This weekend I attended the Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA) Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. It was my first writers’ conference. It will not be my last.
Attending a writers’ conference is a rewarding experience. Not only did I meet other talented and knowledgeable writers but also publishers, illustrators, designers, and agents. As an indie author, making these contacts can be a very positive step towards advancing your writing career.
Exposure to new ideas
This conference had two seminar tracts. My husband and I decide to go separately. I went to the Children’s Books Show and Tell Workshop while he went to the Nonfiction Book Workshop – Creating and Marketing Non Fiction Books. Afterward, we shared what we learned.
Until this weekend, I had not considered writing children’s books. After attending the seminars, I see this genre as a new revenue source for my current books. As I imagined having accompanying illustrated books for my upcoming series of travel books, I got really excited. I’m not sure if writing for children will pan out, but it did get me thinking about all the other revenue streams that I am missing by thinking merely as a writer. Children’s books have lots of spin-offs: toys, coloring books, and games. Perhaps I can do something similarly, but for adults. Something to think about.
Practical information
Additionally, I picked up a few tips for cutting promotional expenses. One was to create postcards on nice stock, and then cut them down for two bookmarks or three business cards. I haven’t checked to see if the savings were worth the effort, but I did see several different people with shears in hand.
Several writers have created their own publishing business to enable them to sell directly to large box stores and book chains, or to use for distributing their books. Most distributors require a minimum of three books. If you don’t have three books, you can join with others. In choosing a business, do not use the name of one of your books, and pick one that is usable in various languages.
Several of the speakers at the conference had their own publishing business. Florida Kids Press, Inc. (owned by author Jane Wood) did not have its own Webpage while MarkWayneAdams. Inc did. I think the difference resulted because, as an illustrator, Mark Wayne Adams business differs from that of the author. If you are thinking of going this route, you will need to decide whether or not to set up a Website for your publishing company.
Making contacts
This was a writers and publishers event, so there were lots of cool (influential) people to meet. I came home with lots of contact info. Before long, we were following each other on social media and ready to help promote each other.
Its fun
In addition to the great training and resources, it was fun just hanging out with other writers, translators, graphic designers, and publishers. Over a glass of wine, we chatted about books and book promotions. Though there were not too many fresh marketing ideas for me, others were jotting down notes. It was interesting to learn how each had a favorite marketing tool and why they chose that one over others.
It’s energizing
There was a lot of good energy among these creative people, and I left the conference recharged. I was psyched!
Awarding
At the event banquet, qualifying authors received the FAPA President’s Book Awards, honoring book excellence among authors and publishers. Truely a highlight of the evening.
