject, from the political, to health, to the obscure, and more.  A unique collaboration is enjoyed with this form.

We will explore recent documentaries from the writer’s point of view.  What makes the documentary successful, and how do you define this success?  How do you promote, and what are the ways in which it can “get out there”?  What happens to the writer’s words and organizational ideas once the process begins?  Does it start with the writer or with the producer or director?  What are some ownership and budgetary concerns? Who raises the money and who gives it?  What are the future prospects for a writer who has become involved?

Panelists include:

NAT SEGALOFF is a journalist who has done hundreds of newspaper, radio and TV interviews, essays, and reviews; wrote and produced episodes for “A&E Biography”; co-founded the “Alien Voices” science fiction production company with John de Lancie and Leonard Nimoy; co-wrote the play “The Waldorf Conference” about the Hollywood Blacklist; and has published ten books including his brand new one, “Arthur Penn: American Director.” He notes that his resume looks good but his bank account does not, reflecting the crummy fate of freelancers in today’s corporate media.

LESLIE NEALE‘s first film, the award-winning “Road to Return,” narrated by Tim Robbins, prompted a Senate Bill from the House Judiciary Committee to fund the aftercare program in six more states. Her best-known film, “Juvies,” followed 12 juveniles for five years who were all tried as adults and sentenced to adult prisons. Narrated by Mark Wahlberg, “Juvies” aired on HBO and toured the world as one of the top ten Human Rights Watch Films of 2005.

Other credits include: a documentary about Gospel Music called “Rhythm of the Heart, A Healing Presence,” chronicling the renegade healing practices of the Medical Mission Sisters; “Ironwood,” a documentary short on the college program at Ironwood State Prison which helped spread the college program throughout California State Prisons; and another short for Loyola Law School Center for Juvenile Justice. She is currently producing a documentary on restorative justice and the healing power of forgiveness between victims and perpetrators called “Unlikely Friends.”

JESSICA KIVNIK’s documentary short film “Carp: A Four Letter Word” examines the complex issues surrounding the fight to keep aquatic invasive bighead and silver carp from entering the Great Lakes. The film premiered in 2010 at the Gene Siskel Film Center as part of the Chicago 360 Documentary Film Series.

Jessica is a writer/producer/director who has contributed to many varied projects for screen and stage. She studied sketch and improv comedy at Second City and iO, and wrote, produced and performed in several shows at Second City, iO, Sketchfest and the Chicago Improv Festival. She is a producer on the upcoming web series “Wikisoap,” a contributing writer for Examiner.com and is currently writing a feature-length romantic comedy.

ADAM SCHOMER In his recently completed feature documentary, “The Highest Pass,” we follow a yogi with a death prophecy who leads a group of motorcyclers into the Indian Himalayas and over the highest road in the world. It’s a stunning look into wisdom in real-life practice. In addition to writing and producing, Adam teaches yoga, has written the spiritual book series “The Free Life,” and guides trips to India.  His writing credits include the children’s TV show “Becka and the Big Bubble,” the books by the same name, the graphic novel “The Pedal Pals,” and his company i2i Productions is currently developing a children’s documentary- style TV series.

JEFFREY BERMAN is the founder of RDRR Productions, a produced screenwriter, and member of several committees at the Writer’s Guild of America. Berman sold his first script to Ron Howard and Brian Grazer for Imagine Films. Since then he has written scripts for nearly every major studio in Hollywood, including The Walt Disney Company, Universal, Paramount, NBC, The Hallmark Channel and many more. Berman is also the creator and host of the award-winning series “The Write Environment,” which features interviews with some of today’s top TV series creators and screenwriters, and the science-fiction Film Noir web series, “Naught for Hire,” featuring the adventures of lost-in-time detective Nick Naught.

Moderator:
TELLY DAVIDSON is author of the award-winning “TV’s Grooviest Variety Shows,” which was cited by the TV Academy, NPR, and several national newspapers, and the forthcoming novel “Pop Culture,” as well as developing several media tie-in projects on films and TV shows. His film and TV reviews have been published in over a dozen magazines and commercial websites; he has worked on specials for NBC, the American Film Institute, and on the new PBS documentary “Pioneers of Television II,” as well as its Emmy-nominated forerunner. He has hosted or been a part of earlier IWOSC panels like “From Books to Film,” “Biographies and Memoirs,” “Covering the Celebrity Beat,” and two “Trends in Publishing” panels. He is an active member of IWOSC and PEN-USA.

