Kathy has served on the faculty at writers’ conferences, seminars, and retreats in the following ways:
Mentoring Clinic
Up to ten attendees submit pages of their manuscripts in advance to Kathy and to the others who have signed up for the clinic. Prior to the conference, attendees critique/edit one another’s work via email. At the clinic, they discuss key points of each author’s manuscript together (similar to a critique group). Kathy adds her professional input and gives each author a written critique to take home and review after the conference. Clinic can focus on fiction only, nonfiction only, or both. Best when offered in multiple sessions, either two or three in one day or on sequential days of a multiple-day conference or seminar.
*Especially beneficial for beginning and intermediate writers, fiction or nonfiction. Multiple sessions.
Private Tutorials
At many of the conferences where Kathy Ide has taught, the attendees are most interested in meeting with her in person to discuss their manuscripts, the publishing industry, where they’re at with their writing or editing, and what steps to take next. Attendees often cite these one-on-one brainstorming/consultation sessions as the most valuable part of the conference for them. Authors may submit pages of their manuscripts in advance to Kathy via mail or email. At the conference, Kathy meets with each author to provide personal, hands-on critiquing, editing, consulting, and brainstorming. For multiple-day conferences, writers can revise/rewrite their manuscripts, based on Kathy’s input, then meet again to review the changes.
*Especially beneficial for beginning and intermediate writers, fiction or nonfiction. Single or multiple sessions (30 to 60 minutes each).
MULTIPLE-SESSION WORKSHOP/TRACK
Proofread Like a Professional
From her years as a professional freelance editor, Kathy shares the most common mistakes made by authors in the areas of punctuation, usage, grammar, and spelling.
*Suitable for all authors, beginner to advanced, fiction or nonfiction. 2-4 sessions.
SINGLE-SESSION WORKSHOPS
Proofread like a Professional
Learn how to proofread your own manuscript, or those of your critique partners, or the writing of paying clients, the way a pro does it.
What Can a Freelance Editor Do for Me?
Should you hire a freelance editor? If so, where can you find one, and how much will it cost? Learn how to choose the right editor for you, what to expect, the types and methods of editing, and much more. Discover how to get the most out of your experience with a freelance editor.
How to Become a Freelance Editor/Proofreader
How I started my freelance editing business, and tips for those who’d like to give it a try. Includes the advantages and disadvantages of freelancing, how to decide if this is a good fit for you, preparation for success, marketing your services, and networking with other freelancers.
Top Ten Myths of Becoming a Published Author
Five false encouragements (such as “Anyone can write a book”) and five false discouragements (“Only full-time authors get published”) followed by five truths, including “Writing is challenging,” “Writing is life-changing,” and “Writing is a calling.” Includes fun video clips from Anne of Avonlea, Frasier, and Everybody Loves Raymond.
KEYNOTE/PLENARY PRESENTATIONS
The Roller-Coaster Ride to Publication
The many paths to publication can be compared to Disneyland rides. Some are slow and steady while others can feel like a fast and twisty roller coaster. Whatever “ride” you choose, it’s important to get in line and then keep stepping toward the goal, because there are people out there who are going to need to read what God has called you to write. Just remember that whatever path you’re on, God will never ask you to do something that will compromise or sacrifice your faith, your family, your friends, or your fitness/health.
Touching Hearts, Changing Lives
Have you ever read something that really touched your life? God knew what you would need to read at that moment in your life. He also knows what He wants you to write, and He has called you at the perfect time so that His words through you can reach the people whose lives He wants to touch at their precise moment of need.
Encouragement for the Writer’s Soul
Writing for publication can be disappointing and discouraging. After countless hours of learning and training, writing and rewriting, polishing and proofreading, pouring your soul onto the page, you bare your soul to agents and editors, and they reject your offering. How to succeed in this crazy industry through perseverance, faith, and confidence in the work God has given you to do.
Called to Write
In many ways, writers are like missionaries. They must go through extensive training, learn about other cultures, have moral and financial support, and willingly suffer adverse circumstances. They are also often misunderstood by others and sometimes rejected by the people they are trying to reach. But, like missionaries, writers must not give up on what God has called them to do.
PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS
Kathy is available for one-on-one consultations with authors at conferences
(usually 15 minutes each)
Click on the “Workshops Taught” link for a list of workshops, mentoring clinics, tutorials, and keynote/plenary presentations Kathy has given.
Click here to email Kathy about booking a speaking or teaching engagement.