CEO, 4 Horsemen Publications. Erika had the unique opportunity to live in several different environments across the country growing up, giving her a colorful perspective on life. Born in Minnesota, she spent most of her formative years in Hollywood, then a ranch in New Mexico on the border of an Indian reservation. With a love of the arts since she was a child (acting, painting, sewing and dancing to name a few!) she found her passion in writing. Beginning with short stories, poems and articles for local papers, “Jimmy” is her first published fiction story.

Danielle Egan-Miller, literary agent and president of Chicagoland-based Browne & Miller Literary Associates, has sold hundreds of books during her career, with an emphasis on adult fiction. Her roster includes many New York Times bestselling authors and numerous prize- and award-winning writers including winners of the Canadian Governor General’s Award, the Edgar Award, the Anthony Award, the Colorado Book Award, the Minnesota Book Award, the Western Spur Award, the RITA Award, and the Christy Award. She is a member of the AALA and The Author’s Guild.

D.J. (Dave) Butler has been a lawyer, a consultant, an editor, a corporate trainer, and a registered investment banking representative, and he is now a Consulting Editor for Baen Books. His novels published by Baen Books include the Witchy War series (Witchy Eye, Witchy Winter, Witchy Kingdom, and Serpent Daughter), In the Palace of Shadow and Joy, Between Princesses and Other Jobs, and Abbott in Darkness, as well as The Cunning Man and The Jupiter Knife, co-written with Aaron Michael Ritchey, and Time Trials, co-written with M.A. Rothman. He also writes for children: the steampunk fantasy adventure tales The Kidnap Plot, the Giant's Seat, and The Library Machine are published by Knopf. Other novels include City of the Saints from WordFire Press and The Wilding Probate from Immortal Works. His novels have won the Whitney Award, the Association for Mormon Letters Award for Novel, and the Dragon Award. Dave also organizes writing retreats and anarcho-libertarian writers' events, and travels the country to sell books. He tells many stories as a gamemaster with a gaming group some of whom he’s been playing with since sixth grade. He plays guitar and banjo whenever he can, and likes to hang out in Utah with his wife, their children, and the family dog.

Tina admits to being a reluctant reader as a child. In fact, she says she is still very picky when it comes to choosing a book, and isn't afraid to judge one (at first) by its cover! Ask her kids, and they won't believe you! They'll tell you her nose is constantly in a book, or staring at her Kindle Fire, her iPad mini, or even reading mss on her phone! When not reading manuscripts, marketing website, social media, or industry blogs, you can find Schwartz on her laptop enjoying her own writing time. (She's written 10 traditionally published books.) Schwartz is an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI). Tina says, "I'm thrilled to have founded The Purcell Agency, LLC and look forward to reading many wonderful submissions from talent all over the world!" ​ You can follow Agent Tina on Twitter (The Purcell Agency) at @TPurcellAgency (See author's website www.tinaPschwartz.com or visit Author Page on Facebook: TinaPSchwartz, Author)

Founder Three Ravens Publishing. In a previous lifetime, William Joseph Roberts "aka Hillbilly" was an F-15 mechanic and Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force. He has traveled the world and experienced many things in his few years. He has been called a Jack of all trades, a Renaissance man, and an insane squirrel wrangler by his peers. Since his enlistment ended, he has perused careers as an industrial and architectural designer, design engineer, and is now an award-winning author, editor, and publisher with Three Ravens Publishing. William Joseph Roberts currently resides in the quaint southern town of Chickamauga, Georgia with his loving wife, three freaky-smart nerd children, and a small pack of fur babies.

Joyce Sweeney has worn many hats in the kidlit industry. They are the author of fourteen novels for young adults. They have edited, instructed, and encouraged writers for twenty-five years, successfully mentoring 78 traditionally published authors and still counting. They are very active in Florida SCBWI. They have also published poetry and managed a South Florida theater company. As an agent, they pride themselves on client communication and are very editorial. They acquire picture books, chapter books, and middle grade, both fiction and non-fiction.They are particularly interested in graphic novels. Their taste is eclectic, but they are always looking for underrepresented voices. They like science and aerospace, natural history, environmental and animal themes, and anything with a touch of magic. A lyrical voice is the surest way to their heart. Not a big fan of crude or bathroom humor, overtly religious stories or historical fiction.

Founder and agent Page Turner Literary Agency My love of reading started when I was young with The Chronicles of Narnia. I loved that I could escape into a world where magic and adventure existed. That love of books grew and has followed me into adulthood. Some of my best friends and greatest loves, through the years, have been fictional characters. They have inspired and motivated me in almost every facet of my life, from my first career as a Forensic Scientist with the FBI to owning and operating Page Turner Literary Agency. While I love all books, my heart beats for children’s literature for many reasons, but the main reason is children’s literature is fearless. These books and their authors are not afraid to tackle tough topics, to celebrate diversity, or bring awareness to issues that others would turn their backs on. Children’s literature never ceases to surprise me with its fortitude. I live in Burr Ridge, Illinois with my husband and our rescue dog, Henry. When I'm not reading, I enjoy the outdoors, horror movies, and baking (and I'm definitely not imagining I'm on the Great British Bake Off... ok, I'm totally doing that.) I have two undergraduate degrees from West Virginia University: Forensic and Investigative Sciences and Psychology. I have two graduate degrees from Benedictine University: MBA and MS Management and Organizational Behavior. Prior to starting my own agency, I was an Associate Literary Agent with Flannery Literary.

Anne E. Beall is an award-winning author whose books have been featured in People Magazine, Chicago Tribune, Toronto Sun, Hers Magazine, Ms. Career Girl, and she’s been interviewed by NBC, NPR, and WGN. Her book, Cinderella Didn’t Live Happily Ever After: The Hidden Messages in Fairy Tales won a Gold award from Literary Titan. And her Heartfelt Connections book was named one of the top 100 Notable Indie books in 2016 by Shelf Unbound, and she has published in several literary journals including Minerva Rising Press, You Might Need to Hear This, The Raven’s Perch, and Grande Dame Literary Journal. She received her PhD in social psychology from Yale University and is the founder of the strategic market-research firm, Beall Research. You can learn more about her books on www.AnneBeall.com

Judi is an award-winning author. Her book, Fornicationally Challenged received Five-stars in Readers Favorite and was named one of the top 100 Notable Indie books in 2021 by Shelf Unbound. She has also been published in The South Loop Review and Story Salon. Several screenplays and teleplays have garnered recognition from Writer’s Digest and The Slamdance Competitions. As a Moth winning storyteller, Judi has written and told hundreds of stories including her comedic one-woman show: Fornicationally Challenged, directed by the renown, Mark Travis, which had successful runs in Los Angeles and New York. She has a bachelor’s degree in fiction writing from Columbia College In her day job, she works for the University of Chicago Crime Lab and Education Lab. A not-for-profit organization that provides data analysis to law enforcement, city officials, and the public-school system, making Chicago (and the rest of the country) safer and more equitable.