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Authors, are you ready to hit your next
level of success?

Join the premier online event for independent fiction authors

July 20th – August 2nd 2024 | 100% online

24

professionally recorded classes for authors

10

Live Q&As with bestselling authors

40+

Live events to choose from

6

Years of access to the recordings

Whether you are...

Inkers Con has exactly what you need.

Regardless of which path you’re on…

If you’re not yet where you want to be in your career…

Oftentimes it’s just a small missing piece of the puzzle (or two) that needs to be revealed and fit into place…’

And voila!

Your author career transforms.

We wholeheartedly believe that with the right knowledge and implementation…

You can accomplish all of your goals.

That’s where Inkers Con comes in.

We’ve seen that every successful author excels in 4 areas:

Craft

There’s no way around it: If you want to be a best-selling author, your books have to be good.

Marketing

And of course, no matter how good your books are, if people don’t know about them, people won’t read them.

Advertising

But free marketing avenues will only get you so far. When it’s time to scale and supercharge your career, it’s time to look into paid ads.

Business

To tie all this together and turn it into a career that supports you… the business side is crucial.

Making sure you have those four pillars dialed in is our core mission.

So, what is Inkers Con?

Inkers Con is a 10 day online conference created for independent fiction authors who are motivated to advance their careers.

What is included with my Inkers Con ticket?

24 Author
Classes

20+ Author
Roundtables

2 Networking
Events

8+ Bestselling
Author Q&A

8 Co-Writing
Sprints

Thriving
Community

24 Classes

You’ll get 6 years of access to 24 professionally recorded classes. Each class is motivating, actionable, and taught by best selling authors and industry experts.

MARKETING CLASSES

A bestselling author isn’t just born, but is created from a strong fanbase of loyal and passionate readers. This class will look at ways authors can take a page from brands like Taylor Swift or the Savannah Bananas to cultivate the kind of rabid fandom that will continually grow and support a long-term author career. Bestselling authors Angel Lawson (dark reverse harems) and Emma St. Clair (closed door rom-coms) will discuss practical ways that authors can build a fandom, no matter the genre.

As the saying goes, change is the only constant. But how do you navigate this change in a world where staying relevant is crucial? The answer lies in the 3 R’s. Rebranding, Relaunching, and Remaining Relevant. Taking cues from giants like Apple, Lego, and Nora Roberts, this workshop offers insights into refining your author brand, reintroducing your work, and consistently resonating with your audience. Together, we’ll learn how to keep the flame of relevance burning bright in an ever-changing bookish world.

Your book’s cover could mean the difference between standing out in a crowded market or disappearing into it. In this class, a professional cover designer will discuss the evolution of book marketing and how to design a cover that is an intelligent combination of design and marketing. She’ll share case studies and real-life examples to illustrate how data-driven design decisions can lead to better book sales.

There is a recipe to building a sustainable indie career – you just have to figure out your unique ingredients, time tables, and process. Learn savvy strategies and how to forge your own path from a bestselling author who has earned a six-figure net income for over a decade.

Struggling with the idea of getting your readers to buy direct from you? In this class, you’ll learn you how to shift reader mindsets, build connections, incentivize, and retrain your buyers to shop direct. You’ll learn why your readers WANT to buy direct from you and how you can encourage them!

Six bestselling authors will take our main stage and share their biggest tips, mistakes to avoid, and their journey to superstar success – plus answer our attendees’ most burning questions in the areas of marketing, business, advertising, and craft.

Learn how to start from scratch and build a brand and an audience through social media. Xio Axelrod caught the attention of readers and major publishers before she published her first novel – all through her branding. Find out how you can use your storytelling skills and creativity to create pre-buzz, boost sales, and create a fandom of loyal and enthusiastic readers.

Who are you? From understanding your unique voice to connecting with your target audience, this presentation is designed to delve into the intricacies of crafting a distinct author identity, and how to elevate your authorship into a recognizable and resonant brand. (virtual presentation)

Learn how to turn book signings into revenue streams, networking hubs, and fan-engagement platforms. From securing coveted spots to mastering pre-order strategies, and much more, this session is full of practical, actionable information for both new authors and seasoned pros.

