So this morning I went to this session, as advertised in the Victorian Writers Centre newsletter:
Saturday 25 September: Author talks and book promotion. Melbourne authors Nalini de Sielvie, Peter Whelan and Peter Frederick will discuss the publishing and promotion of books. 11.30am, St. Kilda Library. Free admission.
It was hosted by Del Nightingale of 3rpp.
It was a really weird event. Here’s why:
There was five people there. Well, actually eleven, but six of those people were working – ie presenting, or manning the video camera or the books for sale table.
So that was disappointing.
When I got there, Del and Peter Whelan were so nice and offered me coffee and asked where I was from, and talked to me. Which was great.
When it became apparent that perhaps no-one else was turning up, they started.
I got my camera out and my pad of paper and pen out, ready to go.
Remember a few years ago at Melbourne Writers Festival I went to a Justine Larbalestier event talking about her book How To Ditch Your Fairy? And the event barely touched on that topic at all?
It was like that. At first when the first speaker, Nalini de Sielvie, spoke, I frowned and thought I must have mis-read the program outline.
But apparently, looking at what I posted above, I didn’t.
When I was doing the chair for the panel at Aussie Con, it had a helpful sheet of tips for being a good chair, and one of the tips was making sure the panel stayed on topic. It said that people have turned up to see that topic discussed, so no matter how fantastic another topic may be, you can’t talk about it.
The three authors today spoke about their background, told amusing antidotes from their lives and briefly talked about their latest books.
Nothing about publishing or marketing.
Which really, really, sucked as I went all ready to learn about self-marketing.
Something else that I didn’t realise was they were all self-published authors.
I have to say, once I saw the table of books I got a bit suspicious. I mean, you can sort of tell a self-published book. Well I can anyway. It’s a different quality, a different feel to an publisher-published book.
At the end, they asked for questions, and my hand shot up (of course!). I asked: “May I ask about the process that went into making the decision to self-publish rather than more traditional means of publishing.” (Here I am optimistic that they purposely choose to self-publish for some grand reason.)
Peter Whelan answered, but before he did he sort of glared at me and then said, “Because no other publisher would publish me.”
Right, I thought. Doesn’t that tell you something?!
Anyway.
After it finished, Peter Whelan came up to me with a smile and said, “Welcome to your future!”
I frowned and felt vaguely offended, as if he was saying I wasn’t good enough for traditional publishing and then I would self-publish.
And that left a really bad taste in my mouth.
Let’s be clear: if I had known it was on self-publishing I wouldn’t've gone.
If that makes me a snob, so be it.
Admittedly, after they finished talking and before they took questions, Del asked each speaker for a one minute sentence about their experiences marketing.
THAT WAS IT.
I left as soon as she wrapped it up – after, obviously, Peter talking to me.
Nalini de Sielvie
Peter Whelan
Peter Frederick
I’m feeling annoyed, rip-offed, offended and some various other feelings.
Especially as since it’s the Grand Final the train I caught back into town was a) late and b) VERY CROWDED, so crowded that I was pinned between two older gentlemen and one of them was sweating down his face and it was SO gross. And kinda weird at the train was air-conditioned and it wasn’t hot…
Anyway.
Anyone want to give an opinion on self-publishing?
What a nasty thing to say to an aspiring author. I had someone say a similar thing to me when I was a young lass in my early 20s. "Don't even bother with trying to get published," they warned. "It'll never happen." Well it is happening. It took years. YEARS! It's a small publisher, but a hardworking one and a supporter of emerging writers (they published the first books of Joel Deane, Cate Kennedy etc). It's a good place to start.
As for self publishing, while you can't argue that there's a lot of unreadable books released via the vanity press, best selling author Matthew Reilly was born from that system and the rest is history. His experience in self publishing, and the marketing of such a book is fascinating.
Many writers published through the traditional system don't always achieve great sales, even with substantial marketing (Subtopia is one such book – I recall an interview with his publisher saying as much).
If any of the self published writers at this event had achieved generous sales results, it would have been interesting to see how they achieved it of course.
But I'm curious, how do you tell if a book is self published? Is it the design?
That is a sadly ironic event.
I guess they didn't seem to care too much since it was free admission but I don't think I could justify the marketing and follow through of that event. First of all being held on AFL Grand Final day? Sure there are those that don't care, but so many don't want to even bother to go out on AFL day in the city…
And the execution of keeping the promoted event topic inline with the topics on the day sounds like a disaster of sorts.
WOW, that just plain sucks. It sounds to me like these authors got together to self-promote their books and hopefully sell you a copy or three. I agree with you about the quality of many self-published books. I too can tell. And I think Peter's answer to your question show why self-publishing does NOT work for many authors. there is a reason why most 'books' sitting in people's drawers are NOT in print. Not all self-published authors fall into this category. But sadly, many do. All industries need gate keepers to keep out the slush. Not all self-published books are slush, but many that I have read are. There is only one that I have read that I liked. A memoir by author Karen Walker. Very good.
