Is “good enough” any longer an issue in today’s publishing world? Given many’s rush to publication and what myriad options are readily available to do so, one wonders. The SCWC maintains that quality of craft remains paramount. Emphatically so. Aim for Excellence. Settle only Exceptional, that’s our motto. Our Prime Directive.
But the world has changed. And perhaps the number one question aspiring authors have asked over recent SCWCs is, “How should I publish?”
Valid question. Providing you empirically qualified information to make an educated decision, to increase your odds of publishing successfully regardless which path you choose, is our job. As eschewing traditional publication altogether has become increasingly popular, many often cite those who’ve elected to self- or indie-publish and gone on to great success. One case in point: Colleen Hoover.
Cited in a recent New York Times profile, author Colleen Hoover self-published her first novel in 2012. In 2022, the Times reports, Hoover “sold more books this year than Dr. Seuss. She’s sold more books than James Patterson and John Grisham — combined.”
Truly, for the modern-day writer, only opportunities abound and everything is possible.
Authorpreneurship
Publishing successfully requires more than writing a terrific read. Even if going traditional, the onus of marketing, outreach, book signings, engaging the eyeballs and ear wells of strangers in effort to sell books, then writing more on top of it, will inevitably fall on the author. The authorpreneur. In that spirit, alongside our typical emphasis on craft & execution sessions, we’re devoting more time and attention to publishing alternatives at SD37 than ever before.
We’re introducing 18 new workshops, a panel discussion that takes a rearview look at hybrid-published books and what their authors feel about doing so in retrospect; a session facilitated by Marla Miller, “Talking Truth to Publishing” (details), which invites participation of both published and non-published writers, and more.
Strictly on the craft side of things, a few seats remain open in author Janis Thomas’s Novel Boot Camp (details), which is expected to sell out in the next week or so, then go to waiting list only. (Updated 1/20/23 – SOLD OUT; waiting list only.)
Check out “What The SCWC Can Do For You” to discover how our community can help find yours. Discounted pre-registration is open. Join us in February and be the authorpreneur you aspire to be.
–Michael Steven Gregory
Executive Director, SCWC/SWS
