2026 Conference Schedule

In the literary world, there is so much emphasis on getting an agent: how to write a query letter, when to pitch, how long to wait to follow up. In the changing publishing landscape, authors are finding alternative ways to secure book contracts on their own, from competing in first-book contests to cold emailing indie editors to submitting manuscripts through the “slush pile.” Panelists discuss navigating publishing unagented, detailing the process, challenges, and benefits of going it alone.