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A note from Jane
In 2006, I sat alone at an AWP Bookfair table and waited for people to come buy Writer’s Digest titles and Writer’s Market, where I was editorial director. I met and knew hardly anyone but remained convinced we should have a presence. Fortunately, I sold nearly every book at the table, which helped ensure we had the budget to attend and exhibit every year, with more staff.
After I left Writer’s Digest, I stayed in the mix as a writing professor, proposing and moderating panels and walking the Bookfair. I attended when I was on a literary journal staff and later when I released my book with The University of Chicago Press, who exhibits each year.
While I’ve skipped some years, especially around the pandemic, I’ve attended the AWP Conference & Bookfair more often than not. And this year, 20 years after my first experience as an exhibitor, I returned with a simple booth just featuring me, essentially inviting people to come say hello.
And they did. Colleagues and friends came to see what I’m doing these days. Professionals made time to pitch me. Writers and professors stopped by to thank me and Mark for the free resources and classes.
Some people derive great meaning and fulfillment from being rooted in the same city or neighborhood for a lifetime. Or from being married to the same person their entire lives. Or from having a best friend who’s been there since childhood.
I don’t have those anchors, but I do have my chosen work for the last few decades. I suspect I’ll never be alone at a Bookfair table again. My deepest thanks to everyone who stopped by—it makes the writing and publishing community feel like the best in the world.
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Discover a book’s translations worldwide
Found via Publishers Marketplace: Spanish author Ausiàs Tsel spent months trying to answer a simple question: Has this book been translated into my language? Surprisingly, no one tracks this, not even libraries. So he built Zenòdot, a platform for discovering a book’s translations worldwide by referencing multiple databases.
Dear Aliens: fun writing contest, no entry fee, cash prizes
Here’s the prompt: “The aliens are coming. Or at least they told us they were. They asked us for just one item: a written document from humanity. This is the only thing they are going to read before they arrive. We have no idea what the document should be, so we’re asking you.” The best submission under 1,000 words receives $2,000; second and third place receive $250. Deadline: May 15. You have to mailyour submission. Learn more, plus read terms and conditions.
Free online conference covering AI for publishing professionals
PurePub.ai is an online conference spanning May 11–22, focusing on an audience of publishing professionals “ready to figure out what AI actually means for them.” It’s free to register, but you have to pay $149 to watch sessions you miss, among other benefits. The event is founded by Adam Hyde, who focuses on open-source publishing technology and publishing workflows (meaning: this is an event focused on thoughtful discussion, not hype). I’ll be speaking as a panelist. The exact program and schedule is still being determined, so I recommend registering to receive updates if you’re interested.
Teleprompters for PC/Android users
In the last issue, I invited PC/Android users to suggest teleprompter software since I only know about Mac/OS tools. Irene Zabytko wrote in to recommend this free app for both PCs and Macs.
Story Structure & Momentum with Tiffany Yates Martin / March 18, 1–2 p.m. EDT
Despite the proliferation of “foolproof” systems for story structure, there’s no one-size-fits-all or “right” way to structure a story. This class by veteran editor Tiffany Yates Martin will teach you how to find what works best for you and your story organically, from the inside out, rather than cramming it into some prescribed external formula or mold.
In the last issue, I asked what’s the first thing you do when you get home from a multi-day conference or business event. Here’s a sampling of what you said.
That one’s easy … Take off my bra! —Diana M. Wilson
After a multi-day trip, I put my suitcases in my bedroom and take out my golden retrievers for a walk. Then I bake bread. Both relax me. —Maura J. Casey
I notice how lovely my home is as I step in the door, and I breathe in a deep breath of contentment about all my hard work so far and my excitement to dig into what’s next (conferences are great for that!). Then … I immediately put away whatever trip items I have. The sooner travel items are stowed, the sooner I can play with all the bubbling ideas! (And dream 💭 of leaving again!) —Susan Turner
Post-conference I’m generally hyped. It would be easy to sit down and start writing, but I’ve learned that what I pour on the page isn’t so great. But I do want to take advantage of my high so I write snippets. These are things I remember—ideas that have stayed with me (for stories, craft, anything). I write enough that I’ll understand the idea when I come back to it. This is different from taking notes, which I also do. What’s important about snippets is that they’re what I remember and that’s where the inspiration lies. —Aline Soules
The first thing I do is drop all my bags, get down in the floor and together with my 10-year-old retired Hedlund Husky, Shale, we lean our heads back, stretch our necks, and sing a happiness howl for as long as we want. I can’t harmonize to save my life, but like most proper huskies, she’s an expert. —Kathleen Kimball-Baker
I recently returned from a weeklong author event, and here’s what I did (and usually do): I unpacked and put everything away or in its place. I made a quick list of all the people I’d met who I wanted to reach out to and/or thank for something. I went back through my business cards, photos, and the conference schedule to remind myself of anyone I needed to follow up with. I added people and their contact info to my Contacts app, along with a note/tag on where and when we’d met. I gave myself a few days before reaching out to people I’d met, since many are overwhelmed with life, work, and having just been at a conference. —Roland Denzel
Next question: Who’s someone you follow online who has nothing to do with writing and publishing but whose way of thinking influences your work? Hit reply and let me know.
Do you have a tools or resources question you would like Jane to ask all readers? Offer up your suggestion, and she might feature it.
