The recent Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA) annual Ed-U-Conference in Daytona Beach, Florida on September 20-21 that I just attended was a great opportunity for authors who want to self publish. Not only did like-minded authors and publishers have many opportunities to network, but they also got to hear experts speak on a variety of topics related to the theme “Money Making Strategies for Authors and Publishers.”
The following speakers provided valuable insights into various aspects of the business of writing and publishing:
- Mark Wayne Adams – “Children’s Book Creation and Presentations” and “Who Are Our Best Customers and Why?”
- Jane Wood – “Children’s Book Marketing and Promotion,” “Who Are Our Best Customers and Why?,”and “Marketing Strategies to Help Generate Book Sales”
- Frances Keiser – “Children’s Book Marketing and Promotion” and “Who Are Our Best Customers and Why?”
- Marianne Berkes – “Who Are Our Best Customers and Why?”
- Rik Feeney – “Titles, Covers and Back Copy Blurbs”
- Jon Tandler – Tools of the Trade for Self and Independent Publishers – Business Set-Up, Content Issues and Clearances”
- Chris Angermann – “Getting Published: Soup to Nuts” and “The State of Publishing Today” (panel discussion)
- Bob Lucas – “Capitalize on Your Writing: Strategies for Recognition and Making Money”
- Ben Hale – “eBooks” (panel discussion)
- Saritza Hernandez – “Digital Publishing” (panel discussion)
- Zenee Miller – “Using Your Blog to Fund Your Writing Passion”
In addition to the pre-conference workshops and conference sessions, FAPA held its annual President’s Book Award Banquet. It was a gala event attended by 58 award winners and guests. This was the first year that the competition was open to applicants throughout the U.S. It was exciting to see winner from other states attend for the first time.
FAPA plans to offer a Spring and Fall conference next year on writing and publishing-related topics. Information will be posted on their website in coming months for those professional development opportunities.