Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit my session proposal or apply to participate in an author reading?

All proposals must be submitted via the Wufoo platform. You do not need to create a Wufoo account to fill in the proposal form. Applications to participate in an author reading will also be via Wufoo. Both forms will go live on December 15, 2024 and remain open through January 15, 2025.

Can I propose more than one program session?

Yes, you may make multiple submissions. Simply fill out a new form for each proposal.

What should I bear in mind as I develop my proposal?

• Your audience: Conference attendees represent international authors at every stage of the journey from novice writers to multi-published authors and also include readers, bloggers, educators, librarians, and others with an interest in historical fiction.
• Focus: We really want to highlight presentations that give the audience usable and practical information rather than simply food for thought. We will feature some talks that are inspirational, but we encourage you to include advice and resources your audience can use.
• Content: The HNS conference focuses on all aspects of historical fiction from research to publishing. Conference goers are primarily storytellers and their readers. We are not looking for academic papers, but scholarship is appreciated.
• Execution: Your proposals, and their titles, should be punchy and pithy. Speakers must be dynamic and engaging and be able to stay on topic for an hour, with Q&A. Excessive self-promotion is discouraged. Proposals that rely solely on a discussion of the presenter’s own work will not be considered.

What information will be needed from presenters?

All presenters, including co-panelists, will need to submit bios and a headshot photo. For panels, the lead panelist must gather all panelists’ bios and photos and include them in the proposal in order for it to be complete.

Photos should be JPG or PNG files, 300dpi, good quality images that clearly show the speaker's face and don’t look blurry or grainy (pixelated).

For those who have no idea about pixels etc., if you look at the photo at 100% scale on a computer and the face area is smaller than 2 inches then it’s too small. The image should look crisp and clear.

What technical requirements will I need to meet in order to present?

Presenters are encouraged to use digital presentations and understand they will be recorded for limited access by paid attendees. Any handouts must be delivered as noted in any acceptance communications. Please note that due to limitations in recording live sessions, presentation slides must be provided to the Programming Chair by the date specified in any acceptance communications so that these may be uploaded into the conference app, allowing virtual attendees to follow along from home.

What if I would like to apply to participate in more than one of the new group readings?

If you feel you can give readings of your work that appropriately fit or amplify more than one of the listed group reading themes, feel free to select multiple readings when you apply. But note that no applicant will be chosen for more than one reading. Additionally, due to a limited number of reading spots, there is no guarantee you will be chosen for any of the readings.

Will the group reading application be on the same form used for making a session proposal?

No. There will be two separate forms. Both forms will go live on December 15, 2024, and remain open through January 15, 20205.

What else should I know about my obligations before I submit a proposal or application?

In line with the volunteer structure of HNSNA, presenters are conference attendees who volunteer to take an hour (or more) out of their conference time to share their expertise and knowledge on a particular topic with their fellow attendees.

Regardless of the number of program items (sessions or group readings) on which a presenter appears, each presenter will receive a $100 credit toward Conference registration. Because we have dozens of sessions in our Conference, this honorarium is our way of saying thank you for sharing your time and your knowledge with us.

Do presenters have to make a formal agreement to participate?

Yes, all presenters MUST accept the terms & conditions on the proposal form:

• You agree to register for the conference by March 15, 2025. You will be registering for in-person attendance at the early-bird rate (lowest price). You must communicate this to your co-presenters as well (if applicable) and they must also agree to register before the early-bird period closes. Registration rates will be presented in the proposal submission form, which goes live on December 15. Failure to register during the early-bird period may result in your proposal acceptance being withdrawn.
• You agree that your presentation will be created entirely by yourself and/or your co-presenters and will not knowingly or negligently include any dishonest or plagiarized content and that this presentation does not infringe, violate, or conflict with the intellectual property or other legal rights of any person or entity.
• You and your co-presenters (if applicable) agree to give permission for your presentation to be recorded and livestreamed (with the exception of Cozy Chats) and made available on-demand to conference attendees through the end of 2025.
• You agree to provide any digital slideshows and/or handouts by the date specified in your acceptance notice.
• You agree to present the program at the assigned program time.

Do presenters receive any remuneration?

Yes, as stated above, presenters whose session proposals and/or group reading applications are accepted receive a single $100 registration credit as an honorarium. Our Registration Chair will give you a coupon code to type in when you register for the Conference that will deduct $100 from your cost.

We look forward to reading your proposals!

The HNS2025 Conference Board