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 2027 to be your best year ever for book sales? Join us for the 2027 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 2027 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.
You can learn more about Thomas’s story here.
Thursday (Pre-Conference)
9:00 AM Pre-Conference Advertising Workshop for Super Ticket Holders Begins (Details Below)
Noon Lunch
5:00 PM Pre-Conference Workshop Ends
6:00 PM Author Update LIVE (Novel Marketing Patrons can attend for free)
7:00 PM Novel Marketing Patrons Ice Cream Social
Friday
8:15 Registration Opens (Coffee)
9:00 Session #1: Opening Keynote (Persistence) (Guest Speaker)
9:45 Coffee Break & Group Table Assignments
10:00 Writers Group Introductions
10:15 Session #2: How to Craft a Sales Pitch For Your Book (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
11:00 Coffee Break
11:15 Session #3: Pitch Group Workshop (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
12:00 Lunch
1:15 Session #4: How to Rapidly Grow Your Email List (Guest Speaker)
2:00 Coffee Break
2:15 Session #5: Email Onboarding Sequence Workshop (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
3:00 Coffee Break
3:15 Session #6: How to Become a Profitable Writing Business (Guest Speaker)
4:00 Coffee Break
4:30 Session #7: Faculty Q&A Panel
5:30 Dinner (on your own)
Saturday
8:15 Coffee & Networking
9:15 Session #8: How to Create a Frenzy with Marketing Psychology (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
10:00 Coffee Break
10:15 Session #9: How to Kickstart a Book (Guest Speaker)
11:00 Coffee Break
11:15 Session #10: Bestselling Book Launch Tactics (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
12:00 Lunch
1:15 Session #11: Launch Teams (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
2:00 Coffee Break
2:15 Session #12: Book Launch Plan Group Workshop (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
3:00 Coffee Break
3:15 Session #13: Faculty Panel (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
4:00 Coffee Break
4:15 Session #14: Productivity in 2027 (Guest Speaker)
5:00 Closing Remarks (Thomas Umstattd Jr.)
The 2027 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.
The SpringHill Suites shares a parking lot with the Fickett Center. The Hilton Garden Inn is a 5 minute walk away.
There are many other good hotels nearby.
Breakfast
Springhill Suites offers free breakfast.
Lunch
We will also provide an Austin-style lunch on both days.
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.
Reach New Readers With Advertising
Don't let your book get trapped in your social circle.
If you want hands-on help creating Amazon Ads and Facebook Ads, purchase a Super Ticket and come a day early for the Thursday Pre-Conference Workshop.
In this limited-attendance hands-on workshop, renowned ads expert Alana Terry will help you create powerful ads to run on both Amazon and Facebook. This will be a step-by-step experience. By the end of the day you will have live ads running, bringing brand new readers to your book.
Requirements:
To get the most out of the pre-conference workshop, we recommend that you:
- Bring a laptop.
- Have a book for sale on Amazon.
The pre-conference workshop goes from 9am to 5pm and includes lunch.
"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. There is a $150 ticket transfer fee. You can also donate your ticket to the scholarship fund.
What should I wear?
The dress code is professional business wear, 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 just across the parking lot.
In Austin, nice jeans and boots count as business casual if paired with a sport coat, especially when paired with a good belt buckle. You can 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).
- 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, discounts on many courses for authors, and access to the Patron Toolbox.