Iowa writers who hope to become published authors can get a hand in learning about the process at a free seminar today. The day-long workshop in Webster City is run by Iowa author Peter Davidson, who’s published two-dozen books of his own. Davidson says he’s delivered about 600 of these seminars nationwide.
Davidson, of Arnold’s Park, says the workshop focuses on three primary ways aspiring authors can get their books into print, using a traditional publisher, like Warner Books or Simon and Schuster, through vanity publishing where you’d pay the cost yourself through a company like AuthorHouse or iUniverse, or through true self-publishing. The first two options aren’t for most people due to the expense, he says, which leaves the self-publishing option, something that’s becoming very common.
Davidson says, “You actually would become your own publisher and hire people to help you to publish your own book through your own company.” He says authors must truly have drive and devotion to get a book published, as it’s not an easy or quick process.
Davidson says, “Frankly, it’s very, very difficult these days, unless you’re a celebrity or have something exceedingly unique.”
The seminar will run from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M.today only at the Kendall Young Library in Webster City. For more information, call (515) 832-9100.
By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City