This is not a typical writers conference where you learn how to write and publish a book.
The Novel Marketing Conference is focused on helping you sell more books while spending less time on marketing.
Want 2026 to be your best year ever for book sales? Join us for the 2026 Novel Marketing Conference.
#1: Professional Training
Learn book marketing that actually works! No more cookie-cutter approaches that leave you stressed and overwhelmed.
The key to low-stress success is to know what to do, when to do it, and what you don’t need to worry about. You will leave this conference with a written plan to help you attract readers and sell more books.
You will also learn:
- how to craft a sales pitch for your book.
- how to quickly get more email newsletter subscribers.
- how to recruit a motivated launch team for your book.
- and so much more!
#2: Writers Groups
Success is more than just technique. It’s also about who you know. One advantage of in-person events is that you can make real-life friends in person. Online connections are good, but real-life friends are better.
Before the conference, you will be added to a writers group of seven similar authors. This will be your group during the hands-on breakout sessions. You will work together to hone your pitches, brands, and strategies.
But don’t worry! If you want to meet everyone, you’ll get lots of chances, and if you’re shy, you’ll still leave the conference with seven new author friends.
#3: Interactive Workshops
Sessions will be packed with fun, interactive elements. You won't want to miss a minute!
Get help from Thomas Umstattd Jr., industry professionals, mastermind coaches, and fellow authors.
Receive a workbook that you will complete during the conference.
You will leave with a written plan to make 2026 your best year ever as an author.
Thomas Umstattd Jr.
Thomas Umstattd Jr. has been speaking at writers' events since 2009. His podcast Novel Marketing is the longest-running book marketing podcast in the world. He also hosts the Christian Publishing Show.
He has advised New York Times bestselling authors and helped many first-time authors launch their careers.
You can learn more about Thomas’s story here.
Laurie Christine
Laurie Christine is an author, certified Biblical Parenting Coach, wife, and mom of four boys. She serves as the Producer for the Christian Publishing Show and Novel Marketing podcasts, and assists with web design and video editing for Author Media. She also hosts her own podcast, Redeeming the Chaos.
Zackary Russell
Zackary Russell, a creative storyteller and co-hosts the Fantastical Truth Podcast, where he explores themes of eternal hope and faith through speculative storytelling.
Jonathan Shuerger
A Marine Corps veteran and author with a passion for telling stories and making people laugh. Jonathan Shuerger lives in Tucson, AZ, with his wife and daughters, who moonlight as domestic terrorists in their free time.
Jamie Foley
Jamie Foley is a book design specialist for multiple publishers, an award-winning author, and the founder of Fayette Press. Formerly the Creative Director for Enclave Publishing and a digital artist for Thomas Nelson, currently raising tiny humans.
This tentative schedule is subject to change.
Thursday (Pre-Conference)
9:00 AM Pre-Conference Website Workshop for Super Ticket Holders Begins (Details Below)
5:00 PM Pre-Conference Workshop Ends
7:00 PM Patrons-Only Ice Cream Social
Friday
8:15 AM Registration Opens
9:15 Opening Keynote (TBA)
10:00-10:15 Coffee Break
10:15 Crafting An Irresistible Author Brand (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
11:00-11:15 Coffee Break
11:15 Branding Writers Group Breakout (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
Noon Lunch
1:15 PM How to Spend Less Time on Marketing (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
2:00-2:15 Coffee Break
2:15 Marketing Strategy Writers Group Breakout (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
3:00 Coffee Break
3:15 Amazon Book Page Optimization (Jonathan Shuerger)
4:00 Coffee Break
4:15 Faculty Q&A Panel OR Live Author Update
Saturday
8:15 AM Coffee & Networking
9:00 Bestselling Book Covers (Jamie Foley)
9:45 Coffee Break
10:00 The Art of a Parking Lot Podcast Interview (Zachary Russell)
10:45 Coffee Break
11:00 Podcast Guesting Workshop (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
Noon Lunch
1:15 Session #11: TBA (TBA)
2:00 Coffee Break
2:15 Grow Your Email List With Reader Super Magnets (Laurie Christine)
3:00 Coffee Break
3:30 Faculty Panel Q&A
4:00 Coffee Break
4:15 Session #14: AI Powered Productivity in 2026: (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
5:15 Closing Remarks (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
The 2026 Novel Marketing Conference will be held at the Fickett Center located at 12500 North IH 35, Austin, Texas 78753.
The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is a 20-minute drive away.
Several excellent hotels are within a short walk.
Breakfast
Springhill Suites offers free breakfast if you book using our booking link.
