On Sat., Oct. 8, Washington Township Public Library plans to join hundreds of libraries across the country in celebrating Indie Author Day. The day is an opportunity to showcase the work of local independent authors, offering readers of all ages a chance to learn about great new books and meet the creators behind them. It will also offer an opportunity for emerging writers to make connections and learn more about their craft and the world of self-publishing.
The library has a full day of events planned. Things will kick off at 10 a.m. with a children’s author panel, Q&A, and book signing. The panel will feature eight local children’s book authors: R. Antrobus, Tom Geden, C.A. Hartley, Susan Scarince Jones, Lauren Palermo, Michele Rosenthal, Loren Spiotta-DiMare, and Ronda Wojcicki
Next up, at 11:30 a.m., will be the adult and Y/A author panel, Q&A, and book signing. The panel will feature six local authors: Carol Camerino, Kristina Garlick, Pauline Hahn, Terin Tashi Miller, Bill Powers, and Robert Woolsey.
At 1 p.m., publishing veteran Claire McKinney will offer a presentation on book marketing and promotion entitled “Preparing for Publication: How to Create a Solid Foundation for Successful Promotion.” Claire McKinney has been working in public relations and publicity for twenty years. She has spoken at trade shows and writers conferences and has appeared on the Today Show as an expert on self-publishing. Her experience in publishing houses includes positions as VP, Director of Publicity for Henry Holt and Company and the Director of Publicity for Miramax Books. Some of the authors and personalities she has worked with include James Patterson, Della Reese, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Ladd, James Patterson, Alan Derschowitz, Walter Mosley, Tim Russert, Rick Moody, George Pelecanos, and Kristin Gore.
Finally, at 2 p.m., the library will tune in for a virtual panel and Q&A that will be livestreamed to libraries across the country. It will feature publishing industry leaders including Robin Cutter (Director of IngramSpark), Jon Fine (Former Director of Author and Publisher Relations at Amazon), Kiera Parrott (Reviews Director at School Library Journal and Library Journal), L. Penelope (author, lpenelope.com), and Jim Blanton (Director of Louisville Free Public Library).
The event is free and open to the public. To register, visit wtpl.org or call the library at 908-876-3596. Washington Township Public Library is located at 37 East Springtown Road, Long Valley.