WRITERS: Learn more about the self-publishing process, including peer feedback and editing, and contribute a short story to this year’s community novel. Contact Project Organizers Lissa Staley and Miranda Ericsson.
2017 Community Novel Project and Writing Events at the Library
January – April
Past events are listed on “Behind the Scenes” with notes and handouts included.
June 1, 2017 – Participant paperwork due, including guidelines/copyright forms
February through early May – Writers concentrate on writing.
Make use of existing writing networks, inspiration gathering, rewriting, workshop this with your writing group, writing multiple submissions and deciding which to submit, strengthening your work, etc. Questions about suitability of topic to this collection and acceptability of the work per the library guidelines for this project should be addressed during this time.
May – June
May 15, 2017 – Early bird deadline for submission.
First feedbacking swap will start May 15 if possible. Early bird submission gives you more time to revise and copy edit later.
June 1, 2017 – Final deadline for submission of initial version of essays for feedbacking
All pieces will be swapped and shared electronically during the week of June 1 for feedbacking. Authors provide feedback on at least three essays June 1-20. Online feedback form must be completed for at least 3 stories. Returning feedback earlier than June 20th encouraged.
June 20 – Feedback for at least 3 stories due.
Feedback compiled and returned to participants during the week of June 20. Authors revise their work based on feedback June 20-July 20th.
June – Collaboratively decide on a title, initiate and finalize cover design around this time.
Self-Publishing with Createspace and Smashwords: A Skills and Techniques Workshop
Tuesday, June 13, 2017 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Marvin Auditorium 101C
Bringing your written work to market for sale and distribution has never been easier. Learn how to select a platform that fits your project. Discuss formatting and publication options. Share ideas about marketing to reach readers. Register at https://tscpl.org/register
July – August
July 20, 2017 Final submissions of all essays due.
Submit electronically following formatting guidelines. Have friends and family copy edit your work before submitting.
July 30, 2017 Final submissions of all author information due.
Submit electronically following formatting guidelines. Have friends and family copy edit your work before submitting.
Book Publishing: Technical Aspects: A Skills and Techniques Workshop
Saturday, July 29, 2017 | Noon-2 p.m. | Marvin Auditorium 101C
Self-publishing writers learn how to improve their products – their books! Discuss publishing and formatting examples with a panel of technical services librarians who will answer questions about common features and elements for books in particular genres. Submit questions in advance to writers@tscpl.org.
August 1 – August 30th – Everyone copyedits in Google Docs.
Copyediting is not feedbacking/revision, which was completed previously. The goal is to get manuscripts to consistent formatting, deciding on the placement/order of the essays in the collection, formatting and copyediting the author interviews, deciding on the front matter and back matter, writing introductory materials, afterword, copyediting all.
September – December
September 1-20 – Continual iterations of layout of manuscript for publishing.
September 20 – goal for final pdf page proofs to be shared with all participants for last look.
Authors final review to sign off on their content.
Publish individual pieces on library website around this time
Community Novel Project – The Stories behind the Stories
Sunday September 24, 2017 | 2-4 p.m. | Marvin Auditorium
Celebrate the accomplishment of collaboration on a literary writing and publishing project with author interviews, conversations about the process, the stories behind the stories, and autographed bookplates.
October – Marketing efforts, preparing press releases, and online presales, etc. gear up during this time.
October 1 – Final copy edits due October 1, Author final sign off due.
Publication timeline goals
- Book manuscript changes all finalized by October 10
- Book manuscript run through for Smashwords by October 20
- Book approved in Createspace and ready to order October 25
- Books ordered in quantities by November 5
- Books back by Dec 1
Book launch at Great Writers, Right Here Author Fair
December 9, 2017 | Marvin Auditorium
All contributing authors in the collaborative project are invited to share the table representing this project.
Books will be available for sale in the library’s Booktique.
Notes:
- Deadlines are midnight-ish, or before 8 am the following morning.
- Check for updates, event handouts, and guidelines at tscpl.org/novel.
- Contact writers@tscpl.org for more information or to get involved.