Self-Publishing Forum

Theresa Leigh, William Schiele, Katrina Thompson. Moderator: Ebony Nicole Smith
2017 saw more than 1 million self-published titles, a 28% increase in volume from the year before. Despite what you may hear, this a publishing trend that isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Join this panel of self-published authors as they help you navigate the booming world of self-publishing. Discover which routes you can take, and which to avoid, as you embark on your publishing voyage.

Publishing Poems, Stories, and Essays

Al Abonado, Robert Glick, Rion Amilcar Scott. Moderator: Calvin Eaton
Literary journals nourish emerging writers by giving them a space to promote their work. But getting published in journals takes time, dedication, and perseverance. Are you a poet, short story writer, or essayist wondering where to place your work once it’s done? Our panelists will provide strategies for publishing poems, short stories, and collections.

Is a Small Press Right for Me?

Peter Conners, Elizabeth DeMeo, Chad Post, Michael McGandy. Moderator: Brian Wood
Not every writer needs an agent to succeed. There are hundreds of small or independent presses in the United States alone that are looking for work in every imaginable niche. But how do you find them? And what do you do to attract their interest? In this panel featuring editors and publishers at several leading independent publishers, you will discover the pros and cons of the Small Publishing world.

How (Not) to Be an Amateur Poet

Phil Memmer, Anastasia Nikolis, Georgia Popoff. Moderator: Stephen Huff
Four poetry editors talk about what to avoid when sending out individual poems or manuscripts to journals and contests, why you should follow up on an invitation to “send again,” and how to persist in the face of ongoing rejection. A question and answer session will follow the panel discussion.