Newtown Library hosts: You Wrote a Book, Now What?

Jan Kardys, Redding’s own resident publishing insider, Unicorn Writers Conference and Unicorn for Writers founder, will give a You Wrote a Book, Now What? workshop for writers at the Newtown Library on June 25^th, along with award-winning playwright Bob Zaslow and former art and design director for Bantam Dell Publishing, Glen Edelstein. Kardys says, “We are committed to encouraging authors.”   

Kardys, who has worked for more than 35 years in all aspects of the publishing industry, says that the difference between those who are successful and those who are not is that successful writers know how to market their work, including how to use social media. The workshop will provide networking opportunities as well as invaluable information. Kardys says, “As with almost any career these days, it’s not just talent, it’s also about networking.”

The workshop will consist of three sections. Jan Kardys will call on her experience working for ten of NYC’s biggest publishing houses to talk in depth about the big three types of publishing: traditional, self- and blended and which one is right for each person. “You’ll learn about marketing plans, social media, writing a query letter, finding an agent, the role of an editor, and much more.” 

Bob Zaslow, playwright, author and teacher, will demonstrate the six elements of effective writing, “from a dreaming up a compelling theme and premise to building believable characters and developing hero empathy and ratcheting up tension” in order to create a book that readers can’t put down. Then Glen Edelstein will teach writers about the elements of good design, from covers to interiors to typefaces, as well as how to make bookmarks, flyers and banners.

In addition, three local Connecticut published authors, Tessa McGovern, Susan Strecker, and Sarah Darer Littman will talk about their books and their path to publishing success and answer questions. The feedback Kardys gets from her workshops is enthusiastic. Writers say they get “not only a good value, but a valuable experience.” Kardys says, “By the very nature of their work, most writers work alone, so this workshop is a great way to network and meet other writers and exchange ideas.” 

For more information or to reserve a spot, go towww.unicornforwriters.com for the You Wrote a Book, Now What? workshop, hosted by Unicorn for Writers, Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main St., Newtown CT.  The cost (including great food, drink and all handouts) is $45. The workshop is limited to 150 writers. Formore information, please go to www.unicornforwriters.com.