Grace Allison Blair, author of the award-winning Einstein’s Compass, and I attended Publisher Weekly’s BookLife Indie Author Forum, a one-day virtual conference on many topics of importance to Indie authors (check out Grace’s review for topics). It is their first year for this particular conference, but I doubt the last. Attendees entered through the lobby, established a personal profile to share with other attendees, and could arrange in advance to have their books hosted in the Library. Before entering the auditorium (where presentations occurred), attendees could chat with others in the Networking Lounge (though it was hard to find particular people there). All the tech stuff went smoothly and the few glitches I encountered were on my part, not theirs.
I’ll start with Grace’s overview because hers is much more thorough than mine!
I took the Booklife Indie Author Forum to keep up to date with the current trends in publishing. BookLife a subsidiary of Publisher’s Weekly is a good place for indie authors to learn their trade. The cost of the one day on-line workshop was $129.00. A bargain to learn:
How Self-Publishing Can Work For You
Reading a Book By It’s Cover
Amazon’s Best Practices
Advice from Breakout Session 1: Beyond Amazon – How does format influence your distribution?
Perfect Pitch
Book Awards Are They Necessary?
How To Choose the Right Categories on Amazon
How To Get Into Libraries
The live workshops offered experts like Jane Friedman. I loved the chats where you could ask questions of the panel.
When I entered a chat I wrote my name and the name of my book and wrote my book and that it has won ten book awards including the BookLife Indie Author Project for Texas. In the chat people asked for my contact information to learn more of how I received the book awards.
As an author I was invited to post my book free in the BookLife bookstore. Since I had won the BookLife Indie Author Project for Texas [congratulations, Grace!] I was invited to post my book in the BookLife Premium listing, free. As an attendee my registration included the opportunity to have my book featured in a second place, BookLife Indie Author Forum’s New Title Showcase. Powered by Combined Book Exhibit, this special virtual exhibit will be highlighted during the conference in its own room and will be made available on both the BookLife and Combined Book Exhibit websites through 2022. I was able to download the BookLife Premium Listing of books.
There was a virtual free book totebag where the sponsors offered free stuff.
There was a virtual networking room. In the room you could see who was there and chat or use the Zoom feature to talk face to face. I tried to find Jacqui but we just missed each other.
There were workshops I could not attend because of a conflict where I was in another workshop. So I look forward to receiving the recording so I can go through all the workshops and glean more information.
This was BookLife’s first time they offered on-line seminar for indie authors. Next year will get even better.
There aren’t a lot of virtual events that focus on Indie authors. When I heard about this one from Grace, I immediately signed up. Here is some of the interesting tidbits I got from the presentations:
- Indie authors write and publish to support their families. Yes, they love writing, but the driving force is to pay the bills, not be the somewhat apocryphal ‘starving artist’ image of a writer.
- One presenter said (I’ll paraphrase) that no traditional publisher could offer her enough money or benefits to switch from Indie to trad publishing.
- Indie covers may be better (more timely, more relevant) than trad because Indies publish quickly. Trad takes a year (or more). What is appealing in a cover changes dramatically for some genres in that period of time.
- Your newsletter verbiage should match the voice of your genre. For example, if you write humorously, your newsletter should reflect that.
- Great tips on creating book covers that include images and font and layout that fits your audience and genre. I love that they provided before-after examples.
- One presenter covered the ABCs of how libraries purchase books. That was fascinating but with too many details to list. It was more involved than I thought (and included preferred locations to find books) so if you are interested in selling to libraries, I’d recommend finding a how-to on that before beginning.
- They reviewed the pros and cons of paid reviews, ending with “Are they worth it?” I found this fascinating because I spent a lot of money with Kirkus early in my writing career on reviews and advertising and I’m not sure I got anything for it.
- On your social media platforms: Don’t ask people to buy your book; tell a story that makes them want to.
- Interestingly, no one talked about blogging. I think that was a miss. For me, it’s my predominant way to market/network.
- The idea that Indie publishing is a stigma is an outdated view. Um, we Indie authors know that!
- The conference was professionally delivered, via Zoom which most people have used so are comfortable with. The MC’s for each presentation were organized, energetic, and kept the conversation moving nicely.
- The presentations covered a wide variety of topics, many I don’t see often in other events.
Overall, a fun event, each presentation chock full of information, and offered at an affordable price. I will definitely attend next year’s event if I can.
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature which explores seminal events in man’s evolution one trilogy at a time. She is also the author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. Her non-fiction includes over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, reviews as an Amazon Vine Voice, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Natural Selection, Spring 2022.
