At the 2008 NecronomiCon, noted horror writer Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc and I gave a one hour seminar on self-publishing.
I had my digital voice recorder in my bag, so I recorded it for posterity, and more importantly, for anyone out there who’s interested in getting started in self-publishing.
There’s an interesting story about how this came about; and it touches on the very definition of synchronicity.
Several weeks before the convention, the staff send out a final schedule of all panels, listing them by name and who was presenting and moderating each panel. One of them was called “So You Want To Self-Publish?” and Andrea was listed as the sole presenter.
I emailed one of the Stonehill members and volunteered my services to participate.
I received a very friendly Thanks, but no thanks; Andrea wants to do it by herself.
I was disappointed, but life, as they say, goes on.
The first day of the convention, Friday, I see Andrea at her table. I march up, introduce myself and we start doing what everyone does at conventions. Talk a lot. We spent a few hours together, hanging out at her table, discussing writing, and what people were wearing, and we finally got around to discussing publishing and our adventures in both the traditional and self-publishing arenas.
We quickly discovered that we both were big fans of Lulu.com. It was then that I mentioned that I’d volunteered to help out on her panel, but was rebuffed.
She quickly unrebuffed me and immediately invited me to teach it with her; as she figured that we both were charming, intelligent, good looking and had a lot to share with other self-publishing beginners or folks who were thinking about it.
Okay, I made up that part about me being charming, good looking and intelligent. Everything else is pretty spot on.
So Saturday, we did our song and dance, and now you can download it and listen to it yourself.
During the hour long seminar, we discuss such things as
- The importance of editing and proofreading and publishing an immaculate manuscript
- The importance of networking with fellow writers, artists and creative types
- The gatekeeper mentality of traditional publishing and how they are more interested in keeping you out than letting you in
- Using Lulu.com as your publisher
- Resources for professional, slick looking covers
- How to focus on building relationships with local bookstores
- Where to get great marketing materials, such as bookmarks, postcards and business cards
A few notes, before I let you go:
- My apologies to the family, fans and friends of Piers Anthony, whom I mistakenly thought deceased. Evidently I was thinking about the late Robert Asprin. I got my Xanth mixed up with my Myth-Adventures. Hey, it happens to the best of us.
- I also apologize for my coughing and sniffling. I cough when I get nervous, and I was sniffing because my anxiety wracked body was also fighting off the ever-present con crud.
- On a personal note, I actually like the way my voice sounds. In my own ears, it’s higher and squeakier. Weird.
And finally, I’d like to thank Andrea for allowing me to sit in, share my knowledge and open up her world to me.
You made it a great convention baby, especially for a first time Guest Author such as myself. Thanks so much.
I truly hope you enjoy it, and if you have any comments or questions, hit me up in the comments area below.
Right click on the link below to download the MP3.
