2024 SPEAKERS

dave-chesson

Keynote Speaker: Dave Chesson, Kindlepreneur

Dave Chesson is the creator of Kindlepreneur.com, a website devoted to teaching advanced book Marketing which even Amazon KDP acknowledge as one of the best by telling users to “Gain insight from Kindlepreneur on how you can optimize marketing for your books.” Having worked with such authors as Orson Scott Card, Ted Dekker and more, his tactics help both Fiction and Nonfiction authors of all levels get their books discovered by the right readers.

Forward-Publicity

Alysson Bourque & Lori Orlinsky, Expound Publicity

Using the latest trends, Expound's mission is to build a platform for an author to succeed and maintain their success as a writer. Created by a team of multi-award winning, bestselling authors, and seasoned marketers, Expound Publicity is a full-service book marketing agency specializing in custom integrated campaigns.

Bryan-Cohen

Bryan Cohen, Author Ad School

Bryan Cohen is the creator of Author Ad School, the founder of author copywriting agency Best Page Forward, and the MC of Self Publishing Live. He's also an author with eight novels self-published and over 150,000 books sold, as well as the co-host of The Sell More Books Show, a weekly podcast for self-published authors. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and daughter!

ELiza M Garza

Eliza Garza

Eliza M. Garza is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur in South Texas! Eliza is passionate about her Hispanic heritage and is proud to integrate it into the many facets of her life. She believes that part of a child’s pathway to empowerment and authenticity is identifying, understanding, and embracing their culture at a young age so they can be prouder of who they are. ​ Eliza is also passionate about advocating for mental health and co-authored "Shades of Serenity", a calming coloring book for all ages. Eliza is the founder of Adventure in a Cup, a program that provides children with the opportunity to learn the principles of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and goal setting by practicing with their own raspa stand for a day. Eliza was awarded with a Proclamation by the City of McAllen declaring a day (6/18) in honor of her book - Raspas Con Mi Grandpa Day, which is her Grandpa Chavez's birthday. Eliza enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her spoiled poodle named Brinkley, being an active member of her community, and hosting collaborative and empowering events in her spare time.

DC Gomez Amazon-Headshot-1-Aug-2021-768x972

D.C. Gomez

D. C. Gomez is a fast-talking, extra-quirky Dominican with a dark sense of humor. A long time ago, she used to enjoy long walks at the park and long days under the sun. Unfortunately, due to a mysterious condition, she is now allergic to those pesky UV rays. Rumor has it that her true nature is coming out and her vampirism is now showing. But don’t fear my friend, she doesn’t bite (much…). Now she has a legit medical condition to hide indoors and indulged her passions of reading, sometimes cooking, and of course writing. DC writes in multiple genres from Urban Fantasy, Contemporary Lit, YA, Children’s Books, and even Devotionals. Her dark sense of humor and infatuation for action/adventure can be found in many of her books.

As a self-proclaim serial-hobbyist, her passions expand to podcasting as well as live hosting. You can find DC every Monday night interviewing a new author on her podcast Inside the Minds of Authors. If you enjoy a more active experience, catch her online live on her Amazon Channel – The Book Corner. Where she features authors releasing books within the next 90 days. Explored the website and check out many of her award-winning books (Death’s Intern, Plague Unleashed, Forbidden War, and The Origins of Constantine). Get lost in a mesmerizing adventure, full of quirky characters, zany plots, and always in the pursuit of their own tribe.

Laura KOBO (1)

Laura Granger, Rakuten/KOBO

Laura is Kobo Writing Life’s Author Engagement Manager. In her role on the KWL team, she works closely with indie authors to help them reach new readers on Kobo. She has a BA in English from York University and a post-grad certificate in book, magazine and electronic publishing from Centennial College. When she’s off the clock, you can find her curled up with a romance book or binge-watching a new reality show.

Hannah Hacobson - Book Award Pro

Hannah Jacobson, Founder of Book Award Pro

Hannah Jacobson is the founder of Book Award Pro: the technology company that helps authors find the perfect reviews and awards for their books. Sought by industry experts to craft award-winning strategies, Hannah helped develop the AI technology that has become Book Award Pro. Every year, authors spanning 6 continents win thousands of new awards, receive valuable reviews, and market their books in one easy-to-use platform. Hannah is also the Awards & Story Marketing Advisor for the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi). Her expertise has been recognized as the leading voice in literary accolades.

