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Registration for the 2025 Pikes Peak Writers Conference is now open!
The current schedule, like much of our writing, is a work-in-progress and is subject to change.
Sched is sponsored by Reedsy.
Venue: El Paso clear filter
Friday, May 2
 

8:30am MDT

How to Pick Comps and Why They Matter
Friday May 2, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am MDT

Comp Titles That Sell: Positioning Your Book for Success


Want to grab an agent’s attention? Nail your comp titles. The right comparative titles don’t just showcase where your book fits in the market—they make it irresistible. But finding the perfect comps? That’s where most writers get stuck.

In this power-packed, one-hour session, we’ll demystify the art of selecting comps that work for you—titles that highlight your book’s unique appeal while proving its marketability. You’ll learn:

  • Why comps matter—and how they can make or break an agent’s interest.
  • How to find the right comps (Hint: It’s not just picking your favorite books).
  • How to position your book as fresh, exciting, and sellable without forcing awkward comparisons.

By the end of this session, you’ll have a comp title strategy that strengthens your pitch, makes your book stand out, and gives you an edge in today’s competitive market.
Agents & Editors
avatar for Jessica Berg

Jessica Berg

Literary Agent, Rosecliff Literary
Jessica Berg is a literary agent at Rosecliff Literary. She leverages her extensive background as a developmental editor to champion new and emerging authors. She is actively building her list, focusing on compelling character-driven narratives with strong voices and unique settings. Known for her collaborative approach, Jessica works... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
El Paso

9:45am MDT

Marketing Your Book to Success: Before, During & After Publication
Friday May 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Authors know that marketing their books is 100% their responsibility but most don’t have the skillset or knowledge to create a winning marketing plan for their project. The truth is: everybody would like to have a plan that works, but getting it written, done, and executed properly out in the marketplace to attract attention and grow your sales can seem like it will take years. It’s time to build a plan to successfully market your book that can save you time, energy and money and can ensure you get results during the most pivotal times. In this presentation, Jennifer S. Wilkov, the founder of Your Book Is Your Hook, LLC, will show you how to master the art of determining what belongs in your marketing platform—and what doesn’t —before, during, and after your book has been published.

Expect to learn:
  • Set goals for your marketing by taking the time to plan your efforts before you start executing them
  • How to use digital marketing to leverage the internet, build awareness online, and generate more sales before, during, and after your book is published
  • Proven techniques for offline strategies to get your message out
  • Measure, correct and keep your marketing momentum going, no matter what
  • Key reasons why you must measure and track your performance
  • Fool-proof ways to master your book marketing efforts to take control of your project’s success
Faculty
avatar for Jennifer S. Wilkov

Jennifer S. Wilkov

Book & Creative Consultant, Your Book Is Your Hook!
Jennifer S. Wilkov is a multi #1 international best-selling award-winning author, an award-winning freelance writer, and a respected book business and Hollywood story consultant in her business called “Your Book Is Your Hook.” She supports first-time writers and seasoned authors... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
El Paso

11:00am MDT

Whose Story Are You Telling?
Friday May 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Choosing the correct point of view is one of the key elements of dramatic storytelling. Bestselling author John Gilstrap has been praised by Publishers Weekly for “flawless characterization” in his books, and in this interactive session, he’ll walk you through the critical decisions that help you propel your story through the most dramatic set of eyes. Bring paper and a pen, because there’ll be a writing exercise.
Faculty
avatar for John Gilstrap

John Gilstrap

John Gilstrap is the Thriller Award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of over two dozen thrillers, including Zero Sum, Harm’s Way, White Smoke, Deadly Game, Blue Fire, Stealth Attack, Crimson Phoenix, Hellfire, Total Mayhem, Scorpion Strike, Final Target, Friendly Fire... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
El Paso

2:00pm MDT

When You See It: A Practical Guide to Show, Don’t Tell
Friday May 2, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Show! Don't Tell! You've heard it, but how are you supposed to use it? What does it really mean? How do you actually do it? In this workshop, we will break down the basics of this common writing advice as well as revise sections from actual works-in-progress.
Faculty
avatar for Dawn Alexander

Dawn Alexander

Dawn Alexander Books
Dawn Alexander is a developmental editor and story coach who collaborates with both emerging writers and accomplished authors to strengthen their stories and refine their voices. Her clients have appeared on the *New York Times* and *USA Today* bestseller lists, as well as the Amazon... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
El Paso

3:15pm MDT

The Six Foundational Elements of Romance Fiction
Friday May 2, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Conquer the structural elements of character-driven fiction to write romance novels that readers love. This presentation teaches romance fiction from a structural standpoint. You’ll learn about goal, motivation, and conflict, which are the cornerstones of fiction writing. But then we dive deeper to cover character arcs, flaws and stakes, which are vital in character-driven stories like romance. You’ll understand how each element hinges on the others to build the infrastructure of your story, and you’ll gain the confidence to utilize these elements to improve your own books.
Faculty
avatar for Jessica Snyder

