Your book is your baby, do you trust it in the hands of just anyone? Finding someone to represent it can be just as hard (or harder) than finding a good sitter for your little tyke. So what are your options if you really want to get see your work in print?'

Basically there are two: Keep hitting the pavement and hoping that an agent or publisher will represent you, or represent yourself by self publishing.

Last month I gave a presention on self publishing at the Delta Lake Writer's Gathering. Recently one of my fellow presenters, Diane Estrella, blogged out what I had taught. Here is what she had to say:

"Amy Quonce was another of the presenters at the Writer’s Conference I recently spoke at. She recently self published her first book and gave us all the lo down and the in’s and out’s of using CreateSpace, the self-publishing branch of Amazon. Here are some of her notes. The very best tip is at the end for anyone that may want to order proof books for their beta readers. Amazing!"

Pro’s and Con’s of being your own boss

Self Publishing
•You are in control of pricing and royalties
•Books can be sold at retailers, online, and libraries
•You can publish your book, your way
•Unless you opt for the marketing services, it is up to you to promote your book

 Agent/Publisher
•Royalties depend on your contract
•Books can be sold at retailers, online, and libraries
•Agents/Publisher may want to change your content
•Agents/Publishers have extensive connections to promote your book

Self publishing in 10 easy steps

1. Create an account and choose either a free ISBN assignment or enter one of your own
2. Choose a trim size for your book and decide if you want white or cream colored pages
3. Save your completed (and edited) manuscript as a pdf file (making sure that your pages are already in your chosen trim size)
4. Upload your book’s interior
5. Create a cover. Choose either one of their many designs, upload a photo of your own, or use a professional designed cover
6. Write a blurb for the back cover
7. Upload the book’s cover
8. Preview what your book will look like. (You will get a virtual book to flip through) When satisfied, hit the complete button
9. Files will now be reviewed by the company and within 48 hours (typically 24) you will be able to approve the book or make changes.
10. Once approved you can set up your e-store, write a product description for your book along with an author bio. This will be displayed on your Amazon account. Then choose your distribution options.

Your royalties will vary with each distribution.

Example: 144 page book (trim size 8.5 x 5.5), with a selling price of $11.95
CreateSpace e-store ~~~Royalties earned $6.99
Amazon.com (US) ~~~Royalties earned $4.60
Amazon.com (Europe) ~~~Royalties earned £2.44Retailers
Sold yourself ~~~Royalties earned $9.80

What services does CreateSpace offer?

• Blog (Free)
• E-store (Free)
• ISBN number (Free)
• Library of Congress number
• Design layout
• Editing
• Marketing services
• Kindle conversion

Helpful hint:Even if you chose not to self publish, you can upload your manuscript and order proof books to give to Beta Readers. This is cheaper than making copies at Staples and easier to read than looking at a pdf file. You can always cancel your ISBN number as long as you did not approve the files.

Take some time to Diane at her website "That's What I'm Here For" @ http://dianeestrella.com/self-publishing-with-createspace-is-it-right-for-you/. She has an amazing blog and is always offering book reviews for the

Are you a novice or an expert? Does writing seep through your veins or do you enjoy just casual journaling? Either way a writer's gathering is a great way to meet new friends, pick up some new techniques, and reflect on your own writing.


The Upstate New York Christian Writers Third Annual CHRISTIAN WRITERS’ GATHERING is being held at the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center in Rome, New York. On July 5th & 6th writers, poets, and editors will unite to share information in a relaxed environment. This event is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.

What will you learn while you are there?
This year a varity of seminars are being offered to fit the needs of the many different levels of writers that are amongst us. The kick off happens at 1:30 on Thursday July 5th where you can take in the keynote address (delivered by John Stumbo). Later in the day you will discover the world of self publishing (given by yours truly) and after that stay and learn about the benefits of blogging (hosted by Diane Estrella). At the end there will be a panel discussion by all of the presenters.

On Friday July 6th The Snowflake Method of Writing will be introduced and then DAVE FESSENDEN
will share concepts from his book Writing the Christian Nonfiction Book: Concept to Contract. Cheryl Potts will begin the second session of the day by talking about articles that sell and then author Hope Martson (who is getting ready to debut her 35th book very soon) will conclude the day with a seminar on writing nonfiction for children.

How can you attend?
TO REGISTER for the Christian Writers’ Gathering, mail a check for $40 with your name, address, phone number and email, by June 28 to: Debbie Tuthill, 4585 County Hwy. 14, Treadwell, NY 13846

 
Questions? Email Debbie at dtuthill@stny.rr.com, or call her at 607-829-8531

(The $40 fee covers only the cost of the seminars. To register for lodging and meals, contact the Delta Lake Bible Conference Center at www.deltalake.org.)

Wow,  for two days in a row I have received some wonderful news in my inbox. If good things happen in three's, I can't wait to see what tomorrow may bring.

Yesterday I got an invitation to speak at the Delta Lake Christian's Writer's Gathering.
On July 5th from 3:30-4:30 I will be taking the podium and talking to the audience about the art of self publishing. I plan on sharing my experiences with the formatting process, promotional aspects, and all of the tiny details that go into actually publishing the book.

Today I was notified that I placed 3rd in the Oswego Reading's Council annual writing contest! This year's writing prompt was: Reach For The Stars. Here's a sneak preview of my entry:

Under the Blankets of Heaven

　
It was hot that summer night when I placed my blanket on the plush green grass and laid upon it. The air, calm and crisp, smelled of budding flowers and fresh lake water. Crickets chirping in the background provided the only noise within miles. It was the kind of night that made one feel as if anything were possible.

Setting my gaze up towards the pale blue moon, I noticed one particular star shining brighter than the others. It’s magnificent glow drew me in like a painter placing marks upon a fresh canvas. Mesmerized by its beauty, I found myself softly uttering a little tune that I had learned as a kid.

“Star light, star bright, the first start I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight.” As a young child, that had always seemed to be nothing more than just a silly nursery rhyme. But tonight, with that one golden star shining bright enough to light up the vastly dark sky, it seemed as if the impossible could happen. So closing my eyes, I placed a wish under that beautiful star beam, before slowly reopened my lids in order to savor every last moment. Then I reached out towards the light and tried touch those stars, in hopes of keeping one for myself.

I wasn’t at all surprised when my arms could not reach the sky. As much as my fingers longed to caress those diamonds dancing in the night, I knew those gems were far too special to be had by just one person. They were a gift from heaven that was meant to be shared by all. Every wish from around the world was centered on the faith that these tiny stars held the power to make everyone’s dreams come true. They provide a small glimmer of hope to those who are desperate to fill a void in their lives. This hope was not mine to take. Content with my revelation, I knew it was time to go home.

Rolling up my blanket, I neatly tucked it under my arm and proceeded down the path of which I had come just one hour earlier. The walk home was different than the one I had taken previously. Instead of looking for a place to escape, I had found a path that was full of pure contentment and peace. I saw life differently now. Because I reached for the stars, I had touched upon an epiphany. Millions of miles away there was a speck of light that guides us along our lives. If we follow it’s glow, we will find what our heart truly yearns for, and become the person that we were meant to be. I found my path that night under the blankets of heaven. And I will follow the light ‘til it guides me to my next destination.

~Amy Quonce