Missouri Literary Festival 2009
Written by Michele T on October 5, 2009 – 2:13 am -Today was an exciting day: I left the comfort and solitude of Amish country and went into the city for a fun time at the Missouri Literary Festival, in Springfield.
Yours Truly!
There were quite a few author’s booths (even though this was the last day of the festival) and look who I found right away….
A 13-year-old Author!
Views of HAMMONS FIELD
Look What I Found!!!
Books, Books, Books!
Networking
I met new people, passed out business cards, and had a fun time. It’s always nice to step away from the computer and interact with other writers in person. I know it’s something a lot of us simply detest (’cause we want to be at home, writing!) but it truly is an amazing experience and can bring so much inspiration – and new friends. Also, it was pretty chilly out there but it was a good day!
More of Yours Truly!
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
I talked to several authors. The most of ‘em are self-published. Their books seemed like they were written well, had nice cover designs, etc., and appeared very professional!
I also went and listened to an author (who just happens to be published by a traditional publisher) and their opinion was very low of self-published books. I actually thought this person was a poor speaker. It was really, really boring and nothing was learned! Nothing. Seriously. I always try to find the positive and share it, but this was not an uplifting, encouraging speaker who had instruction for the audience. I was disappointed. Thank goodness that speech was free – I’d have been upset if I would have had to pay for it! 
Anyway, I feel like books can be self-published in a respectable, polished manner. Just because it’s self-published doesn’t mean it has to be bad. It doesn’t mean you can’t hire an editor, ya know? Do you disagree? Agree? What’s your opinion of self-published vs. traditional?
In case you’re just tuning in, all 3 parts of the interview are posted over at WRA (Rebecca Laffar-Smith picked my brain).
Also, my latest article is live at WRA: Writers Are Superheroes
Is this your first time to visit Writing the Cyber Highway? Be sure to subscribe to my Feed or by e-mail. In the next couple of posts, I’ll be sharing photos and details about my visit to an old-fashioned festival where I dressed up as a pioneer woman (bonnet and all!) and also had the amazing opportunity to meet an Editor and an Editor-In-Chief. Eeek! (It’s coming, I promise!) 
Tags: authors, Missouri Literary Festival, Springfield, teen author
Posted in Inspiration, Michele's Life, Networking, Writing News | 18 Comments »
October 5th, 2009 at 5:32 am
I, too, believe that there is a right and wrong way to go about self-publishing. It isn’t the wrong option for everyone, especially if you factor in your audience.
I’m opting not to self-publish, but not going with traditional publishing either. I’m bringing a new approach to a compilation of information and LOVE it!
Mysti´s last blog ..Fighting a Foul Mood
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Michele T Reply:
October 5th, 2009 at 5:37 am
Absolutely! I think if you know your audience and, for example, have a solid following on Twitter, etc., you can definitely promote your own book successfully.
I take it you’re talking about blogging??!!! Or E-books???
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Mysti Reply:
October 5th, 2009 at 5:38 am
Or somewhere in the middle!
Mysti´s last blog ..Fighting a Foul Mood
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Michele T Reply:
October 5th, 2009 at 5:40 am
LOL
October 5th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Michele,
Most of my editing clients self-publish. One just brought out his second book and is getting ready to go into a second printing on the first. I’ll put the quality of my client’s books up against the quality of any traditionally published book. We use great cover designers and an excellent printer, and, of course, we edit the books (probably much more editing than a traditional publisher does).
Lillie Ammann´s last blog ..Podcast at Bluestocking Guide
[Reply]
Michele T Reply:
October 5th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
That’s what I’m thinking, Lillie. When there’s less people (and just the one book) involved on a project, it’s going to get more attention than a book that’s just one in a sea of others. Thank you for sharing your experience!
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October 5th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I’ve self published every single one of my books. In today’s publishing world, what do you honestly get with a traditional publisher? Aside from distribution channels – not much else. You’re even expected to do your own PR and marketing these days. If I have to do all the work, I’m going to get higher royalties! Doesn’t mean I rule out all traditional publishers, it just worked better for me on my little books.
[Reply]
Michele T Reply:
October 5th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
Exactly, Jeanne! The self-published authors I talked to are actually ending up with MORE profit than those who were published traditionally. AND, those who were traditionally published were STILL having to promote their own books. Common sense, eh?
Thanks for sharing!!!
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October 8th, 2009 at 4:50 am
I love that you found the young writer! So good to see …
Katherine´s last blog ..How to Create Backlinks with Articles and Free Blogs
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Michele T Reply:
October 8th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Thanks, Katherine – I love that I found him, too!
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October 11th, 2009 at 2:55 am
Michele,
How awesome! I love those pictures. Here in Alaska, it is always nice to get an idea of what the United States looks like!
Mmmmm, just the sound of Literary Festival is appealing!
George
[Reply]
Michele T Reply:
October 11th, 2009 at 3:01 am
Hi, George!
Thanks! It was awesome. I’ve always been such a homebody, I’m trying to “get over it” and get out there – opportunities and fun times abound!
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December 24th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Michelle,
Where ya at?????
Stopping by to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year…:)
deborah wilson´s last blog ..Merry Christmas
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Michele T Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Hey, Deborah!
Thought I already answered this (sorry).
But now you already know I’m at http://www.healingwithjuices.com.
Thanks for the holiday wishes!!!
Hugs,
Michele
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February 17th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
I came across your blog while surfing the web for freelance writing websites. I was pleasantly surprised to see a blog by someone I assume is a fellow Ozarkian.
I live near Springfield and work in a rural school district. We have an Amish population in the town where I work. I enjoy seeing their buggies on the way to school each day.
I just wanted to write and say how much I enjoyed perusing your blogs. Keep up the good work. I’m inspired by your writing and your natural lifestyle. I will subscribe to your feed and look forward to future posts.
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Michele T Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 1:18 am
Hi, Russell.
Thanks for stopping by.
I’m honored that you are enjoying my writing – and that you subscribed! I’ve been neglecting this blog for a while, but I update http://www.healingwithjuices.com often. I am going to try to spend more time on this blog, but it isn’t my priority right now.
And, yes, the buggies are pretty cool…
*smiles*
Michele
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March 25th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
[...] year, I went to a Literary Festival. There were lots of books and authors, of course, but there was also something else: [...]
May 9th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I’ve self published every single one of my books. In today’s publishing world, what do you honestly get with a traditional publisher? Aside from distribution channels – not much else. You’re even expected to do your own PR and marketing these days. If I have to do all the work, I’m going to get higher royalties! Doesn’t mean I rule out all traditional publishers, it just worked better for me on my little books.
+1
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