Jessica Snyder

HEA Author Services
Jessica Snyder is an editor, author coach, and the host of The HEA Club, a community for romance authors. As the owner of HEA Author Services, she specializes in romance fiction and her clients range from best-selling authors like Pippa Grant and Lucy Score to new authors who are... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
El Paso

4:45pm MDT

A Crash Course on Critique
Friday May 2, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT
Every writer needs a good editing team. Learn how to get the advice that gets results, and how to help other writers make their work shine.
Faculty
avatar for Christina Allen

Christina Allen

President-Elect, League of Utah Writers
Christina Allen (publishing as C.W. Allen) is a Midwestern transplant to rural Utah where she serves as the President-Elect of the League of Utah Writers. She writes long stories for children and short stories for former children. She is also a frequent guest presenter at writing... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT
El Paso

9:00pm MDT

Mysteries, Monsters & Mayhem
Friday May 2, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm MDT
Ever wanted to see a podcast recorded in real time? Join Shannon & MB as we record an episode of our true crime podcast with an author guest from PPWC 2025.
Faculty
avatar for MB Partlow

MB Partlow

MB Partlow is a Colorado transplant who has written for the CS Indy, the Gazette, and Pikes Peak Parent, most prolifically in the area of food reviews, and also writes for Rocky Mountain Reader. She is co-host of the Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem podcast with Shannon Lawrence, which... Read More →
avatar for Shannon Lawrence

Shannon Lawrence

A fan of all things fantastical and frightening, Shannon Lawrence writes primarily horror and fantasy. Her short stories can be found in over sixty anthologies and magazines in addition to her collections. Her nonfiction title, The Business of Short Stories, and debut urban fantasy... Read More →
Friday May 2, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm MDT
El Paso
 
Saturday, May 3
 

8:30am MDT

But Is It a Good Idea?
Saturday May 3, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Do ideas matter? Are there new ideas? We will investigate how ideas are part of the creation process and look at skills to diagnose the ideas that are falling flat and what elements they may be missing before they are ready to become story.
Faculty
avatar for Callie Stoker

Callie Stoker

Callie Stoker is an editor with almost two decades experience. Her business The Manuscript Dr offers coaching and editing services. We believe that writing is a skill that can be taught through the application of individual tools. We love helping our clients elevate their abilities... Read More →
Saturday May 3, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
El Paso

9:45am MDT

The Author's Website
Saturday May 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
This is arguably the most important promotional tool an author has. Unlike social media posts that "disappear" quickly, a website is a static resource that readers can return to for additional information on you and your literary work. Whether you create the website yourself (with a quick overview on how to do that) or hire a pro (ideas on what to look for beyond the price tag), this workshop will include suggestions and tools for you to make a strong permanent cyber presence that requires minimal maintenance after the initial setup.
Faculty
avatar for Alexandra Diaz

Alexandra Diaz

Author
Alexandra Diaz is the author of several award-winning books for children and teens, including The Only Road (Pura Belpré Honor and Américas Award), The Crossroads (New Mexico’s Great Read at the National Book Festival), and Santiago’s Road Home (ALA Notable Children’s Books... Read More →
Saturday May 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
El Paso

11:00am MDT

Seven Screenwriting Strategies to Elevate Your Script
Saturday May 3, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Stories hit the page as screenplays, scripts or books viewed by eager theatergoers and read by avid readers. Many writers want to raise their story to the big screen, whether they start with a book they believe is a film or with the film in mind. However, understanding what it takes to actually write the story for the screen can seem like a mystery of its own, especially for book writers. In this presentation, Jennifer S. Wilkov, multi #1 international best-selling author, award-winning freelance writer, and Hollywood story consultant, will share seven screenwriting strategies to elevate your script. Break through the screenwriting static, streamline your screenplay, and craft it with ease. Expect to learn:
  • The basics for writing your screenplay
  • How to properly format your screenplay
  • Fool-proof ways to structure your storytelling
  • Proven techniques to use to craft it
  • Top strategies to elevate your script
Faculty
avatar for Jennifer S. Wilkov

Jennifer S. Wilkov

Book & Creative Consultant, Your Book Is Your Hook!
Jennifer S. Wilkov is a multi #1 international best-selling award-winning author, an award-winning freelance writer, and a respected book business and Hollywood story consultant in her business called “Your Book Is Your Hook.” She supports first-time writers and seasoned authors... Read More →
Saturday May 3, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
El Paso

2:00pm MDT

The Six Marketing Principles That Should Guide Your Writing Career
Saturday May 3, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Why do some books perform so much better than others? What marketing strategies offer the best ROI? Why do some advertising platforms suddenly stop working? You'll find out the answers to these fundamental marketing questions (and much more) in this workshop celebrating Reedsy's 10th anniversary.

