Publish the Write Way

On Sunday, March 12, 2006, Publishers and Self-Publishers from all over the United States gathered at the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York City, to explore the strategies for success at the Self-Publishing Symposium. Organized by Renee Flagler, President and CEO of Aspicomm Media, this event exceeded the expectations of attendees from the Washington, DC area. Sponsors for this event included Black Issues Book Review, The Network Journal, iUniverse and C&B Book Distribution.

Panel discussions and pertinent Q&A sessions sparked hot button topics, while attendees took notes. Vickie Stringer, Author/Owner of Triple Crown Publications encouraged all to keep pressing on, even in bad weather, NYC traffic and other things beyond ones control. Although she referenced How to Succeed in the Publishing Game ... She demonstrated How to Succeed in Stick-to-it-tiveness.

Manie Baron shed light on the reality of literary fatalities -- editors are there to kill manuscripts, yet there are those that won't die, and stand the test of time. He's an agent who knows his stuff, and can smell if a writer is full of fear and unable to accept positive and creative criticism, or full of faith to take the editor's challenge, and reproduce a masterpiece. Victoria Christopher Murray helped encourage writers to create a market for themselves by tapping into non-traditional profit centers -- the places of business many people patronize, to their own boredom. A number of other spectacular speakers and panelists covered a variety of subjects, i.e., publishing/printing options, distribution, publicity and smart money management. They were all wonderful and informative.

If you were unable to attend, or you know of someone who missed it, please encourage them to plan to attend the second annual symposium. One cannot afford to miss another one! This is a way to begin to publish the write way. Vincent Alexandria proved that learning the craft is only part of the process, and he's done that literally. With a mixture of talent and craft, writing and publishing can produce a delightful dish served as the meat and potatoes to feed minds, while providing income for would-be "starving" writers.

Speaking of Meat and Potatoes ... Aquilla's Catering, Inc. provided dishes throughout the day. From the colorful spread of fresh fruit, breads and croissants of breakfast through lunch, which created hungering hoopla, fulfilled in wraps and a festive mixed green salad. This was all topped by an evening reception where the gentle taste of skewered herb chicken breasts, along with a most decadent vegetable tray and dip left a lasting impression.

Although the setting was formal, it was intimate enough for attendees to mingle and network with one another. There was also time set aside for support and celebration of authors who were awarded S'Indie Awards. Congratulations to you all!

Once again, be sure to stay informed. Study and learn your craft. Prepare (financially) while seeking opportunity so you can have success. Attend Book events and expos. Take advantage of what the SBA has to offer. Network. Write. Publish ... Help someone along the way. Get a couple of Road Dawgz (writers with your mission, Vickie Stringer's title by K'wan, or both)... Prepare to attend next year's event. And start publishing the Write way!

Visit Aspicomm.com and check back periodically. You may also want to visit the following websites (incomplete listing, but should prove helpful):
http://www.google.com/ (to find book expo info)
http://www.ala.org/ (American Library Association)
http://www.bcala.org/ (Black Caucus of the American Library Association)
http://www.bibookreview.com/ (Black Issues Book Review)
http://www.papublicrelations.com/ (P. A. Public Relations, Phil Andrews)
http://www.aalbc.com/ (African American Literature Book Club)
http://www.betterbizbuilders.com/ (3B's Better Business Builders)
www.sba.gov/training (Small Business Admin. FREE On-line courses)

Respectfully submitted,
JW