Now that the world of self-publishing has become more commonplace and tools are in place to help authors from a variety of skill levels complete their works for publication, one of the chief hurdles that authors still seek help for is marketing. Book promotion continues to be a huge obstacle to success for authors, regardless of publishing mode. A panel at the recent … [Read more...] about Marketing through Book Clubs and Paid Reviewers
PubSmartCon
Overcoming the Scarcity of Attention for Books
One of the more crowded panels at the recent PubSmartCon was the Bowker-sponsored panel, Discoverability in the Digital Age, a session which addressed the increasingly difficult task authors face--both traditionally published and self-published--in finding an audience for their works. With independent bookstores closing at an alarming rate and even libraries facing … [Read more...] about Overcoming the Scarcity of Attention for Books
Hugh Howey and the Road Map to Publishing
Despite the successes Hugh Howey has enjoyed as an author, he began his keynote at today's PubSmartCon event by stating that his is not a road map to success that anyone should follow, largely because he doesn't know where he's going. The tongue-in-cheek opening to his presentation is only partly humorous; part of Howey's charm and allure as a writer and a publishing industry … [Read more...] about Hugh Howey and the Road Map to Publishing
Authorpreneurship and the Business of Being an Author
At today's PubSmartCon panels, industry professionals presented a panel on the business side of being a career writer under a newly coined term, authorpreneur. By viewing being a published author, regardless of the mode of publication, as a small business owner with serious investment concerns and prioritization to be met. A panel presented by Amanda Barbara of book … [Read more...] about Authorpreneurship and the Business of Being an Author
PubSmartCon: Jane Friedman on What It Means to Publish
At this morning's keynote event from the 2014 PubSmartCon in Charleston, South Carolina, publishing industry professional Jane Friedman spoke on the roundabout definition of what it means to publish in the current climate. Examining it from its early roots, all the way through publishing via blogging, the session explored what authorship and readership have come to mean. "It … [Read more...] about PubSmartCon: Jane Friedman on What It Means to Publish
PubSmartCon Kicks Off Tomorrow in Charleston
A revolution in writing and publishing conferences will kick off tomorrow in Charleston, South Carolina, one that is working to bridge all aspects of the publishing industries to better enable professionals of every kind. Alongside self-publishing mainstays like Hugh Howey, Nook Press, and Bibliocrunch will be speakers like Stephanie Bowen of Sourcebooks and Tracey Adams of … [Read more...] about PubSmartCon Kicks Off Tomorrow in Charleston
PubSmartcon: Reenvisioning the Writer’s Conference
Writers' conferences have long been a source of networking and support for authors looking to hone their crafts and develop their business acumen for life in the publishing industry. One of the biggest lures to attract writers to conferences has always been well-known keynote speakers selected from top literary agents and publishers. Even better, many conferences offer authors … [Read more...] about PubSmartcon: Reenvisioning the Writer’s Conference