Locals’ publishing pearls of wisdom

Three local authors will come together this weekend to share their experiences publishing their novels.

Hosted by Barefoot Books, A Sensational Sunday of Storytelling will see authors Janine Beacham, Ian Andrew and Nicole Sinclair share the different paths they took to get their works published.

Barefoot Books owner Peta Semmens said she decided to organise the event after receiving many questions from customers about how they should go about getting their works published.

“There is so much interest in how books get published and these authors went down three completely different paths,” she said. “One of them had the dream run and sent off their book and got a three-book publishing deal, one decided to form their own independent publishing business and the other was being published by the Margaret River Press and got her books distributed through the UNSW press.

“I thought it would be incredible to have all the authors together in one place able to talk about their books, about their writing processes and their publishing experiences.”

Andrew recently released his third book, Fall Guys, in a series that centres around two combat veterans turned private investigators. Andrew, who was Barefoot Books’ bestselling adult fiction author in 2015, said his book explored the idea of governments selling weapons to organisations such as ISIS.

After publishing his first novel, Andrew said he decided to found The Book Reality Experience to assist other writers to publish their works. He said he would be discussing how he created a network of consultants, editors and illustrators which allowed budding authors to turn their book dreams into reality.

Securing a three-book publishing deal with UK publishing company Little Brown was a dream come true for author Beacham, who will also be speaking at the event.

Beacham’s debut novel, Rose Raventhorpe Investigates: Black Cats and Butlers was released two months ago, with her second book in the children’s series to be released later this year.

Beacham said this weekend’s event would be her first promoting her novels and added she was looking forward to sharing her process of writing the book and obtaining an agent.

Ms Semmens said she loved all of the authors’ books and said the fact they were all local acted as a source of inspiration for any local budding authors. “This event can show people who dream big that it can happen,” she said. “These people prove that it doesn’t matter if you are from Busselton or New York, it doesn’t make a difference, you can achieve your dreams.”

A Sensational Sunday of Storytelling will be held at Barefoot Books, shop 21-23 Figtree Lane, Busselton, from 10.30am this Sunday.

It will also include a question-and-answer and book signings.

Cost is $10 and includes drinks and nibbles.

To RSVP, contact 9751 3905, barefootbooks@westnet.com.au or call in and book direct.