Feb 7 2009 - The First Business of Pet Writing Conference

Canine aficionados around the world know that February in New York City is synonymous with the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. On Saturday, February 7th, writing enthusiasts who write about pets will gather at The Business of Pet Writing Conference at the Radisson Martinique and rub elbows with the best in the publishing and pet industries.

Pet books, magazines, scripts and columns are multiplying like fleas. According the American Pet Products Association, total pet expenditures are expected to top $43 billion in 2008, and pet books have been a significant part of those revenues. Americans are said to own 88.3 million dogs, and books like Marley and Me, a NY Times bestseller, is now a top grossing film after being released for only a few weeks after Christmas. With the new book, Dewey, cat owners and their 74.8 million pets can boast their own Times bestseller, that is also slated to become a movie, starring Meryl Streep.

"More than ever, pet writers need to hone their skills," said Charlotte Reed, pet expert and proprietor of The Pet Socialite, Inc. "The downturn in the economy, coupled with the stiff literary competition out there, gives all the more reason for writers to attend The Business of Pet Writing Conference, where they can learn from the best in the business and make valuable contacts."

Many respected publishing professionals will be in attendance. They include:

Dick Donahue, senior editor at Publishers Weekly, will kick off the day with a keynote speech: Pet Book Selling and Publishing.

Paul Aiken, Executive Director of the Author's Guild will talk on the subject, Negotiations and Book Contracts.

As for the important issues of image facing pet writers and writing, David Hahn, Vice-President of Planned Television Arts, and Amy Greeman of Storey Publishing will talk about: Handling Book Publicity.

Susan Canavan, senior editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will speak about: Tips for Having a Successful Relationship with an Editor while Maura Teitlebaum, of Abrams Artists Agency will present: How to Find the Right Literary Agent. Beth Adelman, president of Adelman Editorial Services will share her expertise on: Writing Better Book Proposals.

A research panel of pet industry organizations will address current trends in animal health, business and product manufacturing. Representatives from the American Animal Hospital Association, American Kennel Club, American Pet Products Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, Animal Health Institute, Automobile Association of America, National Animal Supplement Council, Pet Food Institute, and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council are participating.

Editors (Alpine Publications, Alyson Books, Barron's Educational Series, Bowtie Press/Kennel Club Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, John Wiley & Sons, Quirk Books, St. Martin's Press, Storey Publishing, TFH Publications, AKC Gazette/Family Dog, and Dog Fancy) and agents (Epstein Literary and Folio Literary Mangement) will be available to meet with writer attendees.

In addition, the esteemed group of conference sponsors include: American Kennel Club Publications; Castor & Pollux Pet Works; Comfort Zone; Dyson; Halo, Purely for Pets; and The Metropolitan Dog Club.

The day has been organized by the following schedule:

8:00 a.m. -8:25 a.m.--Breakfast and Check-in
8:30 a.m. -9:00 a.m.--Keynote: Pet Book Selling Publishing Trends
9:10 a.m. -10:00 a.m.--Writing Better Book Proposal
10:10 a.m. -11:00 a.m.--How to Find the Right Literary Agent for You & Your Book
11:10 a.m. -12:00 p.m.--How to Make the Most of Your Relationship with Your Editor
12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.--Lunch sponsored by the Radisson Martinique
1:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m.-- Introduction to the 133rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
1:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m.--Book Contract Negotiations
2:40 p.m. -3:30 p.m.--Handling Book Publicity
3:30 p.m. 4:45 p.m.--Research Panel Discussion

Space is limited. Registration closes Monday, February 2, 2009. For more information about The Business of Pet Writing Conference, contact: The Pet Socialite, Inc. PO Box 398, New York, NY 10012. Email: info (at) petwritingconference.com. Phone: 212-631-3648. Fax: 888-492-3452.