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Virtual Conference
February 8, 2021 at8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST
Register now!
For the NSNC Member Rate of $150 CLICK HERE
For the Non-member Rate of $225 that includes a one-year membership to the NSNC. CLICK HERE
Details below and on the Conference Page HERE.
The conference will be a live Zoom, but all programs (except the breakout sessions) will be recorded and can be watched at any time.
Comedian Leighann Lord will bring laughter and shine light on our chosen career path!
Apply Pulitzer Prize Winning Elements To Your Own Column/Blog
Tony Messenger, the 2019 Pulitzer Prize winner for commentary, will share his series of powerful columns made a difference to Missouri law. Looking back, Tony will share his mistakes, his research and writing discoveries that made his work a potent force for change.
Emerging Social Platforms: Pick one and run with it – Rebecca Regnier
On-line platforms are plentiful and confusing. What if you could pick the one best suited to feature and promote your work? Award winning journalist, columnist, and mystery writer Rebecca Regnier has used social media to successful advantage. Enjoy an informative tour through emerging platforms, as she does the hard work of analyzing each one for their distinctive benefits.
Charge more for your columns and use free experts – Bonnie Jean Feldkamp and Dr. Adam Earnheardt
Original reporting in columns pays more. Expert advice, studies, research and new trends cited in columns/blogs make them much more marketable. Find out how to work with universities to provide experts and data. Using them as go-to resources is a mutual win-win. Most columns – health, parenting, lifestyle, religion, environmental, how-to, even nostalgia and humor – can benefit the writer with a possible pay boost.
Restoring Trust between the Public and Journalists – Rod Hicks
What is really at the heart of anti-press hatred? It might surprise you. In 2019 journalist Rod Hicks, an African-American, traveled to Casper, Wyoming, known for being predominantly white, pro-Trump and distrustful of the press, where he led the Society of Professional Journalists’ Media Trust Project for six months. The mutual dialogue and listening on both sides resulted in an enlightening blueprint he will share on what journalists of all levels can do to win back audiences. Find out what we as columnists, reporters, and producers need to know to restore trust.
Editors 101: How to find a good editor and then how does it work?
By Natasa Lekic
Columnists and bloggers want to turn their work into books, or perhaps author fiction or non-fiction. There are vulnerabilities and challenges to overcome in order to reach a writing goal, and a professional editor can offer insight and practical help. Learn how to find a reputable editor as well as how to make a good match. What does an collaborative editing process entail? Discover Why it matters that you and your editor are a good match and how to make it happen, or if you even need an editor.
Grow a Successful Specialty Column
What do humor, grammar and religion columnists have in common? Career longevity (so far) and an engaged readership. Curtis Honeycutt, “The Grammar Guy” can help you identify a niche, write from a unique and fresh perspective, and how to become its micro-expert.
Dorothy Rosby, a humorist for 24 years, has a system for generating ideas, thoughts on addressing serious topics with humor, and tips for self-syndication.
Suzette Standring’s religion column is syndicated through Gannett (formerly GateHouse) since 2008. Out of a stable of columnists, she’s one of two left at The Patriot Ledger. Find out how language, vulnerability, and universal resonance keeps her readership strong.
All skills are applicable to any column genre or type of writing.
BONUS OFFERING. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED:
Is your book or blog a screen worthy project? By Laurice Elehwany
Get a one-on-one 15-minute meeting with a professional Hollywood screenwriter to pitch your book or blog as a possible film project. Make your pitch in one-two minutes, then let Laurice ask you questions and use the time to get valuable advice.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS, COCKTAILS AND ADVICE GO HAND IN HAND
Three one-hour sessions are offered (but will not be tape recorded). Network with friends, and brainstorm and share advice re the following three topics. More instructions to follow as we get closer. The same topics will be offered on both Friday and Saturday, so you won’t miss out.
Get Readers to Open Your Newsletters
Different Ways to Turn Your Books Into Columns
The Virtual Book Tour: Promoting your books to best advantage