Ready for the real talk about book publishing? 

Join authors Jane Bertch ("The French Ingredient") and Jessica van Dop DeJesus ("The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico") for a candid fireside chat designed for people aspiring to write a book. Jane's journey through traditional publishing and Jessica's self-publishing success offer contrasting, yet equally valuable, perspectives. They'll demystify the process, revealing the pros, cons, and unexpected twists of bringing a book to life, from navigating editorial feedback to tackling marketing challenges.

This isn't a sugarcoated seminar. Expect an honest, no-holds-barred conversation about the emotional rollercoaster and practical realities of authorship. Learn about financial considerations, creative control, and the unique challenges women face in the publishing world. Whether you're considering memoir, travel writing, or any genre in between, gain the insights you need to confidently pursue your publishing dreams. Come prepared with your questions and leave inspired.

About Jessica van Dop DeJesus :

Jessica is a widely published travel and food media digital publisher, freelance journalist, and digital media strategist. She's the founder of The Dining Traveler, a multimedia digital platform covering food and travel, and the author of the coffee table book The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico. You can find her writing in publications such as AFAR, Business Insider, Washington Post, among others. She was raised in Puerto Rico and began traveling as a young U.S. Marine over twenty-five years ago. As a digital strategist and educator, she's worked with organizations such as Bunker Labs, Syracuse University, and the European Union. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @DiningTraveler.

About Jane Bertch:

Jane Bertch is a native Chicagoan who has spent 25 years living and working in Europe, with 20 of those years in Paris. She spent the first part of her French experience working in financial services in an American bank based in the 8eme arrondissement of Paris. In 2009, she founded what became the top-rated leisure cooking school in Paris. 

Jane volunteers as a mentor, both formally and informally for the expat community, has lectured as a guest professor with International Educational Studies, ESSEC Business School, the University of Illinois, and works with many small entrepreneur groups to develop training and outreach programs.

She holds a BA in English from the University of Illinois, an MA in Labor and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois, and an executive MA in Coaching and Consulting for Change from INSEAD.

You can find her writing in publications such as AFAR, Business Insider, Washington Post, among others. She was raised in Puerto Rico and began traveling as a young U.S. Marine over twenty-five years ago. As a digital strategist and educator, she's worked with organizations such as Bunker Labs, Syracuse University, and the European Union. Jane lives in Paris. 

Follow her on Instagram.