THE 2026 FRAMEWORK

WHAT'S THE SAME?

Presentation Types

As in past years, we are looking for two types of presentations:

Our Programming Tracks

Also, as in past years, session proposals should align with one of our nine programming tracks. These tracks help attendees quickly identify sessions that match their interests and goals. 

1. Craft: This track is dedicated to the art of storytelling. Sessions could include “Mastering Character Arcs,” “World-Building in Fiction and Non-Fiction,” and “Effective Dialogue Techniques.” Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting, these sessions are designed to refine your writing skills and ignite your creativity.
2. Marketing & Advertising: In today’s rapidly changing literary market, effective marketing is crucial. This track will cover “Building Your Author Brand,” “Social Media Strategies for Authors,” and “Navigating the World of Book Promotions.” These sessions aim to equip you with the tools to effectively promote your work and connect with your audience.
3. Business & Finance: Tailored for authors who want to excel in the business side of writing, this track includes sessions like “Understanding Publishing Contracts,” “Financial Planning for Authors,” and “Diversifying Your Income Streams.” These sessions will provide valuable insights into managing the financial and contractual aspects of your writing career.
4. Mindset, Wellness & Productivity: Because an author’s well-being is as important as their craft, this track focuses on “Building a Sustainable Writing Routine,” “Mindfulness and Creativity,” and “Balancing Writing with Life.” These sessions are designed to help you maintain a healthy, productive, and balanced approach to your writing career.
5. Production & Workflow: Aimed at enhancing efficiency and quality, this track includes “Direct Sales Basics,” “Advanced Writing Tools and Software,” and “Streamlining Your Writing Process.” These sessions will offer practical advice and tips on managing the logistical aspects of writing and publishing. 
6. Websites, Email & Direct Sales: Authors today have more power than ever to connect directly with readers, but success requires mastering the tools of the trade. This track is designed to demystify the process of setting up and optimizing author websites, email marketing, and direct sales. Our sessions focus on empowering authors to take control of their platforms and sales channels, offering unbiased, actionable insights to help you thrive in a crowded market.
7. IP Beyond the Book: This exciting track explores the expanding universe of storytelling across different media. Sessions like “Adapting Books into Screenplays,” “Podcasting Your Fiction,” and “Interactive Storytelling” will delve into how you can adapt your stories for various platforms, reaching wider and more diverse audiences.
8. Audio & Narration: The audio landscape is booming, from audiobooks to podcasts, and authors have more ways than ever to share their stories. This track provides a balanced exploration of the tools, techniques, and trends shaping the world of audio and narration. Whether you’re considering narrating your own work, partnering with a professional, or diving into podcasting, you’ll leave with actionable insights and industry knowledge.
9. AI & Automation: In the rapidly evolving world of AI and automation, authors face exciting opportunities and complex questions. This track offers a balanced, journalistic perspective—neither endorsing nor rejecting AI. Our mission is to provide attendees with accurate, practical, and unbiased insights, empowering authors to make informed decisions about integrating these tools into their writing and publishing workflows.

When submitting your application, you’ll select one track. Sessions with focused, clearly defined topics tend to perform better than broad, catch-all presentations.

WHAT'S NEW?

The Learning Framework That Gets Votes

We're revolutionizing how we organize content. 

Instead of categorizing by career stage (e.g., six-figure), we're using a learning sequence that helps attendees progress faster through the learning curve.

Why? 

Because expertise doesn't equal earnings. 

A successful Kindle Unlimited author might be a complete novice at direct sales. Neither may understand email marketing. 

Our analysis shows poor session ratings often result from mismatched expectations—attendees choosing content above or below their experience level.

The Four Learning Levels (and How to Get Voted Up)

100 AKA FOUNDATIONS

Primarily hosted as virtual sessions pre-conference

• Session Format: Core concepts, definitions, pros & cons, prerequisites for success
• Session Outcome: Attendees will leave with a clear, confidence-building understanding of the topic and whether it’s right for them
• Example: The 100-level session "Selling Direct" will give an overview of: What is direct sales? How does it differ from third-party platforms? What resources do you need? When should you start?

200 AKA IMPLEMENTATION

Priority for live conference sessions

• Session Format: Step-by-step processes, hands-on workshops, actionable checklists
• Session Outcome: Attendees will leave with a finished setup, system, or concrete result completed during the session
• Example: The 200-level session "Setting Up Your Shopify Store from A–Z" will walk attendees through: Choosing the right Shopify plan, configuring products and collections, setting up payments and taxes, connecting delivery tools, and publishing a live store. Attendees will have their laptops open during the session so they leave with a fully functional setup.

300 AKA OPTIMIZATION 

Priority for live conference sessions

• Session Format: Data-driven improvements, benchmarking, and scaling tactics
• Session Outcome: Attendees will leave with specific metrics, real-world examples, and proven tactics they can apply immediately
• Example: The 300-level session "Reducing Abandoned Cart Rates by 40%" will explore: How to identify where and why readers abandon carts, which metrics to track, how to build targeted email and SMS recovery sequences, what timing and messaging performs best, and how to test and refine campaigns for continued improvement.

400 AKA INNOVATION 

• Session Format: Emerging practices, experimental approaches, and creative problem-solving
• Session Outcome: Attendees will with cutting-edge ideas, early data, and case studies that point to where the industry is headed next
• Example: The 400-level session "Testing AI-Powered Reader Engagement Strategies" will explore: How AI tools are being used to personalize reader experiences, automate engagement workflows, and improve conversion rates, along with early data, real-world experiments, lessons learned, and where these emerging strategies show the most promise.

The Voting System

After submissions close, ticket holders will be invited to vote on session proposals. All applications are reviewed anonymously, ensuring votes are based solely on the strength and relevance of the session content (not the name on the application).

The Author Nation team uses this voting data to shape the final selection of sessions and speakers. The full lineup will be announced in May.

Pro-Tip for Maximum Votes

Consider submitting a three-session progression (Foundations → Implementation → Optimization) on your topic. This comprehensive approach demonstrates deep expertise and gives attendees a complete learning path.

WRITING YOUR APPLICATION

Your submission should answer:

• Which learning level does this serve?
• What specific problem does it solve?
• What will attendees be able to DO after your session?
• Why are YOU the right person to teach this?

Remember: Implementation and Optimization sessions are priorities for the live event, with Foundations primarily offered virtually pre-conference. This ensures attendees arrive prepared and ready for advanced content.