Post by Ted on Sept 4, 2014 1:25:58 GMT -8
Kentucky Public Libraries have launched an online site for self-published authors. The site is called ePublish or BUST.
From their web site:
Authors now have many options for publishing, and can handle almost all aspects of the process without the aid of a traditional publisher. While this is fantastic in that it allows access to the publishing world for any budding writer connected to the Internet, it also has created an environment similar to the Wild West. The playing field is more crowded than ever, making it difficult for authors to distinguish themselves. That’s where we come in!
The Plan
Despite the challenges involved in providing eBooks, libraries will continue working hard to keep material flowing to the community. It’s what we do – but we can do so much more! We can now play a vital role in educating aspiring authors about the writing process, the tools of creation, and connecting them with an audience. How do we propose to do this? Our grand scheme consists of three simple, but amazing components:
#1 Discover Your Voice
The beating heart of our project is a blog, from which a team from Daviess County and Henderson Public Libraries will discuss their thoughts on the writing process. Some of us, myself and a partner included, will even be writing books and chronicling the process. Consider this a live how-to for aspiring authors. We’ll show you the do’s and don’ts and entertain you with our mistakes. Of course we want the pros to have a voice as well. Toward that end we will feature guest contributors, including published authors, agents, publishers, and other industry professionals. Through these voices we will strive to provide you with the tools you need to chart the best path for your writing journey.
#2 Tell Your Story
It’s one thing to wake up one morning with the goal of being a successful, self-published author, it’s another to pull together the resources to make it happen. These can include basic things like a computer, writing software, Internet access, and even a space to write. We think this is an area in which libraries can be of great value, so we’re going to try our hand at creating a place for authors to do everything from start to finish. We’ll provide computers and software, Internet access, and staff to provide technical help. But wait, there’s more . . .
We’ll also offer programs and workshops on writing and getting published. You’ll hear from seasoned pros who know the ropes, and can guide you through the process. Writing can be a daunting task, and we can connect you with folks who can get you past obstacles. There will also be festivals with authors, agents and publishers that provide opportunities to network and make connections. But wait, there’s still more . . .
#3 Find Your Audience
Perhaps the most exciting area we can help authors with is exposure. It’s all fine and good to wake up one morning and decide to write and publish a book, but how do you get the word out to those who might be interested? There are thousands of writers publishing in print and online, and doing everything they can to draw attention. It’s a crowded marketplace, and finding effective ways to get oneself seen and heard is challenging to say the least. That’s where libraries come in!
Through the ePublish or Bust! program, we’re creating a network of libraries for authors to book appearances, readings, book signings, etc. If you’re an author with a book to promote, all you need to do is complete our simple online registration, log-in to your profile, and then click on the date/location in which you're interested to submit a request. The library will then reserve your spot and promote your appearance! Moving forward we will continue to add partner libraries to our list, and hope to eventually go beyond Kentucky. In effect, any author can schedule the equivalent of a book tour in locations that are hubs for readers!
From their web site:
Authors now have many options for publishing, and can handle almost all aspects of the process without the aid of a traditional publisher. While this is fantastic in that it allows access to the publishing world for any budding writer connected to the Internet, it also has created an environment similar to the Wild West. The playing field is more crowded than ever, making it difficult for authors to distinguish themselves. That’s where we come in!
The Plan
Despite the challenges involved in providing eBooks, libraries will continue working hard to keep material flowing to the community. It’s what we do – but we can do so much more! We can now play a vital role in educating aspiring authors about the writing process, the tools of creation, and connecting them with an audience. How do we propose to do this? Our grand scheme consists of three simple, but amazing components:
#1 Discover Your Voice
The beating heart of our project is a blog, from which a team from Daviess County and Henderson Public Libraries will discuss their thoughts on the writing process. Some of us, myself and a partner included, will even be writing books and chronicling the process. Consider this a live how-to for aspiring authors. We’ll show you the do’s and don’ts and entertain you with our mistakes. Of course we want the pros to have a voice as well. Toward that end we will feature guest contributors, including published authors, agents, publishers, and other industry professionals. Through these voices we will strive to provide you with the tools you need to chart the best path for your writing journey.
#2 Tell Your Story
It’s one thing to wake up one morning with the goal of being a successful, self-published author, it’s another to pull together the resources to make it happen. These can include basic things like a computer, writing software, Internet access, and even a space to write. We think this is an area in which libraries can be of great value, so we’re going to try our hand at creating a place for authors to do everything from start to finish. We’ll provide computers and software, Internet access, and staff to provide technical help. But wait, there’s more . . .
We’ll also offer programs and workshops on writing and getting published. You’ll hear from seasoned pros who know the ropes, and can guide you through the process. Writing can be a daunting task, and we can connect you with folks who can get you past obstacles. There will also be festivals with authors, agents and publishers that provide opportunities to network and make connections. But wait, there’s still more . . .
#3 Find Your Audience
Perhaps the most exciting area we can help authors with is exposure. It’s all fine and good to wake up one morning and decide to write and publish a book, but how do you get the word out to those who might be interested? There are thousands of writers publishing in print and online, and doing everything they can to draw attention. It’s a crowded marketplace, and finding effective ways to get oneself seen and heard is challenging to say the least. That’s where libraries come in!
Through the ePublish or Bust! program, we’re creating a network of libraries for authors to book appearances, readings, book signings, etc. If you’re an author with a book to promote, all you need to do is complete our simple online registration, log-in to your profile, and then click on the date/location in which you're interested to submit a request. The library will then reserve your spot and promote your appearance! Moving forward we will continue to add partner libraries to our list, and hope to eventually go beyond Kentucky. In effect, any author can schedule the equivalent of a book tour in locations that are hubs for readers!