Indie Author Day is an annual event that connects local writers, publishers, illustrators, libraries, and the literary community. For the first time, this event will take place fully online, featuring live streamed presentations on writing, publishing, and marketing books of all genres. Each presentation will conclude with a short Q&A session, and the program will end with a Q&A panel.

Click to launch event via Zoom

Schedule: 

9:00 a.m.-9:10 a.m.: “Welcome to All” – Mary Jean Jakubowski, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Director. Welcome remarks and discussion of the day’s agenda.

9:10-9:15 a.m.: Housekeeping with moderator Leah Mosher

9:15-9:45 a.m.: “What to Do When You Have Finished Your Book” – Avril Marie, personal assistant to indie authors. This presentation will explore how to make sure your manuscript is the best it can be and describe the different publishing options available to authors.

9:48-10:18 a.m.: “Considerations in Writing Memoir” – Dolores Johnson, author of Say I’m Dead: A Family Memoir of Race, Secrets, and Love. Johnson will discuss the unique writing tools involved in writing memoir. Topics will include research, sensitivity of family and friends, and the difference between writing for the family versus creating a central theme for a published story.

10:21-10:48 a.m.: “What Mo Knows and More” – Barbara Sanchez, writers’ advocate/Barb’s Book Buddies. From best-selling authors to small and indie literary publishers to her own "points to ponder," Barb will share thoughts, ideas, and tips to assist authors of all ages to help hone their craft.

10:51-11:20 a.m.: “Behind the Scenes: How Books are Really Marketed” – Marti Gorman, publisher at City of Light Publishing. Learn about book promotion at every step of your book’s journey, from a fresh author agreement to backlist status. Gorman will discuss marketing beyond Amazon and social media, as well as how to reach librarians, booksellers, reviewers, and readers.

Break

11:25 a.m.-12 noon.: Q&A Panel Discussion. Independent bookstore owner Kimberly Krug and authors Noah Falck, Alyssa Palombo and Lou Rera will be on hand to answer questions from the audience.

Indie Author Directory:

Networking with other area writers has traditionally been a favorite part of this event. Although Indie Author Day can't be held in person this year, we hope the creation of an Indie Author Directory will help local writers connect with your peers, share ideas, and build community.

This directory will be distributed to everyone who registers for Indie Author Day, and inclusion is free. All attendees are welcome in this directory; you do not need to be published to be included!

To be included, download and fill out this submission form, and then return it to mosherl@buffalolib.org.

Please register for this program in advance using the form below.

Contact Leah at mosherl@buffalolib.org with any questions.