from start to finish
February 2,
WHERE
2011 1st Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
USA
Interested in self-publishing or being a hybrid author? Many authors want to explore a combination of publishing, but with tight schedules and writing deadlines, learning how to format ebooks, promote, and engage your audience can feel daunting. This class is designed to help!
Do I need a finished manuscript? – Nope! Just bring in a sample document to practice with!
During this hands-on workshop, Tod McCoy will walk you through the process of actually turning your manuscript into a publishable e-book. We will start with a Word/Text document, and through a combination of
PREREQUISITES:Each student will need to bring:– A laptop – Mac, Windows PC, Linux (or whatever else might run the required software)– An installed, working version of Sigil (download links for this free software will be provided ahead of time)– An installed, working version of Calibre (download links for this free software will be provided ahead of time)– Manuscript file you will convert into an e-book (recommended specs for your document will be provided ahead of time)– An e-book cover (specs will be provided) is optional, practice covers will be provided to work with
AGENDA:Tod McCoy: Converting Your Manuscript– Sigil overview– e-book formats– Converting your file– Understanding e-book structure– Labwork – converting your file and reviewing the resultsKiki Burrelli: Fundamentals of e-book Selling– Keywords and categories– Importance of the summary– Significance of also boughts/also views– Why you don’t want to ask your friends and family to run out and get your book– Amazon algorithms– Managing expectationsTod McCoy: Adjusting the HTML code– The use and placement of images– When/how to use table of contents– Labwork – adjusting your e-book and reviewing the resultsTom Wright: Amazon Essentials & Partnering with an Artist– Amazon KDP options, reports and promotions– Amazon KDP Select; i.e. why and why not, and what to expect– Importance of e-book covers– Options for finding an artist, and when to do so– What you need for your ebook coverTod McCoy: Uploading & Testing your file– Device/Reader differences– Testing– What can go wrong and Best Practices– Calibre overview– How to upload– Labwork – testing your e-book and (if you already have an account) uploading
Tod McCoy is a Seattle-based writer whose work has appeared in Asimov’s, Starward Tales II, The People’s Apocalypse, Bronies: For the Love of Ponies, AntipodeanSF.com, Qarrtsiluni.com, and The Gloaming. A Clarion West graduate and current board member, he’s the publisher behind Hydra House, whose catalog includes Telling Tales, edited by Ellen Datlow, two collections by Cat Rambo: Near+Far (which generated a Nebula nomination) and Neither Here Nor There; and Godfall & Other Stories by Sandra M. Odell. He has been converting books into digital format and working with authors and small presses since 2010.
Kiki Burrelli began writing for a living in 2016 after jumping, eyes closed, into the world of self-publishing. She mainly writes LGBT romance, though really, she writes the books she likes to read, with characters she wants to spend time with. Since beginning her self-publishing journey she’s written several series including Wolf’s Mate and The Den and over twenty novels and novellas. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and like a true stereotype, loves coffee and the rain. She is endlessly shocked by how many non-writing related tasks there are in writing for a living and absolutely loves to talk shop, trends and tips. For more info check out her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kburrelli/ or website: www.kikiburrelli.net (Kiki writes on the steamier side so please use your own discretion.)
Tom D Wright is a science fiction author in the Pacific Northwest, whose work includes several self-published books. He graduated with a Masters in Psychology from Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland and is on the Board for Cascade Writers.
