Lit Fest 2025

A book launch is thrilling, terrifying, heartwarming, stress-inducing, satisfying, exhausting—literally everything, everywhere, all at once. In this panel, authors with books scheduled to release near June 2025 break down how they prepared (or are preparing) for their launch, what they hoped/hope happens, what they know of how publishers evaluate launches, and more. Come prepared to take notes and ask questions.

A book launch is thrilling, terrifying, heartwarming, stress-inducing, satisfying, exhausting—literally everything, everywhere, all at once. In this panel, authors with books scheduled to release near June 2025 break down how they prepared (or are preparing) for their launch, what they hoped/hope happens, what they know of how publishers evaluate launches, and more. Come prepared to take notes and ask questions.

How do you query editors at websites, magazines, and newspapers to achieve your first assignment, and what habits can help the first one lead to more? We'll discuss ground rules for freelance writers, learn how to find venues open to new writers, study examples of query letters and write our own. We'll discuss useful resources for freelancers, including newsletters and websites that list venues open to pitches, and share info about pay rates and writer’s guidelines. Jenny has been a freelance writer of essays and articles about books, music, sports, and travel for decades, and looks forward to addressing the particular interests of each student.