Fust Library Foundation holds discussion on book publishing on March 13
Have you ever thought of publishing a book? Perhaps your memoir, or the story of your family. Maybe there is a time in world history that you’ve always wanted to research and write about, or there’s a novel in your head you’ve been meaning to get down on paper.
If the challenge of how to get published has been holding you back, then think again. The world of publishing has changed so dramatically in the past several years that you may be surprised to learn how many more options there are now than there once were.
On Thursday, March 13, the Johann Fust Library Foundation will host a discussion on the art, craft, and business of publishing a book, how that process is changing, and what it means for both writers and readers. We’ll talk about what it’s like to work with different kinds of publishers and what things to consider as you draft your own work, such as the editor’s role in creating a publishable manuscript, the steps to take a manuscript from final draft to print, new ways to promote and distribute a book, and the economics of publishing.
The panel will include some new and familiar friends of the library: Rosemary Ahern, Nan Doyal, Candice Shy Hooper, and David Sparks.
Rosemary Ahern spent 20 years acquiring and editing books for the Penguin Group, Simon & Schuster, and Other Press, a small literary publisher, before establishing herself as an independent editor in 2008. She has edited over 200 books and is the author of “The Art of the Epigraph: How Great Books Begin.”
Nan Doyal is the founder of Casper Press, a small independent publisher of fiction and non-fiction books. She is also author of “Dig Where You Are – How One Person’s Effort Can Save a Life, Empower a Community, and Create Meaningful Change in the World.” In 2018 Nan received a Gold Medal from the Independent Book Publishers Association and was a finalist for the Foreword Indies Award.
Candice Shy Hooper is the author of two nonfiction books: “Lincoln’s Generals’ Wives” and “Delivered Under Fire.” Each of Candy’s books were acquired and published by a university press. Candy is now working on writing her third Civil War biography. She was awarded two silver medals from the Independent Book Publishers Association for her books, in history (2017) and biography (2024).
David Sparks turned to writing fiction after a career in which he played senior roles on three presidential campaigns. He is the author of four books, each of which he self-published. His newest, titled “Eulogy,” was released in December of 2024. The novel tells the story of a long-ago campaign volunteer who was asked by the late president to write his eulogy.
To register for the Publishing Roundtable event on Thursday, March 13, at 4 p.m., please visit JFLFBG.org or call (941) 964-0211.
