January 30-February 1, 2007
Indianapolis, IN
Convention Center
Schedule subject to final changes
Tuesday, 11:00-1:00
PM Registration Convention
Center 1:00-3:00
PM Advanced
CLASS Convention
Center 3:30-5:00
PM CBA
Advance Convention Celebration Convention
Center 5:00-9:00
PM CBA
Advance Convention Convention
Center Wednesday 9:00
AM-Noon Advanced
CLASS (CBA Advance Convention open
9:00-6:00) Convention
Center Noon
- 6:00 PM CBA
Advance Convention Convention
Center Thursday 9:00
AM-Noon Advanced
CLASS (CBA Advance Convention open
9:00-5:00) Convention
Center Noon-5:00
PM CBA
Advance Convention Convention
Center
January 30
Optional Opening Lunch
Room 103
Room 116
January 31
Room 116
February 1
Room 116
Greetings!
We are looking forward to seeing you at the 2007 ADVANCED CLASS Conference. We are excited about the sixth year of this event and we expect it to be a great success. This is a unique opportunity for you!
As you understand, the Christian Booksellers Advance convention is a closed trade show-open only to those within the industry. Passes for entrance are hard to come by. But because CLASS is a member of CBA and we will be having a booth there, we can get you a pass. However, not only will ADVANCED CLASS allow you to get into CBA Advance convention, you will gain a wealth of insight which will accelerate your publishing goals! The ADVANCED CLASS Conference is not a writers conference where you will be taught the "how to's" of writing, but rather the "how to's" of getting published-which are two totally different animals.
You will receive several enclosures in your registration packet that will help you make ADVANCED CLASS most beneficial for you. During the optional lunch session, you will have the opportunity to practice your 30-second "pitch" with your fellow ADVANCED CLASS attendees. Please review the ADVANCED CLASS Tips for guidance on these pitches.
This is what Marita told the publishing presenters they should be prepared for: "Our goal for this event is for our attendees to gain a greater overall understanding about the Christian booksellers industry and particularly specific information about what you and your publishing company are looking for in your new and upcoming authors. We are not looking for you to teach the skill of writing as that is successfully taught at writers conferences, rather, to share what is on your heart, what you have wished you could share with those people who send in all those unsolicited manuscripts.
We hope that the ADVANCED CLASS Conference will be an educational, informative, networking session. After past years' CLASS Publishing Connections Conference, formerly called the CLASS Reunions, publishing representatives have made comments to the effect of, 'These are the kind of people we are interested in.' 'Usually when we go to writers conferences the main people we are interested in are the other faculty. That's the caliber of person you have here.' I hope you will discover some of your next best authors at the ADVANCED CLASS Conference, which is designed for the graduates of our CLASSeminar, but is open to other interested individuals. These people are already speaking at womens retreats, mother/daughter banquets, couples conferences and various seminars and meetings throughout the country. They have their content and are developing their platform. They are now preparing to be published, which is why they are coming to the ADVANCED CLASS Conference from all over the country. Some will be arriving at the ADVANCED CLASS Conference with a manuscript in hand. Some will have a proposal, and others will simply have an idea seeking germination." I hope seeing what Marita has told the publishing representatives will be helpful to you as you prepare to attend the 2007 ADVANCED CLASS Conference.
We have a great selection of editors who want to meet with you. (Click here to see editor list) Please check our website at www.classervices.com frequently for any changes or updates. Many of the best in the business are a part of the program!
The ADVANCED CLASS Conference will open on Tuesday, January 30 with an optional get-acquainted luncheon (additional fee to be determined). Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning, and Thursday morning we will have training and opportunities to meet with editors and private consultations. We are in the process of confirming our editors for ADVANCED CLASS, and that information will be posted here shortly--feel free to check back for a detailed schedule of editors.
If you are flying in, you should arrive on Tuesday in time for the luncheon. We expect to wrap up on Thursday by noon, which will enable those who need to fly home to leave Thursday afternoon or evening if they have to. If you are flying out, I suggest that you not schedule your flight before 7:00 p.m. so that you do not miss anything! The CBA Advance Convention floor will be open through 5:00 p.m. on Thursday.
ADVANCED CLASS attendees will "do the floor," visiting with publishers, seeing what is out there and gaining an overview of the Christian publishing world. Come visit us at the CLASS booth #1037. Wednesday and Thursday mornings we will again include a combination of training, meeting with publishers and private consultations, ending around noon each day.
There are usually several major CBA events that you want to attend.
The CBA Advance Convention starts with a bang Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. with a celebration featuring Dr. Jack Graham and the music group Avalon, before the exhibit floor opens at 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday evening CBA also presents Bananas Comedy with Tim Hawkins and David Pendleton.
Start your mornings with devotions from 8 - 9 a.m. Join Liz Curtis Higgs and Kim Hill on Wednesday morning and Gary Chapman and Jaime Jamgocian on Thursday morning.
A special early screening of Amazing Grace: The William Wilberforce Story will be presented Thursday evening.