Great to hear you got a lot out of the conference, Jacqui. I had contemplated attending but a bit difficult with the time difference and working. Though, I will consider going next year.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The real-time advantages didn’t work well for me, but they sent links to all the presentations afterwards. Those were wonderful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pingback: Monday Morning Blooms: What a wonderful life- wish I’d known sooner (April 2022 Post Four) – priorhouse blog
What was the cost of this conference ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think about $130. Not bad at all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
not bad at all!! and remember when I said that I went to event brite and it had closed adding signups – I was curious abut the price and that sounds reasonable.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Enjoyed your review and the info from Grace!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Grace is a good collaborator. She always remembers to set the scene–something I forget!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
sounds like you got a lot out of the conference – thanks for sharing what you learned. that was interesting about no mention of blogging…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was! I should send them a note, encourage them to include it next year.
LikeLike
I love events that are not only loaded with information but also are fun. Worth every dollar. I’m glad you attended and I thank you for sharing your experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What really helped do exactly what you say was the moderators. They were quick, professional, and kept everything moving on the right path.
LikeLike
I’m sorry I missed it now. Do they give you access to the workshops afterward?
LikeLiked by 1 person
They did! I missed a few and as it always worked, I swear they were the best! Great event.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful these kinds of resources/events are being offered to indie authors! Thanks so much for the report, Grace and Jacqui!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it! I love it. And by a prominent name like Publisher’s Weekly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Certainly, this was time well spent, and how great to be able to do this virtually. That has been one of the best things to come out of this two-year shutdown!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. All the time saved, the gas not burned, the money not spent. OK, yes, I did miss seeing the writerly folks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Understandable. This distance learning and sharing is great, but it will never replace the in-person connection. Hopefully, we’ll have both from now on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s terrific. One good thing to come from Covid is these virtual events. Still get so much great info, but from the comfort of your own home and w/o spending $500!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is an author event I’ve gone to most years, close to home, well-organized. It disappeared for COVID and when it came back, it was 30% higher in price! That’s just too big a jump!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whoa! That’s ridiculous.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad that it worked out well for you. It sounds like it was a worthwhile event 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely. And, I missed a few but they sent links out to all attendees. That was nice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like an interesting online conference, Jacqui. Thank you for taking the time to offer us an overview. I’ve never paid for or attended anything like this, assuming that most – if not all – of the information can be found online. So, my question is “What did you learn that you didn’t know before?” Are paid reviews usually worth it? Are book awards helpful/necessary for sales?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think what I learned ‘bigly’ is how mainstreamed Indie has become. It’s a legitimate alternative to trad publishing, not what people who can’t make it use. And I loved one presenter’s image of Indie authors as doing it to pay the bills. I’ve often said that we Indie’s didn’t need to be breakout successes or publish blockbusters. We just needed to sell enough to pay our bills. This is the first time I’ve heard someone of authority say the same thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for elaborating on that, Jacqui! I think it’s great that (some) Indie authors make enough money to pay the bills! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
They did point out that the author should keep writing books, that when readers like their voice in the first book, they are more likely to buy the next and the next. I’ve seen that myself, with my books. If people like one of my books, they are more likely to pick up the rest in the series.
I could see that for you, too, with all the different ways you wander the planet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Story Chat Y2 Summary – “Sweet Feeling” by Yvette Prior – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write
Plenty of great information at this forum, Jacqui. You’re right, there isn’t many sources like this for Indie writers. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It cheers me up! It sounds so rational.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great conference. I wish I’d been there. I love your coverage in this post. I’m using this post to link to your comment this month on Story Chat. Thanks for joining us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How nice! I found this different from most other conferences because it focused on Indies. Yay us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay you. I have still not been brave enough to try it for reals.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jacqui, thank you for sharing these valuable learning experiences with your readers. I wish I had time for this sort of conference but I barely stay afloat as it is. It is nice I can get some tips from you 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t travel to events because that takes so darn long–so I know what you mean!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jacqui, what a great experience and I’ll have to do that next year. You clearly learnt so much. Toni x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I learned a lot at this one. Usually, writer conferences are heavy on trad publishing. This was a refreshing break.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was “at” that conference, as well. I was impressed at how well it went technically for a first-time conference, and the topics were timely, relevant, and well presented. Definitely worth the money.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry I missed you! I wandered around the networking lounge for a while, but didn’t even find the friend I was planning to meet. I wish I’d been able to catch up with you!
LikeLike
That would have been fun. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were there, either.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great information and I might actually write another books someday … 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
This would encourage you. It made Indie sound much more approachable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing this, Jacqui. I’m going to give some serious thought to attending next year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s priced well and the time commitment is only a day. I like both of those.
