Dig Deep: Spring 2026 Conference Schedule

“I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.” Luke 6:47-48 NLT

RegisterPresenters
Monday, April 27th - Friday, May 1st.
Registered guests can access the full line-up of pre-recorded and live sessions via the SPRING 2026 CONFERENCE ACCESS page in the menu by using the registration passcode provided.

All sessions can be viewed at the times indicated (recorded videos and live sessions). Live sessions will be recorded.

Recordings will be accessible to attendees until June 1, 2026.

All times are Eastern Daylight Time; times and sessions are subject to change; times are approximate though we are committed to starting all sessions promptly.

Monday

Conference Sessions

9 AM:  Worship, Tammy Iroku accompanied by Akin Oyedele
~ Devotions: David Dinkins 
~ Prayer: Joyce Dinkins, LIVE

9:30 AM: Palitha Jayasooriya, Dig Deep into God's Word
This session will challenge and encourage writers to dig deeper into God's Word to find strength and perseverance, as well as ideas and truths that would help them in their journey as authors.

10 AM:  Joyce Dinkins, Go, Know, GrowTM Book Proposal Workshop
We'll cover the basic book proposal process, step-by-step. Download the free proposal form at our site "resources"; bring your questions. Comprehend the need for a proposal and how to complete. Note: This session is not designed to be a pitch session, 1-on-1 appointment with agent or editor, or to provide critique on individual authors' book proposals. LIVE, includes Q&A

11 AM: Adrienne Wartts, Against All Odds: Journeying Into Christian Writing Despite Obstacles
This session takes a deep dive into the journey of biblical figures chosen toserve against all odds and offers practical ways for new Christian writers toembrace their calling despite obstacles.

12 PM: Lunchtime networking with Joyce and friends
Stephanie Carter shares about the forthcoming book created in collaboration with Publishing in Color: Free to Write: Essential Insights to Equip and Encourage Christian Writers of Color. LIVE, includes Q&A

1 PM: Chanté Griffin, Writing for Magazines: How to Break in
Do you want to write for publications like Parents, Good Housekeeping, and Faithfully Magazine? If you answered yes, then this workshop will teach you how to utilize your background, identify potential publications, approach editors, and introduce yourself to influential publications. LIVE, includes Q&A

2 PM: Katara Washington Patton, Our Daily Bread Ministries and VOICES
Overcoming the Hurdles—Best Practices I'm Learning as a Writer and Editor
Our Daily Bread Ministries and VOICES executive editor Katara Patton provides this session discussing “the challenges of writing and even editing and how I'm learning to overcome as I press on in my ministry and mission.” LIVE, includes Q&A

3 PM: Tyndale House Spotlight
VP Sarah Atkinson, Talent Manager Lindsey Bergsma, Fiction Acquisitions Editor Elizabeth Jackson, Publicist and author Shelley Bacote
Each gives Insights on their individual and collaborative work for their mission to "open God's Word to as many  as possible in language they can relate to and understand."

3:30 PM: Laura Bartlett, Zondervan Bibles: Serving the Word Together: How Collaboration Shapes Bible Publishing
An inside look at how Bible publishing works, from concept to collaboration, unpacks how teams and contributors shape the Bibles readers use every day. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the process, the types of products being developed, and how publishers serve diverse audiences through Scripture..

4 PM: E. Danielle Butler, Ink to Impact: Writing for Social Change
Helping writers discern how faith, experience, and convictions inform writing that advances justice, healing, and transformation beyond surface-level commentary. Identify where your writing functions and how words become tools for collective movement, and commit to a writing practice that allows your work to withstand resistance, fatigue, and shifting cultural pressures. LIVE, includes Q&A

Tuesday

Conference Sessions

9 AM: Worship, Tammy Iroku accompanied by Akin Oyedele 
~Devotions: David Dinkins 
~Prayer: Joyce Dinkins LIVE

10 AM: Pierce VanDunk, VanDunk Edits, A Good Fit: Situate Your Voice Among Others' Ideas
Participants will be able to balance the ideas of others with their own unique voice. To help writers situate their writing within the broader collection of works on a similar subject, Pierce will offer practical insights on research and using information and quotes from other works. LIVE, includes Q&A

