Writer friends!

Ryan Rivas, Joanna Ruocco, Michelle Ross, and I hope you’ll save the date for this AWP event we’ve been working hard on and are really excited about! We’d also love for you to help us spread the word in the small-press community!

It can be challenging for small-press books to find their way to readers. Four small-press authors who are passionate about supporting the work of other small-press authors will share what’s worked for them, but the bulk of the event will provide participants with a chance to brainstorm generous, creative ways to support one another as small-press authors. For the purposes of this event, we’re defining “small press” as anything other than Big 5 or self-publishing.

Background:

Without the promotional support that often comes with Big 5 publishing, it can be difficult for small-press books to find their way to readers. For several years, I’ve organized a gathering of fellow Dzanc authors at AWP to brainstorm ways to support one another as small-press authors. This event will expand that project to include other small-press authors, and will offer a space for participants to share ideas for supporting creative work by other small-press authors.

Note that this will be one of the conference’s new Discussion Room events, meaning that this event is all about participation and brainstorming together, so please plan to join us to share your ideas and hear tips from others!

What You Can Expect:

Welcome: 5 minutes

Examples: 5-minute presentations by each of 4 panelists on ways they support other small-press authors. (20 minutes)

Breakout: Participants will break into groups of 4-5 to share ideas for supporting other small-press authors. (25 minutes)

Ideas to Go: In the final 30 minutes, we’ll come back together to share the best ideas with the larger group.

Following the event, ideas will be collected and shared on a Google Doc all participants will have access to.