VERGENNES — How do you go from writer to author? How do authors find publishers? What is a hybrid publisher? Should writers consider self-publishing their work? What about e-books? What are the potential pitfalls, costs and benefits of each approach? How do you spot a scam? How do books get distributed to stores? How much do authors make? Do you need an agent? Where do you start?
Best-selling Vermont author Megan Price will answer these questions and more in a four-week course at the Bixby Library in Vergennes.
“Secrets of Publishing Explained” will meet in the Bixby’s Otter Creek Room, from 6 to 8 p.m., every Thursday in April (April 5, 12, 19 and 26). Participants will learn about the revolution under way in the world of book publishing and how they can become authors.
This four-part series is designed to help writers and poets better understand the terminology, steps and choices involved in becoming an author and perhaps even a publisher. It is not a writing class.
Megan Price worked as a news reporter and editor as well as in marketing, design and advertising for more than 35 years. She also is the creator of the “Vermont Wild, Adventures of Fish & Game Wardens” series; find out more at pinemartenpress.com
Price’s “Vermont Wild” is a six-volume set containing outdoors adventures told in the first person. The focus is action, wit and wisdom sprinkled with dashes of danger. A huge hit with so-called “reluctant readers,” the books are taken to hunting camp, read out loud as bedtime stories and taught in schools to encourage students to write their own adventures.
“Phenomenal sales,” is how Michael DeSanto, co-owner of Vermont-based Phoenix Books, describes “Vermont Wild.”
“I’m often asked for advice from people wanting to publish,” Price said. “But there is no one way. There are decisions each writer must make. These four seminars are designed to give anyone who wants to publish a book the tools they need to get through the process a bit easier and to avoid being scammed,” Price said. “Sadly, there are predatory publishers and printers out there.”
Class size is limited to 20 and open to any adult whose goal is to be published. There is no fee, but participants should plan on attending all four classes. Bixby’s Otter Creek Room is handicapped accessible from the rear of the library. Register no later than April 2 by emailing [email protected] Early registration is appreciated.