The Ottawa Public Library and Capital Crime Writers are joining forces to bring in industry experts to help you publish your work,  boost sales, use social media effectively, and choose an editor.

When and where

When: Saturday, October 24, 2015, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Public Library, Main Auditorium, 120 Metcalfe Street, Ottawa, ON
Sponsors: Capital Crime Writers and the Ottawa Public Library

Speakers and schedule

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Self-Publishing via Kobo Writing Life

Have you heard all the hype about self-publishing? Interested in checking it out but not sure where to start or whether it’ll be worth it? In a two hour session, Kobo’s Director of Self-Publishing & Author Relations, Mark Leslie Lefebvre will describe the current state of the publishing industry, including the many different options available for authors. In the first hour, he’ll summarize various traditional publishing options and describe what types of author projects might be best geared towards indie publishing.

In the second hour, Mark will offer advanced tips and advice for authors who are already self-publishing and are looking to increase their sales across multiple sales channels. He’ll also provide specific strategies that will help authors maximize their global sales via Kobo.

About Mark
Mark Leslie Lefebvre oversees Kobo Writing Life in his role as Kobo’s Director of Self-Publishing & Author Relations. He draws upon three decades worth of bookselling and personal writing experience in this insightful, informative and entertaining presentation. Mark also is published in non-fiction and horror fiction under the name Mark Leslie.

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. – Doing Social Media the Right Way

It’s pretty much a given that authors need to be on social media these days, but if you’re subjecting your followers to a constant barrage of “buy my book,” you may be doing your marketing efforts more harm than good. Join local author and social media enthusiast Linda Poitevin for a look at how to maximize your online presence the right way – and pick up some new social media marketing tips along the way.

About Linda
Linda Poitevin is a writer possessed of both a light side and a dark one. On the dark side, she’s the author of the Grigori Legacy, an urban fantasy series featuring a hard-as-nails cop caught up in the war between Heaven and Hell. In her lighter moments, she writes the sweet and funny Ever After contemporary romance series.

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Editing for Self-Published Authors

As an author who has self-published multiple books, Linda Poitevin knows firsthand how expensive self-publishing can be—and how tempting it can be to skip certain steps in taking your book to market. She also knows all the reasons why a professional edit should never be one of those skipped steps. Drawing on experience and observation, Linda will share with you why the all-important edit is so important, and offer suggestions on where to look for an editor that will fit with your needs and your budget.

Do you need an editor for your self-published book? In this panel session local editor Stacey D. Atkinson will discuss the four types of editing, costs, time frames, and resources available to you. She’ll also describe the role of the editor versus the role of the author/publisher. Learn about the editorial process followed by a question and answer period.

About Stacey
Stacey D. Atkinson is a freelance editor and award-winning author. She began Mirror Image Publishing in 2012 with a goal to offer writing, editing, and publishing services to authors, bloggers, and the business community. Previously, Stacey spent over a decade working for the federal government in the areas of sustainable development and arts funding. Stacey is a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association and a board member of Editors Canada.