A Book In Hand Is Worth --

Last weekend we had the Harriette Austin Writer’s Conference here in Athens, Georgia. I came away with the impression of – not just a good experience, but a genuinely happy one.

Writer’s conferences give authors a chance to learn techniques of the trade. But especially, we want to meet with agents and editors, have our words measured by experts, and (hopefully) find an avenue to publication. It rarely works. Writers are a shy bunch, often reluctant to push themselves at aloof professionals. A few authors strike it lucky. Some us leave the conference smarting from harsh evaluations. Suffering from that depressing sense of rejection.

At least that’s my impression of writer's conferences. But this one was different. I sensed a generally happy mood throughout this year’s Conference. Why was it different?

For one thing, this year’s Conference was smaller. About a hundred attendees, half the usual number, and easier to rub elbows and make new acquaintances. Less structured, somehow.

The other thing – well, there are new opportunities for publishing our works. The world is shifting under our feet. Opportunities for self-publication are opening doors for everyone. Traditional bookstores, large ones and small, are vanishing. One speaker said to me, “If you do get your book published, who will you get to sell it?” Well, Amazon, of course!

The elephant in the room is electronic publication. E-books. For a few dollars you can publish your book electronically and have it available on Kindle (Amazon) or the Nook (Barnes and Noble), or any of 25 other readers. No questions asked. Readers buy it online. Money deposited in your account.

So we come away from the Conference with the assurance that somehow our stories will be told, our efforts appreciated. Handshakes all around, exchange of e-mail addresses, promises of mutual support.

Wait till next year!

Dac Crossley
July 26, 2011
“The world is full of people whose notion of a satisfactory future is, in fact, a return to an idealized past.” – Robertson Davies.

Comments

[Stephen L. Brayton]

Conferences shoud be personable. I've run into a few agents/publishers whose attitude is attendance is an assignment. Sure, they may be looking for new talent, but they shouldn't treat it as manual labor. At Killer Nashville, most of the people are easy to speak with and one gentleman even made it a point to talk to me the next day because he didn't think he had completely answered my question.

[Katherine Hinkson]

I have gone to writer's conferences and come away with more knowledge, but saddened by the experience too. As a reader and writer I joined the e-reader generation but I still want to hold the actual books in my hands.

[Velda Brotherton]

To a couple of comments: When I first began to search for publication I always found it at conferences. Sold books to NY as well as small publishers there. Also, libraries are quickly adapting to E Books and you can not only check them out, but you can borrow a Kindle, etc. on which to read them. Never close your eyes to new opportunities.

[Dac Crossley]

Theresa - right on, dead center! It's just as important to have that good editor with an e-book or a self-published one. Same goes for the cover - a good one is priceless.

I'd rank "editing" as the number one expense in publishing.

[Dac Crossley]

Shirley - give it a try. Go for a Kindle or a nook - it's a different experience but has its own rewards.

[Dac Crossley]

Cheryl - I do enjoy Conferences if I don't have an axe to grind or something. I go to local ones whenever I can.

[Cheryl C. Malandrinos]

Glad you got a chance to attend. We have a small writers conference each fall that I make a point to go to. I like rubbing elbows with fellow writers. I also attend an online writers conference, which lasts for a week.

EBooks are exciting, as is self-publishing. I'm not opposed to either, but like Angela says, you need to go over your work with a fine-tooth comb.

[Angela Roe]

I love the opportunities e-books provide but I think it means the author who is self-publishing his or her work needs to take extreme care to find and correct every single mistake in the book or you're damaging a reputation that takes years to build.

[John Brantingham]

It seems to me that there is often a false dilemma when talking about e-books: either one reads them or the printed page. Both however have their place and pleasures. I can't wait to watch the world of e-books explode even more than it has.

[John M. Daniel]

As a veteran workshop leader of many writers conferences, including almost 20 yrs on the faculty of the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, I've come to believe there are three reasons to attend such conferences: to have fun, to improve your craft, and to work on your writing career. All three are important, and I feel it's important to keep them in balance.

[Theresa Varela]

It's great to read about the newer opportunities. I'm excited but have reservations. I'm in the middle of reading a self published book where I can point out many similar weaknesses in my work that a very kind but firm editor shared with me. Should I give you away, Sunny? I'm in the process of revising. I'm on the old-fashioned side with multiple rejections but still have a gleam in my eye. No matter what the format, readers will keep reading, writers will continue writing and some will do both. Thank goodness.

[Sunny Frazier]

I love your phrase "elephant in the room." I agree--we have to open our minds to the new technology of e-books even if that's not the way we choose to read. The next step is finding ways to market e-books. How do we reach those people with Kindles and such? I think marketing has to be re-evaluated as well. Change is good but doesn't come without a struggle.

[carole Hayden]

I am not poor but guess I like to hold on the a dollar which isn't necessary to spend. I would be bankrupted if paying money to read as much as I do. The library system is best for me;I order what I want, as many as I want and no money passes between us. Of course I donate to the library. But that is a big thankyou for being a part of my life. Long live the printed word on paper.

[shirley white]

I am glad you got to go. Have been noticing a lot of people using the e-books and some have let me see how they work. Will not rule out getting one.