LikeLike
Fantastic Jacqui – thanks for passing on the value of this. So interesting – for example, indie publishing is the way to go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s nice to hear what we all have been thinking—that Indie is a real alternative to trad and why.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like it was a wonderful forum and conference, Jacqui. The take aways sound validating and to me that’s pretty wonderful. Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope it happens again next year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was thrilled with how professional it was, considering it’s the first year. They did great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing all that you gathered from this conference Jacqui. I am glad you found it so useful. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are the high points. I loved also seeing the excitement in the presenters. They were truly motivated by Indie status.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds amazing! I’m looking forward to attending a couple of writing conferences this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was looking for some, too. It feels good to be around folks who don’t glaze over during conversations about POV and MC.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve seen that look. 🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehee
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an amazing conference this must have been! I enjoyed reading your summaries and learning about self-publishing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was excellent. I’m so glad I went.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great synopses from you both. It sounds like a worthwhile conference. (And congratulations to Grace!) Thanks, Jacqui.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I got a lot of new ideas out of it, and confirmation that what I’m doing as an Indie is right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve attended a lot of virtual meetings over the past two years, but none seem as inviting as this one, where you had a lobby and met folks before the program started (I normally sign up at the time the meeting starts). I’ve also tended lots of writing and book festivals, but they’ve all been in person. I have always enjoyed such events.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed. There’s something about wandering among people who are agog about books that lifts my soul. One of these days, I will find an in-person event to attend!
LikeLike
My favorite book festival is Calvin University Festival of Faith and Writing in Grand Rapds, MI (and it’s broader than sounds, as they have even had atheists, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim authors–they just have to write about faith). The Savannah Book Festival is also good. For writing workshops, check out the Iowa’s Summer Writing Workshops in Iowa City–I’ve attended once and it was great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those sound good, Jeff. I’m not a fan of flying but love road trips. Those could work!
LikeLike
It sounds like an excellent event, Jacquie with a wealth of valuable information for indie authors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was. Indies have come a long way since my first writer’s conference when they were pretty much ignored.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jacqui for sharing my comments on the Indie Author BookLife Workshop. Lots of information for indie authors in one day. I am still watching some of the recorded classes. I think the blogging was left out as indie authors are so busy writing they are still struggling with marketing and how to reach their audience on the web. Your the best example of how blogging works.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good point–about blogging. They probably had too many other topics to cover. I got a lot out of all the events. The one on Amazon–wow. Really loved that one.
LikeLike
A lot of a good information for any author, not just indies. Shame they didn’t talk about blogging though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think we bloggers are a breed apart from other writers. I am sold on it for meeting other writers, but I understand there are those who don’t see blogging in that light.
LikeLike
In most fields, I imagine, expert advice and networking are important to gaining success.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lots of talk about the importance of email newsletters. Which reminded me that mine could use some work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This sounds like a great conference. Glad you got a lot out of it. It’s sad that blogging isn’t considered a good way to market anymore. It’s my preferred way to create a platform too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did spend some research time a year ago digging around about the effectiveness of blogging. From what I found out, it’s still great, just a lot of work! I think SM is much easier.
LikeLike
Thank you for the recap, Jacqui!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you found it useful, Liz!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What information did you find to be the most useful?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The attitude that Indies are mainstreamed, that our books are because we love writing, not because we are trying to be remembered or bare our souls. I’m not saying that’s not important, just that–as one presenter put it–we like to pay our bills doing what we love.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great event for Indie authors – so much information.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There really was. And very few authors I’d met before so I added quite a few writers to my network.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great info, Jacqui!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Priscilla. There wasn’t a single meeting I didn’t get something out of.
LikeLike
Excellent advice, Jacqui! I especially appreciated telling a story that makes people want to buy your book. Reading the Amazon sales pages of best-selling indie authors provides examples of what works. Using a tool like Publisher Rocket can help you discover marketing blurbs contributing to higher sales.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good reminder about Publisher Rocket. Thanks, Grant!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like it was well worth it, Jacqui.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was! I liked that the commitment was only one day and they sent links to all the sessions, in case I missed something.
LikeLiked by 1 person
nice information
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Great information, Jacqui. Thanks for sharing! I’m also surprised there was no mention of blogging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe I’ll jot them a note! Or maybe we-all are outliers in the book marketing push!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jacqui – I’m so glad you were able to go … and obviously ‘got a lot’ out of the day. Cheers Hilary
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, too! They chose a good day–a Saturday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks !
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLike
Pingback: BookLife Indie Author Forum–An Overview — – uwerolandgross
This sounds like must-do event for indie writers. Great information.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s one of the best I’ve seen for us. There are others, but we’re always an add-on. This one, we were pride of place!
LikeLike
I cut in line again. sigh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehee
LikeLike