Quick Review of the Self Publishing Conference
After braving the onslaught of snow, I made it to the Self-Publishing Conference held at the University of Leicester on Sunday. As expected, I wasn’t the only one there. I’ve been to many writing festivals, but never one dedicated to self-publishing, and I was glad that I did. Self-publishing has had some stigma attached to it, but since the advancements of e-readers and the opportunities that can open with self-publishing, it isn’t a case of promoting one-stop vanity. I’m a serious writer, and am pursuing the traditional route of publishing, but if I can get a novel out there for readers, then why shouldn’t I have a go?
The organising of the conference was exquisite down to the detail of helpers always present to help guide you, a goody-bag filled with leaflets galore, and a name-badge. Within ten minutes of arriving, others turned up, reminding me that I wasn’t the only one who wanted to learn a tips and good advice about self-publishing. Sure, you can go online and read countless blogs about doing it, but to have someone present, who you can bat questions off, is a chance not to be missed.
A choice of twelve sessions offered something for everyone. I chose to, Writing a Successful Press Release, Using an Author Website to Market your Work, Designing a Striking Cover, and Marketing Books in a Competitive World. All of the sessions were tabled by experts in the field. In addition, all of them were human, accommodating and willing to listen. There were no egos, no promoting of credentials, and not a hint of slacking. The price of the conference was minimal in comparison to others, but you wouldn’t know that with how the day went.
I’ve come away with tips on how to market myself better, and how to engage my potential audience. It was clear from questions raised by some attendees that there is lack of knowledge regarding research into cover design, how important it is to have a reflective website, the message you must promote as a serious author, and that social media isn’t a time-kidnapping obstacle to other chores. No – grasp everything in portions and social media can help spread your novel to the crowd. The extra icing was the presence of other writers that share the dream of wanting to create a book.
A thoroughly enjoyable day that gave me what I required. Before I arrived, I didn’t know it all; I know a little more now.
Associated Posts (by moi) to come over the next 4 days:
Writing a Successful Press Release
Using an Author Website to Market your Work
Designing a Striking Cover
Marketing Books in a Competitive World
In each Post, I will add details of the speakers and details of how to contact them; most are on Twitter.
