The Value of Conferences for the Independent Publisher/Author Copyright 2005 Black Butterfly Press
Dr. Maxine Thompson
http://www.maxinethompson.com
http://www.maxineshow.com
I often hear many writers lament, "I only sold 7 books at a conference," and they sound very disappointed. But they are missing the hidden value of conferences. It's not just about the books you sell, but about the connections and relationships you form.
For example, I know a writer (whom I can proudly say I
coached through 2 books,) who will now be teaching at a well-known university from one of these small conferences. Someone at the Power Point presentation she delivered heard her speak and asked for her to become an instructor at their school.
As for my opportunities from conferences, I've written for Final Call, an International magazine, and garnered national attention through radio interviews on shows such as Tom Pope's and Dr. Jeff Gardere's.
Furthermore, I have been able to conduct workshops
nationally, and speak at large conferences. I not only have sold books at the back of the room, I have gained new clients for my literary services or my literary agency at conferences. My biggest opportunity came from being called and asked to host my own radio show on www.voiceamerica.com in December 2001. I have been hosting Internet radio shows since then.
As a writer/publisher, I think it would behoove any writer, self-published or not, to attend the BEA and other conferences, regardless of how big or small. These are just some of the benefits when you attend these events:
Visibility
Support
Networking
Exposure for your books (such as with librarians, book
stores, universities, book clubs)
Reach large crowds
Possible book deal for writers who want them
Finding an agent
Increased respect for the industry
Increased respect for yourself as a writer/publisher
Gain future speaking engagements
Gain radio, TV or Internet interviews.
Gain paying clients for your business
Build your mailing list and opt-in list
Understanding of trends in the industry
Open doors to new opportunities, such as hosting your own
TV or radio show.
But the most significant thing I gained from conferences
was an insight into the Zeitgeist—the German word for the spirit of an age, a trend of thought and feeling in a period--in the African American Publishing Industry. Just as the Civil Rights movement resulted from a Zeitgeist—Black people as a whole getting tired of being treated like second class citizens—the new Black Renaissance in Literature has arisen from the same backlash.
Across the board, writers have gotten tired of being locked
out from mainstream publishing. With desktop publishing, affordable graphic designs, the Internet, and print-on-demand, e-books, teleclasses, many writers have become publishers and information entrepreneurs.
I recently attended the second annual Los Angeles Black
Book Expo on 6-10-05 at http://www.labbx.com/ as a panelist.
Every year for the past 5 years I've been a panelist and workshop conductor at Dr. Rosie Milligan's Black Writers on Tour. (www.blackwritersontour.com.)
I will be participating as a workshop conductor with my hometown Detroit Literary Entrepreneur Conference on 8-26-05 to 8-28-05. http://www.mllbnetwork.com/MetroDetroitLiteraryAwards.html.
http://www.mllbnetwork.com/Itinerary.html
To find out about local conferences in your area, go to http://writing.shawguides.com
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Maxine Thompson is a literary coach, ghostwriter, editor,
and Internet Radio show host on www.voiceamerica.com, www.artistfirst.com and www.maxineshow.com. To get her free newsletter subscribe at www.maxinethompson.com