11 AM: Deborah Sáenz, NavPress, What Editors Want in a Book Proposal
In a publishing landscape where only a small fraction of proposals receive a yes, what makes a project stand out? Speaking from her experience as a nonfiction acquisitions editor , Deborah offers insight into what editors are looking for, and how writers of color can create compelling, mission-driven proposals that rise above the noise. LIVE, includes Q&A

12 PM: Lunchtime networking with Joyce and friends

1 PM: Dr. Sharon Norris Elliott, The 14 Targets a Title Must Touch
Most of us do our best to come up with a clever title for our book, but many of us fail miserably. The title is the most important marketing tool for your collection of words. In fact, a strong title must multitask to accomplish 14 purposes. Attending this workshop may help you creatively entitle your book to enthrall your readers, or it will at least explain why publishers reserve the right to assign this task to the company’s hired professionals.LIVE, includes Q&A

2 PM: Lisa Crayton, At First Glance: Improve Your First Page
Write more effectively for your readers of all ages, who want to be engaged as soon as they start reading. And editors also seek to be drawn into a project from the very first pages. Come prepared to view your work critically and learn tips that work with short works (devotionals, articles, etc.), and books. LIVE, includes Q&A

3 PM: Edwina Perkins, Overcoming Obstacles in Fiction and Nonfiction Authoring
Explore the techniques that make fiction and nonfiction compelling stories readers can't put down. From hooking readers on the first line to writing scenes rich with sensory detail, dialogue, and emotional depth, writers will leave with practical tools to make fiction or nonfiction feel as vivid and alive as the experiences that inspired the writing. LIVE, includes Q&A

4 PM: Dr. Quantrilla Ard, When Digging Deep Hurts, Navigating Grief in Storytelling
Grief is a sacred part of the human experience—and when viewed through the lens of faith, it can deepen the impact of our stories. In this session, writers will learn how to navigate grief in their storytelling in a way that honors both their experiences with loss and healing and those of their readers. LIVE, includes Q&A

5 PM: Joyce Dinkins, Go, Know, GrowTM book proposal workshop: adult nonfiction (continued)  ‍LIVE, includes Q&A

Wednesday

Conference Sessions

9 AM: Worship, Tammy Iroku accompanied by Akin Oyedele 
~ Devotions: David Dinkins 
~ Prayer: Joyce Dinkins LIVE

10 AM: Toria Keyes, Our Daily Bread Ministries,
Leave a Lasting Impression: Write Engaging Devotions
Writers will learn to craft articles that are brief, memorable, and encouraging for a busy audience seerking to connect with God. LIVE, includes Q&A

11 AM: Nancy Gavilanes: Working with Editors
The relationship between writer and editor is key to a smooth and successful writing assignment and career. Be inspired by the 3 Cs of Working with Editors Nancy will be sharing that will help you navigate the dos and don’ts of this vital relationship.

12 PM:  Lunchtime networking with Joyce and friends

1 PM: Aurora Gregory: “Thanks for Having Me: How Authors Turn Interviews Into Book Sales”
Focus on how to plan, prepare, and deliver great podcast or media interviews.
‍LIVE, includes Q&A

2 PM: Zennah Jones, Words That Sell: How to Talk About Your Book So Readers Pay Attention
See how to identify your audience and talk about your book in a way that makes others lean in. You’ll leave with practical strategies to position your book clearly and compellingly, whether you’re pitching to publishers, writing back cover copy, or sharing your message in everyday conversations. LIVE, includes Q&A

3 PM: Margot Starbuck, Author Websites That Dazzle
When an agent or publisher or magazine editor receives your pitch, guess what they do? They Google you! Your website is your business card and it legitimizes you as a professional communicator. Let's make sure it's doing its job. Includes Q&A

