PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6 August 2018
For more information, contact Brian Johnston, Lincoln Township Library
269.429.9575, ext 117 or bjohnston@lincolnlib.org

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN WRITERS’ CONFERENCE DEBUTS IN NILES

DECATUR, MICHIGAN – – – – Once upon a time, aspiring writers had few paths to publication without first securing a literary agent. Thanks to the advent of self-publishing, over 785,000 print and eBooks were issued an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) in 2016, a 218% increase since 2011.

While the self-publishing industry provides greater opportunities for hopeful authors, the avenue between idea and finished product is not without challenges. Besides having to choose whether to work directly with retailers or hire a service company, writers must also hone the mechanics of their craft.

Thanks to Brian Johnston, Head of Public Services at Lincoln Township Public Library, a team of librarians in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties are offering area writers a day of advice, instruction and camaraderie, Saturday, October 27, Niles District Library, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

The first Southwest Michigan Writers’ Conference features sessions that include such topics as building suspense, avoiding logical fallacies, writing about challenging children’s topics and writing for young adults. Self-published writers leading the presentations include New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig, Bibi Belford, author of books for middle school readers; crime author Libby Fischer Hellmann, and children’s author Tamara Knighten.

Johnston moderates a roundtable discussion about the future of self-publishing with authors Anne Vandermolen, Lucy Kubash, Maris Soule, Jessica Pennington and Tommie Lee.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended. To register online, find the Southwest Michigan Writers’ Conference on Facebook. For more information, contact any of the sponsoring libraries: Berrien Springs Community Library, Dowagiac District Library, Lincoln Township Public Library, Niles District Library, and Van Buren District Library.

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