Since co-founding Reedsy in 2014, Ricardo has spent the past decade helping authors navigate the complex world of book marketing. In this workshop, he will distill the knowledge and experience that helped him write a popular book marketing series into six key lessons. With a mix of high-level marketing principles, as well as practical tips you can implement right away, you'll leave with a clear roadmap for the future.
Faculty
avatar for Ricardo Fayet

Ricardo Fayet

Reedsy
Ricardo Fayet is one of the four founders of Reedsy, a marketplace connecting authors to the world’s top publishing talent—from editors to cover designers, book marketers, or literary translators. He’s the author of two books on marketing: How to Market a Book: Overperform in... Read More →
Saturday May 3, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
El Paso

3:15pm MDT

Thrills, Chills...and Ills? What Makes a Story Horror?
Saturday May 3, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Horror is more than a genre—it's a feeling that grows in the pit of your stomach and spreads until you have to turn on the lights and check the locks. We'll dissect the horror "genre" and go over tricks and tips to create your own terrifying tales.
Faculty
avatar for Shannon Lawrence

Shannon Lawrence

A fan of all things fantastical and frightening, Shannon Lawrence writes primarily horror and fantasy. Her short stories can be found in over sixty anthologies and magazines in addition to her collections. Her nonfiction title, The Business of Short Stories, and debut urban fantasy... Read More →
Saturday May 3, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
El Paso

4:45pm MDT

Plotting Your Character's Demise
Saturday May 3, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT
There are hundreds of ways to kill a character, but there’s usually just one PERFECT way for them to meet their demise. Looking at character traits, revelations, and more, this course will discuss the six most important elements to consider when crafting a character death that will have the greatest impact on the story.
Faculty
avatar for James Persichetti

James Persichetti

Editor, Author, Lost Hat Editorial Services
James Persichetti is a writer, freelance editor, and rock climber who enjoys writing about queer characters going on adventures. He earned an English degree at Regis University and studied Arthurian legends, where he drew inspiration for his debut graphic novel, A Tale of Two Knights... Read More →
Saturday May 3, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT
El Paso
 
Sunday, May 4
 

9:00am MDT

There's No "Right" Way to Write
Sunday May 4, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
They say writers either outline or wing it, but really there are other ways to write, including some that don't involve a notebook/computer at all! Learn several different ways to write and develop a story, from timed writing to mentally visualizing a scene, and find the various methods that work best for you or your current project. This workshop is also great for those who struggle with "writer's block" or every day life that keeps you from being creative.
Faculty
avatar for Alexandra Diaz

Alexandra Diaz

Author
Alexandra Diaz is the author of several award-winning books for children and teens, including The Only Road (Pura Belpré Honor and Américas Award), The Crossroads (New Mexico’s Great Read at the National Book Festival), and Santiago’s Road Home (ALA Notable Children’s Books... Read More →
Sunday May 4, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
El Paso

10:15am MDT

The Pitfalls of Literary Contracts
Sunday May 4, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MDT
Getting your first literary contract is cause for celebration! However, for new and aspiring writers contracts can be daunting. Signing a contract you're unfamiliar, or uncomfortable with, can having lasting consequences. While not a complete "deep dive" into contracts, this one hour presentation focuses on the most common pitfalls regarding copyright, terms of rights, rights reversions, and other area writers need to know.
Faculty
avatar for Kevin Ikenberry

Kevin Ikenberry

Author, Speaker
Kevin Ikenberry is a life-long space geek and retired Army officer. As an adult, he managed the U.S. Space Camp program, two Challenger Learning Centers, and served on active duty in space operations before Space Force was a thing. He’s an international bestselling science fiction... Read More →
Sunday May 4, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am MDT
El Paso

11:30am MDT

Write Towards the Ending
Sunday May 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
The ending should represent everything you want the book to be, a culmination of the struggles and decisions your character has made, to deliver a final knockout punch. Whether you plot out every scene beforehand or set pen to paper to see where it leads, every story should build towards a satisfying ending that is (ideally) both unexpected and inevitable. This workshop is all about writing the most impactful ending that will leave your readers feeling like the hours they put into your book were worthwhile.
Faculty
avatar for James Persichetti

James Persichetti

Editor, Author, Lost Hat Editorial Services
James Persichetti is a writer, freelance editor, and rock climber who enjoys writing about queer characters going on adventures. He earned an English degree at Regis University and studied Arthurian legends, where he drew inspiration for his debut graphic novel, A Tale of Two Knights... Read More →
Sunday May 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
El Paso
 
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