Oh, Megan. I'm very sorry that Peter said that to you. You will definitely get published, I'm sure of it. After all, everything you write is wonderful and engaging.
Eh… that does sound rather unpleasant! Sorry!
Oof, that would annoy me, too. You are wonderful, Megan! And of COURSE you'll be published.
Hi Megan, I might be able to help you re marketing a book. If you have any specific questions I'll see if I can answer them, coming from an ex in-house editor rather than marketing person who would probably be much better.
I can help too.
Meantime, here's a link to a website from which you can download two free ebooks on marketing.
Get your free Top Book Marketing Tips ebook at http://bit.ly/SavvyFreeTip.
Also, make sure you catch the ASA series of seminars on marketing your books AND finding a publisher. They are for real and very enlightening. I think you can get the content off the ASA website. Also, if you don't belong to ASA, join! Really good network support system and plenty of useful info.
That seminar was scandalous. They did not deliver what was promised and you're smart enough to know it when you're being duped.
Those authors made a big mistake because those folks have been revealed for what they are – spin doctors.
Another tip from me. Watch out for Varuna-sponsored programmes. Thy do partnerships with mainstream big publishers like Penguin and Harper Collins (who have a YA imprint as well as the main HarperCollins one. Watch for submission dates and send off your manuscript. One has a very limited chance of submitting to them, and these programmes acknowledge that and provide an entry-point for hitherto unpublished authors. That's how I got all the way to Acquisitions. Took a while to get through, but I stuck with it and now they're deciding whether or not to publish me. Without Varuna, I'd have had no chance in hell of coming to their attention.
1. I too feel short-changed when writers don't discuss the promised topic. 2. I made the decision years ago not to self-publish as I see it as vanity publishing, and felt that if I worked hard enough, eventually my writing would be strong enough to attract a 'real' publisher (which eventually it was and it did). Self-publishing definitely has its place – but whether it's for you depends on your goals. Which brings me to 3. Yes, you were right to feel offended by the assumption that you would never be good enough to be published by paying publishers. I've never known anyone as committed as you, and I'm absolutely sure you will be. x
Here you go – Varuna newsletter:
a reminder re one-day forum…
From Writer to Reader: The Journey of the Book – MON Oct 11
Writers and readers will gain an insight into the world of publishing, with top professionals from Varuna, Random House, Allen&Unwin, HarperCollins, Giramondo Publishing and award-winning bookseller Gleebooks leading participants through the journey from first draft to bookshop shelf.
Authors Charlotte Wood and Tegan Bennett will facilitate sessions on:
Finding Voice—Varuna associates Helen Barnes Bulley and Carol Major talk about how Varuna supports writers.
Invisible mending—editors Ali Lavau and Siobhan Cantrill discuss the intricacies of editing.
Spreading the Word—publicists Andy Palmer, Fiona Wright and Jess Pearson show how a small book can make a big splash.
Shelf Life—sales experts Michael White and David Gaunt talk about how books are sold and how authors can help.
There will be a lively Q&A session with the panelists and opportunities to mingle over drinks. Morning and afternoon tea is provided.
The Journey of the Book is on Monday October 11, 10am-5pm, at the Carrington Hotel, Katoomba. Cost $160 / $135 conc (group discount prices also available).
For full information or to book online visit the website or phone 4782 5674.
for writers of CHILDREN'S & YOUNG ADULT fiction a special opportunity to take a Varuna Professional Development Residency Oct 25-Nov 1
Varuna, the Writer’s House is hosting a special week for writers of children’s and young-adult fiction, with highly regarded local Blue Mountains authors Phillip Gwynne, Margaret Hamilton, Tristan Bancks and Beth Norling.
If you are a developing writer of Children’s or Young Adult you might consider taking a Varuna Professional Development Residency at Varuna during this special week – from Monday October 25 – Monday November 1. The Varuna Professional Development Residency is a fee-paying, non-selective program enabling writers to work intensively for one week in the unique residential environment of Varuna under the supervision of an experienced tutor. This residency could include two one-on-one consultations with Phillip Gwynne or with a Varuna writing consultant of your choice.
As well as the consultations included in the VPDR, you will have the extra benefit of events planned for the week, at no extra charge – Tristan Bancks will run a workshop on writing techniques, getting published and surviving as a full-time children’s author and Margaret Hamilton and Beth Norling will give a short talk about children’s publishing and illustrating.
Cost of Children's Special Week VPDR : $1390 (normally $1500).
If you are interested email: varuna@varuna.com.au or phone the Varuna office on 4782 5674 (Monday-Thursday).
You poor thing! Agree with both recommendations above – Varuna and ASA seminars.