How to Build Your Book Publishing Dream Team

In this digital age, going the DIY (do-it-yourself) route is a huge and growing movement, especially in the self-publishing book world. But publishing a book yourself does not have to mean going it alone. Ideally, you should assemble a small team of talented folks to help you publish and promote a top-notch book.

Writing is just the first step. To get your message out into the world with the greatest impact, you'll need experienced editors, designers, printers, and marketers to help you. A tightly edited, beautifully designed, and effectively marketed book is essential to a successful author’s platform. Your team can help get you there!

At our February meeting, four panelists will offer advice and guidance to help you identify your unique voice, create a branded image, and build your online presence. And they'll share tips on how a dream team can help you achieve your goals.

Our presenters:

Katherine Pickett, of POP Editorial Services, will cover:
• What a professional editor can do for you
• Keys to success when working with an editor
• Your role in the editing process

A 12-year veteran of the publishing industry, Katherine Pickett is the owner of POP Editorial Services (www.popediting.net) and a full-time freelance copyeditor, proofreader, and developmental editor with experience in nonfiction trade books; children’s, young adult, and adult fiction; memoirs; academic books and journals; and global finance reports.

Cathy Davis, of Davis Creative, will show you:
• How to make sure your first impression is not your last
• Get noticed = Get purchased
• The best information to share with your designer

A 30-year marketing veteran, Cathy believes that good design is good business. Specializing in brand identity, graphic design, and self-publishing consulting, Cathy started Davis Creative (www.DavisCreative.com) in January 2004 after leaving her position as creative director for Bank of America Trust. In addition to custom logos, marketing materials, and web-based graphics, as a publishing project manager, Cathy helps small business owners and executives position themselves as experts in their field through self-publishing.

Sheila Burkett, of Spry Digital, will cover:
• The importance of authors having their own website
• How a website can be the foundation for your “author platform”
• The key elements of an effective author website

Sheila Burkett is a founder and partner of Spry Digital (www.sprydigital.com), a web solutions company, serving as their CFO, business development leader, and organizational strategy consultant. After working with Edward Jones for 20 years in their Information Systems division, in 2006 Sheila launched into the entrepreneur stage of her career. This allows her to take her expertise in software design and development on multiple computing platforms and apply it to helping small businesses.

Mich Hancock, of 100th Monkey Media, will reveal:
• The best social media platforms for you and your book
• Tips and tricks to get your social pages noticed
• The difference between social media marketing and traditional marketing

Mich Hancock is the owner of 100th Monkey Media (www.facebook.com/100thMonkeyMedia), a company that specializes in creating and managing a social media presence and brand identity for clients. She has helped her clients shine via numerous online platforms, leading to national attention from Oprah, the Today Show, and more. 100th Monkey Media provides the marketing adrenaline shot that companies and public personalities need to raise them to a new level of recognition.