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DOCUMENTARIES: The Writer’s Vision Illuminated

Panel
DOCUMENTARIES: The Writer’s Vision Illuminated

Monday, March 28, 2011

As writers, we have a unique vision and a variety of platforms in which to express our thoughts.  A perennial and growing medium is the documentary.  If you look at the list of documentaries in the past several years, you will find almost every subject, from the political, to health, to the obscure, and more.  A unique collaboration is enjoyed with this form.

We will explore recent documentaries from the writer’s point of view.  What makes the documentary successful, and how do you define this success?  How do you promote, and what are the ways in which it can “get out there”?  What happens to the writer’s words and organizational ideas once the process begins?  Does it start with the writer or with the producer or director?  What are some ownership and budgetary concerns? Who raises the money and who gives it?  What are the future prospects for a writer who has become involved?

Panelists include:

NAT SEGALOFF is a journalist who has done hundreds of newspaper, radio and TV interviews, essays, and reviews; wrote and produced episodes for “A&E Biography”; co-founded the “Alien Voices” science fiction production company with John de Lancie and Leonard Nimoy; co-wrote the play “The Waldorf Conference” about the Hollywood Blacklist; and has published ten books including his brand new one, “Arthur Penn: American Director.” He notes that his resume looks good but his bank account does not, reflecting the crummy fate of freelancers in today’s corporate media.

LESLIE NEALE‘s first film, the award-winning “Road to Return,” narrated by Tim Robbins, prompted a Senate Bill from the House Judiciary Committee to fund the aftercare program in six more states. Her best-known film, “Juvies,” followed 12 juveniles for five years who were all tried as adults and sentenced to adult prisons. Narrated by Mark Wahlberg, “Juvies” aired on HBO and toured the world as one of the top ten Human Rights Watch Films of 2005.

Other credits include: a documentary about Gospel Music called “Rhythm of the Heart, A Healing Presence,” chronicling the renegade healing practices of the Medical Mission Sisters; “Ironwood,” a documentary short on the college program at Ironwood State Prison which helped spread the college program throughout California State Prisons; and another short for Loyola Law School Center for Juvenile Justice. She is currently producing a documentary on restorative justice and the healing power of forgiveness between victims and perpetrators called “Unlikely Friends.”

JESSICA KIVNIK’s documentary short film “Carp: A Four Letter Word” examines the complex issues surrounding the fight to keep aquatic invasive bighead and silver carp from entering the Great Lakes. The film premiered in 2010 at the Gene Siskel Film Center as part of the Chicago 360 Documentary Film Series.

Jessica is a writer/producer/director who has contributed to many varied projects for screen and stage. She studied sketch and improv comedy at Second City and iO, and wrote, produced and performed in several shows at Second City, iO, Sketchfest and the Chicago Improv Festival. She is a producer on the upcoming web series “Wikisoap,” a contributing writer for Examiner.com and is currently writing a feature-length romantic comedy.

ADAM SCHOMER In his recently completed feature documentary, “The Highest Pass,” we follow a yogi with a death prophecy who leads a group of motorcyclers into the Indian Himalayas and over the highest road in the world. It’s a stunning look into wisdom in real-life practice. In addition to writing and producing, Adam teaches yoga, has written the spiritual book series “The Free Life,” and guides trips to India.  His writing credits include the children’s TV show “Becka and the Big Bubble,” the books by the same name, the graphic novel “The Pedal Pals,” and his company i2i Productions is currently developing a children’s documentary- style TV series.

JEFFREY BERMAN is the founder of RDRR Productions, a produced screenwriter, and member of several committees at the Writer’s Guild of America. Berman sold his first script to Ron Howard and Brian Grazer for Imagine Films. Since then he has written scripts for nearly every major studio in Hollywood, including The Walt Disney Company, Universal, Paramount, NBC, The Hallmark Channel and many more. Berman is also the creator and host of the award-winning series “The Write Environment,” which features interviews with some of today’s top TV series creators and screenwriters, and the science-fiction Film Noir web series, “Naught for Hire,” featuring the adventures of lost-in-time detective Nick Naught.

Moderator:
TELLY DAVIDSON is author of the award-winning “TV’s Grooviest Variety Shows,” which was cited by the TV Academy, NPR, and several national newspapers, and the forthcoming novel “Pop Culture,” as well as developing several media tie-in projects on films and TV shows. His film and TV reviews have been published in over a dozen magazines and commercial websites; he has worked on specials for NBC, the American Film Institute, and on the new PBS documentary “Pioneers of Television II,” as well as its Emmy-nominated forerunner. He has hosted or been a part of earlier IWOSC panels like “From Books to Film,” “Biographies and Memoirs,” “Covering the Celebrity Beat,” and two “Trends in Publishing” panels. He is an active member of IWOSC and PEN-USA.

