Join us on February 11th for our monthly member meeting! Whether you are hoping to have your manuscript acquired, contemplating self-publishing, or launching your own fledgling publishing program, this talk will help you navigate the possibilities—and realities—of the publishing ecosystem.
What You Wish You Understood About the Publishing Process
Unpack the jargon so you can communicate effectively and confidently as we explore the many pathways to publishing. In this engaging presentation, we demystify the publishing process and offer insights into the journey of bringing a book to life in 2025. This session provides a whirlwind, 360-degree overview of the entire publishing process:
- Acquisition: Discover how publishers evaluate manuscripts and the market, and learn strategies for authors to stand out.
- Editing: Understand the various types of editing—developmental, copyediting, proofreading—why each matters, and how to collaborate effectively with editors.
- Cover Design & Layout: The essentials of creating visually compelling books that sell, whether you work with designers or explore DIY options.
- Print Production & eBooks: Follow the journey of a formatted manuscript to a physical or digital bookshelf.
- Marketing & Promotion: Explore strategies for creating awareness for your frontlist titles and sustaining interest in your backlist.
- Distribution and the Two Sales: Understand the differences between B2B (“trade”) and B2C sales and how these approaches complement each other.
Who Should Attend?
This wide-ranging discussion is designed for new and established authors and micro-press publishers looking to better position themselves on the publishing map. Whether you’re wearing multiple hats or building a collaborative team, this talk offers practical, efficient ways to navigate the industry’s complexities.
Invite your friends, collaborators, and fellow authors for a friendly and informative dive into the dynamic world of publishing. Together, we’ll uncover what it takes to turn a manuscript into a market-ready book and position yourself for success in today’s publishing landscape. There will be plenty of time for Q&A at the end.
Our Speaker
Joshua Weber has always had a love for literature, so it wasn’t a surprise to his family when he quit his day job and joined Calumet Editions. Since starting as an intern in 2017, he has risen to the role of Operations Director, touching many aspects of the publishing process: building marketing campaigns, proofreading manuscripts, communicating with authors. He also acts as the Show Producer for the Minneapolis radio program Write On! Radio, Administrative Coordinator for Afton Press, and Treasurer for MiPA.
Registration Information
Date: February 11th
Time: 6:30pm (CT) Networking/7:00pm (CT) Program
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/XqYl8MFHSlqk3YKwAsZV5w