This is any kind of publishing that is not done by one of the big, long-established print houses, such as Simon & Schuster, Penguin, etc. It includes small print houses, e-publishing houses, as well as self-published authors.
What is the purpose of the Western Authors Book Look & Shindig?
It is the first cooperative event for indie-published authors to promote their works, network with other authors and publishers, and show the general public the quality and wide range of independently-published works available. We’ve chosen the location and timing of the event to coincide with an already well-publicized event, the Cowboy Poets Gathering. WABF&S is not intended to be a competitive event; rather it is intended to enhance the benefit to the community of Prescott AZ by providing a different kind of event with a different focus, while expanding public recognition of the already-established program.
What is a cooperative promo event?
Co-op promo has been done on a casual basis for some time by organizations such as EPPRO (Electronically Published Professionals) In these cases, authors have been given the opportunity to provide promotional items such as brochures, bookmarks or in some cases actual books for display at events such as book fairs or conferences which they cannot physically attend. At a recent such event, 35 authors from four countries (US, Canada, UK and China) were represented by their books and materials at a reception for writers in Yuma AZ at Arizona Western College.
Many better-known events, such as the Frankfurt Book Fair, are out of the reach of lone independent authors due to the costs involved, and the fact that the presence of the big print houses and chain corporate book stores often overshadow the participation of smaller groups or single authors. Co-op promo gives the indies the opportunity to network with other authors, publishers, and writer’s groups, while taking advantage of the publicity network established by the event itself. This gives indie-published authors the benefit of meeting people they would otherwise not have occasion to meet; and access to publicity they would not otherwise be able to access. It also gives those who are new to promoting their works a valuable exercise in professional promotion without risking large amounts of money.
What is a publicity network?
A publicity network consists of those contacts a writer would normally use to announce something, such as a personal appearance or new release. These contacts may be online or offline, and include online list buddies, local media, even friends and family. We’ll provide pre-written press releases at the website for copying and pasting, plus info on AZ media for those wishing to pitch their own interviews and/or appearances.
We would expect that writers will do their part to expand the online network by sending the PR for the event itself and promoting the website to their own personal networks. Once the website is established, all the writers participating who have websites will have their links on the site for WABL&S.
What will be on the website?
We’ll include the basic 5Ws info for the event, as well as local info about Prescott for out-of-towners, such as hotels, restaurants, etc. Your basic travel guide. We’ll be doing that by linking to established guide info and sites by locals.
We’ll have a list of participating authors, groups and etc. with links to their websites. Authors who don’t have websites are encouraged to get one ;>) We can tell you how.
You’ll be able to see who’s on the network, and your readers can get “wowed” by all the people you know!
So who’s running this thing, anyway? And what do they know about this stuff?
It’s being organized by Trudy W. Schuett, author, publisher and teacher, Ed Teja, writer and professional guitarist, Laughlin Mackay, writer, performer and minister, and Sean Schuett, local radio personality at KNOT in Prescott, and MC for the entertainment portion of the event..
Trudy is author of several books, a co-owner of cyberManbooks, an e-publisher, and teaches workshops for writers at Arizona Western College, Yuma AZ. In addition, she is an Associate Editor at Writer Online, which is currently running her series, “Basic Promotion for Writers,” an 11-part series that gives newly-published authors a glimpse into the reality of book promotion. The series was developed out of her 10-year experience working as a publicist for small private charities and her own experience promoting her own works and publishing house. cyberManbooks was the first publisher of any kind – either print or electronic, to offer their authors training in book promotion.
What do I get for my registration fee?
The registration fee of $25 is intended to cover the expenses of the event, that cannot be covered either by volunteer help or in-kind donations of materials. We would like to have a banner at the venue to announce the event; as well we’re planning to have flyers or brochures printed for local distribution, and a book rack out front with all participants’ books displayed. Any money collected over and above costs will be saved for a similar event in 2004. The WABL&S is not a for-profit event for anyone. This does not mean you can’t sell books; in this case what this means is that the event itself is not being done to make money for the organizers. The organizers, entertainers and the MC are all donating their time. The venue itself is being provided free of charge.
Previously, book fairs, conferences, etc. have been “passive” events; that is, you pay your money and expect to get something tangible in return. You might get a certain amount of space, or be guaranteed x number of visitors to your booth. In this case, all the authors are guaranteed is the opportunity to cooperate with the other authors and make a far bigger splash than any of us could do alone.
About the entertainment
At this moment we have a guitarist, a comedian, a cowboy poet and a band. All of these are acoustic, (unplugged) with a Western flair. That’s where the Shindig part comes in. We figure the entertainment will help draw the crowd, and make this a fun event for everybody. We’re open to more – we could do readings, if you’re experienced at reading your work to audiences, or singers or whatever. No heavy metal, hip-hop, rap, etc. No ecdysiasts, thank you very much ;>) No fireworks. Nice, upbeat, appropriate for family audiences. Let us know! dsrtlite@mindspring.com
About Prescott AZ (your accommodations)
Prescott is the kind of place where people walk around in the town square at night and feel comfortable. It’s one of those up-and-coming, growing places that still has the raw, unforgiving desert not far away. Yet it is home to some of the best restaurants and hotels in the state. (Yep, we’ve stayed and eaten!)
For campers, there are state parks, national parks, private parks and etc. For WABL&S attendees there is another entirely private park for campers, so e-mail Laughlin Mackay for more info at mackay@mymailstation.com
