PubSmart: Authors & Small Publishers in the Driver’s Seat

You only need to attend a few big publishing conferences to understand that there’s a desperate need for a top-notch conference tailored to the business questions of authors and small publishers’. And though I love the Big Apple, that conference needs to be outside New York! The times are a changin’ and publishing innovations are happening all across the country. Here in the southeast, where Bublish is headquartered, companies like BiblioLabs, Bublish, CreateSpace, Lulu and Where Writers Win are bringing new thinking to a transformed book marketplace. So it is with great excitement that I invite you to join me in Charleston, South Carolina on April 16-18, 2014 for the inaugural PubSmart conference.

The founding quintet of this innovative publishing conference includes me (Bublish Founder Kathy Meis), Jacqueline Gum, Kendra Haskins, Brenda McClain and Shari Stauch of Where Writers Win. Registration is now officially opened at pubsmartcon.com

It was also important to make this conference affordable. With this in mind, we’re offering a $50 early bird discount AND an extra $50 discount for the Bublish community. To get your discount code, just email info@bublish.com. And if you’re not signed up for your free writer or reader Bublish account, just sign up at bublish.com. Once we’ve emailed you the discount code, you’re all ready to register at pubsmartcon.com. Tickets are limited so register today!

What Is PubSmart?

PubSmart is an unprecedented gathering of publishing professionals who represent today’s broad range of publishing opportunities – self publishing, traditional, small press and hybrid. This is a new kind of event that puts emerging authors and small publishers in the driver’s seat and gives them the information they need to create a customized roadmap for success. It’s about introducing innovative models that lead to smart decisions and new opportunities in today’s transformed book marketplace.

PubSmart offers three days of information-packed sessions designed to educate authors and small publishers about the latest production and distribution methods in print and digital; how to raise funds for your first book project and beyond; marketing and publicizing books on a tight budget in today’s social/mobile world; the best discoverability tools for authors and so much more!

Who Should Attend?

► Traditionally published authors who want to discover new markets for their work

► Self-published authors who want to reach more readers

► Aspiring authors seeking guidance from publishing professionals

► Independent publishers that want to better serve their authors and improve performance

What Will You Learn?

► How emerging publication and distribution avenues can help you reach your objectives

► Steps to build your author platform, brand and persona

► How editors and agents can help further your publishing goals

► Insider tips from a wide variety of successful publishing professionals

► Where book publishing and marketing is headed in the digital era

► How to build sales and buzz through reviewers, mass media and book clubs

► The latest methods of raising funds, using discoverability tools and increasing sales

“I can’t wait for PubSmart and the unparalleled opportunity to catch up on recent developments in this ever-changing industry of ours. Conferences like PubSmart remind us of the need to continue sharing and learning from one another.” Keynote Speaker Hugh Howey

“I’m always excited to speak at conferences with a business focus, where authors are educated and empowered to make the best decisions for the long term of their careers.” Keynote Speaker Jane Friedman

Why PubSmart?

PubSmart is about the business of publishing in a quickly changing book marketplace. It’s about helping emerging authors and small publishers make the smartest decisions based on the latest opportunities and information. From seeking agent representation or legal insights before embarking on publication, to fundraising for a book project, from choosing the right distribution outlets and strategic marketing tools to planning for the next book launch, PubSmart has answers to help you customize your own roadmap for success. The assembled faculty has been chosen not only for their expertise in their respective fields – agents, editors, publishers, publicists, attorneys, association presidents and author services CEOs – but for their generosity of spirit as well. Attendees will walk away with a wealth of knowledge they won’t find anywhere else. They will emerge informed and empowered, ready to take control of the next step in their career.

Why Charleston?

Charleston is the glistening jewel in the southeast crown, and the center of the Southeast’s growing role in digital era publishing. The famed Francis Marion hotel, built in 1924 during the golden age of authors, including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, celebrates its 90^th birthday in 2014. Though equipped with all the latest conveniences, the hotel retains its historic feel on Charleston’s bustling peninsula. It’s the perfect setting for a conference ushering in the new golden age of authors! Sightseeing opportunities abound in this historic city. From horse-drawn carriages to walks down cobblestone lanes, this is a modern city that retains a strong connection to its historic past. To kick off the PubSmart conference, attendees will enjoy views of the stunning Ravenel Bridge from the College of Charleston’s Arena observation deck where attendees and faculty are invited to “Meet Charleston” at an opening cocktail reception.