Overview of CWA’s The Road to Published

Posted on by Ms. Marcie

On Saturday, April 20, 2013, seven published authors shared their journeys on the Road to Published at Beverly Library. This wonderful event was sponsored by Chicago Writers Association, an organization of which I’m a member.

The panelists – Toneal Jackson, Renee James, Samantha Hoffman, Randy Richardson, President of CWA, James Fin Garner, Patricia Ann McNair, and A.D. Moore – were absolutely fabulous. Each panelist shared his or her story and experience, which were as varied as the subjects they write. And you could tell that they really enjoy what they do by the expressions on their faces when they spoke about their projects.

Some of the topics discussed included:

  • Traditional publishing vs. self-publishing
  • Literary agents
  • Making money as an author
  • Copyrighting your work
  • Book distribution
  • Marketing your book
  • The state of bookstores today
  • Getting your book in the library

Honestly, the energy in the room was great. The audience was just as vibrant as the panelists. They were as eager to learn as the panelist were happy to share. I had never experienced such connectivity at an event before.

I didn’t have time to take good notes because I was taking photos, but I did capture a few things that would help you along your Road to Published.

Agents

  • You should never pay for an agent up front
  • It’s easier to get an agent after you’ve been published
  • It’s hard to get an agent without a full manuscript
  • Proposals for fiction and nonfiction vary, so do your research before pitching to an agent

Copyright

  • There is no such thing as “the poor man’s copyright” so don’t mail your work to yourself and keep it for five years
  • Your work is copyrighted as soon as you put anything on paper
  • It cost between $35 and $45 to register your work with the copyright office – www.copyright.gov

E-books

  • The best selling e-books are romance, thrillers and mysteries

Marketing Tips

  • Website
  • Social media
  • Attend events and conferences
  • Media interviews
  • Join associations and groups
  • Say “yes” to opportunities
  • Go to readings and book signings

Author Resources

General Tips

  • To get your books into libraries, have your friends go to the library and request your book
  • You cannot be a writer if you are not reader
  • After your book is done, you have to pay to be affiliate with different organizations
  • Your book “has to be the best it can be”
  • Distribution is expensive
  • Every month, 10,000 books are published
  • Independent bookstores seem to be thriving, which could mean trouble for big box stores
  • ISBNs for self-published books end in 0000; ISBNs for traditionally published books end in the price

Samantha suggested that they take the topic on the road, which is a great idea. And you know me, I suggested that they create a book with the information they shared. This would not only help authors on their journey, but it would raise funds for the organization.

Did you attend Road to Publish? What were your thoughts about the event?

Do you have any book publishing questions that you want answered?

Put your questions and comments in the comment box below.

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