I have just returned from a great empowering writer’s conference. Every author new to the craft or veterans wanting new information should attend conferences. The publishing industry is changing and the news sounds grim for traditional publishing. There are a lot of great new doors open for writers in this technological age. We can self-publish with Createspace ( https://www.createspace.com/ ), which is a part of Amazon. Selling ebooks online with the biggest book seller would be a smart thing to do. But there are other companies to consider. There’s Lulu (http://www.lulu.com/) and Apple’s iBookstore (http://www.apple.com/ibooks-author/ ) that offer a great way to self publish. But wait there’s more! You have Barnes & Noble, Pubit! (http://pubit.barnesandnoble.com/pubit_app/bn?t=pi_reg_home ). And then there’s Google where you can submit your book with the biggest search engine and have millions of views from consumers.
Are you overwhelmed yet? I know I was today. Everyone is self-publishing. And what does that mean for readers? There are a lot more good and bad choices now. Not all indie books are edited. Which could mean for some tough reading.
So I listened to David Harrison (who has sold millions of books) talk about writing what you know or have experienced. I kind of already knew that. I heard Terry Miller (who is a fantastic illustrator) talk about the new age of eReaders and where our publishing world is heading. I had a clue a couple of years ago when the first iPad hit the country with all it’s cool apps that people everywhere would want one. And then I was privileged to hear Ellen Hopkins talk about her books like her best-seller CRANK. Everyone on the panel had lots of information and good advice. There was a panel of authors of YA. And editor, who I am sure everyone knows, Emma Dryden (www.drydenbks.com) . Hearing from professionals is always uplifting. I can’t praise SCBWI enough for all the work they do for their members.
So what am I telling you?
What I am saying is that even though you feel like you know everything. It is always good to attend a conference and get information and also to network. Someone there might just have the right information to help you out. If you need it. I know I came away from this conference with some critiques that are pushing me to revise my own stories. I knew my manuscripts needed work. I just didn’t know where. It was great to hear from professional editors what they thought of my work. I am glad I have some fresh new opinions from the conference. Adding a few new friends was just the icing on the cake.
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