FAQ's…
I’m just starting my publishing venture. What do you recommend for a first-timer at Publishing University?
- Step 1: Plan ahead. Publishing University courses are grouped by subject matter (tracks), and you can find a complete listing under Tracks. It’s tempting to want to do it all, and of course you want to get your money's worth, but spending 15 minutes in each of the more than 80 sessions is definitely not the best use of your time. One solution for doubling your exposure is to use the buddy system—you attend the Publicity Track, your friend attends the Marketing Track, and then you share notes. And remember that all the sessions are available after the University in audio format, so it's easy to pick up the recording for any classes you may have missed.
- Attend Tuesday’s Welcome classes. This is a valuable overview of the Publishing University experience, Maximize Your Time/Attendance at Publishing University provides tips and tricks for getting the most out of your University experience. Publishing University Education Chair Robin Bartlett is your Mapquest™ for navigating the University efficiently and effectively and will tell you how to get the most bang for your buck.
I went last year. What could possibly be there for me again?
- 44 brand-new seminars—everything from The Top Ten Things You Must Know about Book Publicity to Catching the Long Tail of Print-on-Demand (POD) and Short-Run Printing to Trends in Bookselling at Barnes & Noble.
- All-new Early Bird sessions provide you with a one-on-one opportunity to meet with potential buyers of thousands of your books, or get free consulting advice from a publishing professional.
- Hot topics in Internet Marketing. Check out Website WOW: Give Your Site a Marketing Makeover; Online Press Room Basics: Virtual Media Rooms . . . the Good, the Bad, and the Functional; and much more.
I thought the University was just for new publishers—what’s changed?
- How about an all-new Advanced Track custom designed just for more experienced attendees? Meet three of the following five criteria, and you’re in:
- previous attendance at Publishing University
- three or more years in publishing
- publishing as your primary business
- at least $250K in annual sales
- five or more titles published
- Add the keynote speech by Sara Nelson, editor of Publishers Weekly, plus an entire day of programming designed especially for the “veteran,” and you'll enjoy a unique learning and networking opportunity. A Taste of the Web/Advanced Web 2.0 Tools: Digg, Del.icio.us, Wikis . . . Oh My! and Got Milk? Branding, Licensing and Product Line Extensions are just a sample of the sessions that we planned with growth and success of experienced publishers' business as the ultimate goal.
I need to learn more about . . . [publicity, finances, marketing, sales, legal]. How can Publishing University help me?
- Want sales pointers? Back by popular demand is Speed-Dating Your Distributor.
- Are editorial woes keeping you awake at night? Come to How to Hire and Work with Editorial Freelancers.
- Budget shortfalls got you down? Head over to Make More Profitable Financial Choices.
With nine tracks and more than 80 courses featuring everything from protecting your copyright to revealing the secrets of buzz marketing, it's hard to imagine a facet of publishing not covered!
How do I sign up and where can I stay?
Visit Hotel Registration Information.How do I learn more?
Explore this website! When you’re finished, if you still have questions, you can reach a real live person at PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association's home office. Call 310-372-2732.