Trying to spread the word

This week, I was turned down for the Printer's Row Literary Fest in Chicago. That was added to the list, which includes the Cincinnati Book Festival, the Fox Cities Book Festival and the Southeastern Wisconsin Book Festival. What did all four have in common? They each told me they don't take independent/self-published authors because there is not enough of a following.

Here's where I'm irritated. How am I supposed to get a following if I won't be admitted into these festivals. I knew Cincinnati was a long shot, Chicago would've been tough. But I don't understand why a Wisconsin book festival(s) won't support local authors.

If somebody can help me figure out how to develop a following without being able to take part in book festivals, which is a great opportunity to develop an audience, would be greatly appreciated.

I sincerely appreciate the Lakefly Literary Conference folks for taking me in on such short notice. That is May 11 in Oshkosh. And I'm extremely appreciative for the two festivals I've been to in Minnesota for giving me that opportunity.

It is a growing trend where writers/authors such as myself have to go to the independent route because the odds of being traditionally published are much worse than they've ever been.

Sorry for the rant, but I needed to vent.

A sincere thank you to all those who continue to support me.