RICHLANDS - Author James Campbell of Tazewell decided there had to be a better way of getting his books out.

Campbell has published two novels, "Luther's Mule" and "Ida Mae: Moonshine, Money, and Misery." But he was lucky to get 5 percent to 12 percent of retail whenever a copy sold. Publishers and distributors take the bulk of the revenue. It is a lament Campbell had heard from other regional writers, even though he said Appalachian writing is hot these days. Sharyn McCrumb ("St. Dale"), Adriana Trigiani ("The Queen of the Big Time"), Homer Hickam ("Rocket Boys") and Jack R. Pyle ("Black Horse, White Rider") are among those whose books have Appalachian roots and have achieved popularity far beyond the region.

Last fall, Campbell began talking to other authors about ways they might distribute their books themselves. The result was the formation of the Appalachian Authors Guild, which was established last year and will launch its Web site, now under construction, at a media event April 8 at Southwest Virginia Community College near Richlands.

The event will conclude with book signings for the public from 4:30 to 7 p.m. by guild authors.

Guild offices are in the Richlands Business Incubator, which offers support services for startup businesses including an Internet high-data line through which the guild will market members' works online.

The guild gets 25 percent of the profits from the sales it generates, compared with the 60 percent or more that goes to traditional distributors.

The guild is a not-for-profit organization set up to distribute books throughout the 13-state Appalachian region through the online bookstore and a physical one to be established on U.S. 19/460 in Tazewell County. It will also help authors publicize their work through public events, forums and networking opportunities such as the April 8 event.

"Appalachia's literature is as much a part of its rich cultural landscape as its music, folklore, and arts and crafts," said Rick Peltz, alternate co-chairman of the Appalachian Regional Commission, who is scheduled to address guild authors April 8. "Through this new Web site and its online bookstore, the works of Appalachian authors, both past and present, will be now be made available to a vast new audience in our country and the world."

"From the commonwealth's perspective, the [guild] is a wonderful illustration of the melding of technology, artistry and rural economic development," said Karen Jackson, broadband outreach director of the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology, which has given the guild a grant.

A writer can make money by buying copies of his work at cost and selling them himself at book signings and such, but Campbell said he would rather spend his time writing.

"I've sold thousands of copies, but it's a lot of hard work," he said. "I can only do so much. But through the guild, I will be able to reach people who have never heard of me," he said.

The Internet is key to guild sales. The guild's online portal will include a book club, online chats with the authors, a featured author of the month, downloads on demand, gift registry, author profiles and dust covers of each book, said Paula Short, the guild's media and public relations director.

Short said the guild defines Appalachian authors as those who have lived or still live in the Appalachian region. Their works need not reflect Appalachian themes.

"We have historical novels, we have fiction, romance, poetry," Short said. "It's a buzz in Richmond because we are promoting the economy of the Appalachian Regional Commission region."

Short said some 30 authors had joined by the end of January, and that had doubled in February. The annual membership fee is $25.

Trigiani, who has published three books focusing on Big Stone Gap, in Wise County, is a member.

"Paula's hope is that this group of professional writers will encourage the part-timers, young students and eager readers to pay attention to poetry, short stories and novels written by folks who grew up with the Appalachian Mountains as their backdrop and, sometimes, inspiration," Trigiani said.

"You don't have to be a published author to join the guild," Short said. People can join as Friends of the Guild for $10 a year, and can get a monthly newsletter, correspond with favorite authors and participate in other activities.

The guild project has received financial support from agencies that recognize its economic potential, including $7,500 from the Center for Innovative Technology and $10,000 from the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission. It is seeking additional funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission.

The guild has some ambitious goals, including its own publishing and printing imprint within three years. Meanwhile, it will concentrate on promoting the work of its growing membership.

"Every author is promoting every other author," Campbell said. "We, as authors, can contribute to the economy and profit from it."

Further information is available from Short at (276)870-1992 or paula@appalachianauthorsguild.com.

On the Net: www.appalachian

authorsguild.com