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BOOK COVERS and TITLES: Intention, Attention, Inspiration

Seminar
BOOK COVERS and TITLES: Intention, Attention, Inspiration

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Your book title, cover imagery and interior design are the most important parts of your book. Yes, the book content is the focus, but without the other components working for you, your book will not attract the attention it needs.

Your book COVER has 3-7 seconds to fulfill three immediate needs: 1. catch attention  2. create an emotional response  3. inspire an action. It’s science, it’s metaphysical and mathematical, and it’s fun.

An on-target book TITLE and subtitle will not only place you correctly on the Internet, it also shows your audience who you are and what to expect.  This seminar will present option pros and cons.

Our seminar presenter is a professional book designer/consultant, Karrie Ross.  Here are some of the topics that will be discussed:

  • The book cover and title in today’s emergence of POD and electronic media.
  • How the cover design or title affects the promise of a book.
  • Choosing the cover image: photo, illustration, or…?
  • Colors and how appropriate they are for your book.
  • How a misused typeface can make a potential buyer not see your book.
  • Can you save money on your cover design? Questions will be answered.
  • The importance of interior book design.
  • How to create a compelling title and subtitle.
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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Presenter Karrie Ross will illustrate the seminar with some examples of her work and will share their stories.

This INTERACTIVE seminar will also provide you with an opportunity to present your existing or proposed book cover design, book title and subtitle for a constructive critique. Please print and bring the following to the seminar if you wish to have them commented on:  existing or proposed book cover; title and subtitle options (big enough to show the room); your book’s introduction or foreword (if a long one… print 1-2 pages) and PRINT OUT YOUR QUESTIONS.

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Everything Web: An Evolving Medium

Panel
Everything Web: An Evolving Medium

Monday, February 28, 2011

Our electronic world is unfolding daily, with the Web at the forefront of its evolutionary fluctuations. We have leaped in capabilities from Pong to Wii, much like the elevator lifted us off the staircase. Consequently, our current technology presents a vast array of marketing tools, communication tools, and fun stuff, much of which is inexpensive, just plain free, and yet daunting. Simple code has given way to complex social applications, blog applications, media inventions, as well as sweeping changes in writing and its re-defined place in the world. How do you fit in?

Our panel will discuss the newest applications, how they are used, abused, and how to simplify their execution. Once you have more or less mastered WEB 101 (which we will present in seminar on Saturday, February 19), you would be well advised to stay current by upgrading and expanding your applications and hardware. Our experts will guide you through this process.

Our panelists:

Cliff Allen has been helping companies with their Internet marketing since 1992.  He is the CEO of SureToMeet.com, an online meeting and event registration system. Cliff began his computer industry career in 1973 when he left the broadcast industry to start his own software company serving the advertising industry. He later established a high-tech advertising and public relations agency.

In 1995 his company developed a line of Web personalization products that helps online marketers tailor Web content to the needs and interests of their customers. Cliff has co-authored three books about Internet marketing, the latest being “One-to-One Web Marketing,” published by John Wiley & Sons.

Today, his team is helping groups and organizations grow attendance at their events and meetings by using SureToMeet.com.

Steven Sanchez is the founder and CEO of INEXUS.COM, a Los Angeles-based firm that consults, builds and promotes Internet business solutions. For the past 18 years, he has worked with leading companies in industries such as travel, health and racing to create web sites that work for both business and consumers. Steven has helped companies both large and small start their web businesses and publish online. He has also served as technical editor on bestsellers such as “Homepage Usability” and “Web Design on a Shoestring.”

He enjoys photography, travel, sailing and scuba diving. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children and is, of course, writing his next book about starting and growing a profitable website business.

Moderator:
Gary Young worked with Jean Kennedy Smith as a coordinator for the National Very Special Arts Festival. His plays have been produced at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the White House, the Smithsonian, and throughout the US and Europe. His one-person play, “ON HOLD: The MYTH of Male Maturity,” premiered in England and he will perform the show in LA, “soonish,” with a companion book, “The Immature Male Handbook.” His book, “LOSS AND FOUND: Surviving the Loss of a Partner,” co-written by his wife, Kathy, is used in colleges throughout the country. Gary has been IWOSC’s Director of Professional Development, creating and producing our acclaimed programs for several years. He is the President of the Publishers Association of Los Angeles (PALA), Executive Director of the Lifetime Achievement Foundation, and a Vice-Chair of the Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights (ALAP). His newest book, “Social Networking for the Anti-Social,” will be published soon.