Building Superfans

by Angel Lawson and Kirsten Oliphant
A bestselling author isn't just born, but is created from a strong fanbase of loyal and passionate readers. This class will look at ways authors can take a page from brands like Taylor Swift or the Savannah Bananas to cultivate the kind of rabid fandom that will continually grow and support a long-term author career. Bestselling authors Angel Lawson (dark reverse harems) and Emma St. Clair (closed door rom-coms) will discuss practical ways that authors can build a fandom, no matter the genre. 

The 3 R's of Authorial Evolution

by Daniela Romero
As the saying goes, change is the only constant. But how do you navigate this change in a world where staying relevant is crucial? The answer lies in the 3 R's. Rebranding, Relaunching, and Remaining Relevant. Taking cues from giants like Apple, Lego, and Nora Roberts, this workshop offers insights into refining your author brand, reintroducing your work, and consistently resonating with your audience. Together, we'll learn how to keep the flame of relevance burning bright in an ever-changing bookish world.

Data-Driven Cover Design

by Laura Hildago
Your book's cover could mean the difference between standing out in a crowded market or disappearing into it. In this class, a professional cover designer will discuss the evolution of book marketing and how to design a cover that is an intelligent combination of design and marketing. She'll share case studies and real-life examples to illustrate how data-driven design decisions can lead to better book sales. 

The Hidden Six Figure Author: Building a Sustainable Indie Career

by Melissa Miller
There is a recipe to building a sustainable indie career - you just have to figure out your unique ingredients, time tables, and process. Learn savvy strategies and how to forge your own path from a bestselling author who has earned a six-figure net income for over a decade.

The “Direct” Path From Followers to Buyers. Why your readers WANT to buy directly from you and how you can encourage them!

by Chelsea Bennett
Struggling with the idea of getting your readers to buy direct from you? In this class, you’ll learn you how to shift reader mindsets, build connections, incentivize, and retrain your buyers to shop direct. You’ll learn why your readers WANT to buy direct from you and how you can encourage them!

Opening the Bestseller's Vault of Secrets

Six bestselling authors will take our main stage and share their biggest tips, mistakes to avoid, and their journey to superstar success - plus answer our attendees' most burning questions in the areas of marketing, business, advertising, and craft.

From Pen to Platform: Building Your Author Brand on Social Media

by Xio Axelrod
Learn how to start from scratch and build a brand and an audience through social media. Xio Axelrod caught the attention of readers and major publishers before she published her first novel - all through her branding. Find out how you can use your storytelling skills and creativity to create pre-buzz, boost sales, and create a fandom of loyal and enthusiastic readers.

Brandcraft: An Author's Guide to Building an Enduring Brand

by Orlando Sanchez
Who are you? From understanding your unique voice to connecting with your target audience, this presentation is designed to delve into the intricacies of crafting a distinct author identity, and how to elevate your authorship into a recognizable and resonant brand. (virtual presentation)

How to Leverage Book Signing Events to Make Money, Build a Network, and Turn Readers into Superfans

by Kaydence Snow
Learn how to turn book signings into revenue streams, networking hubs, and fan-engagement platforms. From securing coveted spots to mastering pre-order strategies, and much more, this session is full of practical, actionable information for both new authors and seasoned pros.

Maximizing Your Marketing with Emails

by Terezia Barna
Create a strong connection with your readers with consistent and sales-generating emails. In this class, you'll brainstorm your way to a content calendar, learn how to sell books without being salesy, and unlock tricks to higher delivery rates.

BUSINESS CLASSES

Discover hidden sales opportunities through Amazon’s metadata, keywords, editorial reviews, author videos, and their powerful backend systems. Bring your pen and paper – you’ll leave this presentation with an action list of ways to boost your sales on the world’s biggest book retailer.

A bestselling author will share her strategies to move the sales needle and how she grew her business to reach a seven-figure annual income. Along the way, she’ll reveal her best insights into marketing, co-writing, selling direct, and more.

Achieving success doesn’t mean you have to work non-stop. In this presentation, learn how to create a work plan that allows you to focus your time and energy where it matters most – creating success.

Feelings of being overwhelmed can choke off creative pathways, slow down progress, and often bring your career to a grinding halt. But it doesn’t have to be that way! In this workshop you’ll learn the core source of being overwhelmed, things that trigger it, and how you can orient your life to avoid it.

