The eager, smiling faces of three-dozen aspiring authors greeted ConsciousCafé London this week as we hosted our sell-out event How to Get Your Book Published – Everything You Need to Know.
The little corner of our meet-up café was abuzz with the chatter of excited writers - from authors of epic speculative fiction, to award-winning spoken word poets, and investigative journalists composing thrilling exposés. Over several lattes and a cheeky portion of sweet potato fries, our writers met and got to know each other, sharing their love of the written word and the reasons they wanted to pursue publishing. Some were keenly considering self-publishing, while others expressed interest in the more traditional approach, or even a career in hybrid publishing. Everyone came from different backgrounds, with different levels of experience and a whole host of opinions. One thing was certain though, you can never know too much about the world of publishing!
The variety of panellists for this event was appealing - industry experts joined us from different areas of the field, allowing for a well-rounded discussion. There really was something for everyone: Nick Williams, leadership coach and author of 16 books, spoke in great detail about the intricacies of self-publishing and the ease-of-access today's technology can bring; Fiona Robertson, editor at Watkins Publishing, talked about the process of querying and acquisitions in the traditional publishing sector; and Katie Read of READ Media shared her tips from the world of PR and prompted a collective reflection on the importance of Marketing.
There is something faintly magical in the air when a group of writers get together - a shared understanding that they've been brought together by a shared interest, a passion, and that love of writing makes them friends even if they don't yet know each other. The stories they work on are all so different yet of equal importance, written with the same kind of love and care. Each writer was so keen to share their thoughts and ideas, stars in their eyes, and were just as eager to listen to others share their projects, offering support, advice and heaps of encouragement.
We all went away with a fuller notebook and a mind bubbling with new ideas to help start, or continue, a fruitful life in the world of publishing.
All these and many other questions will be answered in our publishing workshop which will include:
Our speakers have a huge amount of knowledge and experience and they will be sharing the secrets behind their publishing success with you.
Free download of The Book You Were Born to Write by Nick Williams for every participant who attends the workshop
Nick Williams is an internationally renowned speaker, mentor and best-selling author of thirteen books including The Work We Were Born To Do. Four books have been with major publishers and nine have been a combination of self-publishing and working with small publishers. His books have been translated into seven languages.
He has been invited to work with such diverse household names such as IKEA, BT, BBC, Merrill Lynch, The Met Police, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and a number of NHS trusts, as well as leadership organisations like The Institute of Leadership. He is regularly invited to speak at national and international conferences, and has been involved in around 2,000 media features.
He has spent over 20 years as a coach, adviser, friend, mentor, spiritual advisor and encourager to leaders and emergent leaders in the areas of business, the media and entertainment, the law, personal and spiritual growth, academia and retail.
www.iamnickwilliams.com
Chantal Cooke is an award winning journalist and broadcaster – turned PR guru.
Chantal worked as a journalist / presenter for over 25 years, reporting from all over the world including Bosnia and Northern Ireland and has written many travel articles.
In 2002 she set up the UK’s first ethical radio station; PASSION for the PLANET and attracted an audience of over 100k. In 2010 Chantal founded a boutique PR agency specialising in small businesses (Panpathic) and authors (The Book Booster). Chantal’s focus is helping authors attract the attention of journalists and new readers.
Chantal is author of “The Authority Guide to Marketing Your Business Book” and “PR Demystified – how to get free publicity by giving journalists what they really need”
Chantal is an experienced presenter and regularly delivers training at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British Council.
Twitter: @ChantalCooke / @TheBookBooster
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantalcooke
Judy Piatkus, entrepreneur and publishing expert, founded Piatkus Books from her bedroom and grew it to become one of the most successful independent UK publishing companies. She has published every kind of general non-fiction including biography, memoir, history, food and drink (including 14 titles by Mary Berry) and humour. Piatkus Books was especially credited for being a pioneer in the areas of business, self-help, personal development and mind, body and spirit. Judy is also an expert in publishing commercial fiction and brought many novels by internationally renowned authors to the UK. Judy successfully sold the company to Little Brown who continue to publish under the Piatkus imprint. She continues to be a publishing consultant.
If you cancel up to 72 hours before the event we can either refund your money, less 10% admin costs, or you can have a full credit for a future ConsciousCafe event to be used within two years.
ConsciousCafe is a not-for-profit organisation, a friendly and welcoming community, a place to live life consciously.