Self-Publishing in the Age of AI

INSTRUCTOR: D.L. Young
TIME: Sunday, March 3, 3:00–6:00 p.m. CST
PRICE: Early bird price: $45 for members, $60 for nonmembers. The deadline for early bird pricing is Monday, February 26. After Monday, February 26: $55 for members, $70 for nonmembers. Become a member here. Apply for a scholarship here.
LOCATION: Hybrid. Writespace, 1907 Sabine Street, #125, Houston, TX 77007 (map). This workshop is also available via Zoom.
LEVEL: All levels
CAP: 15

Artificial intelligence, social media, and self-publishing tools are changing the publishing world, making it possible for almost anyone to publish and market their own book. But how do you get started? How do you find a cover artist or an editor? How do you get your title on Amazon or in bookstore shelves? And how can you effectively, ethically, and legally utilize AI tools to help you in your publishing journey?

In this newly updated workshop for 2024, Pushcart Prize nominee and Independent Press Award winner DL Young will answer these and other questions to help you get a head start on your self-publishing journey.

The topics we’ll cover include:

Writing tools
Why cover art is so important and how to find a good cover artist
Working with editors and proofreaders (and how to find them)
What tasks AI can replace and how to use AI tools effectively (and legally)
Pros and cons of selling “Amazon exclusive” vs. “going wide”
eBook and print book formatting and production
ISBNs and copyrights
The do-it-yourself approach vs. hiring experts
How to find readers and reviewers
Social Media marketing and advertising (TikTok, Facebook ads, Amazon ads, Goodreads giveaways, mailing list providers, events, etc.)
Pricing

This event is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance. This project is generously funded by the Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and Mid-America Arts Alliance.