Dive into the world of direct sales and learn how to leverage Shopify to sell your books independently. This class is designed to introduce you to the benefits of selling directly to your audience, teaching you how to enhance your Facebook advertising, gain direct customer insights, and enjoy the financial benefits of immediate sales without the wait for royalties.

Unlock the power of sales on Kobo with Author Engagement Manager Laura Granger, who will share the latest eReader innovations, the expansion of the Kobo Plus
subscription program, and exciting new promotional opportunities available to Kobo Writing Life authors. Plus, uncover the marketing strategies that bestselling authors use to find a wider audience with Kobo.

The Secrets of Selling Books on Amazon

by Penny Sansevieri
Discover hidden sales opportunities through Amazon’s metadata, keywords, editorial reviews, author videos, and their powerful backend systems. Bring your pen and paper - you'll leave this presentation with an action list of ways to boost your sales on the world's biggest book retailer.

The Path to a Million Book Sales

by Lee Savino
A bestselling author will share her strategies to move the sales needle and how she grew her business to reach a seven-figure annual income. Along the way, she'll reveal her best insights into marketing, co-writing, selling direct, and more.

Planning For Author Success

by Sarra Cannon
Achieving success doesn't mean you have to work non-stop. In this presentation, learn how to create a work plan that allows you to focus your time and energy where it matters most - creating success.

Writers' Antidote To Overwhelm

by Becca Syme
Feelings of being overwhelmed can choke off creative pathways, slow down progress, and often bring your career to a grinding halt. But it doesn’t have to be that way! In this workshop you’ll learn the core source of being overwhelmed, things that trigger it, and how you can orient your life to avoid it.

Mastering Direct Sales on Shopify

by Pierre Jeanty
Dive into the world of direct sales and learn how to leverage Shopify to sell your books independently. This class is designed to introduce you to the benefits of selling directly to your audience, teaching you how to enhance your Facebook advertising, gain direct customer insights, and enjoy the financial benefits of immediate sales without the wait for royalties.

Wide Strategies that Win with Kobo

by Laura Granger
Unlock the power of sales on Kobo with Author Engagement Manager Laura Granger, who will share the latest eReader innovations, the expansion of the Kobo Plus subscription program, and exciting new promotional opportunities available to Kobo Writing Life authors. Plus, uncover the marketing strategies that bestselling authors use to find a wider audience with Kobo.

ADVERTISING CLASSES

Ready to harness the true power of Facebook Ads? Tried it all before, but nothing has worked? Struggling to scale profitably? In this class, discover a simple, scalable and profitable Facebook Ads strategy that takes 1-2 hours per week to manage, whether you’re selling on retailers, such as Amazon, or selling direct on your own store.

AMS Ads can be a difficult nut to crack… unless you know what to avoid and what to capitalize on. In this class, an ads expert will go through the 5 Do’s that you should implement in your AMS ads and the 5 Don’ts that could tank your ads’ chance of success.

Advertising your books doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In this class, learn how to strategically schedule ads online, build your network of contacts, and affordably promote your books through online advertising. (virtual presentation)

How To Reach More Readers And Sell More Books With Facebook Ads In 2024

by Mathew J. Holmes
Ready to harness the true power of Facebook Ads? Tried it all before, but nothing has worked? Struggling to scale profitably? In this class, discover a simple, scalable and profitable Facebook Ads strategy that takes 1-2 hours per week to manage, whether you’re selling on retailers, such as Amazon, or selling direct on your own store.

A Better Approach to AMS ads

by Quinn Ward
AMS Ads can be a difficult nut to crack… unless you know what to avoid and what to capitalize on. In this class, an ads expert will go through the 5 Do’s that you should implement in your AMS ads and the 5 Don’ts that could tank your ads’ chance of success.

A Crash Course in Online Ads for Authors

by Laurie Cooper
Advertising your books doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. In this class, learn how to strategically schedule ads online, build your network of contacts, and affordably promote your books through online advertising. (virtual presentation)

CRAFT CLASSES

Hook readers and escalate your storytelling skills with a trope-based story blueprint. This class will define what tropes are (and aren’t) and their uses in a novel. Attendees will learn how to deconstruct the framework, expectations and implications of a trope, and how to seamlessly integrate tropes across genres.

