Author Fairs, Writing Workshops, & Contests

Indie Authors Association Newsletter #1: Introduction and Upcoming Events

Welcome to the first edition of the Indie Authors Association (IAA) Newsletter! The purpose of IAA is to support independent authors with the business side of writing, including tools, tips, and promotion.

My name is Kathy Gerstorff, aka WriterKat. I am the founder of the Indie Authors Association. I am also a former bookstore owner, serial entrepreneur, and certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach. Guerrilla Marketing is a customer service-focused business model that includes low-cost and free strategies to market your product or service.

I am a voracious reader, especially of books on writing and publishing. I have helped many authors write, edit, format, publish, and promote their books. I have spent thousands of dollars on writing courses, workshops, seminars, and other author events over the past 20 years.

I also spend a few hours daily listening to writing and publishing podcasts or watching videos about publishing trends and marketing. My goal in doing all of this is to hone my writing and book publishing skills.

I love sharing what I learn along the way with fellow writers to lessen the steep self-publishing learning curve. I wish for us all to be successful on our writing journey. I believe it involves a delicate balance of learning and doing. Writing, publishing, and promoting.

My top priority in publishing this newsletter is to provide value to you!

I will periodically include a poll to help me provide the information you find most beneficial. You are also welcome to email me at indieauthors@substack.com with your suggestions, comments, and questions.

Please let me know if something other than what is listed on the poll would bring you value. Now, on with the show!

. . .

Opportunities abound for indie authors in Indiana! As the IAA Newsletter grows, I will add additional locations. You are welcome to share a link to events in your area.

• Midwest Writers Workshop, Muncie, Indiana, July 14-16, 2022. This workshop is available virtually for the first time this year! midwestwriters.org

• Professional Writers Conference, Taylor University, Upland, Indiana, July 28-30, 2022. They have a teen track this year! taylorprofessionalwritersconference.weebly.com. Also, for kids, check out their WordShop Writing Camp, July 18-22, 2022. wordshoptayloruniversity.wordpress.com

• Indiana Incognito Author Extravaganza, Cambridge City, Indiana, Friday, September 30, 2022, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Saturday, October 1, 2022, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. This free event is hosted by The Friends of the Cambridge City Public Library. All children are welcome. Over 20 authors have signed up to showcase their books and help support children’s literacy programs.

• Poetry Society of Indiana 44th Annual Poetry Contest 2022. Submissions open July 1 - September 1, 2022. poetrysocietyofindiana.org/psi-annual-poetry-contest.html

• Opportunities for writers listed by the Indiana Writers Center, indianawriters.org/blogs/news/opportunities-for-writers-june-2022/

---

RECOMMENDATIONS

Please note: Books and tools I recommend may contain affiliate links that help support the Indie Authors Association. There is no additional cost to you. I use everything I recommend.

Publishing Tools

• Canva

  I LOVE Canva! I create everything from logos to flyers, book covers, format book interiors, and creative art merchandise. I love that Canva is cloud-based, so I can access it from anywhere. I also don’t have to worry about losing my work if my computer crashes, which has happened many times over the years.

• Grammarly

  I can proofread my writing a dozen times, and Grammarly will still find a typo, missing comma, or something every time! They have a free version, but you will have to guess at the issues versus the pro version that makes suggestions to improve your prose. It is well worth the investment for professional writers.

What is your favorite publishing tool?

. . .

Books & Podcasts

• Successful Self-Publishing by Joanna Penn. I recently took a Creative Writing course at Colorado Christian University and was pleasantly surprised to see that Successful Self-Publishing was one of the study books. I have followed The Creative Penn podcast for many years. Joanna is one of the best in self-publishing and interviews many successful indie authors. I highly recommend her book and podcast.

---

Would you like to know about opportunities and resources for indie authors? Subscribe for free weekly updates!

Are you an indie author looking for support with the business side of writing? Become an Indie Authors Association founding member to receive insider info and promo. For starters, your name will be listed along with a link to your author’s website in every IAA newsletter!

---

Indie Authors Association Founding Members

• Kathy Gerstorff, WriterKat.com