Thursday, May 21, 2009

Come Learn From the Experts! If You Haven't Learned Your Lesson Already

Publishing veterans Diane Mancher and Karen Mender are launching Self-Publishing Book Expo, an event that will focus on self-published books and the companies that produce them. SPBE will offer attending authors a place to exhibit and sell their books to the general public--and agents and publishers . . .
This is as far as I got before I snorted so hard I dropped my sandwich (and it was a good sandwich!). "Agents and publishers" are going to attend, are they?

Then again, I might be tempted to go (in disguise) just for the stories I could bring back. But only if I can get in free.

The website is here http://www.selfpubbookexpo.com/
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15 comments:

  1. SkepticMay 21, 2009 at 10:18 PM

    You'll have to let everyone know what they're charging publishers/agents to attend (should any actually inquire), since they don't have the fee posted on the website.

    I'm curious, now. (Thanks - just what I need!) ;)

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  2. AnonymousMay 21, 2009 at 10:50 PM

    "There will also be a special Open House for 'Would-Be Authors' open to all attendees."
    Who could resist?
    "General admission: $15.00: "Publishers" get a captive audience who pay for the privilege of hearing their pitches! What a concept!

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  3. noneMay 22, 2009 at 7:50 AM

    And they truly see no irony in "self-published books and the companies that produce them"?

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  4. AnonymousMay 22, 2009 at 8:13 AM

    Huh. And I thought self-pubbers just came to my bookstore and harassed me when they wanted a captive audience.

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  5. Ebony McKenna.May 22, 2009 at 8:33 AM

    I snorted so hard I dropped my sandwich (and it was a good sandwich!) Of *course* plenty of agents and publishers will be there. Just like loads of agents and publishers visit those websites where they charge writers to display their manuscripts.

    . . . Someone's sure to accuse me of being a slush-pile half empty kind of person . . .

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  6. wormatMay 22, 2009 at 9:50 AM

    This just makes me sad.

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  7. Jo TreggiariMay 22, 2009 at 10:25 AM

    I'm trying to maintain an open mind about self-publishing but it's hard. It may well become something truly legitimate in the future (and exiting and ground-breaking) but right now it seems to be a bunch of companies taking advantage of would-be writers and relieving them of their cash.

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  8. Jo TreggiariMay 22, 2009 at 10:26 AM

    oops..that would be "exciting" not "exiting"

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  9. AnonymousMay 22, 2009 at 10:56 AM

    What's scary to me is how seasoned the "founders" are. They really seem legit; what happened to them?

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  10. Sarah LaurensonMay 22, 2009 at 11:52 AM

    Hm. I've heard self-pubbing thoughts a lot lately from local writers. And when we were discussing the CSK, I came across a few places where self-pubbing was recommended for writers of color. Hm.

    I suppose this is an attempt to legitimize it or rake in the dough from writers who are looking for that non-traditional and (supposedly) easier path to success. Hm. And using traditional publishers' presence as a lure? Hm.

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  11. shellMay 22, 2009 at 12:00 PM

    What kind of sandwich was it?

    Sincerely,
    Sandwich Girl

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  12. Chris EldinMay 22, 2009 at 12:42 PM

    YAY!
    Blogger approval is turned off. And I am turned on.
    purrr....

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  13. Haste yee back ;-)May 23, 2009 at 9:42 AM

    Dear EA,
    If I self-pub, would you consider editing my intended title?

    Price is up to you!

    Haste yee back ;-)

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  14. PurpleCloverMay 23, 2009 at 11:46 AM

    This is so sad for those aspiring writers that aren't aware. Spending their money thinking they will get to network with agents and publishers. Very wrong and very sad.

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  15. AnonymousMay 23, 2009 at 2:20 PM

    If only I'd known this earlier, I'd have proposed my own session: "Title Pages: What They Are, What They Do, and Why You Need One."

    [Spooky that my word verification for this one is paysmsel]

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