Do you love pantsing but want the speed and organization of outlining? If so, meet the skeleton draft! In this class, discover a unique technique a bestselling author uses to streamline her writing process, create engaging characters and plots readers love – without sacrificing the surprises, twists, and creativity that make pantsing so much fun.

Writing in a series is one of the fastest avenues to great profit, but only if you can hook the readers and keep them reading through the books. In this class, learn how to increase readthrough by writing addiction-worthy series and fully optimizing your books for maximum readthrough.

A bestselling author will teach how to create suspense and anticipation in your series’ first book. She’ll also share marketing tips to generate hype, how to create vivid secondary characters, and ways to keep readers begging for more.

Multi-point character relationships are a gold mine for creating the best kind of story tension and conflict. In this class, learn how to audit your plot through a lens of the various character relationships involved and how they can interconnect for better storytelling.

A fresh take on opening chapter(s) for all genre fiction writers—not just those meet cutes, but also spooky first impressions and horrific sightings! Packed with tips and tricks on backstory, saggy openings, POVs, and memorable character intros. You’ll leave the class with more confidence in your openings and the skills to woo more one-click readers.

Tackling the Tropes of Your Genre

by Dawn Alexander and Jessica Snyder
Hook readers and escalate your storytelling skills with a trope-based story blueprint. This class will define what tropes are (and aren't) and their uses in a novel. Attendees will learn how to deconstruct the framework, expectations and implications of a trope, and how to seamlessly integrate tropes across genres.

Between Pantsing & Outlines: The Skeleton Draft

by Steff Green
Do you love pantsing but want the speed and organization of outlining? If so, meet the skeleton draft! In this class, discover a unique technique a bestselling author uses to streamline her writing process, create engaging characters and plots readers love – without sacrificing the surprises, twists, and creativity that make pantsing so much fun.

Creating a Series Addiction

by Kirsten Oliphant
Writing in a series is one of the fastest avenues to great profit, but only if you can hook the readers and keep them reading through the books. In this class, learn how to increase readthrough by writing addiction-worthy series and fully optimizing your books for maximum readthrough.

The Secrets of Successful World Building

by Giana Darling
A bestselling author will teach how to create suspense and anticipation in your series' first book. She'll also share marketing tips to generate hype, how to create vivid secondary characters, and ways to keep readers begging for more.

Creating Conflict With Your Characters

by TM Holladay
Multi-point character relationships are a gold mine for creating the best kind of story tension and conflict. In this class, learn how to audit your plot through a lens of the various character relationships involved and how they can interconnect for better storytelling.

Dynamic Openings for the Win

by Annabeth Albert
A fresh take on opening chapter(s) for all genre fiction writers—not just those meet cutes, but also spooky first impressions and horrific sightings! Packed with tips and tricks on backstory, saggy openings, POVs, and memorable character intros. You'll leave the class with more confidence in your openings and the skills to woo more one-click readers.

Attendee-Led Author Roundtables

An attendee favorite is all of the roundtables! Choose from dozens of roundtables or create your own! Deep dive into specific topics, mastermind ideas, share resources, and meet other authors on the same path as you.

Examples of previous roundtables

Marketing & Advertising

  • Email Marketing Best Practices
  • Blurb Road Map
  • Hashtag Strategy
  • Merchandising
  • Preparing for Book Signings
  • TikTok Engagement Strategies
  • Successful Launch Techniques
  • Newsletters: Improve open/click rates
  • Growing an Active Reader Group
  • Step-By-Step Techniques to Grow Your Brand

Business

  • Generating Multiple Streams of Income
  • Starting a New Pen Name
  • Merchandising: Selling more than just books
  • The Pros and Cons of an LLC
  • Signings and Swag
  • Using Patreon as an Author
  • Maximizing your Author Assistant

Craft

  • Killing it with Cozy Mysteries
  • Engineering a Series
  • Historical Time Travel
  • Dealing with Negative Feedback
  • Trigger Warnings: the ins and outs
  • Writing the Line Between Romance and Erotica
  • Critique Partners and Alpha/Beta Readers

Networking Events

Join us on July 29th and August 1st for guided networking. You’ll get the chance to meet up with other authors of a similiar level as you, and other authors in your genres. Share resources, best practices, inspiration, and contact information.

Bestselling Author Q&As

Each day of the conference weekends we will host question and answer sessions with best selling authors. This is a chance to deep-dive into the success paths of different types of authors, ask them your questions, and see the possibilities that an author career offers.

