I’m getting ready for a weekend of networking. Most of you know that I am the president of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) http://www.spawn.org.
SPAWN is an affiliate of IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association) formerly PMA. Well, each Spring, IBPA provides for a gathering of affiliates somewhere cool. We’ve met in Redondo Beach, California; Chicago; Nashville and this year, it will be in San Diego.
It’s an opportunity for like-minded leaders in the world of independent book publishing to meet, share and brainstorm about the state of the industry, changes and what they mean to authors and to find ways to band together in order to help each other, thus our members to successfully meet our writing and publishing goals. Most likely, I’ll bring back some interesting bits of news, resources and information to share with you in my blog and through articles.
Last year, upon returning from the retreat in Nashville, I created a list of dozens of regional organizations for independent publishers and authors and I published this in the SPAWN Market Update (in the member area of the SPAWN website). This was a value to folks living in every corner of the U.S. and practically everywhere in between who wanted to meet up with others who are struggling through the publishing maze and rub shoulders with those who are succeeding in their publishing journey.
Do you belong to an organization of writers and/or authors? Do you attend meetings in your area? Some of you know that SPAWN started out as a face-to-face networking organization with chapters in three counties. The Internet brought us all home and made it possible for us to connect with thousands more people throughout the world. The good thing about this is that we are helping more people to make better decisions on behalf of their writing/publishing projects. The downside is the fact that we are no longer experiencing that personal connection—well, not in the face-to-face, handshaking, back-patting, hugging way.
So, I always look forward to traveling around and meeting writers in person at writers’ conferences, local writers’ group meetings, book festivals and this annual IBPA retreat. Watch upcoming blog posts for new material.
Legal Questions
I get a lot of questions on legal issues and, while I can sometimes offer some guidance as far as which direction the author should go, I almost always say, “I am not an attorney. For a definitive answer, you must hire one.”
Occasionally, I will come across a site dedicated to publishing law and I pass this information along through my blog and through the SPAWN Market Update. In fact, recently, I did a whole section on publishing law sites for this meaty newsletter. As I said, the SPAWN Market Update—without a doubt the most valuable newsletter for authors and freelance writers being produced today—is for members only at the SPAWN website. Join SPAWN for $45 and get many times return on your annual dues through the opportunities, resources and information posted for authors, freelance writers, screenplay writers, artists, photographers and others interested in being published.
Here is a site related to publishing law. I suggest filing it where you can find it when you need legal help: http://www.publaw.com
Catscapades—Cat Blog
Have you visited my new cat blog, yet? I am having such fun with it. If you like cats, take a break and visit the cats and kittens at http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades
Meet Daisy, the obstinate calico who responded to mind-talk—twice! Take a look at Pumpkin, the cat who bears the scars of a tortured life and who is now well-loved. Meet Frigie FryPan—a kitten who has used up most of his nine-lives in only nine months. Learn more about these kitties and many others in the newly illustrated Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats. http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades.html
Do you have issues, questions, concerns related to writing or publishing? Contact me through the Comments Form or at PLFry620@yahoo.com and I’ll see if I can help you find resolution.