Brandon King Headshot Adjustment 11-2023

Joel Lund

Joel Lund’s quest as a non-fiction writer (and fantasy writer, under his pen name, Brandon King) is to remind readers that, like Samwise Gamgee said to Frodo on the flanks of Mordor’s Mount Doom, “Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer.” Joel has received multiple awards for his fiction and non-fiction works, including Top Ten Idaho Author and 1st Place in the North American Book Awards. He’s passionate about writing well. He’s also passionate about writers. Both his wife and daughter are also award-winning authors. Many of his friends are writers. And he knows from his own experience and theirs the many challenges writers will face while dreaming of going full-time as an author.

Here is where Joel’s 25+ years in the financial industry becomes intensely relevant to writers hoping to one day be a bestselling author. In his presentation, Joel will delve into the “darkness” that writers may face on their quest for a new day when the sun will shine out the clearer. Whether that quest leads them to traditional publishing, a hybrid approach, or going independent, each pathway holds great challenges to every writer…and to their finances. Joel’s content will help any writer confidently navigate the many financial challenges that come from being a writer.

JudithBriles

Judith Briles, Award Winning Author and Speaker

Judith Briles is an author, publisher, podcaster, book publishing consultant and professional speaker focused in the fields of book publishing, conflict resolution, and personal finance.

She is best known for being The Book Shepherd and the founder of AuthorYOU, the co-founder of Mile High Press, and was CW2 Denver's financial expert in the mid-2000s. Briles has been referred to as " The Book Shepherd" and is an advocate for author's rights, works with clients globally and leads the Book Publishing and Speaking Unplugged bootcamps. In 2019, She launched the Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame.

matty-dalrymple-md-headshot_orig

Matty Dalrymple

Matty Dalrymple (DAL-rim-ple) is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts, including CLOSE THESE EYES. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Matty also podcasts, writes, speaks, and consults on the writing craft and the publishing voyage as The Indy Author. She has written books on the business of short fiction and podcasting for authors, and her articles have appeared in Writer’s Digest magazine. She is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Michael La Ronn

Michael La Ronn, Author Level Up

Michael La Ronn has published many science fiction & fantasy books and self-help books for writers. He built a writing career publishing 10-12 books per year while raising a family, working a full-time job, and even attending law school classes in the evenings. Visit his fiction website at michaellaronn.com and his resources for writers at authorlevelup.com.

Narelle-Todd-Get-My-Book-Out-There-1024x683

Narelle Todd

Narelle Todd, CEO and Founder of NarelleTodd.com, does more than coordinate the chaos in other businesses. Her 25+ years of human resources management and business experience has sharpened her natural skills. She is obsessed with innovating new ways of building amazing businesses that’s absurdly useful and effective. She also works with clients as a strategist, coach, tech geek, travel adviser, and coffee connoisseur.

No matter which hat she’s wearing, Narelle’s goal is simple — to empower Founders and Entrepreneurs to build rock-solid business foundations using their unique style of organization so they create game-changing results. Throughout her career, Narelle has worked with Founders and Entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries — from authors, speakers, consultants, coaches, and health professionals. If you are ready to take control of your business and take it to the next level, now is the time to contact Narelle. Turn your chaos into 6 figures!

Parchelle_Headshot

Parchelle Tashi

Parchelle Tashi is an accomplished and award-winning video producer who started her career as a high school math teacher before venturing into video production over a decade ago. Based in San Diego, she founded The Author's Leverage, a team of experienced professionals in learning design, high-quality video production, and learning management systems who support authors in turning their bestselling books into premium online courses. When not producing, Pachelle enjoys playing pickleball, cooking, tutoring math, attending live music events, and traveling. Her mission is to create impactful learning experiences that inspire positive change. Learn more at www.theauthorsleverage.com.

SD Huston

SD Huston

A military war veteran with seven years of dedicated service, SD Huston has worn many hats. She has illuminated minds as a college professor of English and Literature and has guided budding authors as a writing coach. Today, she has embraced her calling as a full-time fantasy romance and YA fantasy author, all while cherishing her roles as a dedicated mother and wife.

Drawing from her diverse experiences, SD has a particular penchant for crafting tales about broken characters—those who journey through adversity and emerge as stronger, better versions of themselves. Her stories might occasionally flirt with the mythical allure of dragons, but one consistent thread is the presence of love waiting to be discovered. Beyond the pages, she continues her legacy of teaching and sharing her insights on writing through her YouTube channel.

powered by book brush