Examples of Previous Bestselling Authors Who Have Held Q&As

Co-Working Writing Sprints

Back by popular demand! Join other authors to focus for 25-minute writing sprints and skyrocket your word-count. These sessions last for 90 minutes and you’ll be amazed at how much you accomplish.

Thriving Community

You’ll get 3 months of access to our private Facebook group for attendees where we celebrate successes, share info and resources, get inspired and make friends.

We are currently in Early Registration saving you $50!

Pay In Full

$

199

one payment

Payment Plan

$

100

2 payments

100% “You’ll Love It” Money-Back Guarantee

“Inker’s Con was the best money I have spent for my career this year, possibly ever.”

Alyssa Bailey
USA Today and International Best Selling Author

“All authors, whether aspiring, new or established must attend Inkers Con… It’s the best investment.”

L.L. Hunter
Bestselling Author with 50+ published books

But there’s even more...

Be one of the first 500 authors to register and gain exclusive access to these 3 bonuses:

BONUS CLASS - UNLOCKS JUNE 1ST

Seven Deadly Sins of Page One

Jump right into learning with instant online access to this Craft class from the Inkers Con vault.

Expert editor Tex Thompson teaches us the 7 common Page One mistakes that authors make and how to avoid them. This will make your books more engaging, more page-turning, and more profitable with higher read-through rates.

SPECIAL BONUS - UNLOCKS JUNE 1ST

Online Networking Checklist

For introverted authors, or people who haven’t done very much networking, we want to help you maximize the wonderful relationships you can create at Inkers Con. 

This checklist will simplify online networking and following up, so that you can create lasting connections. 

 

SPECIAL BONUS - UNLOCKS JUNE 1ST

Author's Daily Agenda

Maximize your daily productivity and plan out your conference experience with these printable pages.

These Daily Agenda pages will help you plan your schedule, track your learnings, document your word count, set your daily intention, and much more.

This is built for authors who:

What authors are saying about us

“Because of Inkers Con my business has definitely improved. Last year was my best year ever.”

Susan Parsons

“Inker’s Con was the best money I have spent for my career this year, possibly ever.”

Alyssa Bailey
USA Today and International Best Selling Author

“All authors, whether aspiring, new or established must attend Inkers Con… It’s the best investment.”

L.L. Hunter
Bestselling Author with 50+ published books

“What a motivating experience for this indie author”

Joanne Giacomini
Romance, Fantasy and Paranormal Author with 7 published books

“I’m revamping my business and thanks to Inkers Con I have the tools I need!”

Kahlen Aymes
USA Today Bestselling Author with 21 published books

“No matter where you are in your publishing career, Inkers Con has the information you need to take the next step.”

Jennifer Allis Provost
Author with 40+ published books

“It went above and beyond my expectations. I’ve already been able to put much of what I’ve learned into practice. Thank you!”

Heather Marie Reaves
Author with 8 published books

“I learned so much and can’t wait to implement new strategies for my books. Thank you, Inkers Con.”

Nicola Marsh
USA Today Bestselling and Multi Award Winning Author

“Without doubt, it’s the best investment I’ve made in my author career, to date, and I’d recommend it to any author, whatever stage they’re at in their own career.”

Sherri Bryan
Author

MEET THE FOUNDERS

Hi, we’re Alessandra Torre and Terezia Barna – and we’ve spent years accelerating authors’ success with programs and conferences.

Alessandra is a 7X NYT bestselling author, with over thirty books, published traditionally and indie. Terezia is a marketing expert and author consultant, with a passion for helping independent authors.

In 2019, we starting examining the qualities, knowledge and resources that authors need in order to fulfill their potential. We found that authors need to master the 4 pillars of craft, business, marketing and advertising. 

Each year, we bring together the best in the business to educate authors on the latest and greatest in each of those areas. 

We’re so excited to see you in online in July! 

We are currently in Early Registration saving you $50!

Pay In Full

$

199

one payment

Payment Plan

$

100

2 payments

100% “You’ll Love It” Money-Back Guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone joins Inkers Con at a different point in his or her career. We have new authors who want professional guidance and insights in order to properly launch their career. We have authors who have written and published dozens of novels and are looking to break through to the next earning plateau. We have six and seven-figure annual earnings who attend Inkers Con to continually improve their writing and marketing and grow their network and expertise. It’s never too late or too early to attend Inkers Con. Plus, with six years of access, you can grow and access the content you need when you’re ready for it.