4 PM: Randy Petersen, Writing: How to Get the Help You Need
Feedback groups, like those I lead, but also friends, advisors, resources, prayer partners, perhaps even AI, and some seasoned wisdom will help writers write better with feedback. Includes Q&A

5 PM: Joyce Dinkins, Go, Know, GrowTM book proposals workshop: children's books (continued)

Thursday

Conference Sessions

9 AM: Worship, Tammy Iroku accompanied by Akin Oyedele 
~ Devotions: David Dinkins 
~ Prayer: Joyce Dinkins LIVE

10 AM: Xochitl Dixon, Writing in Rhyme 
Join this classic workshop with an award-winning author with a depth of experience writing poetry for children's books. Xotchitl discusses the details of writing for chuildren in rhyme, including rhyme rules and "crimes," rhyme patterns and pitfalls, and more in depth.  

11AM: Linnae Klutchko, Bringing Your Fantasy Story to Life Through Magic
Explore the essential elements of magic systems in fantasy books and learn how a well-developed magic system can enhance the story. We will look at the main elements of a magic system, discover how to make it understandable and immersive, and explore how a solid magic system can be used to further the plot. LIVE, includes Q&A

12 PM: Lunchtime networking with Joyce and friends

1 PM: Randy Petersen: Write to Delight
Randy reprises his session on how to create content with attention to craft and style techniques that help us meet our readers' needs and desires. (pre-recorded)

2 PM: Lisa Crayton, Research for Children’s Books

3 PM: Victoria Saunders McAfee, Writing on Tough Topics 
Veteran author McAfee shares wisdom for writers pursuing content development for articles, curriculum, and books that serve readers' needs around tough lfe issues. Warning: This discussion includes topics some may find disturbing, including abortion, suicide, domestic violence, and abuse.

4 PM: Bruce Barbour, Barbour Literary Management 10 Questions About Pros and Cons of Indie Publishing
This seminar offers the questions to ask anybody who is offering to publish your book, and helps you understand the answers you want to hear before agreeing to anything. The goal is to help inform writers with realistic expectations. Includes Q&A

5 PM: Joyce Dinkins, Go, Know, GrowTM book proposals workshop (continued)

Friday

Conference Sessions

9 AM: Worship, Tammy Iroku accompanied by Akin Oyedele 
~ Devotions, David Dinkins
~ Prayer: Joyce Dinkins LIVE

10 AM: David Dinkins, Design Dynamics of Developing Book Covers, Part 1 
Interviews with four creatives including design directors and a renowned illustrator equip authors to understand the intricacies and impact of cover design, interior-page design, and the profound impact of illustrated works.

11 AM: Mytecia Miles, Self-Care for Authors
Embolden Media Group associate literary agent, author development and publishing consultant, Mytecia speaks from personal and professional experience on "writers longevity, sustainability, and self-preservation." LIVE, includes Q&A

12 PM:  Stan Washington, Honor Services, Inc., Adding Purpose to My Business 
‍This session challenges authors, editors, publishers, and other business owners to not overlook their gifts and talents but to use what they are thankful for to reach wide audiences God has given only to them; visioning, leadership, skills for business, business feature development, marketing, sales, and customer service--God’s way. LIVE, includes Q&A

1 PM: David Dinkins, Design Dynamics of Developing Book Covers, Part 2 
Interviews with four creatives including design directors and a renowned illustrator equip authors to understand the intricacies and impact of cover design, interior-page design, and the profound impact of illustrated works.

2 PM: Michael Stalcup, Poetry Nuts and Bolts
Michael reprises his session on how to publish poetry. 

3 PM: Karen Moore, Write Greeting Cards Like a Pro
A prolific writer, including of more than 15,000 greeting cards, Karen gives a solid start on becoming an industry freelancer for the greeting card industry.

