Jessica Tilles brings more than twenty-five years of experience in writing, publishing, editing, author development, and the business of books to every conversation.
As a national bestselling author, award-winning publisher, editor, ghostwriter, and publishing professional, Jessica speaks from both the creative and business sides of the industry. Her presentations are practical, conversational, and rooted in real-world experience.
Whether speaking to aspiring authors, established writers, publishing professionals, entrepreneurs, book clubs, or conference audiences, Jessica offers insight that helps writers better understand their craft, their options, and the publishing industry as a whole.
Speaking Topics
The Business of Being an Author
Writing the book is only one part of the journey. This conversation explores what authors need to understand about publishing, branding, marketing, distribution, readership, and treating authorship as a business.
Traditional Publishing, Self-Publishing, and Everything In Between
A practical look at today’s publishing options, including the differences between traditional publishing, independent publishing, hybrid models, and supported self-publishing.
What Every Author Should Know Before Publishing a Book
From editing and formatting to ISBNs, covers, distribution, and marketing, this session covers the decisions authors should understand before bringing a book to market.
From Manuscript to Marketplace
A behind-the-scenes look at the publishing process and what it takes to move a manuscript from draft to professionally published book.
Writing a Book People Want to Read
A conversation about storytelling, structure, pacing, character development, voice, and the importance of writing with the reader in mind.
Editing Matters
Why good editing goes far beyond grammar and punctuation, and how developmental editing, substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading each contribute to a stronger book.
Building an Author Brand
How authors can develop a recognizable presence, connect with readers, create consistency across platforms, and build an audience beyond a single book.
Marketing Books Without Losing Your Mind
A practical approach to book promotion, social media, reader engagement, email marketing, book clubs, events, and long-term visibility.
The Truth About Self-Publishing
An honest discussion about what self-publishing requires, what authors often misunderstand, and how to produce a book that competes professionally in the marketplace.
Writing With AI Without Losing Your Voice
How authors can use tools such as ChatGPT responsibly for brainstorming, organization, research support, and marketing while protecting originality, voice, and creative integrity.
The Publishing Industry Has Changed. Now What?
A look at how technology, social media, AI, online retail, direct-to-reader marketing, and changing publishing models are reshaping the way books are created, published, and sold.
From Writer to Authorpreneur
How authors can think beyond book sales and create additional opportunities through speaking, consulting, courses, workshops, services, licensing, and partnerships.
Customized Presentations
Jessica can also develop customized presentations, workshops, and panel discussions based on the needs of your organization, conference, writing group, school, book club, or professional audience.
Topics can be tailored for beginning writers, experienced authors, entrepreneurs, publishing professionals, and organizations interested in storytelling, publishing, authorship, and the business of books.
Invite Jessica to Speak
Jessica is available for select conferences, panels, workshops, literary events, professional organizations, book clubs, virtual events, and private groups.
For speaking inquiries, please use the Contact page and include your event date, location or virtual platform, audience, and topic of interest.
