With more publishing options than ever before—from traditional houses to hybrid and self-publishing—today’s writers face exciting possibilities and real strategic decisions that can be difficult to navigate. Paths to Publishing brings writers behind the scenes for a candid, practical conversation about what it takes to actually get published in today’s evolving literary landscape.
Join the Arts & Business Council and The Porch at Parnassus Books for our annually anticipated publishing panel, where industry outsiders break down the benefits, challenges, and realities of different publishing paths. From querying agents to working with editors, navigating contracts, and building a sustainable writing career, this discussion offers clear-eyed insight for writers at every stage who want to move forward with intention.
This course is approved by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education for a maximum of one and a half (1.5) hours of general credit.
REGISTER AND RECEIVE A COUPON FOR 10% OFF AT PARNASSUS BOOKS
All attendees will receive a 10% off coupon good at Parnassus Books for the day of the event. Valid for in-store purchases only. Restrictions apply.
ABC, The Porch and CMA members, email vlpa@abcnashville.org for a discount code.
Moderator
Mike Bzozowski, Assistant General Counsel at HarperCollins Publishers
Mike Bzozowski is Assistant General Counsel at HarperCollins Publishers, where he advises executive leadership on corporate governance, enterprise risk, compliance, and technology-driven initiatives, including artificial intelligence. Prior to joining HarperCollins Publishers, he served in legal leadership roles at HarperCollins Christian Publishing, advising on commercial transactions and digital content initiatives. He earned his Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and is licensed to practice law in New York and Tennessee. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Kim, an acquisitions editor at HarperCollins, and their dog Percy.
Panelists
Allison Trowbridge, Author, CEO & Founder at Copper Books
Allison Trowbridge is the founder and CEO of Copper Books, an innovative publishing house that launches high-impact bestsellers and distributes them through Simon & Schuster. She hosts the “Meet the Author” podcast, and her work has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and Newsweek. Allie published her own book, “Twenty-Two,” with HarperCollins while completing her MBA at the University of Oxford. She became passionate about publishing after witnessing a handful of books ignite the global anti-slavery movement, where she worked for nearly a decade in both non-profits and as a partner in an impact investment fund. Today, she advises numerous startups, serves as the vice board chair of the Wedgwood Circle, and acts as a strategist for NEXUS Global, an international community of next-gen philanthropists and social entrepreneurs.
Ami McConnell, Founder of WriterFest & Ami McConnell Literary Agency
Ami McConnell founded and serves as president of WriterFest as well as Ami McConnell Literary Agency.. Her career includes posts as Editor-in-Chief of Simon & Schuster’s Howard Books and as a Senior Acquisitions Editor for HarperCollins. She’s been a book doctor, ghost-writer, collaborator, author, and editor/midwife for hundreds of books. She serves on the board of the Women’s National Book Association, Nashville Chapter. She lives with her family in Franklin, Tennessee.
Frank Ewert, Writer, Editor and Book Coach
Frank Ewert is a writer, editor, and book coach based in Nashville, TN. He helps first-time authors turn their story and their passion into polished manuscripts. He also teaches writing classes and leads expressive writing sessions through The Porch. A proud Canadian, his first book was Blue Ice and Other Stories from the Rink, a collection of short stories about hockey. He’s also the author of Embrace Your Writer’s Block, a workbook that guides writers through the obstacles that get in the way of their writing. He lives with his family in Franklin, TN.
Michele Mortimer, Literary Agent
Michele Mortimer is an agent with Darhansoff & Verrill Literary Agents, representing fiction, nonfiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, essays, graphic works, and the occasional children’s book. She has an MFA, loans for which are almost paid off. She is a fan of the book as a physical object, as well as the Mets and Liverpool FC. Cat person, plant person, mostly vegan. Bit of an attitude. Genuinely loves all her clients. She still reads the slush.