Workshop Aug. 7: Improve Your Writing and Sell More Books with Beta Readers

Learn how to identify, qualify, locate, and use an incredible writer’s tool known as beta readers at this Aug. 7 workshop featuring author and marketing professional Cherie Postill. 

During this online workshop from 10 a.m. to noon, Aug. 7, you will learn the definition of beta testing, how to pinpoint your beta readers, and why every writer needs them. It is only one piece of the puzzle that ends with a published manuscript, but a vital one. 

For the Zoom address, find the turquoise button at the top of the St. Louis Writers Guild’s Events page (www.stlwritersguild.org/events), or click here on Aug. 7:

https://zoom.us/j/7028903800?pwd=bHp3cWhpWHBQSW9wMXgzM3N4cE5qZz09

Meeting ID: 702 890 3800

Password: SLWG2021

Call in: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

“I will introduce a process that results in a comprehensive manuscript critique, including actionable feedback,” Cherie said. “We’ll discuss the techniques and tools used to beta test your manuscript for optimal results.”    

In today’s crowded market, your manuscript needs to stand out more than ever. Methods outlined in her workshop will give you a competitive advantage and make you a better writer. 

“Once you have followed my process, not only will you be assured your story is perfect for your target readers, but you will also know precisely who your ideal readers are,” she said. “You will learn where to find your target readers and how to use their talents to help you sell more books and attract a loyal fan base.”

Additionally, you will discover how to get reviews, referrals, and book comps (comparable titles) from your beta readers to use in query letters, on your book cover, and in promotional material. 

Cherie Postill is an author of fiction and nonfiction books, a marketing professional, and a speaker. She serves as a Vice President on the St. Louis Writers Guild Board and as its liaison for more than 20 school districts. Cherie is an active member of the St. Louis Publishers Association and Saturday Writers.  She presents workshops for writers of all ages. Connect with her at clpostill.com or email cherie@clpostill.com and check out her latest book on Amazon.  

Learn more about the St. Louis Writers Guild at http://www.stlwritersguild.org/

How to Con the Con – Get Noticed in a Sea of Convention Booths

With conventions, conferences, expos and many other sales opportunities opening up after the drought of COVID-19, getting noticed has become a serious priority for authors. 

From 10 a.m. to noon, July 10, authors Jennifer Stolzer and Jessica Mathews will share their tips and tricks for sales, con etiquette, display set up and more at this free online workshop hosted by the St. Louis Writers Guild. 

Access the workshop from the Events page of the Guild’s website (click the turquoise JOIN CURRENT SLWG MEETING button) or use this link:

https://zoom.us/j/7028903800?pwd=bHp3cWhpWHBQSW9wMXgzM3N4cE5qZz09

Meeting ID: 702 890 3800

Password: SLWG2021

To call in: +1-312-626-6799 

Jessica Mathews began writing picture books for children at a young age. Her father would write down all of the stories she told him and they would read them together. Jessica wants to continue the tradition of making up stories for children, starting with her debut picture book, The Old Man and the Pirate Princess. Jessica wants to be able to work with schools, libraries, and after-care programs to help children discover their love of reading, writing, and creating. She wants her books to inspire others as much as her favorite books inspired her when she was growing up. Jessica also serves as President of the St. Louis Writers Guild.

Jennifer Stolzer is an author/illustrator from St. Louis, MO. She graduated from Webster University with a degree in digital media and animation and uses these skills to create bright and engaging characters. Her illustration company, Jennifer Stolzer Illustration, has served the St. Louis area and its authors for more than ten years. You can see samples of her work at www.jenniferstolzer.com or on Facebook under Jennifer Stolzer Illustration. Jennifer also serves as Secretary of the St. Louis Writers Guild. 

Learn more about the St. Louis Writers Guild at www.stlwritersguild.org

Limited time offer ends 4/30!

 Meet new authors. Choose from 42 free SF&F short stories, 

including ELECTION DAY, a girapod adventure by T.W. Fendley!

(click image above)

Social Media Marketing workshop for writers May 1

Learn about social media marketing from 10 a.m. to noon, May 1, from Nicole Lanahan, nonprofit executive director and multi-published author, at a free online workshop hosted by the St. Louis Writers Guild.

Have you ever wondered if there’s a magic day or time to post? She’ll answer that question and share tips on how to:

• build a platform

• engage readers authentically

• and turn followers into sales

To join the meeting, on May 1 click the turquoise button labeled “Join Current SLWG Meeting” on the St. Louis Writers Guild’s Events page (www.stlwritersguild.org/events) or use the Zoom link below:

https://zoom.us/j/7028903800?pwd=bHp3cWhpWHBQSW9wMXgzM3N4cE5qZz09

Meeting ID: 702 890 3800

Password: SLWG2021

Call in: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Nicole Lanahan is executive director of  the million-dollar nonprofit, Got Your Six Support Dogs, which she founded five years ago. She is the author of nine young adult and adult romance books under a different name. As a moonlighting superhero, she prefers to keep her alter ego a secret, but on weekends you can find her competing in agility trials with her Australian Shepherd or rocking out in a band.

Learn more about the St. Louis Writers Guild at www.stlwritersguild.org.

How to Self-Publish Like a Pro

Join author education specialist Meghan Pinson from 10 a.m. to noon, April 3, for a free online workshop hosted by the St. Louis Writers Guild entitled, “How to Self-Publish Like a Pro: The Parts You'll Hate, but Have to Do!”