Tuesday evening as well as Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, you will be on your own to tour the convention floor, shop the booths and make connections. Over the years we have found that those from CLASS have earned a reputation for being above average--being classy! Since you will be representing CLASS on the convention floor, we ask that you present the best possible demeanor and image. To assist you in preparing your wardrobe for CBA, your registration packet will include a copy of Marita's article "First Impressions Count." While you will not literally be on the platform, you will be on stage. As a representative of CLASS, we do ask that you read over this article and plan your wardrobe accordingly. You want to make a good "first impression," both in how you look and how you act. Think of meeting with the publishers as being like a job interview.
Over the years we have worked very hard to prepare the way for you. Comments from the editors are usually very affirming. However, history tells us that, unfortunately, not all CLASS Publishing Connections Conference attendees meet the high standards of courteousness and graciousness that former attendees have established-and that we require. On Sunday afternoon-at the beginning of the CLASS Publishing Connections Conference-we will have a session on "working the floor" and "floor etiquette" at the International Christian Retail Show. After this presentation each attendee will be asked to sign an affidavit stating that you understand the guidelines and agree to adhere to them.
We are including an ADVANCED CLASS Sample "Code of Ethics" form with information from editors who have asked authors not call on them or go to their booths to make appointments. They do this for a variety of reasons such as their editors are already booked or they give their time at the ADVANCED CLASS and have no additional time. Because we may have some last-minute changes, you will get the final "Code of Ethics" at the ADVANCED CLASS. The final form will have to be signed and turned in before you meet with any editors and before you are allowed on the Christian Booksellers Association convention floor. I wish it were not true, but the poor behavior of a few past attendees have damaged the reputation we have worked so hard to establish-requiring that we go to these extreme measures to insure that everyone understands the expectations. I trust the 2007 ADVANCED CLASS attendees will be so exemplary that any poor choices made in the past will be a distant memory. I appreciate your understanding in this important matter. Reputation of past CLASS Graduates is why you will have an entree to the publishers at the Christian Booksellers Association convention.
The ADVANCED CLASS Conference typically include eight to twelve different editorial representatives from Christian publishers who, as they do at the CLASS Publishing Connections Conference, will share some history about their publishing house, suggest some topics on which that publisher is currently interested and how you can be published with them. If, after listening to the presentation, you feel you might have exactly what the publishing house is looking for, you will be able to meet individually with some of the publishers to share your ideas and/or book proposals. These publishers are being selected specifically for their caring nature, approachability and their desire to help beginning writers. This is great practice now for those attending the CLASS Publishing Connections Conference in July, or at a later date, as these publisher presentations and meetings are the primary composition of the CLASS Publishing Connections Conference.
You can plan to have at least one appointment with a publisher, and perhaps two or three depending on the length of time each publisher is available. To anticipate these appointments, practice a 30-second pitch of your proposal. Tuesday at the optional luncheon, you may have time to practice it with the person sitting next to you, then go around the table and one by one, each pitching their proposal to the entire table. You will then have a polished pitch when you meet the editors!
Your registration packet will also include Susan Titus Osborn's article, "How to Submit a Book Proposal," to help you prepare -- though you do not need to have a proposal to attend.
In addition if you have developed an idea for a book proposal, we suggest that you have a one-page marketing piece that will show the editor at a glance the title of the book and the main points as well as your contact information. Your registration packet will include an example from last year that is effective in getting the point across at a glance. (We affectionately call it the Yellow Umbrella). We also suggest that you bring business cards and promotional materials if you have them already developed. Don't despair if you don't have promotional materials--we'll help you create them.
Additionally, as an ADVANCED CLASS attendee, you will have one private consultation with a member of our team, selected on a first-come, first-served basis. You can choose between the specialty critique of your book proposal; promotional materials; or image. If you did not indicate your preference on your registration form, please call us at e-mail or 800/433-6633 justine@classervices.com to reserve your appointment.
For those who desire more help, bonus services are available with Susan Osborn, Craig Sundheimer, Jill Swanson, and Linda Goldfarb, who are all CLASS Graduates:
- Susan Osborn, director of the Christian Communicator, will critique book proposals/manuscripts;
- Craig Sundheimer, former CLASS speakers bureau manager, will critique your promotional materials and offer suggestions for improvement;
- Jill Swanson, our image coach will help you achieve a positive first impression;
- Linda Goldfarb, our media coach, is syndicated radio talk show host and former professional actress. She will critique your media publicity plan, assist you enhance your total media personality including publicity, interview skills, and tips for your physical and vocal presentation that will help you project your message.
Bonus services with Susan, Jill, and Linda will require submissions in advance and an additional fee; bonus service with Craig are free of charge but will still require submission of promotional materials in advance. They will meet with you privately to offer their suggestions and critique. Click the links in the blue banner to the right to sign up directly with Susan, Jill, or Linda, or call the CLASS office to sign up with Craig.
They offer discounts from the posted fees for their services for ADVANCED CLASS attendees. For more information, also check out their web sites: Susan: www.christiancommunicator.com ; Jill: www.jillswanson.com, and Linda: www.NotJustTalkinTheTalk.com/06site/pages/mediacoaching.html.
