I recently had the privilege of attending the annual Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference as a faculty member representing independent and on-demand self-publishing. Although, as the name implies, this was the Colorado Christian writer’s conference, attendees gathered in Estes Park, CO from all over the map.
Thanks to Marlene Bagnull and her staff. The conference was wonderfully orchestrated and attracted outstanding energy and author talent.
Perhaps the latter being most refreshing. In the old paradigm, authors would bring proposals to events like this in order to sell themselves to an acquisitions editor. The editor, in turn, looks at this proposal and considers whether she can sell not the manuscript, but some form of it, to a predetermined audience. Sound limiting, or even worse, familiar?
I was personally impressed by the number of conferees who recognize and are pursuing independent self-publishing. Writers merging art with the business of publishing, and ones who are required to sell no one but themselves on the potential of their project.
Understanding that publishing as a business continues to be a theme here. Beyond researching the commodities of your self publishing options, make sure yours has demonstrated success in getting author books sold. That indicates they not only the options and services, but consulting acumen to help you reach your greatest potential.
Have fun. Keep writing.
– Karl Schroeder