What I Learned From Publishing My First Book

The idea of publishing your book can be intimidating and overwhelming. There are so many aspects to juggle: editors, interior layout, cover design, print books vs. eBooks, print on demand, distribution, sales, marketing – the list goes on and on. The St. Louis Publishers Association is filled with people who faced the same concerns prior to publishing their first book.

It’s one thing to read about independent publishing best practices from afar. It’s quite another to hear directly from authors who have “been there and done that.” On July 10 three SLPA board members will share the good, the bad, and the ugly of their book publishing journey.

They’ll let you know exactly what they did right, what they did wrong, and what they would do different knowing what they know now.

Our panelists include:

Warren Martin is the author and publisher of the fictional book Forgotten Soldiers: What Happened to Jacob Walden. In addition to being an SLPA board member, Warren is a member of the St. Louis and Missouri Writers Guild, the American Legion, the Special Forces Association, and also serves on the Advisory Board for the Green Beret Foundation. www.warrenmartinbooks.com

Kim Wolterman is the owner of Provenance Publishing Company and the author of Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed(room)? Researching a St. Louis County, Missouri Home, From Buckeye to G.I. LeRoy C. Kubler The War Years 1942-1945 and the ebook Keys to Unlocking House History. Kim speaks on blogging, book publishing, family history, and researching house history. www.kimwolterman.com

Tim Hill is the author of the Joe the Crab series of children’s books. Based on bedtime stories he told his own kids, they reference the challenges young children face in schools and at home. Tim frequently speaks before school groups and appears at charity events. He hopes the characters in his books don't just entertain, but also teach children important life lessons as they mature. www.joethecrab.com

Join us as our panelists walk you through what is really involved in publishing a book and offer ways to avoid some of the mistakes they made along the way.