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Second Self Publisher Conference to spotlight children’s books, cover design

By John Freeman on February 27, 2014

Britain’s Second Self-Publishing Conference takes place on 30th March 2014 at the University of Leicester, aimed at any author wishing to self-publish. The event will bring together key figures in the self-publishing sphere for the benefit of self-publishing authors.

“Last year’s Conference was absolutely packed, despite inclement weather leading up to the event,’ observes Sarah Taylor, Editor of Self Publishing Magazine. “Feedback from the delegates was so positive that the Conference was established as an annual event. This one is going to be bigger, better and have a wider range of sessions.”

Self-publishing books and ebooks has come of age, but for many authors there is considerable confusion and a lack of understanding about what is involved in self-publishing, and how best to go about it. This annual Conference offers a unique opportunity to meet and interact with influential individuals and companies working within the self-publishing sector.

The organisers ay it’s the perfect day out for authors thinking about, or already involved in, self-publishing their work. Whether you are going it alone or using a self-publishing company, the Conference offers multiple sessions on a wide variety of topics, allowing delegates to pick and choose the talks and workshops most relevant to their self-publishing project.

Topics include how to choose a self-publishing services provider, write a successful press release, promote your book to online bookshops, successfully e-publish and e-market and design a striking cover (includes a ‘cover clinic’).

Aimee Bell from the Author Design Studio

“The ‘Cover Clinic’ last year was a lot of fun – and author input was central to this,” enthuses Aimee Bell from the Author Design Studio, who will be running the cover workshops. “This year we’ll get to talk about that old cliche; books really are judged by their rovers, and what self·publishing authors can do to better their chances at standing out from the crowd. We’ll compare well known books and the message their covers portray, as well as looking at book covers that authors bring in themselves – and offer some specific advice for authors’ covers in progress.

“Fora self·publishing author, your cover really is the first port of call for any reader, reviewer or bookshop,” she argues. “If it’s presented in a professional and marketable way, they are far more likely to take notice. A well-designed cover is imperative to making sales and attracting the right audience.”

There will also be a dedicated children’s strand at this year’s Conference, making it the perfect place for any author self-publishing a children’s book. Delegates can learn how to edit a children’s book, work with a children’s book illustrator, and structure a children’s book.

The Conference’s Keynote Speaker is Alysoun Owen, editor of the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. Other speakers include: Ben Cameron from Cameron Publicity & Marketing; Clive Herbert, Nielsen Book; Louise Jordan from The Writers’ Advice Centre for Children’s Books; Helen Hollick, from the Historical Novel Society; Jeremy Thompson of Troubador Publishing; Helen Bryant, from the Literary Consultancy, Cornerstones; Steve Potter from the online independent bookseller, Wordery; Aimee Bell, Author Design Studio; and Sarah Taylor from The Self Publishing Magazine.

The Self-Publishing Conference offers sessions designed to bring new insights into self-publishing, while giving authors the chance to meet with other self-publishers and specialists in the field.

The Self Publishing Conference takes place on Sunday 30th March, 2014, 8.45am-4.30pm, at Stamford Conference Centre, University of Leicester. Registration is £55.00 per person. This includes a delegate’s pack, morning coffee, buffet lunch, afternoon tea and a choice from more than twenty sessions on different aspects of self-publishing.

The event is sponsored by Kobo, Writers & Artists, Cameron Publicity & Marketing, Writing Magazine, Nielsen Book, Cornerstones, TJ International, Booked PR, The Writers’ Advice Centre, Matador and The Self Publishing Magazine.

• To book, visit this page. Web: www.selfpublishingconference.org.uk and www.facebook.com/spconference. Twitter hashtag: #SPConf14

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.