« NPR takes a tour through Second Life | Main | Favorite book quote of the week, so far »
November 8, 2006
Get yo' write on
I'm sad to say that I'm not participating in NaNoWriMo 2006. My life has exploded in several different directions, so it's just not feasible.
Last year, I had a good time running a low-key NaNoWriMo program at the library, including write-in times and space, a book display, and weekly emails to program participants. As with the national Wrimo program, our participants decreased pretty much exponentially over the weeks, but there are at least 3 books that were completed from the original group of 25 Wrimoers. Not too shabby.
It's not too late for libraries to get involved. Your library could order a copy of the book for the collection, and put it out on display. You can contact the regional coordinators for your area (check the regional bulletin boards to post a message) to arrange for write-ins at your library, or to let them know that your library has resources (books, reference staff, wifi, contacts to writing group folks and tutors) that would be useful to them. You can even print out the
flyers and post them around your library, or near a display of writers' books, including resources on publishing.
NaNoWriMo doesn't necessarily end November 30 (except for the insane 50,000 words part). Many writers go on to have their works published, usually in some edited form, either by publishers, or using self-publishing resources. Some nifty self-publishing resources to keep in your back pocket (just in case you get the question) include:
- Lulu: A print-as-ordered service, where you set the price. Beyond the printing, they offer free services such as marketing advice and help with writing a press release, fee services such as creating "about the author" kits, and links to third-party services.
- SelfPublishing.com: They've actually expanded their site and services from last year, which is very cool. Along with their publishing services, they offer a free email newsletter. If you buy a copy editing package from them, they'll throw in some content editorial work for free.
- Amazon.com On-Demand Publishing: Amazon's BookSurge enables individual authors to publish and sell their books through Amazon.
There are tons of other resources online, especially if you do a search on "self publishing," but I've heard the best and most about the three above.
I had grandiose plans to recruit other libraries to get involved in NaNoWriMo this year, which I need shelve until next year. But if you are interested in some NaNoWriMo action at your library for 2007, send me email and let me know.
November 8, 2006 10:39 AM