The ADVANCED CLASS Conference will be held at the Indiana Convention Center. The optional luncheon will be in meeting room 103 beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the ADVANCED CLASS will begin at 1:00 in meeting room 116.
You can choose your hotel and make your individual reservations with Global Reservations at CBAShow@grires.com. If you have any housing questions, you can call them at 800/711-7930. Their normal business hours are Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST. You can choose from a variety of eight hotels all located within a few blocks of the Indiana Convention Center with rates that range from $113 to $139/night. I suggest that you make your lodging reservations as soon as possible to get a reservation at your first choice. December 27, 2006 is the deadline for making hotel reservations through Global Reservations. After that time they will try to accommodate your request but cannot guaranty that you will be able to book a room through them.
If you would like us to assist you in finding a roommate, we will be happy to do what we can. Needless to say, we cannot promise that we can find you a roommate, but typically we have been able to accommodate everyone with a need. If you live in the area and would be willing to have an attendee at your home, please let us know. You can e-mail justine@classervices.com. We will be happy to give you any additional information you need or answer any questions you have when you call. Please contact Justine or Linda at 800/433-6633.
Be sure to ask the hotel you choose about parking or ground transportation options to and from the airport when you make your lodging reservations.
For those of you who are driving daily to the convention center, go online at http://www.iccrd.com/conv/parking_VI.aspx to see a convention center parking map.
If you are not currently receiving our Weekly Update from CLASS via e-mail, please advise us of your e-mail address so you do not miss out on other important notices about seminars, products and writing opportunities. Sign up on our home page or send us your e-mail address by e-mailing justine@classervices.com with "Add to Weekly Update List" in the subject line.
The CLASS staff looks forward to seeing you in January! If you have any questions please call Justine or me directly at 505/899-4283, FAX us at 505/899-9282 or e-mail at justine@classervices.com. We know the 2007 ADVANCED CLASS will be a sensational success!
Blessing on the work of your hands-and of your heart,
Linda Jewell
Seminar Manager
December 27, 2006: Hotel Reservations through Global Reservations
January 22: Optional luncheon deadline is to be determined. Please check back for updates
January 23: After that date we will make your 15-minute appointment with a staff member on site.
Please indicate your free 15-minute private coaching preference on your registration form (Click here or request one via fax)
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* * * * * * * Advanced CLASS Registration Form * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tips for making the most of Advanced CLASS * * * * * * * Private Consultation Registration Form: * * * * * * * * * * * * * * |
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are saying I had positive contact with 8 publishers at CBA in New Orleans. l took my proposal for an historical fiction novel on the worst fire in American history. Seven rejections later, I have more positive feedback from Eerdman’s, who was my personal first choice. They will look at the whole manuscript just as soon as it is completed. Thanks CLASS and Reunion and those lovely “suitees.” Kathy Glover, Cedar Park, TX As
a direct result of contacts I made at CLASS Reunion
this past summer: I wrote the cover article on
Florence Littauer for Godly Business Woman
Magazine, contributed 12 devotional
thoughts to Bible Seeds, a new book being published
by Starburst, and most importantly, I received a
contract for my third book, Meet Your
Mentors, from Servant Publishers. CLASS Reunion
opens doors, not only for contacts and contracts,
but for fun and fellowship. After
CLASS reunion, I received three bites on my
non-fiction book proposal, two from publishers who
had presented to the group, one from a “cold
call” on the CBA floor. After two committee
hearings and several e-mail exchanges with the
editor, Broadman & Holman offered me a solid
contract in early October with a modest advance
(good for a first author according the experts) and
a request for a 200 page manuscript by June 1 with
release date at CBA in 2002. My 20-year dream of
writing books is finally coming true. All the years
waiting and getting scraped up in the travels
through life were well worth it. Now, I have
something of value to share with the world and
hopefully minister to thousands in Christ’s
name. God has truly restored the years the locust
has eaten (theme of the book). During
the CLASS Reunion at CBA, I met the publicist for
Georgia Shaffer’s new book. We kept running
into one another at the different booths and began
to talk. We exchanged cards and later on she
recommended me to the Senior Acquisitions Editor
there. In October, I was offered a book contract
with Servant Publications for a book for Christian
teenagers on dating. The book is tentatively
titled, Dear God, About Saturday Night. The
release date is also tentatively set for fall of
2002. I am so blessed that God has given me such an
opportunity. I
took advantage of the CLASS Reunion in Orlando in
1998 to meet (and schmooze) as many of the
publishers as possible who spoke to our group. My
efforts paid off when Hendrickson Publishers
offered me a contract, which I signed at CLASS
Reunion in 1999 in New Orleans, for A
Woman’s Guide: Healing the Heartbreak of
Divorce. The publisher has put it on the
fast-track for release in early 2001. Marita and
her staff have continued to do an awesome job of
keeping the doors open and the welcome mat ready
for publishers and authors alike. |
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