Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026: Full Schedule

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9:45am MDT

The Art of the Elevator Pitch

Friday April 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Douglas

An editor-led workshop and deep dive into how editors pitch their books in-house—from editorial board meetings to formal sales presentations—featuring a group activity at the end of the session, "Pitch Wars," in which attendees will split into teams and role play as editors pitching a book at a seasonal Sales Launch.

Agents & Editors

Nicole Luongo

Associate Editor, Hachette Book Group

If you asked six-year-old me and present-day-me what a “perfect day” looked like, our answers would be identical: hot cocoa, a loaded bookstore gift card—with unlimited browsing time—mint chocolate chip ice cream, and an evening of uninterrupted reading. (I’m nothing if... Read More →

Friday April 17, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Douglas

Business of Writing

Moderator Bailey Finn

3:15pm MDT

Editor-Agent Sweet Spot

Friday April 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT

Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

My Sourcebooks editor, Anna Michels and I will talk about that sweet spot between the editor and author when working on a novel, from ideas, to writing and acceptance, and finally, to covers and audio book talent.

Faculty

Reavis Z. Wortham

Keynote

NYT Bestselling author, Reavis Z. Wortham, is the recipient of many awards, including two Spur Awards from the Western Writers Association, and six Will Rogers Medallions. Kirkus Reviews listed his first novel in the historical Red River series, The Rock Hole, as one of their Top... Read More →

Agents & Editors

Anna Michels

Senior Editorial Director, Sourcebooks

Anna Michels has been at Sourcebooks for more than thirteen years and is Senior Editorial Director of Sourcebooks nonfiction and Poisoned Pen Press. Anna is looking for a wide variety of books under the nonfiction umbrella, including history, narrative and prescriptive nonfiction... Read More →

Friday April 17, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm MDT
Pikes Peak/Royal Gorge

Business of Writing

Moderator Bailey Finn

4:45pm MDT

Scrivener 102

Friday April 17, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT

Academy

Advanced techniques for the motivated writer (customization for those already using Scrivener)

In this workshop, writers already familiar with the basics of Scrivener will discover the many ways Scrivener can be configured for novels and non-fiction projects.

>Find out how to customize Scrivener to your particular needs--and if you love color, you'll be super happy.

>Take advantage of little-known elements to make your writing life easier to manage.

>Learn to plot your book with virtual index cards.

> Manage scenes (and your own motivation) with the outliner.

>Fly through revisions with features most Scrivener users have not yet discovered.

>And much more!

Faculty

Debbie Maxwell Allen

Editor, Author, Scrivener Coach

Debbie Maxwell Allen writes historical fiction–with a touch of the unexplainable–set in quirky Mediterranean locations in the 18th century. She has placed in the Zebulon Contest three times and contributed to the Fresh Starts anthology. Her debut series launches in 2024. Debbie teaches workshops on the craft of writing, productivity, and how to use Scrivener and Vellum software at local writing groups and writing conferences... Read More →

Friday April 17, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm MDT
Academy

Writing Tools

Moderator Bailey Finn

Pikes Peak Writers Conference 2026