On Saturday, November 7, I attended the first Self-Publishing Book Expo at the Sheraton Hotel in New York City. Accompanying me was Martha Jewett, my coauthor on The Marshall Plan® Novel Writing Software. We gave out free copies of my book The Marshall Plan® for Novel Writing and demonstrated the software it’s based on. And we met a very talented group of people.
The show is the brainchild of publishing veterans Diane Mancher and Karen Mender. The exhibitors were an interesting mix of publishers catering to the new wave of self-publishing authors (for example, Lulu.com and Smashwords.com), and self-published authors themselves, displaying their books (see below). There were also a number of excellent panels on virtually all aspects of self-publishing.
This show is part of the incredible growth self-publishing is currently undergoing. As an agent I find this especially fascinating. I sell my clients’ books to the major New York publishers who, due to the state of the economy, must adhere more closely than ever to the sure thing. But self-publishing is where edgy new talent and trends appear, where a blend of genres that seems odd today may be the traditional publishers’ sure thing of tomorrow. Indeed, again and again do we hear about self-published books that the majors “pick up.”
The rapid growth of self-publishing is due in large part to the popularity of e-books that can be read on a large variety of commercial reading devices. Because e-publishing is a whole new area in which interesting new ideas and talent are emerging (not to mention where a lot of money is being made), it makes sense that Harlequin, the world’s largest publishers of romance, this week announced the creation of a “digital-only” division called Carina Press. Hired to help run it is Angela James, who comes from Samhain Publishing, a leading “digital-first” publisher. Learn more about Carina and get submission guidelines at carinapress.com.
But back to the show, as they say. Here are four of the many talented authors who displayed their books at the show:
Lisette Brodey, Squalor, New Mexico (Saberlee Books), a coming of age story shrouded in family mystery. www.lisettebrodey.com
Jean Naggar, Sipping from the Nile: My Exodus from Egypt (Stony Creek Press), a memoir by a leading literary agent. www.sippingfromthenile.com
Ayme Butavia, Henry’s Law, “A Novel of Good Exacting Evil” (iUniverse) by a former New York State Trooper. www.aymebutavia.com
E. L. Jefferson, What Do You Fear? Book 1 (Rosedog Books), graphic horror stories by a law enforcement officer who’s seen it all. www.eljefferson.net
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great blog! I’m happy to see that you mentioned Lisette Brodey’s SQUALOR, NEW MEXICO. Lisette’s Young Adult novel is one of the all-time favorite books. The reason I loved this book was because the author subtly teaches so many important life lessons just by telling the story. The characters were so real, I wanted to meet them when I had finished reading. I’ve heard great things about The Marshall Plan. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, Ward Foley
Author, Thank My Lucky Scars
Glad that you had a great experience with the book expo! It’s always enriching to discuss and interact with fellow authors. I’m sure you had a productive time, refreshing lessons and sharing new ideas. Thanks for the share. I will look forward to more of your posts.
Thank You Evan, I really appreciate your putting my book on your site. I also liked your write-up on the expo. Maybe we can talk later and send the people who produced the event some ideas on how to make the next one better. Jeff
Evan, it was so nice to see you there and to catch up.
I just saw that you put SIPPING FROM THE NILE up on this site! Thank you so much. I hope you read and enjoyed it.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day at BookExpo and am continuing to follow up on options and opportunities it opened up for me.
Meanwhile, if not before, see you at the next one!
Jean
I am in the process of putting up 30 additional titles to my 13 titles alrady up at Amazon.com/Kindle Store — and amazon has made it profitable to become an Indie Author. For your readers here contemplating self publishing as an author/publisher simply have a gander at the three steps at dtp.amazon.com For myself and some author friends, this has been THE way to go.
Rob Walker
Children of Salem (Original to Kindle title)