A Business of Writing Seminar
Level: All Levels
Marketing is the key to helping writers gain readership—whether they are just starting out, have published exclusively in literary magazines, or have several published books to their name. But marketing and publicity isn’t only about radio interviews and The New York Times Review of Books. Marketing and publicity are the process by which readers discover a writer and their work. It’s the investment an individual makes in their personal identity as a writer within the greater community of books and writers. And there’s no time like the present to get informed and get started.
Attendees of this seminar will learn how to employ the same creative energies used in writing to market themselves, as the class explores topics such as: press kits, social media, and events, as well as how to cultivate an audience and develop marketing partnerships. The instructor will walk attendees through book marketing at the publisher, bookstore, and individual levels to analyze how community involvement—both in real life and virtually—can position writers for greatness at any stage in their careers.
This seminar is appropriate for both published and unpublished writers.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online via Zoom. Students do not need to create an account to participate, but should test out Zoom before their class if they are first-time users. On Thursday May 5th from 5:30pm to 6:00pm, MWPA staff will offer a tech help session on Zoom. Students are encouraged to attend the tech help session, which usually takes only 5-10 minutes, if they have any tech concerns, use Zoom infrequently, or simply would like to test their connection, and those who do not are responsible for ensuring that they are able to use Zoom on their own. The week of the workshop, students will be emailed a link that they may click to enter the test session and the class.
+ REQUIRED EQUIPMENT A reliable, fast internet connection (broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE), speakers & a microphone (built-in or USB plug-in), and a webcam (built-in or USB plug-in).
If you would like to quickly and easily test your internet connection and your computer’s compatibility with Zoom, click HERE. Full details on supported Operating Systems, internet browsers, and more can be found HERE. To download and familiarize yourself with Zoom, click HERE.
Allison Pottern Hoch is a writer and marketing coach with nearly a decade of experience in marketing, publicity, sales, and event planning. She spent four years promoting academic titles at The MIT Press before she went to work as a bookseller and event coordinator at an independent bookstore in Wellesley, MA. She organized, hosted, and promoted over 150 events during her tenure, ranging in size from intimate workshops and lunches to multi-media events with over 700 attendees. She worked with veteran authors, celebrities, and debut authors alike. She has a B.A. in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University, where she coordinated the Adamson Visiting Writers series. Allison is currently working on her first novel while helping writers develop manuscripts and marketing strategies. VISIT http://events.pottern.com
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via our website. We cannot guarantee registration in the final 24-hours before a workshop, and can rarely accommodate day-of registration.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES
If you need to withdraw from a class after registering for any reason, please email or call the MWPA immediately. You may be eligible for a partial refund or credit, depending on how far in advance you cancel. → MORE INFORMATION
QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding this workshop, please contact Meghan Sterling at programs@mainewriters.org.
REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-228-8263 and register with your VISA or MasterCard.
REGISTER BY MAIL
If you prefer to pay by mail, please print this registration form (downloadable PDF) and mail it to the MWPA with a check or credit card information.
SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer one full scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org to see if the scholarship is still available. Application Due on April 24th at 9:00 a.m.
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MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION