Writers and Authors

Showing posts with label events for writers. Show all posts

T'is the season for writer conferences! So much great information and tips being shared, and I don't even have to leave my house. Pretty awesome, I think you'll agree.

#authorbootcamp is an event organised through http://www.bytethebook.com/ who have the aim of "helping publishers and authors make connections in the digital age".

Whilst I couldn't be in London for the in-person event I did have fun following along on Twitter. Here's a few takeaways for the event:

An easy but powerful thing to do as an author is to collaborate with other authors @samatlounge #authorbootcamp @BytetheBook

— Susan Kemp (@susanroslynkemp) April 18, 2015

Best social media channels for authors: goodreads and Twitter @samatlounge #authorbootcamp @BytetheBook pic.twitter.com/bC8jmhjURk

— Susan Kemp (@susanroslynkemp) April 18, 2015

@KatRoden "It's not about age or gender but about passion points." #authorbootcamp #bytethebook #SocialMedia #SocialMediaMarketing

— Laxmi (@laxmi) April 18, 2015

#authorbootcamp If you're not enjoying what you write, it's going to show in the writing.

— Esther Friesner (@efriesner) April 18, 2015

#authorbootcamp 80% of your output on twitter should be about others or interests, only 20% about your products but must earn trust first

— Byte the Book (@BytetheBook) April 18, 2015

#authorbootcamp stagger your marketing to increase and sustain, not just on publication or launch date

— Byte the Book (@BytetheBook) April 18, 2015

“@laxmi: @samatlounge : "#SocialMediaMarketing is about amplifying your passions (not just books) and hoping it travels." #authorbootcamp”

— Liz Fenwick (@liz_fenwick) April 18, 2015

Social media uses for authors: Amplify, Connect, Build Credibility, Be authentic (not a persona) @samatlounge #authorbootcamp @BytetheBook

— Susan Kemp (@susanroslynkemp) April 18, 2015

McVeigh: remove publishing info, ISBN etc from front of book, replace with blurb so that #Amazon sample reads become useful #authorbootcamp

— Jantien Abma (@JantienAbma) April 18, 2015

#authorbootcamp @4fifty1 build up trust first then sell things next, to people that trust you, but you need to earn that trust first

— Byte the Book (@BytetheBook) April 18, 2015

How to rank highly on Amazon 10-min masterclass @4fifty1: Metadata + category + marketing = high sales rank #authorbootcamp @BytetheBook

— Susan Kemp (@susanroslynkemp) April 18, 2015

Wording matters. Small changes make big differences for visibility on Google. 'Kids books', instead of 'Children's books' #authorbootcamp

— Rachel Mazza (@mazzie191) April 18, 2015

#authorbootcamp "Publishers no longer have the time, money, resources or skills to market you...even when they say they have".

— Tim Hayward (@timhayward) April 18, 2015

#authorbootcamp choosing a category on Amazon is the most important thing you can do, self publishers get 2, publishers get 6

— Byte the Book (@BytetheBook) April 18, 2015

"A personal brand lets you carve out your niche. After all, there is no competition for you" ― Fauzia Burke #authorbootcamp #authors4indies

— iAuthor (@i_Author) April 18, 2015

@KatRoden : "stand out. Stay useful. Stay relevant. Have a point of view and voice. Make them come back." #authorbootcamp #socialselling

— Laxmi (@laxmi) April 18, 2015

Roden: important for the proactive author to always think about ways to capture data, to learn readers interests #authorbootcamp

— Byte the Book (@BytetheBook) April 18, 2015

If you liked this event, be sure to check out the upcoming Promo Day event on Saturday 30th May. Promo Day is an annual online event for people in the publishing industry dedicated to promoting, networking, and learning. This years event takes place on Saturday 30th May and registration is completely free. Just go to www.PromoDay.info and click on "Register Now".

The day will be packed full of free webinars by industry experts on a variety of topics related to author branding and book marketing. There will also be live pitch sessions with publishers, loads of opportunities to promote and network, and chances to win prizes in giveaways. It's going to be awesome!

Hope to see you there, and remember, you can get more out of the event by joining the conversation using the hashtag #PD15 to talk to the people who will also be attending, even before the event starts.

Register now for #PD15 at www.PromoDay.info. A whole day dedicated to promoting, networking, and learning. It's completely free too!

Takeaways from #SMMW15, www.writersandauthors.info

Social Media Marketing World 2015 took place last week and all I can say is WOW! I wasn't able to go in person (on my to do list for the future though) but I did follow along on Twitter using the event hashtag #SMMW15. My head is still spinning. So much information and great tips!

Here's a few of my favourite tweets from the event:

"Add a video you to #FB about page" #facebooktip via Mike Stelzner via his Keynote #SMExaminer #SMMW15

— Dorien Morin-van Dam (@MoreInMedia) March 26, 2015

There was a lot of talk about video content this year. This tweet via the event organiser, Mike Stelzer, gives an idea for incorporating it into your Facebook strategy. Facebook has been giving more space to visual content lately and has big plans in the video department so adding a video to your Facebook page is definitely a good idea.

Favorite #SMMW15 quote on marketing: it's not the wand, but the wizard that makes the magic. @webby2001 pic.twitter.com/vdp767JJW1

— Christopher Penn (@cspenn) March 27, 2015

This quote is so true! I've heard so many people complain that they're not getting results from their marketing efforts and often they put the blame on the platform (go on, hands up if you've complained about Facebook updates killing your page reach. Yep I thought so. A lot of people are guilty of that). You are the wizard, and it's your job to create the magic. The platform (wand) is just a tool you've been given.

This next quote made me giggle, but again, so true!

"There are two types of people on social media- those that want more followers and those that are lying." -Guy Kawasaki #SMMW15

— ROC (@Roc_in_SA) March 27, 2015

We ALL want more followers. That said, we should be trying to build the right following and not just get hooked on the numbers game. You need to be connecting with the right people, grabbing the attention of the right people, and getting the right people to follow you, if you want to get the best results. By "the right people" I mean your target audience. As an author being followed by someone is great. Being followed by someone who loves to read is better. Being followed by someone who loves to read books in your niche/genre is even better.

Put out content for your target audience. Reach out to your target audience and engage them in conversation (it is social media after all). Make it about them and show them why you are the perfect person for them to follow.

That leads nicely on to this next tweet:

We all need recognition and relationships RT @heidicohen: A person’s name is the sweetest word they ever hear - @MariSmith #SMMW15
— Samantha Strauss (@sfsam22) March 27, 2015

If you're using social media as part of your marketing strategy one of your big goals will be to build relationships. A simple and effective way to do this is to mention people in your posts. Whether you post a quote and tag the person who said it, or send out virtual high fives to your top fans, name recognition will put you on their list of wonderful people.

If you're using Twitter, a great way to do this is by using hashtags like #WW (#WriterWednesday) or #FF (#FollowFriday). You can list a group of people for wider reach and networking, or just one per tweet with a reason for why they are awesome.

This tweet is one from last week from author Dan McNeil:

#WW @OrchardBookClub @ClaudiaC @kkerr19963 @peggyfrezon @KhaledTalib @jolinsdell @novelspot @Melissa_Foster @JuliaMcCutchen @RJMcDonnell7

— Dan McNeil (@DanMcNeil888) March 25, 2015

Dan tags me in his #WW tweet pretty much every single week, and for that reason definitely caught my attention. He's continuously recommending me to others as someone to follow, and that feels pretty dam good :) I've also made some awesome new connection by checking out the others he lists.

This quote from Mari Smith is a great reminder for dealing with negativity on social media.

When emotion goes up, intelligence goes down! So, go offline to solve Issues says @marismith #smmw15

— SocialMediaExaminer (@SMExaminer) March 27, 2015

You've probably witnesses arguments on social media. In most cases the end result is not a good one. It doesn't look professional, and it's not good for your author brand. Don't get sucked in. Unfortunately there are people who just love to start trouble. Don't fall for their bait. Go offline. Scream. Go for a run. Pull out your boxing gloves and work off that anger. Solve your issues offline.

