AMS 2010 Sessions

Writing: I knew that! A guide to proper grammar usage

Barbara Mack, associate professor of journalism and mass communications at Iowa State University, will lead this interactive workshop on grammar. Grammar is a very important part of writing. Yet writers still make mistakes with some of the core parts of writing. This session works on possessive case, word usage, subject-verb agreement and often confused words. She'll also review "real life screw-ups," which always makes people feel better about their own work.

Design: Adobe® InDesign hidden gems

If you've been using InDesign for a while, you'll appreciate learning some ways to work faster, smarter, and have more fun. Some of InDesign's handiest features aren't quite obvious, and some are hiding in plain sight. Come to this session and Adobe certified trainer Claudia McCue will help to pick up speed and finesse in your favorite page layout program.

Writing: Selling and publishing your book

Whether you've got a book idea growing inside you or a finished manuscript ready to show to editors, Scott Edelstein will get you started down the path to publication. He'll look at books and publishers of all types (including e-books), as well as at literary agents, book proposals, advances and royalties, subsidiary rights, and much more. You will leave this session far better equipped to make your way through the often confusing maze of American book publishing-and to give your book its best chance in the marketplace. A professional writer for almost 40 years, Scott has published 15 books (including The Complete Writer's Kit) and more than 150 short pieces. His website, www.helpingwriters.com, contains lots of free information, inspiration and tools for writers.

Students: Extreme makeover: Resume edition

Lisa Bryant brings her experience as a career consultant for the largest department at Oklahoma State University to help demolish your fears and build your resume. Start construction with a blueprint of your past leadership and experience. Break ground to design a solid framework with the basics including font choice, structure and overall appearance. Engineer a firm foundation with a discussion of the various elements to include on your resume. Strengthen your resume with the right word choice. Decorate with the little things that make you sell. Landscape with the best references for the job at hand. Learn to be your own best realtor to market your dream resume to close a deal on the job you want. Finally, "move that bus!" View and critique various resume models to improve your neighborhood. Get the most from this session by bringing your resume for a quick critique.

Publishing/Design: Publication redesign on a dime

You want to give your magazine, newspaper or newsletter a new look. But time after time you talk yourself out of it because of time or cost. A redesign doesn't need to break the budget, but can pay big dividends in providing a fresh new look to re-engage current readers and to entice new ones. Julie Ellingson of the North Dakota Stockmen's Association and Scarlett Hagins of the Kansas Stockman guided their publications through complete redesigns. In both cases, the staff size is small and the budget even smaller. Both publications earned the Livestock Publications Council James Flanagan Award for Most Improved Publication. Julie and Scarlett will share their perspective on how the process began and how the redesign was successfully implemented.

Photography: Why conventional wisdom is bad for good photography - and how you can overcome it

Eric Grant is director of public relations for the American Angus Association, where he oversees all aspects of the organization's communications, advertising and public relations programs. A 24-year veteran in livestock photography, Grant has served a wide array of publications, organizations and advertising agencies including Farm Journal Media, Range and American Cowboy. In this session, Grant will discuss how conventional approaches often prevent photographers from seeing opportunities, taking risks and capturing fresh and innovative perspectives in their photography. He'll share several simple steps that anyone can take to improve their photographs immediately, and bring home the photos they need to make their publications more interesting.