Get a read on self-publishing from experienced authors

Aspiring authors can learn the ins and outs of the self-publishing process by attending a panel discussion with local authors at the Westlake Library on Aug. 29 .

“As self-publishing becomes an increasingly popular avenue, we’ve received many questions from patrons asking about how the process works,” said Joesephine Clarke, Westlake’s branch librarian. “If authors have written a book, they want to know where to go to get started.”

The panel will include Sally Roseveare, Kimba Dalferes, Becky Mushko and Brenda Rowell.

“I’m hoping that bringing together several authors who have utilized different forms of publishing can offer insight to those who may just be getting started,” said Clarke.

According to Bowker, a provider of bibliographic information and management solutions for publishers, booksellers and libraries, the number of self-published books has grown by 287 percent since 2006.

“It’s been argued that self-publishing is revolutionizing the book marketplace,” said Clarke, who referenced an article from Publisher’s Weekly, which discussed the decline of traditionally published books and the increase of self-published ones.

“The ramifications of this are still being debated in libraries, but it’s an interesting dynamic that demands attention,” Clarke said.

Roseveare has had two books published and is currently working on a third. On her website, she offers a variety of advice to aspiring writers from start to finish.

“Go easy — and I mean it — on the adjectives, adverbs, passive voice and exclamation points,” she wrote. “After you finish writing your first draft, edit your work, edit it again and then again. I’m serious.”

Roseveare strongly urges writers to double-check their work and to have others review it, too.

“When you self-publish, you must edit, edit, edit your work, then edit it again, before submitting your manuscript to a publisher,” said Roseveare. “And it helps to have a knowledgeable and honest person to read, edit and proof it, too.”

Panelists also will share their experiences — good, bad and ugly — on shopping for a self-publisher.

“My experience, after being scammed by a crooked agent, was good,” said Roseveare. “I went with Infinity Publishing, which is actually a print-on-demand publisher that publishes in-house. Infinity was easy to work with, the cost was reasonable, and I liked the finished product.”

To avoid the pitfalls of becoming a victim to a scam, Clarke referenced an online article from AARP ( www.aarp.org/entertainment/books/info-01-2011/avoid-publishing-scams.html) to help writers.

“Sadly, there are some self-publishing scams out there which hope to attract new writers,” said Clarke.

Dalferes encourages authors to take their time and shop around.

“Make personal contacts with several print-on-demand publishers and see who will offer you the best package,” she said. “Don’t spend money on marketing packages — no matter what, you will need to do your own marketing.”

A dded Dalferes: “Your best resource is fellow writers; find out which publishers they use and ask for advice.”

The panel discussion, which is free and open to the public, will be held Aug. 29 at 3 p.m. at Westlake Library. For more information, contact the library at 483-3098, ext. 3.

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