The last takeaway I'd like to share with you is one that didn't come from a tweet, but instead from all the tweets. Even though I couldn't be there in person for the event I still gained huge amounts of knowledge from it. I also connected with loads of people and saw a massive jump in my followers, as well as being added to a large number of lists. Taking part in events is a great way to learn more and to grow your network.

Find events related to the writing industry, marketing, etc... and get involved. You'll be glad you did.

Before call it a day on this post, I'd like to let you know about an upcoming online event that you should all attend. Promo Day is an annual online event for people in the publishing industry dedicated to promoting, networking, and learning. This years event takes place on Saturday 30th May and registration is completely free. Just go to www.PromoDay.info and click on "Register Now".

The day will be packed full of free webinars by industry experts on a variety of topics related to author branding and book marketing. There will also be live pitch sessions with publishers, and loads of opportunities to promote and network. It's going to be awesome!

Did you follow #SMMW15? What was your favourite tip/quote from the event? Will you be attending #PD15 in May? What are you doing to prepare so that you get the most out of the event? Leave a comment below with your feedback.

Q: What is the Writers’ League of Texas Agents and Editors Conference?

A: The conference offers writers – whether they are published or just starting out – the chance to meet with agents and editors who are looking for great books and new voices.

Q: Who should attend the conference?

A: Writers and aspiring writers, published and unpublished. This conference is not just for people who are already writing a book. If you’ve ever thought about writing a book and are interested in learning about the publishing industry, this is a good place to gather information.

Q: What are the benefits to attending?

A: We will have 13 agents, four editors, three experts in book publishing and film production, seven marketing/publicity professionals, and over a dozen distinguished authors on our faculty. You will have opportunities to hear them share their tips about writing and the industry, as well as chat with them informally. You will also have the opportunity to network with other writers and form alliances that will help you in your future writing endeavors.

Q: Who will be speaking at this year’s conference?

A: Our keynote speaker is Alan Rinzler, an editor who has worked with Hunter S. Thompson, Toni Morrison, Clive Cussler, Tom Robbins and Robert Ludlum, among others. His speech will be about “Why This is the Best Time Ever to be an Author.”

Q: Who are some of the agents and editors represented at this year’s conference?

A: We have 13 agents who specialize in a wide variety of markets. Some of the agencies represented are Full Circle Literary, Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Pippin Properties, Folio Literary Management, Wendy Sherman Associates, Dystel and Goderich Literary Management, and Serendipity Literary.

Q: What types of panels will be featured?

A: We have a range of panels for people at any stage of a writing career. Some sessions are craft workshops and are designed to help develop voice, write a memoir, or bring out the writer in you. Other sessions educate attendees on the business end of writing, with panels on how to impress an agent, how to market your projects, and the different avenues of self-publishing.

Q: As a writer, what should I prepare or bring to this year’s conference?

A: If you have a book project and would like to talk with an agent about it, have your “elevator” pitch ready. It’s not necessary to bring your manuscript. If an agent wants to see it, he/she will ask.

Q: How long has this conference been going on?

A: The first conference was held in 1994 and it has been hosted annually since then.

Q: Do writers ever receive book deals while at this conference?

A: Writers very often sign with agents because of the conference and those agents secure book deals. A number of success stories from previous conferences are posted on our website.

Q: How should attendees prepare for their agent one-on-one meeting?

A: If you have a book to pitch to an agent, be sure to have your “pitch” ready when you have your agent consultation. A two to three-minute speech about your project’s basic plot, its genre/market, and what makes it unique is all that is necessary. This is an opportunity to get feedback from an industry professional, so they should also come prepared with any burning questions about publishing or how to make their manuscript more salable. For a separate fee, we are offering a pre-conference workshop on how to perfect your pitch. It is scheduled the afternoon of Friday, June 22.

Q: What advice do you have for writers attending this year’s conference?

A: Come ready to learn about the ever-changing world of publishing and to network with other writers. Even if you don’t have a book that you are working on, you may have one in mind and the knowledge you gain and the connections you make at the conference will be very helpful when you sit down to write.