Lunch
We will also provide an Austin-style lunch on both days. On Friday, you will experience Austin-style tacos, and on Saturday, you'll enjoy some of the best Texas-style Barbeque Austin has to offer. We're talking meat so tender you can eat it with a flimsy plastic fork.
Dinner
For dinner, you will be on your own. We recommend carpooling with some of your new author friends to check out Austin’s fantastic food scene. If you have never experienced Austin food, you are in for a treat. People visit Austin just for the amazing food.
If you have dietary restrictions, we will do our best to make accommodations.
If you want help with your website, bring your laptop to this hands-on event. Work on your website while Thomas Umstattd Jr. and his team answer your questions and offer advice.
Thomas will also talk about Search Engine Optimization and AI Optimization. But most of the time, it will be hands-on interactive website building and improvement.
If you know you need to update your website, this workshop will be the perfect time to make that happen. All you will need to do to reach tech support is raise your hand.
If you don't have a website yet, we get started building your website now with the help of our free course on building websites. But wherever you are in the website building and improvement process, we will help you take the next step.
Requirements:
The authors who will get the most out of this pre-conference workshop already have a WordPress website or want to build a WordPress website with our help. If your website is on Wix, Squarespace, or Weebly, this pre-conference workshop won't be as helpful.
"The Novel Marketing Conference will energize and equip you to build an excellent bookselling plan."
— Rebecca P. Minor
"I found the 2024 Novel Marketing Conference to be encouraging, informative, and a great place to make deep connections with worldview-like-minded writers. I did not want to miss a single session."
— Art Hutchinson
"I am blown away by the amount of information that was packed into just two days. Group activities kept us engaged in the process, speakers were excellent."
- Holli Fry
Is this conference for novelists only?
No. Nonfiction, fiction, and children's authors are all welcome!
Is this conference for indie or traditional authors?
Both are welcome.
How will the writers groups be selected?
Our magical sorting hat will look at multiple factors like email list size, genre, website, and number of books published.
Why is this in January? No one hosts events in January.
We picked January for a few reasons:
- Flights and hotels are cheaper in January.
- Austin often has amazing weather in January.
- January is a great month for planning out the next year.
- There are fewer other conferences competing for attention.
Will there be recordings of the presentations?
No. This is a live, interactive, in-person experience. This kind of marketing revolution cannot be televised.
Is parking free?
Yes, there will be free parking at and around the Fickett Center.
What is the closest airport to the venue, and how far away is it?
The closest airport is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), and it's about a 20-minute drive from the Fickett Center.
Will there be refunds if I can’t attend the conference?
No, but you can sell your ticket to another author if you can’t attend.
What should I wear?
The dress code is business casual, but you are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes. The Hilton Garden Inn is a five-minute walk with a skipping five-year-old (Thomas timed it). It’s not far, but you’ll still want comfortable shoes. Springhill Suites is only a two-minute walk.
In Austin, nice jeans and boots count as business casual, especially when paired with a button down shirt and belt buckle. You might call it Texas Business Casual.
What is Austin weather like in January?
On average, Austin has lots of sun with a high of 61° and a low of 41° in January. These are averages. It’s not uncommon to be 70-something and sunny. But when it rains, it rains cold.
We get, on average, five days of rain in January. Those days are much colder than the average. We typically can see the storms coming from about a week out, so keep an eye on Austin’s weather as you pack.
What should I bring?
- A Laptop with an All-Day Battery. You don’t need to bring a laptop, but if you do, I recommend one that can go all day, like the M4 Macbook Air (Affiliate Link). I will provide some extension cords and power strips, but I can’t guarantee a power strip for every table. We will have charging zones in the back of the room as well.
- An Umbrella. The walk between the hotels and the Fickett Center is outside. Chances are you won’t need an umbrella, but if you do, you will really want one. January rain in Austin is intense and cold.
How can I connect with others to find a roommate or ride-share?
Join us in the Novel Marketing Conference space at AuthorMedia.social to introduce yourself to other attendees, find a roommate, or coordinate a ride from the airport.
Will coffee be available throughout the day?
Yes. We will also have proper English tea.
Will there be a place to sell my books?
While we won't have a bookstore, we will have a table to display books. You are welcome to bring extra copies and to buy and sell directly in an unregulated free-market exchange of goods.
Will there be a place to display business cards?
Yes! We will have a freebie table where you can give away your business cards and bookmarks.
How do I become a patron so I can attend the Patrons-Only Ice Cream Social?
You can become a patron here! In addition to ice cream, you’ll also get access to our monthly Patrons-Only Q & A Episode as well as discounts on many courses for authors. Add to that the warm feelings you’ll get from supporting the podcast, and signing up is a no-brainer.