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Everything Web: An Evolving Medium

Panel
Everything Web: An Evolving Medium

Monday, February 28, 2011

Our electronic world is unfolding daily, with the Web at the forefront of its evolutionary fluctuations. We have leaped in capabilities from Pong to Wii, much like the elevator lifted us off the staircase. Consequently, our current technology presents a vast array of marketing tools, communication tools, and fun stuff, much of which is inexpensive, just plain free, and yet daunting. Simple code has given way to complex social applications, blog applications, media inventions, as well as sweeping changes in writing and its re-defined place in the world. How do you fit in?

Our panel will discuss the newest applications, how they are used, abused, and how to simplify their execution. Once you have more or less mastered WEB 101 (which we will present in seminar on Saturday, February 19), you would be well advised to stay current by upgrading and expanding your applications and hardware. Our experts will guide you through this process.

Our panelists:

Cliff Allen has been helping companies with their Internet marketing since 1992.  He is the CEO of SureToMeet.com, an online meeting and event registration system. Cliff began his computer industry career in 1973 when he left the broadcast industry to start his own software company serving the advertising industry. He later established a high-tech advertising and public relations agency.

In 1995 his company developed a line of Web personalization products that helps online marketers tailor Web content to the needs and interests of their customers. Cliff has co-authored three books about Internet marketing, the latest being “One-to-One Web Marketing,” published by John Wiley & Sons.

Today, his team is helping groups and organizations grow attendance at their events and meetings by using SureToMeet.com.

Steven Sanchez is the founder and CEO of INEXUS.COM, a Los Angeles-based firm that consults, builds and promotes Internet business solutions. For the past 18 years, he has worked with leading companies in industries such as travel, health and racing to create web sites that work for both business and consumers. Steven has helped companies both large and small start their web businesses and publish online. He has also served as technical editor on bestsellers such as “Homepage Usability” and “Web Design on a Shoestring.”

He enjoys photography, travel, sailing and scuba diving. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children and is, of course, writing his next book about starting and growing a profitable website business.

Moderator:
Gary Young worked with Jean Kennedy Smith as a coordinator for the National Very Special Arts Festival. His plays have been produced at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the White House, the Smithsonian, and throughout the US and Europe. His one-person play, “ON HOLD: The MYTH of Male Maturity,” premiered in England and he will perform the show in LA, “soonish,” with a companion book, “The Immature Male Handbook.” His book, “LOSS AND FOUND: Surviving the Loss of a Partner,” co-written by his wife, Kathy, is used in colleges throughout the country. Gary has been IWOSC’s Director of Professional Development, creating and producing our acclaimed programs for several years. He is the President of the Publishers Association of Los Angeles (PALA), Executive Director of the Lifetime Achievement Foundation, and a Vice-Chair of the Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights (ALAP). His newest book, “Social Networking for the Anti-Social,” will be published soon.

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Web 101: The Basics Seven Things Writers MUST Do to Succeed on the Web, plus Building Your Platform, & Making Money

Seminar
Web 101: The Basics
Seven Things Writers MUST Do to Succeed on the Web, plus Building Your Platform, & Making Money

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Does your website need help? Do you need to build a home page but aren’t sure where to start or how to do it?  Are you confused about what a writer really needs to know about “TGIF” (Twitter, Google, the iPhone, and Facebook)? Do you have a website but aren’t making any money?

If you answered YES to any of the above, you should attend this seminar.  We’ll teach you the seven-step P-R-O-C-E-S-S you absolutely MUST follow for starting the right kind of websites (or improving the ones you have), growing your platform, and making money. Whether you’re just starting out or wanting to fine-tune your existing Internet strategy, you’ll learn what writers must know about blogs, keywords, landing pages, list building, your “platform,” search engines, getting website traffic, social networking (e.g., Facebook and Twitter) and drawing an income online. There’s never been a better time in history to be a writer, if you know what to do.

Steven_SanchezPresenter: 
Steven Sanchez is the founder and CEO of INEXUS.COM, a Los Angeles-based firm that consults, builds and promotes Internet business solutions. For the past 18 years, he has worked with leading companies in industries such as travel, health and racing to create web sites that work for both business and consumers. Steven has helped companies both large and small start their web businesses and publish online. He has also served as technical editor on bestsellers such as “Homepage Usability” and “Web Design on a Shoestring.” He enjoys photography, travel, sailing and scuba diving. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children and is, of course, writing his next book about starting and growing a profitable website business.