The Neurodivergent Publishing Conference (NPC) is a virtual writing and publishing conference designed for and by neurodivergent people. Our goals are simple: to create a neurodivergent space in the publishing world, discuss the unique challenges and triumphs of neurodivergent people, and to discuss tools, solutions, and options that exist for neurodivergent members of the publishing community.
So what’s different?
The NPC has three planned tracks: for authors, for editors, and neurodivergent life. While we will have general topics you might find at all writing conferences (such as: how do I market this dang book!?), our focus is on doing so with a mind on how these experiences may be different for neurodivergent people. Also, the conference space is designed with neurodivergent comfort in mind. Our virtual conference space (hosted on Gather) is easy to navigate, fun to explore, and has spaces and ways for people to communicate (or not) however they choose to!
We stand against ABA and Autism Speaks without question or reservation. They are not acting with our best interests in mind.
Our speakers are either neurodivergent themselves or have information that will be extremely useful for us as authors and editors. We strive for diversity and inclusion wherever possible and strive to uplift marginalized voices.
A post was made in a Facebook editing group one evening by a person wondering if there was a group for neurodivergent editors because she was writing an article. The response to that post was overwhelming, and in that chaos, Ellis considered the void that existed. So many voices asked for such a thing to exist and wishing it did. Being an experienced online community builder, Ellis did the only thing they could: started a Facebook group to fill that need.
What began as a small collection of individuals has quickly grown, and shortly after founding, Leslie heard about it during a conversation between herself and Ellis. Deciding she liked the idea, Leslie asked if she could create a partner group for neurodivergent writers. Ellis said, “Heck yes!” and thus was begun the collective.
After several months of steady growth, warm companionship, excited sharing of special interests and tools to help neurodivergent people navigate the writing and publishing space, Ellis had another idea. It percolated a long time, but eventually they approached Leslie again and said, “So… what if we made a conference?”
The first conference in 2023 was an overwhelming success, which has led to the beginning of a yearly event.
Lisa is a freelance editor who works specifically with short story manuscripts (1000-10 000 words), other short fiction (<1000 words), collections, and anthologies. She has a wonderful sense of humor, a quick wit, and a sharp eye.
E. Prybylski (they/them) is one of the founders of the Neurodivergent Publishing Conference and currently acts as its head. They are a fifteen-year veteran editor, a published author, and have done every job involved in bringing a book from an idea to print.
Leslie E. Heath is a wife, mother, runner, animal lover, nurse and writer. She resides with her family and a number of rescued pets in a quaint North Carolina town, near the Outer Banks.