4 PM: Joyce Dinkins, Go, Know, GrowTM book proposals workshop
Live, Q&A

5 PM: Closing poem from author Rev. Catherine Reed
Closing Prayer

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Real voices

What attendees discover at Publishing in Color

“Publishing in Color (PIC) is undeterred from its mission to bring all voices into Christian publishing.”
Ann Byle
Publishers Weekly
“Thank you for the resources and contact with other authors/poets, and the genuineness.”
ChuChu
“This conference was groundbreaking. Every keynote, workshop, one-on-one, lunch conversation, business card exchange, and photograph taken broke up the soil in my writing that had begun to dry out and harden. I emerge from this conference with fresh soil ready to be tilled and cultivated to bear fruit.”
Donna
“I thoroughly enjoyed the conference. It was very insightful and encouraging. I am confident that the Lord has ordered my steps. And significant relationships and connects are being established as a result of the conference.”
Francine
“A game-changer . . . speakers, content, and one-on-ones consistently encourage, equip, and inspire me.”
Terry
“I am grateful for the positive impact PIC and this wonderful community of diverse Christian writers and publishing professionals has had on my writing journey.”
Marie Chan
“I have no words to express how thankful I am that I chose to attend.”
Sohani
“Thank you for a wonderful conference!”
Maryam
“Words are not enough to fully express the life changing impact that this conference had on me as an up and coming writer.”
Monica
“The workshop was more than I expected. I learned so much and met a lot of amazing publishing houses, agents, editors, magazines and amazing guest speakers.”
Toussaint
“Every aspect of the conference was a first class experience. The warm, inviting, and informative environment of the conference made me comfortable enough to enjoy and fully experience the plethora of opportunities you provide.”
Reginald
“This conference has opened up a significant new door in ministry for me.”
Lorri
“Attending Publishing in Color was truly a transformative experience. The conference helped to inspire and laser focus my vision by introducing me to people who could help birth my book into the world.”
Terry

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.

When can I register for the next conference?

Registration is now open for spring 2026 conference end of April. Fall conference registration is scheduled to open in September. Registration opens when the majority of conference presenters have confirmed their participation and you can see much of what they will provide on the conference schedule. Closer to the conference week, PIC provides all registrants and speakers with a protected access code to join the conference.

For how long can I access conference content?

We make recorded conference content available for at least one month after the conference ends. Spring 2026 content will be available until June 1, 2026. And 1-on-1 appointments are scheduled at conference speakers' discretion until June 1, 2026.

How do I get appointments with conference presenters?

When you pay your registration fee to attend the conference, you will afterward receive a code to access and request appointments at the site. Each paid registrant requests two appointments with two different presenters. Appointments are first-come, first-served and are scheduled at speakers’ discretion following the conference week. Consider in advance the publishing mission of the speaker you request and their organization, the categories they are acquiring content for, the status of your writing and/or book proposal, your pitch, and  questions you plan to pose.  

How do I apply for a needs-based scholarship to attend Publishing in Color?

Apply with the request form at this site under Scholarships. Please be prepared to share why you need one, along with accurate contact information for our response. You can see more scholarship information here [[link to scholarship information page]].

How do I know about and join the virtual sessions and workshops?

Access the conference schedule in advance of conference week; the final schedule is subject to change. Access to the video and zoom links becomes available the week before the conference starts. All sessions are scheduled Eastern Time. You can access on a mobile or computer.

How are conference speakers selected?

Conference speakers are part of Publishing in Color’s network of professional relationships. For more information, contact us at Publishing_In_Color@proton.me

How do I write a book proposal or get help with one?

Answer: We provide free book proposal formats for adult nonfiction and children’s book proposals here and at your request {[link to Go, Know, Grow page on site]].

For a first-read of your completed proposal by an expert editor, with summary comments provided for you, make your request by email to Publishing_In_Color@proton.me

In-depth proposal development services and editing work is quoted on a project-by-project basis; starting at $95. Additional services provide consulting, expert ghostwriting, copyediting, and proofreading by an expert. These services are available through the PIC network through trustworthy, experienced professionals, who are independent of Publishing in Color.

We’re always grateful to share the names of trusted professionals with you for your personal publishing project so that you can receive a price quote from them for your project..

Still have questions?

We are happy to assist you.

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