Foundations for Publishing Success: Meet the Speakers
Russell Nohelty
USA Today Bestselling Author Russell Nohelty
Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling fantasy and non-fiction author who has written over 75 novels, graphic novels, and non-fiction books including The Godsverse Chronicles, The Obsidian Spindle Saga, Dragon Strife, Author Stack, and Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter series. He is the publisher of Wannabe Press, co-host of the Six Figure Author Experiment podcast, and founder of Hapitalist. You can find most of his writing at hapitalist.com. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and dogs.
Learn MoreStephanie Pajonas
Steph Pajonas is a sci-fi romance and cozy mystery author and the co-founder of the Future Fiction Academy, teaching authors how to use AI in any part of their process. She also co-hosts the Brave New Bookshelf podcast with Danica Favorite.
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Sarah Bean
Head of Marketing & Partnerships at Book launchers
Sarah Bean is Book Launchers’ marketing expert, a self-publishing book service. With over 20 years of publishing and entertainment industry experience, Sarah has helped over 800 authors launch and market their books. From best-seller strategies to leveraging stages for sales, she works with authors to identify their brand, develop marketing strategy and set themselves apart in the crowded creator market. Sarah started her career in the literary department of a global booking agency, before becoming a speaking agent with a roster of best-selling authors, celebrities, athletes and business leaders. She’s managed NY Times best-selling authors, produced live events like TEDx and was an entertainment journalist covering TV/film news and red carpet interviews for leading entertainment websites. Learn more about Book Launchers at BookLaunchers.com.
Learn MoreChristopher Locke
IBPA Director of Membership & Member Services
Christopher Locke is the Director of Membership & Member Services at the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), where he leads and scales membership strategy for a global community of more than 4,000 independent publishers, author-publishers, and other book publishing professionals. An author-publisher himself, with two novels published in his YA trilogy The Enlightenment Adventures, he brings both strategic expertise and lived experience to his work, championing independent publishers at every stage of their journey.
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Chelle Honiker
Publisher, Indie Author Magazine
Chelle Honiker is an advocate for the empowerment of authorpreneurs, recognizing the importance of authors taking charge of both their craft and careers. In response to this need, she founded a media and training company dedicated to supporting these creative professionals which now includes Indie Author Magazine, Indie Author Training, Wide for the Win, and Direct2Readers.com.
Learn MoreKerrie Flanagan
Author and Content & Community Manager for Booklinker
With over 25 years in the publishing industry, Kerrie Flanagan serves as Content & Community Manager for Booklinker, where she works with authors and publishers to strengthen book marketing strategies. She is the author of The Writer’s Digest Guide to Magazine Article Writing and has published hundreds of magazine articles in publications including The Writer, Writer’s Digest, Alaska Magazine, and six Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Kerrie has published 25 books+ across multiple genres and coauthors sci-fi and fantasy under the pen name C.G. Harris. Kerrie has taught for Stanford Continuing Studies and presents nationwide on publishing and marketing.
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Interested in meeting in person?
We're exploring future opportunities to bring members of the PublishDrive community together in Budapest, Hungary in June 2027 for in-person author gatherings focused on learning, networking, and meaningful connections. If you'd like to help shape a future event, we'd love your input.
LEARN MOREFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the conference really free?
Yes. The conference is completely free to attend, and all replays will be free on our YouTube channel.
Do I need to be a PublishDrive user?
No. The conference is open to authors, publishers, and publishing professionals regardless of where or how they publish.
Will sessions be recorded?
Yes. All sessions will be recorded and made available for free on YouTube after the conference.
How will I attend?
The conference will be hosted online. Registered attendees will receive access information before the event.
Hosted by PublishDrive
PublishDrive helps authors and publishers distribute, manage, and grow their publishing businesses globally. From metadata optimization and distribution to royalty management and marketing tools, PublishDrive supports publishing success at every stage of the journey.