LEFT COAST WRITERS LITERARY SALON: Your Path to Publishing with Laurie McAndish King, Jim Shubin and Linda Watanabe McFerrin
Tuesday, September 4th, 2018 || 7pm
Book Passage-Corte Madera || 51 Tamal Vista Dr.
www.bookpassage.com
Writers, published and otherwise, the mysteries of successful publishing will be revealed on this September night at our next Left Coast Writers Literary Salon. Please note that we will be meeting TUESDAY, September 4th! Mark your calendars and settle in to find out how to avoid becoming one of self-publishing’s epic fails.
We will cover the following:
- Understanding the process: Which indie publishing model is the best fit for me and my book? What costs are involved? Do I need an editor? Do I also need a proofreader? How does print-on-demand work? How many books will I sell, and how long  does it take?
- Planning and getting organized: Understanding how long each step takes (editing, design, production, marketing). Building your list, planning ahead for marketing (short vs long lead time activities), using an ARC, submitting your manuscript for reviews/awards, pricing your book properly.
- Marketing: Defining your goals, developing a marketing plan, building your platform, understanding your audience, developing a relationship with your readers, setting up your online presence, optimizing your website, mastering social media.
Poet, Novelist and Travel Writer Linda Watanabe McFerrin‘s first lessons in publishing happened after graduate school when she was on the editorial team for the Berkeley Poets Workshop & Press. Since then her books of poetry, long and short fiction, and creative non-fiction have been traditionally published, but she’s never lost her interest in the “business” of publishing. In 2001 she sold the entire first print run of her first self-published anthology before it went to press. It was then sold to a traditional publisher and is now in its 6th printing. Linda has also published or helped to publish dozens of titles including the “Hot Flashes” and “Wandering” series. The next book in the popular “Wandering” series is due out in December 2018. Linda’s newest book—her selected works—will be published in 2019 by DC publisher ASP as the third title in their Legacy Series.
Jim Shubin, the Book Alchemist, has been helping authors publish independently for more than a decade. From working with editors to setting up distribution accounts for authors … designing winning cover art to customizing interior layouts … Jim is experienced in every aspect of independent publishing. He has helped more than 150 authors, including many Path to Publishing participants, transform their manuscripts into beautiful books. Genres include literary fiction, memoir, mysteries, children’s picture books, travel, how-to guides, self-help, poetry and photography. In addition to English, he’s helped authors publish books in Spanish, Greek, and German. More info at BookAlchemist.net
Laurie McAndish King is an award-winning writer and photographer who has embraced independent publishing. After developing, editing, publishing, and/or marketing nearly 40 indie titles, including six Wanderland Writers anthologies, she has plenty of first-hand experience in the challenges—and triumphs— an author experiences on the path to publishing. Laurie’s own indie books include An Erotic Alphabet (2009) and two collections of travel stories: Lost, Kidnapped, Eaten Alive! True stories from a curious traveler (2014), and Your Crocodile has Arrived: More true stories from a curious traveler (2017). Check out her tips for launching your book (indie or not) at BookLaunch.US