The Business of Pet Writing Conference
Introduction
The Business of Pet Writing Conference is an annual writers’ conference organized by The Pet Socialite, Inc. Founded by author and pet trend expert Charlotte Reed in 2008, the Business of Pet Writing Conference is held each February, the day before the Dog Writers Association of America’s Annual Banquet and Award Ceremony.
Designed to provide pet writers with the opportunity to transcend their competition, the Business of Pet Writing Conference offers an insightful, education, interaction, and professional writing experience.
Uniting dog fanciers, pet writers and other pet professionals who come to New York City to either participate or enjoy the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with publishing insiders and pet industry experts, the Business of Pet Writing Conference brings niche pet writing to a whole new level. This is not a Conference to be missed.
Seminars, Workshops and Panel Discussions
In 2010, the Business of Pet Writing Conference featured expert-led seminars such as “How Libraries Build Their Pet Book Collections”, led by Library Journal book review editor, Wilda Williams, “Leveraging Social Media for Profit,” led by book marketing and media specialist, Penny Sansevieri and more. The 2010 Keynote address, “How Contemporary Pets Explain Modern Society,” was presented by Michael Shaeffer, author of One Nation Under Dog.
Participants enjoyed agent and magazine panels as well as mini-courses which discussed public relations and social networking. Representatives from Folio Literary Management and Fine Print Literary Agency were also available for one-on-one consultation sessions. Editors from Bowtie Press, Kennel Club Books, Animal Wellness, Dog Fancy, Dogwise Publishing, Dogs in Review, Dog World, Barron’s Publishing and Storey Publishing were also present at the 2010 conference for book and magazine pitch sessions.
In the previous year, notable speakers included [...] Donahue, Publishers Weekly; Mordecai Siegal, author of 35 pet books; David Frei, Co-Host of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for 21 years; and Paul Aiken, Author’s Guild Executive Director.
Admission
2011 Registration for the Business of Pet Writing Conference opens March 15, 2010. An early-bird discount is offered to those who register prior to September 1st at the price of $150.00. From September 1st to January 31st, the Conference cost is $200.00. Late and same-day registration is available for $250.00. Early registration is strongly encouraged.
The registration fees cover the seminars, workshops, panel discussions, continental breakfast and afternoon coffee. The three-course Networking Lunch ($30) and mini-courses are offered at additional costs to participants.
Sponsors
A variety of distinguished organizations have sponsored the 2009 and 2010 Business of Pet Writing Conferences, including the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA); American Kennel Club Publications; Automobile Association of American (AAA); American Pet Products Association (APPA); the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA); Halo, Purely for Pets; the Metropolitan Dog Club and the Pet Food Institute.
About Founder Charlotte Reed
In response to the downturn in the economy, coupled with the stiff literary competition, Charlotte Reed founded the Business of Pet Writing Conference in 2008 to give pet writers the opportunity to hone their writing skills, learn from the best in the pet and publishing industries, and make valuable contacts.
Reed is a popular pet care and lifestyle expert. In 1995, she abandoned life on Wall Street as a corporate lawyer to open Two Dogs & A Goat Incorporated, a premiere, full-service, pet care provider in New York City. She is the author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette (Adams Media, 2007). Charlotte is People Pets Petiquette columnist and a Money Saving Pet Tips blogger for All You. Reed is also the Editor-in-Chief of the tony, new dog magazine, The Blue Book.
In addition to her writing career, Reed also works as a pet industry consultant. Although many manufacturers, such as Dyson, Febreeze, Purina, Arm & Hammer have hired her as a spokesperson, she also works with advertising, marketing, PR and social media firms as a pet trend expert, providing a unique understanding of what drives pet consumer behavior. Charlotte is married to Chef Matthew Babbage and the proud owner of four dogs, two cats and one parrot.