Introducing the So Cal Author Academy

A guest post by Susan McBeth, Events Coordinator of Adventures by the Book.

As an author events coordinator, I am frequently asked advice by writers (especially self-published and small press authors who do not have designated publicists) who are overwhelmed with the marketing process and setting up book events. Who do I hire for my author photo; do I need a book trailer; what do I invest for a professional website; where do I start with social media; how do I set up interviews; how do I develop my presentation skills; what good is a press release and how do I write one; how do I best approach bookstores and libraries for events; what other event options are available, etc.

The SoCal Author Academy will answer those questions and much more, as it takes you methodically through the process of marketing your book and setting up events in Anne Lamott fashion, Bird by Bird. Designed as a series of intimate workshops, taught by experts in each subject matter, the SoCal Author Academy will offer you a cohesive and interactive plan to market your book. Starting with a brief overview of Everyday Book Marketing, experts will guide writers from a logical first step thru planning and execution of an actual author event.

The inaugural workshop on Sunday, September 29, 2013, is divided into two parts, starting with a

general overview of Everyday Book Marketing that covers essential book promotion basics, followed by an interactive workshop that builds upon the morning session and in which, using a checklist, you will create your own customized marketing plan.

And who better to teach an Everyday Book Marketing workshop than Midge Raymond. Midge has been a writer, editor, and teacher for more than twenty years. She has taught at Boston University, Grub Street, San Diego Writers, and Richard Hugo House, among others. Midge’s short story collection, Forgetting English, received the Spokane Prize for Short Fiction. Her award-winning stories have appeared in numerous literary journals and magazines, including American Literary Review, Bellingham Review, North American Review, Bellevue Literary Review, and the Los Angeles Times.

Future workshops will include websites, social media, author photos, event planning, presentations and interviewing, press releases, and book trailers.  And for those of you who graduate from the SoCal Author Academy, we will celebrate with you at an author event that we plan together!

Further information and registration is available at www.adventuresbythebook.com.  Questions? Contact Susan McBeth at susan@adventuresbythebook.com or at (619) 300-2532.  Susan has been an events coordinator for over twenty years, seven of which have specialized in author events for a major independent bookstore and now as founder and owner of Adventures by the Book.