by Posy Gering

What resources do you need to overcome the barriers to publishing success? Perhaps, you might identify with one of these:

• I hate asking people for things
• I’m not being successful unless I’m being published by a NY publisher
• I can’t publish because I don’t have reviews or blurbs
• It seems like none of my pitches are landing … I’m frustrated
• I write and write and write, but nothing is finished
• I have piles of ideas about how to market my book, but I never get around to it

April’s meeting was a unique approach to our community – we focused the wisdom of our group to help one another and build community. What we did was talk about some of our current challenges, then, each person had an opportunity to get feedback on one of them. Here is some feedback from attendees about the exercise I offered:

“The Board of Advisers activity allowed me to receive valuable, constructive feedback as a writer in a warm environment with likeminded people,” reflected Dara Bramson. “The activity was especially useful because it encouraged both a dialogue with the writer and board, as well as an opportunity for all participants to listen, process, and express themselves.”

“This exercise went beyond the standard writer critique. It’s interesting to see how the group dynamic is used and how a simple thing, like having the person face away from the people giving advice, helps focus the process.” commented Rosemary Jones.

Dara also commented, “This was my third BPNW meeting, which was especially enriching on a personal level because of Posy’s leadership. Past meetings have been very useful as well and I find BPNW to be an excellent resource for writers and publishers alike.”

I find this exercise particularly useful because it taps into perspectives you might never hear. Those who stepped up with a challenge walked away with fresh, relevant, actionable strategies.

About my approach

I design experiences to include and engage everyone in the room and help them work at the top of their intelligence, together. I help people work more creatively and productively, so they can uncover the unexpected sources of great ideas or to solve seemingly intractable issues.

If you, your team or organization needs new ways to solve persistent challenges, please contact me.

Of course, I’d be happy to do a presentation or brown bag about The Leadership Moment, which I define as how you respond when “stuff” happens. My book, The Next You, Discovering Confidence, Calm and Courage, Now, outlines fifty ways to do it differently.

Book Publishers Northwest member Beth Jusino recently spoke at GeekGirlCon along with Rebecca Brinson and Amanda Vail from the Northwest Independent Editors Guild. In this discussion at a convention for women interested in the future and jobs in technology, their publishing discussion veered toward how Seattle could  change the business model and “blow New York out of the water” in the 21st century:

74th Street Production re-issued their popular speaking guide for writers this month. Revised and updated, Naked at the Podium: The Writer’s Guide to Successful Readings takes tips from the actor’s trade to help authors feel more at ease during presentations. This latest edition is now available as an e-book for Kindle.

From the publisher’s description:
This practical book of tips, solutions and exercises was born of a writer’s angst: how to present material in a way that was appealing to bookstore audiences, flexible enough to use in non-traditional venues, and dramatic enough to keep any audience awake and eager to buy. Adapting the tools actors use to a writer’s particular needs cured the angst and made readings profitable and fun. Drama was the key. Filled with trade tricks, professional preparation techniques and survival tips, this book is an accessory that no author should leave home without.

More than 50 people attended the first 3-Group Social Mingle at Artspace Hiawatha Lofts. The event held by Seattle WriterGrrls, Northwest Independent Editor’s Guild, and Book Publishers Northwest encouraged local writers, editors, and publishers to create some new connections.

Colored dots were placed on badges to identify the primary affiliation of each party goer, and folks started mingling in multi-dot groups long before the organizers introduced the three groups and explained what they do.

With the changes in technology and the publishing industry, members of all three groups quickly found crossovers in skills and interests.

BPNW and the Guild provided wine and light refreshments for the event while Seattle WriterGrrls volunteers helped everyone get their badge and make the most of the mingle.

Like all good parties, folks were reluctant to leave and a mild night encouraged many to continue their conversations on the sidewalk outside the Artspace Hiawatha Lofts.

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BPNW thanks Rosemary Jones of BPNW, Jenny Neill of Seattle WriterGrrls, Andrea Leigh Ptak of Northwest Independent Editors Guild, and Amanda M. Vail of Northwest Independent Editors Guild for their work in organizing this event. Another thank you goes to Seattle WriterGrrls volunteers Jenny Hayes, Brie Gyncild, Madeline Ostrander, and Harriet Cannon for helping at the party.

Here’s how to keep in touch with our co-hosts:

Seattle WriterGrrls: This group operates as a Yahoo Newsgroup. Sign up to ask a question about writing and related technology. The organization also holds quarterly mixers in local bars or coffeeshops.

Northwest Independent Editors Guild: Go to the Guild’s website to find an editor for your next publishing project. The Guild holds an annual conference, Red Pencil in the Woods.