Schedule

Authors and independent publishers face a challenging journey, an odyssey filled with risks and opportunities. To reach the goal of successful publishing, the author travels a long and arduous route from idea to manuscript to bookstores, libraries, and readers.

Northern California Publishers & Authors (NCPA) is a regional organization of independent publishers, authors, and others with an interest in independent publishing. NCPA's purpose is:

                "Supporting and Encouraging Independent Publishing in Our Region."

The NCPA publishing conference is a value-packed day of presentations for publishers and authors. The 2010 conference will be on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at the Red Lion Hotel, 1401 Arden Way, Sacramento, California. Seating is limited. Advance reservations are strongly advised.

8:00 – 8:45 AM Registration and Networking.
8:45 – 9:15 AM Opening Session: Introduction of winners of NCPA's awards for books published in 2009; announcement of conference sponsors; speakers' booths; drawings & silent auction.
9:15 - 10:45 AM Keynote address by Dominique Raccah, founder of Sourcebooks, Inc., and one of Book Business's "Top 50 Women in Publishing."
10:45 - 11:00 AM Break
11:00 AM - NOON Morning Session: Select either
Negotiating the e-world for publishers and writers - panel discussion moderated by author/publisher Karl Palachuk, and featuring authors Stephanie Chandler and Linda Lee.   or Financial aspects of independent publishing - presentation by Marion Gropen, MBA (Gropen Associates, Inc.), who blogs about "The Profitable Publisher."
12:00 - 1:30 PM Lunch - full buffet with musical entertainment, included in conference fee.
1:30 - 2:30 PM First Afternoon Session: Select either
Book marketing and distribution for publishers and authors - presentation by Clint Greenleaf (CEO of Greenleaf Book Group).   or A literary agent's view - presentation by Verna Dreisbach (Dreisbach Literary Management).
2:30 - 3:00 PM Break.
3:00 - 4:00 PM Second Afternoon Session: Select either
Public relations for independent publishers - presentation by Lin Lacombe, VP, Marketing, Bay Area Indpendent Publishers Association.   or Use what you know to build fame - presentation by author, writing career coach, and manuscript consultant Teresa LeYung Ryan.
4:00 - 4:30 PM Conference closing and drawings - door prizes and more.
4:30 - 6:00 PM Optional informal networking and no-host beverages in the Red Lion's lounge.

Lunch will be served from noon until 1:30 PM in the banquet room. Relax and enjoy a great meal (“A Taste of Italy” – menu) with music provided by Lisa Stine and Beverly Marx.

Download a copy of the schedule (PDF)

Register early and get the best rate – $120.00 for NCPA members and sister organization members.See the registration form for details. Sister organizations include California Writers Club, Sacramento Suburban Writers, Sisters in Crime, and BAIPA. Ask about others.

Agenda details may be subject to change.

Questions? Email conference@norcalpa.org