COVID-19 UPDATE

We are going ahead with business as usual in the planning for our conference this fall. We will be monitoring the Covid-19 situation, but at this time do not foresee cancellation. In the event that Maranatha has to cancel the writers' conference, all registration fees will be returned or can be applied to the rescheduled date. If cancelling for personal reasons, we then retain $100 and credit it towards your registration for the following year's conference.

The most valuable thing you can do as a writer is to attend a writer’s conference. At Maranatha's Christian Writers' Conference, you will learn not only the craft but also the culture of writing. 
 

For over 40 years, we have been the right place to equip you to meet your writing goals. Our experienced faculty and staff are ready to give advice and provide direction. And in today’s tumultuous publishing world, good advice from those on the inside is more important than ever. Don't miss this time to be prepared for new ideas and great networking opportunities! 

Faculty Coming Soon!

Pre-Conference Sessions available! 

Sign up for one of the four pre-conference sessions. (Only one pre-con per person).

Pre-conference sessions are $75 and are on Wednesday, September 22. We are offering 4 different sessions. Space is limited so sign up early!

​

1. Fiction Writing Basics 
Fiction Writing Basics give writers the tools they need to create a solid foundation for their novels. Taught in three sections, writers will learn: The Basics (industry standards, point-of-view, genre, plot structure, and characterization), Writing Techniques (showing vs. telling, author intrusion, more characterization, and common issues), and Next Step (the top ten reasons manuscripts are rejected, resources, and self-editing tips).

2. Book Proposal Clinic

Prerequisite: Complete and bring with you a working proposal. Once you've registered, we will email you the template download for the fiction or non-fiction book proposal.
A winning book proposal is a tool that entices seven audiences to grasp a contagious vision for a book, and then equips them to successfully play their parts in placing the book into the hands its ideal readership.
We've all heard the common advice, "Write to your audience, not to yourself." Good advice! Many authors, however, may know the audience of their book, but have no understanding of the true audience of their book proposal. In this three-hour intensive clinic, you will be introduced to the business side of publishing decisions, discover what really happens behind the closed doors of editors and publishing boards, and learn how to craft an enticing proposal that captures the interest of publishing professionals.
This hands-on interactive clinic will begin with an in-depth presentation, then offer individual time to work on and refine specific proposal elements of your own, then break into small groups for fiction and nonfiction, and finally come together again for advice and guidance to launch you into the world of meeting with editors.

3. Branding: Starting and Growing Your Platform
A few decades ago books sold based on the quality of the writing. While quality writing is still crucial, often books are sold based on platform. That’s where branding comes in. In this workshop I’ll teach you the details of what goes into branding: How to draw from your passive brand to grow your active brand (and what those are!), how to find your audience, connect with your audience, and build a following, all by using who you are to impact the masses. 

4. Correctly Handling the Word in Writing

Learn tools to accurately present the true meaning of Scripture in your manuscripts, as well as tips for reaching the general market with God’s truth, taught by an ordained minister who has won nine industry awards in using God’s Word in both the Christian and general markets.

Giving your words a voice for over 40 years!

Lectures. Networking. Workshops. One-to-One Appointments.

1

AMAZING,

INSPIRING LOCATION

24

24 ESSENTIAL WORKSHOPS FOR A VARIETY

OF WRITERS

28

OVER 28

INDUSTRY LEADERS PARTICIPATING

12

REPRESENTING MORE THAN

12

COMPANIES

Sponsors