Q: What’s the difference between the agents conference general ticket and the agents conference YA A to Z ticket?

A: The conference offers two workshop tracks – the general track and the Young Adult track. Attendees who sign up for the general track will be able to attend workshops and panels on a broad range of topics relating to writing, publishing and marketing many book genres. The YA track is for writers who are writing young adult fiction. Registrants can also purchase a combined ticket and attend any of the sessions.

Q: What are the event dates?

A: June 22-24

Q: What is the cost to attend the conference?

A: If you are a member of the Writers’ League, the cost is $399. For nonmembers, the fee is $459. If you want to attend the Young Adult track only, the fee is $299 for members and $359 for nonmembers. Attendees wanting to attend both the general and Young Adult tracks will be charged $434, with nonmembers paying $494.

We will accept walk-ins, but the registration fee will be higher. A full listing of costs is located on our website www.writersleague.org

Q: Where is this year’s conference?

A: Austin’s Hyatt Regency Hotel

Guest post by Sara Pence, Assistant Digital Publicist, Shelton Interactive.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mystery writers give would-be authors a clue

Libraries in Waukegan and Lincolnshire host mini-conferences for thriller fans and aspiring mystery writers

LINCOLNSHIRE, IL — October 14, 2011 — Fan of mysteries? Working on writing one of your own? Get a peek into the author’s thought process and gain insight into the business side of the writer’s life at a "Love is Murder" Mystery Mini-Conference at a local library next month—a well-timed opportunity for November’s National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

Each afternoon event features a panel of published mystery writers who will discuss the joys and challenges of publishing, their secrets of success, and their most recent novels. Participants will have the opportunity for Q&A, and ample time to mingle with the guest authors and network with other attendees. Discussion will be followed by Q&A and a book signing. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Lake Forest Book Store.

As a special bonus, one registered participant at each event will win a ticket to the "Love is Murder XIII" Mystery Writers' Conference to be held at the InterContinental Chicago O’Hare in February 2012. The prize is valued at $275.

Writers Revealed: Mystery Writers Panel

Saturday, Nov. 5, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Waukegan Public Library, 128 N County St, Waukegan

Featuring authors Andrew Grant ("Die Twice"), Shane Gericke ("Torn Apart"), Tasha Alexander ("And Only to Deceive"), and Luisa Buehler (Chicago-based Grace Marsden mysteries).

Love is Murder Mini-Con

Saturday, Nov. 12, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Rd, Lincolnshire

Featuring authors Raymond Benson (official author of the James Bond 007 novels), Michael Harvey ("The Chicago Way"), Jeffrey Small ("The Breath of God"), and Robert Goldsborough ("Three Strikes You're Dead"). The Vernon Area Library event will be preceded by an Agatha Christie presentation with actress Betsy Means of WomanLore at 1:00 p.m.

The mystery writers events are free and open to all, but registration is required for raffle entry. Call the hosting library to register or visit their website.

About the Waukegan Public Library

Since 1898, the Waukegan Public Library has provided the community with opportunities to learn, gather, and be entertained. The main library is located in downtown Waukegan at 128 N. County Street, just north of the County Building; the Hinkston Park Branch is located at 800 N. Baldwin, in the Waukegan Park District Field House. The library houses one of the largest collections of materials in Lake County. Free parking with library validation is provided at the downtown branch in the City of Waukegan parking garage, at the corner of County and Clayton. For more information, call (847) 623-2041, or visit www.waukeganpl.org.

About the Vernon Area Public Library District

The Vernon Area Public Library District serves a population of 41,000 within a 32-square-mile area that includes Lincolnshire, Prairie View, and parts of Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Riverwoods, Vernon Hills, and unincorporated Vernon Township. For more information about the library and its services, visit http://www.vapld.info.

# # #

Press Contacts:

Elizabeth Stearns, Assistant Director of Community Services

Waukegan Public Library

(847) 623-2041 x256

estearns@waukeganpl.info

Catherine Savage, Head of Integrated Communications

Vernon Area Public Library

(847) 634-3650 x453

csavage@vapld.info