Perspectives on self-publishing 
On 22 April, a select group of members gathered — in person — to hear different perspectives on the editor’s role in self-publishing.
Sheelagh Wegman AE offered numerous examples of clients she had guided through the publishing process, and warned us of some of the traps, for example, don’t be afraid to say no to a job which, for any reason, isn’t a good fit for your skills and values.
Lucinda Sharp, co-owner of Tasmanian fee-for-service publishing house Forty South, shared her experience of working with writing clients. Forty South provides a very flexible service, where writers can pick and choose which services they need and are willing to pay for. They don’t publish everything though: some books don’t fit their brand, while others need more support or wider distribution than they can provide. Again, the importance of knowing when to say, no.
Finally, two members of the Fellowship of Australian Writers offered their perspectives: Robyn Mathison, poet, writer and co-founder of publishing house Bumblebee Books, and Jenny Herrera, novelist and playwright. Robyn recounted the experience of establishing a publishing house with the intention of publishing a particular book, only to see that author leave them in the lurch when it was almost ready to print. Bumblebee Books did survive that experience to publish other books, but never again without a contract. We were happy to hear that both had had positive experiences with editors.
As usual, Alex Sutherland provided a delicious light supper.
Sheelagh Wegman AE and Lucinda Sharp