Indie Author Café

My regular readers will know that my day job is as a copy editor and proofreader. I am currently doing some work for Indie Authors World - a fantastic outfit, run by Sinclair and Kim Macleod, which supports independent, self publishing authors. With a variety of packages available for authors to choose from, IAW can provide editing, proofreading, formatting, cover design, marketing help - pretty much everything. If you are thinking of self publishing, check out their website.

Anyway, on the last Sunday of the month, Sinclair and Kim host an Indie Author Café at Waterstones in Sauchiehall Street. As I hadn't had chance to meet all the team or any of the authors, I decided to pop along yesterday to say hi.

I hadn't realised that half of Glasgow city centre currently has ongoing roadworks, so I was late arriving, but joined the gathering of thirteen authors, led by Sinclair. Carston, the IAW tech and social media guy was busy taking photos, one of which he has kindly let me use below.

Usually, the session starts with a couple of authors talking about their publishing journeys, followed by some questions and discussions. But yesterday was the last meeting before the summer break so was more relaxed. Sinclair went around the group so everyone could share what they were up to. Unfortunately, because of my tardiness, I missed several contributions, but was there for lots of brilliant encouraging conversations. We discussed how good Business Gateway is for helping your self publishing business. One or two authors are thinking about getting their books translated into Gaelic - particularly ones aimed at children for use in schools. We talked about promotion and social media, and how to get your book on to the shelves at Waterstones. And I was really encouraged by how many authors were a good way through their next book - more than one, in a couple of cases! For my turn, I just gave a very brief introduction, as it is mainly a gathering for authors.

During the coffee break, I chatted with Sinclair and some of the authors, and was made incredibly welcome. After coffee, Sinclair provoked more conversation with a series of questions about books - favourite one, least favourite, book themed holidays, books that you would want your ideal partner to read - kudos to the gent who said 'Fifty Shades of Grey '! So we had some animated discussion and lots of laughs. But the question which caused the most debate was 'How do you organise your books?', which lead on to discussion on caring for books. Ooft! The conversation was heated as we discovered the most particular people, and the philistine amongst us!

All in all, it was a great way to spend a couple of hours with some brilliant people. I am looking forward to the next meeting at the end of September, which will be along the usual lines.

I want to thank everyone for making me so welcome. See you all soon!