Writers conference

I just got back from the HACWN writers conference in Kansas City this weekend. It was another conference full of lots of info about what the publishing industry is up to and how the writer can beat the odds. Thomas Nelson is cutting their titles this year from 700 down to 400 and other publishers reported changes as well. Mostly we see "business as usual, but we're being cautious." A lot of the talk was about self-publishing but there is a sticky line between who should and should not do it. Example: If you speak regularly in front of hundreds of people through out the year, you may want to consider self-publishing. If not, write your best manuscript and make friends with book stores and go for the royalty publisher. Actually, make friends with the bookstores anyway. A good book to read for helping to market your book whether you go for royalty or self-publishing is Carmen Leal's You Can Market Your Book. Also Gurella Marketing for the Writer is another one you can purchase from Amazon.com.

Just some thoughts.