She'll cover the worst, least fun, least creative parts of the indie-publishing process, including:

• Tackling the administrative tasks that require precision and timing

• Choosing a distribution plan you can live with

• How to  get your book to look like a book, not a document with book-sized pages

• What you need to know about metadata 

To join the meeting, on April 3 click the turquoise button labeled “Join Current SLWG Meeting” on the St. Louis Writers Guild’s Events page (www.stlwritersguild.org/events) or use the Zoom link below:

https://zoom.us/j/7028903800?pwd=bHp3cWhpWHBQSW9wMXgzM3N4cE5qZz09

Meeting ID: 702 890 3800

Password: SLWG2021

Call in: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Meghan Pinson is ringleader of My Two Cents Editing, a small band of specialists who provide expert editing, engaging critique, and fearless consulting to authors of novels and nonfiction manuscripts. She specializes in story development and author education and is the author of My Two Cents Editing's Indie-Publishing Workbook: A Guide to the Industry's Best Practices. Connect with her at www.mytwocentsediting.com.

Learn more about the St. Louis Writers Guild at www.stlwritersguild.org. 

Find your next favorite story!

Free books and sample chapters --These 118 amazing authors have teamed up to offer a delightful selection of new books, including the opening chapters of my new adult sci-fi, Methuselah's Legacy. Offer ends March 31! (click graphic above)

Pitch to publishers and hear from writing experts at March 6 online conference

 At the March 6 “Writers on Zoom” online conference, experts will offer “how-to” tips on research, characterization, poetry, memoirs and humor, as well as advice for portraying the Deaf culture and community. 

The daylong event is free to St. Louis Writers Guild members, though registration is required. The $20 fee for nonmembers includes access to recordings of the six workshops. Sign up using Eventbrite on stlwritersguild.org 

If you have questions you’d like the speakers to address, post them at least a week in advance to the St. Louis Writers Guild Facebook page or email SLWGInfo@gmail.com with MARCH 6 in the subject line.

Concurrently, the Guild will host pitching to publishers on March 6. Register in advance on Eventbrite for up to two five-minute pitch sessions with publishers, including North Star Editions, Owl Hollow Press, The Wild Rose Press and Coffee House Press. Pitches are $10 for SLWG members, $20 for nonmembers.

The online conference is part of our yearlong celebration of the Guild’s 100th Anniversary. Learn more about the speakers and their talks, as well as what genres the publishers are seeking at www.stlwritersguild.org under the Special Events tab, Writers on Zoom.

Agenda

9 a.m. – RESEARCHING THE LUNATICK ASTRONOMERS, Andrew P.B. Lound 

10 a.m. – BEYOND NAME, AGE, AND SIBLING NUMBER: Turning Your Pinocchios into Real Characters, Jody Feldman 

11 a.m. – TRUE-BIZ: Best approaches to portraying Deaf culture and community, Zack Jodlowski

NOON BREAK

1 p.m. – TIPS FOR MEMOIRISTS—Craft, Family, and How to Get Your Book in the World, Linda Joy Myers

2 p.m. –  WRITING LIKE MY HAND IS ON FIRE, Jane Ellen Ibur

3 p.m. –  WHAT IMPROV COMEDY CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMOR WRITING, Bob Baker

Learn How to Write Query Letters and Pitch Your Book to Literary Agents

Learn how to write query letters and pitch your book to literary agents and publishers during a free online workshop from 10 a.m. to noon, Feb. 6, featuring authors Catherine Bakewell and Brad R. Cook.

You can find the Zoom address on the St. Louis Writers Guild’s Events page (www.stlwritersguild.org/events) or click here on Feb. 6 to join the meeting:

https://zoom.us/j/7028903800?pwd=bHp3cWhpWHBQSW9wMXgzM3N4cE5qZz09

Meeting ID: 702 890 3800

Password: SLWG2021

Call in: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago

Catherine Bakewell will discuss the  “Five Steps to Having a Strong Query.”  

“Whether it's your first time sending a query or if you're tearing your hair out re-writing and re-querying for the thousandth time, this lesson is for you,” Catherine said. “I'll be going over the basic elements of a query and how to make them stand out. This talk is primarily for fiction writers querying literary agents, and especially for those authors querying YA or MG books.”

Brad R. Cook will share the “New Rules for Pitching.”

“The publishing world changed over the last year, and pitching was one of the biggest areas affected,” he said. “We'll discuss how to pitch your book online in 2021. Tips on where to find the agents and publishers, plus how to act and what to say when you get in front of them.” 

Catherine Bakewell is the author of We are the Song, a middle-grade fantasy novel to be released in Spring of 2022 by Holiday House. Catherine has lived in France and Spain, where she romped through gardens, ate pastries, and worked on her novels. She is represented by Jordan Hamessley of New Leaf Literary & Media. You can check out Catherine's blog about querying and find out about her editorial services at catherinebakewell.com.   

Brad R. Cook is the author of historical fantasy novels and award-winning short stories. He began as a playwright, dipped into the corporate writing world, and served as co-publisher and acquisitions editor for Blank Slate Press. He currently serves as Historian of St. Louis Writers Guild after three and half years as President. He learned to fence at thirteen, and never set down his sword, but prefers to curl up with a centuries’ old classic. https://www.bradrcook.com/

Learn more about the St. Louis Writers Guild at www.stlwritersguild.org.