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A Workshop on the Essential Elements of Self-Publishing
Level: All Levels
The advent of e-readers and large, internet-based retailers means authors can now release and distribute their own work without a publishing company. Yet the process of self-publishing can easily feel overwhelming. How do writers begin this process? How do they connect with industry professionals and other writers, let alone readers, without an agent or a publisher?
In this workshop, participants will learn the differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing, identify some of the benefits and potential pitfalls of publishing independently, and discover how to apply strengths from their own life experiences to the new adventure of self-publishing. Discussion topics will include publishing platforms, building relationships with self-publishing professionals, developing an author marketing platform, and obtaining reviews and blurbs for self-published books.
Attendees will complete in-class exercises to identify their genre and their audience, as well as revising or beginning to craft a book description. In-class feedback will be offered from the class and the instructor. This workshop is open to participants at all stages of their writing career.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online, using the video meeting platform 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, February 18, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, MWPA’s Hannah Perry will offer a test session on Zoom. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the test session, which usually takes only 5-10 minutes, 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.
Briana Bizier is the self-published author of four novels, a short story collection, and multiple novellas under the pen names Samantha MacLeod and Meredith Hart. Readers have downloaded over 40,000 copies of her titles. She has over a decade of teaching experience at institutions including Daemen College and Kennebec Valley Community College. Her novella The Night Watch was published by Less Than Three Press, and her short stories have appeared in literary magazines such as Typehouse and The Bookends Review Best of 2016 Anthology. Bizier holds a bachelor’s degree from Colby College and an M.A. from the University of Chicago. She lives in Raymond, Maine with her husband, two children, and assorted cats and dogs.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via PayPal. 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 Hannah Perry at hannah@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. Please note that mail delivery to the MWPA office is currently experiencing extensive delays, so please email hannah@mainewriters.org first if you would like to register by mail.
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. Application Due on February 8 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