Success Stories

Jessie Bishop Powell

“I met Deni Dietz at Killer Nashville in 2010, and though I wasn’t pitching a mystery at the time, I was writing one. Deni and I instantly “clicked”, and I knew that if I had a shot at getting a physical book published, she was it. Over the course of the next year, I finished The…

David Burnsworth

“My first mystery, Southern Heat, would not have been a 2014, or any other year, debut if not for the great folks at Killer Nashville.  I haven’t come across another group so interested and dedicated to connecting authors with members of the publishing industry.  From visiting agents, one of whom signed me, to visiting publishers,…

Carl Filbrich

Carl Filbrich has signed with Five Star Publishing and his book Heavenly Casino will be published in 2014. (more to come)

Rosalyn Rikel

“I wrote a ‘cozy’ without knowing it.  Well, actually, I knew I had written a would-be book, with interesting characters, dead bodies, and strange happenings, etc., but didn’t realize that my writing style was along that of a cozy mystery.  Once I realized that, I decided to pitch it at the Killer Nashville conference in…

Bryan Robinson

Bryan Robinson signed with Five Star Publishing following making contact with Deni Deitz at Killer Nashville. His book Limestone Gumption was published January 2014. (more to come)

Jen Danna

Jen Danna met Nicole Resciniti of The Seymour Agency, at Killer Nashville 2011. In March 2012, they were pleased to announce a two-book deal with Five Star Publishing (an imprint of Gale Cengage). DEAD, WITHOUT A STONE TO TELL IT released on June 5, 2013, and A FLAME IN THE WIND OF DEATH is scheduled…

Mark Troy

“Persistence pays off. So does the feedback from the Claymore judges, the agents and editors at Killer Nashville, and the contacts with the other writers. I submitted my manuscript to the 2011 Claymore Award contest and attended Killer Nashville where I pitched to several agents and publishers. Among them was Deni Dietz of Five Star Mysteries. Based…

Judy Dailey

“Killer Nashville was a wonderful experience. The staff and volunteers were kind and helpful. The breakout sessions were the perfect size for meaningful interaction between the audience and the presenters. The panel about why agents and editors reject manuscripts was both terrifying and incredibly helpful. I took advantage of having the first ten pages of…

Terri Lynn Coop

“Winning the Claymore Award is the culmination of the help I’ve received from writers all along the continuum. I’m proud and humble and won’t waste the confidence that has been shown in me and my work.” Terri Lynn Coop, 2013 Claymore Award Winner for Dial 1-Pro-Hac-Vice

Jacob M. Appel

“Being a Claymore finalist was a game-changing event in my literary career.  I had already published three books, but thanks to Killer Nashville, I landed the agent of my dreams and my newest manuscript has received attention I never thought possible.  Most important, individuals whom I met at Killer Nashville have helped generate a buzz for my most recent novel,…

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