switchgrass books gives publishing tips to local authors

Kazoo Books, an independent bookstore owned by Gloria Tiller in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has invited Switchgrass Books, the fiction imprint of Northern Illinois University Press, to participate in a publishing discussion for local authors entitled “You’ve Written a Book—Now What?” The event will take place at the Portage Public Library on March 3, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Director of Switchgrass Books, J. Alex Schwartz, will inform authors about the publishing process: what an editor looks for in a submission, how to write an appropriate proposal letter, what to expect from a publishing contract, etc. “I love to talk about publishing and am excited to offer advice to local authors who are ready to learn how to polish their manuscripts, submit them to a publisher, and reach the goal of a signed contract,” Schwartz commented. Also participating in the event will be Ann Arbor author Donald Lystra, who published his debut novel Season of Water and Ice with Switchgrass Books in 2009. Lystra will discuss his experience as a first-time author and help the attendees understand what to expect from a publisher. Lystra said, “Though I had published short stories, I learned that maneuvering in the world of publishing where a novel is concerned is much different. The process can be challenging but rewarding, and I look forward to sharing this with other authors.” The event is free and open to the public. Local authors interested in learning how to publish their books should attend this unique event in which they can learn from a publisher and a local published author. “Attendees should find the evening to be incredibly informative, whether they have only considered publishing a book or have already been published. Having insight from a regional publisher and a recently published author will be invaluable,” stated Tiller. If you have questions, please contact Gloria at Kazoo Books at gloria@kazoobooks.com.For more information about the participants in the event, please visit Switchgrass Books at www.switchgrass.niu.edu and Donald Lystra at www.donaldlystra.com.