Writers on Zoom - March 5 online conference: Hear from writing experts and consult with editors
Sign up now for professional editing consultations at the St. Louis Writers Guild’s (SLWG) “Writers on Zoom” mini-conference from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST, Saturday, March 5.
Additionally, SLWG will offer three Ask the Expert workshops via Zoom on March 5. These are free for SLWG members and $15 for non-members, which includes access to recordings of the presentations. All must register in advance.
10 a.m. “Conquering Business Avoidance” with Catherine Rankovic
11 a.m. “Journalism in the 2020s” with Elizabeth Donald
12 p.m. “Falconry Then & Now” with Donna Tanner
Find out more about the speakers and presentations and sign up for your one-on-one session on the “Writers on Zoom” page under the Special Events tab at www.stlwritersguild.org.
The 20-minute critique sessions on March 5 will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Submit your ten manuscript pages in standard format no later than February 28 to allow our publishing professionals time for review. The form on the Eventbrite page asks for your editor preference. The consultation fee is $40.
Ask the Expert Workshops
“Conquering Business Avoidance.” Catherine Rankovic draws on more than twenty years of experience as a professional editor and author to help writers face and conquer their fears and concerns about the business of publishing. Be sure to bring your business-related questions about publishing for the Q&A session.
“Journalism in the 2020s.” Elizabeth Donald brings decades of experience in daily journalism to share some of the biggest inaccuracies in fictional depictions of journalism and to help writers form more accurate journalist characters in their creative works. What is it like to actually be a journalist in the 2020s, and how has it changed over the last few decades? What really goes on in a newsroom as they prepare a story for the public? Bring questions for the Q&A session.
“Falconry Then & Now.” Donna Tanner shares her expertise as a Master Falconer, putting today's falconry and its ancient, multicultural origins into perspective. She'll discuss the birds, equipment used, training, licensing, and more that writers need to know to accurately portray falconry. Bring questions for the Q&A session.
Speakers
Catherine Rankovic is a deeply experienced professional editor of book-length novels, novellas, and nonfiction, and a mentor to new authors; her BookEval clients have 46 books in print. She doesn’t simply edit, but teaches you how to write like a pro. M.F.A., Washington University; M.A. Syracuse University, B.A., Marquette University; author of five books. Professional editor since 2000.
Elizabeth Donald has been a journalist for more than 25 years. In that time she has covered nearly every beat, mostly for daily newspapers before becoming a full-time freelancer in 2018. She currently serves as president of the St. Louis Pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and on its national Ethics Committee. She was an initial recipient of the Terry Harper Fellowship, was on the team that rewrote the SPJ Ethics Code in 2014 and more recently received the Mimi Zanger Award. She is currently pursuing two master’s degrees at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and teaches newswriting, editing and English composition at SIUE and St. Louis University. She is also a fiction author and is a member of more writing and professional groups than is healthy. She lives with her family in a haunted house in Illinois.
Donna Tanner, a Master Falconer living in Nevada, was recognized as Apprentice of the Year by the Delta Raptor Association when she began her training in the ancient art of falconry almost ten years ago. She and her red-tailed hawk Dristi are active members of the California Hawking Club. Donna is currently training her first apprentice falconer.
Editing Consultants
Andrew Doty is the founder of Editwright, a literary services provider, and the vice president of the nonprofit St. Louis Publishers Association. He has served as editor-in-chief of punctum books and as the Editorial Director, Communications Manager, and Publicity Chair of the St. Louis Publishers Association.
Ryan P. Freeman is an author, marketer, and creative who helps aspiring authors. His Author Services include help with manuscripts, publishing consultation, and marketing assistance. His focus is on assisting sci-fi and fantasy authors. http://ryanpfreeman.com/authorservices
Rick Skwiot is the author of six books and a former creative writing instructor at Washington University and the University of Missouri. He is also an experienced ghostwriter, editor, writing coach, and freelance writer. RickSkwiot@gmail.com; call or text (314) 448-9339.
Catherine Rankovic is a deeply experienced professional editor of book-length novels, novellas, and nonfiction, and a mentor to new authors; her BookEval clients have 46 books in print. She doesn’t simply edit, but teaches you how to write like a pro. M.F.A., Washington University; M.A. Syracuse University, B.A., Marquette University; author of five books. Professional editor since 2000.