In addition to being able to watch the 24 professionally recorded and edited presentations (see above for the list of presentations), your digital access includes two weeks of online discussions, Q&As with bestselling authors, roundtables, co-writing sprints and networking opportunities that are all part of the Inkers Con 2024 digital event. You’ll have 6 years of access to all the recordings.

We focus on adult fiction, and the knowledge shared can be applied to any fiction genre (and even some non-fiction!). Our speakers are superstars and experts across a great mix of romance, fantasy, science-fiction, thriller, and general fiction genres – and our attendees are the same!

Yes, we are happy to offer PayPal options if that is easier for you. Just email us at info@inkerscon.com to arrange an invoice.

We believe so strongly that you’ll learn and see an increase in your sales based on these classes that we’re proud to offer a 100% money-back “no questions asked” guarantee for 30 days after the digital launch. If you don’t feel like you’ve learned something new that will expand your business and increase sales – just reach out to us at info@inkerscon.com and we will refund you right away. There is no risk in trying the conference out.

You’ll have six years from date of purchase to view all of the 2024 conference presentations, recordings and replays – all through your password-protected access at InkersCon.com!

We have a 3 day Inkers Con in Dallas, TX every year.   The dates for this year are June 7-9th.  See the Inkers Con Dallas 2024 page for more information.

Authors are also saying...

I loved how willing the speakers were to chat with you one on one, so incredibly generous with their time. Everything ran so smoothly, I was blown away! I enjoyed the variety of panels and liked that I didn’t have to worry about the ones I had to miss because I knew I’d have access to them later.

I loved the opportunity to meet with so many authors at so many different levels of experience. I LOVED the blind book swap. Such an awesome idea. It was so fun getting to learn from authors I admire. Everything felt so positive and encouraging. No one hesitated to share their knowledge or made someone feel “less than” for being new. It was a really amazing experience. The app was awesome and I really loved the venue. I’m really looking forward to the digital ticket as well to catch all the presentations I wasn’t able to attend live.

I thought everything was done with excellence. All of the workshops I attended were well-done. The information was relative and helpful. There was such a nice flow to the entire weekend. I loved the openness of the hotel, also. It was easy to get around. There were great restaurants within walking distance. It was one of the best conferences I’ve attended.

Loved having lunch provided. It allowed for more social interaction between attendees. Loved the location, the variety of classes, the parties. I think it was put together extremely well.

What a great conference space! There was enough space for break-out conversations and it felt intimate and not overwhelming like some cons can.

Honestly, it was a wealth of knowledge. There wasn’t one thing I didn’t enjoy.

Wow. Just wow. It was such a fantastic experience. Overall, the speakers and attendees were wonderful. There was a great atmosphere of camaraderie. I loved all the extra touches, from the beautiful champagne dinner to the creation studio to snacks in the hallway to the awesome goody bags. Loved the hotel and restaurants nearby. I’m glad there’s a digital version later, as there were times when I wanted to go to two presentations and couldn’t. A couple of sessions I didn’t go to at all but rather used the time to network in the halls.

I loved how approachable all the authors were. Despite the fact that they had presentations to prepare or were writing, they all made time to talk with us, sign books, and take pictures. It was such a comfortable environment and as a new author it can be nerve wracking walking in to something like that but then to have them all be so down to earth made the experience that much better. I loved being able to connect with other writers…it was such a friendly environment that even for someone like myself who tends to be a little shy I felt really comfortable and I left knowing I had really made new friends.

I loved the energy, the inclusiveness, the spirit of everyone. Ohh, and the food was amazingly good. everything I ate was great. Also, and this is not only unique to this conference but probably wasn’t planned – all of the speakers were so accessible. They didn’t sneak off to some private area but sat at the tables and engaged authors, answered questions, told stories, etc. And the most amazing part, and this made me smile ear to ear, was that the other speakers come to other sessions, sat in the front row and took notes. This is a great lesson for authors, that even after you have accumulated a million dollars in royalty, you are still a student and still learning. I’ve never seen this done at any other conference and it brought tears to my eyes.