Writers & Publishers Organizations

There’s a silly rumor among those who have never worked in the writing and publishing industries that people in those fields jealously guard their information and business practices against any and all comers. Like I said, that’s just silly – and wrong.

At the St. Louis Publishers Association http://www.stlouispublishers.org/ and St. Louis Writers Guild http://www.stlwritersguild.com/ , I’ve had ample experience to the contrary, both in receiving and giving useful professional advice. But the clincher came when I attended the Publishers Marketing Association’s Publishing University a few years ago.

That organization, http://pma-online.org/, represents small, independent U. S. publishers in many ways, including a richly informational, monthly publication and the afore mentioned publishing university, which occurs each year in May immediately before the huge Book Expo America (BEA). This year (2007) in New York, they’ll offer 70 classes on various aspects of publishing and book marketing, all taught by successful, seasoned professionals.

When I attended a Publishers University in Chicago, I was stunned at how eager all of the attendees and presenters were to share their experiences to help others. You couldn’t get on an elevator without someone asking what you were working on, and upon hearing your reply, offering suggestions for target audiences, marketing, and sales “hooks.”

Should I go with independent contracts with book wholesalers or apply to an exclusive book distributor? Ask Joe. He’s tried both methods.

What kind of back cover copy (text) is most effective for selling self-help books? How do I maximize book sales on my web site? What can I do to make my book signings really outstanding? At that event, you’ll find a dozen or more people to share information on any question you might come up with. Even the workshops often become brainstorming sessions with attendees and leaders striving to find a solution to one person’s problem.

I’ve really never experienced the like. That kind of positive energy will send you back home on your own little cloud of encouragement.

So don’t let anybody ever tell you that writers and publishers are secretive and stand-offish. That’s one more dumb rumor you can safely put to rest.

~ Linda