Contact: Jaime Rinehart (304) 720-1401 jrinehart@wvstateu.edu INSTITUTE, W.Va.The second season of West Virginia State University’s (WVSU) Creators Program workshop series continues with “Independent Publishing” at the WVSU Economic Development Center (EDC) Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Writer and photographer Eric Douglas will discuss the pitfalls and plusses of self-publishing, along with what to do when your book is “out there.” Topics will include why you should self-publish, the limitations involved, and formats and platforms for distribution. Elements such as formatting the text, covers and cover art, how to promote your book and how to build a following will also be discussed. “Recent advances in technology have moved publishing from the hands of the few directly into the hands of writers everywhere,” said Douglas. “But publishing isn’t as simple as pushing a couple buttons and waiting for the checks to roll in. It takes a lot of work to build a following and establish a platform where readers can find you. That’s what this seminar is all about.” The publishing world has changed dramatically over the last few years. Self-publishing is now a viable and attractive option for writers who want to get their work in front of a larger audience, Douglas said. Douglas earned a degree in journalism from Marshall University. He has published four novels, two children’s books and a series of short stories. He is also a columnist for “Scuba Diving Magazine.” Attendees will receive a Certificate of Participation that will count as two units toward a Creators Certificate, awarded after the completion of 20 workshop units. Other workshops scheduled for the fall include Producing 101 (Nov. 2) and Composing for New Media 101 (Nov. 16). The Creators Program launched last year as a series of community workshops focusing on skills and knowledge essential to creating for mass media and art. WVSU partners with the Arts Council of Kanawha Valley and the West Virginia Film Office on the series. Workshops are designed for people of all skill levels, including students and others interested in expanding their creative endeavors. “The Creators Program workshops cover all aspects of creating for mass media and art,” said Danny Boyd, a WVSU communications and media studies professor and artist in residence at the WVSU EDC. “These workshops provide education in shorter timeframes than a traditional classroom while utilizing the expertise of area professionals and WVSU’s Communications and Media Studies department.” The cost to attend Douglas’s workshop is $20. Students are eligible for a discounted rate of $10, and registration is requested for all. To register, visit www.digiso.org and click on “The Creators Program” tab. The WVSU EDC is located at 1506 Kanawha Blvd. W. in Charleston.
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