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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The views and opinions expressed on this website and at the Killer Nashville conference are those of the contributing authors or speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions of Killer Nashville, its parent company American Blackguard, Inc., its staff or management, its volunteers, or any other included authors or involved personnel. If you note any suspicious or offensive activity or content, please notify us immediately.
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P.O. Box 680759
Franklin, TN 37068-0759
(615) 599-4032
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August 20-23, 2020
August 19-22, 2021

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 was delighted whenThe Law of the Splintered Paddle was named the second runner up and even more delighted when, after another revision, Five Star Mysteries offered to publish it."  - Mark Troy, The Splintered Paddle
2014-09-17T12:46:40-06:00
“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 was delighted whenThe Law of the Splintered Paddle was named the second runner up and even more delighted when, after another revision, Five Star Mysteries offered to publish it."  - Mark Troy, The Splintered Paddle

Judy Dailey

“Killer Nashville was a wonderful experience.  Because of Killer Nashville, I now have a contract with Five Star Publishing for my cozy, Animal, Vegetable, Murder. I couldn’t be happier.”  - Judy Dailey, Animal, Vegetable, Murder
2014-09-17T12:47:54-06:00
“Killer Nashville was a wonderful experience.  Because of Killer Nashville, I now have a contract with Five Star Publishing for my cozy, Animal, Vegetable, Murder. I couldn’t be happier.”  - Judy Dailey, Animal, Vegetable, Murder

Steven Cooper

"Killer Nashville provides authors wonderful opportunities to advance up the literary ladder.  I am flattered by the recognition and grateful to Killer Nashville for giving my work a forum." - Steven Cooper, Desert Remains
2014-09-17T12:50:21-06:00
"Killer Nashville provides authors wonderful opportunities to advance up the literary ladder.  I am flattered by the recognition and grateful to Killer Nashville for giving my work a forum." - Steven Cooper, Desert Remains

Ross Cavins

"Killer Nashville is one of the best writing conferences in the nation, and to be a finalist in its companion award competition is of the highest honor." - Ross Cavins, Barry Versus the Apocalypse
2014-09-17T12:53:03-06:00
"Killer Nashville is one of the best writing conferences in the nation, and to be a finalist in its companion award competition is of the highest honor." - Ross Cavins, Barry Versus the Apocalypse

Publisher’s Weekly

Publishers Weekly has named Killer Nashville and its founder Clay Stafford as playing "an essential role in defining which books become bestsellers" throughout "the nation's book culture." (PW 6/10/13)
2014-09-17T12:38:03-06:00
Publishers Weekly has named Killer Nashville and its founder Clay Stafford as playing "an essential role in defining which books become bestsellers" throughout "the nation's book culture." (PW 6/10/13)

Jessie Bishop Powell

"To me, writing success means recognition by a traditional press in the form of a contract to publish a physical book with real pages and an authentic cover.  Killer Nashville, Five Star Publishing, and Deni Dietz made all of those things possible for me." - Jessie Bishop Powell, The Marriage at the Rue Morgue
2014-09-17T12:39:40-06:00
"To me, writing success means recognition by a traditional press in the form of a contract to publish a physical book with real pages and an authentic cover.  Killer Nashville, Five Star Publishing, and Deni Dietz made all of those things possible for me." - Jessie Bishop Powell, The Marriage at the Rue Morgue

David Burnsworth

"Whether you are only thinking about writing, in the middle of eighty-thousand words, or feel you’re ready for publication, Killer Nashville is the event for you.” - David Burnsworth, Southern Heat
2014-09-17T12:40:56-06:00
"Whether you are only thinking about writing, in the middle of eighty-thousand words, or feel you’re ready for publication, Killer Nashville is the event for you.” - David Burnsworth, Southern Heat

Rosalyn Rikel

"I decided to pitch [my manuscript] at the Killer Nashville conference in 2011.  Deni Deitz from Five Star Publishing was the person who ‘caught my pitch,’ challenged me to let her see the full manuscript, and later decided to publish Millicent’s Tower.  Thanks to Deni and Five Star, I am now taking pleasure in sharing my book and my story — plus the excitement of writing another one!  Stay tuned!!!” - Rosalyn Rikel, Millicent’s Tower
2014-09-17T12:44:54-06:00
"I decided to pitch [my manuscript] at the Killer Nashville conference in 2011.  Deni Deitz from Five Star Publishing was the person who ‘caught my pitch,’ challenged me to let her see the full manuscript, and later decided to publish Millicent’s Tower.  Thanks to Deni and Five Star, I am now taking pleasure in sharing my book and my story — plus the excitement of writing another one!  Stay tuned!!!” - Rosalyn Rikel, Millicent’s Tower

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