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.
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; yes, the U. of C. really is where fun comes to die. 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.
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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 below) and mail it to the MWPA with a check or credit card information.
SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer two full scholarships to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Application Due on April 6 at 9:00 a.m.
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MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
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