On Saturday, September 30 the Lorain County Public Library System offered a writers conference at the North Ridgeville branch. I attended along with about eighty other local writers gathered to learn the strategies for getting published. The speaker was Chuck Sambuchino, former editor of Writers Digest who gave five talks on the marketing side of writing. This practical side of the writing business is the most difficult for me but it is necessary if you are going to have a readership beyond family and friends.
Mr. Sambuchino held my attention with much pertinent information and humor. He focused on expectations delineating between what you are able to do and what you are willing to do. He spoke on outlets for print and electronic publishing, building a public platform, writing query letters, and using social media. He encouraged us to link with already established websites and blogs for widening or readership.
Attendees were invited to submit a page of fiction for critique. About ten anonymous first pages were read and Mr. Sambuchino offered assessment of strengths and ways to repair weaknesses.
Thanks to the Lorain Public Library System for making this workshop free to the writing public.