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I attended Fanime this year and spoke on self-publishing. I was overjoyed at the happiness people showed, the excellent covid precautions, and my own decreasing hypochondria in the face of large events. I was also thrilled to have an insight I’d like to share with you, my audience.
As I have for I think at least seven or eight years, I hosted a Self-Publishing panel. Though I had to do it solo due to the “crew” facing a number of life changes, I was quite pleased with it, and had a fantastic crowd. At the end, I noted it would be great to see some of them again.
Then it struck me – conventions like Fanime that host many creatives should have their own self-publishing group operating outside of the con, like any other self-publishing group.
Imagine something operating like a typical writer/artist/publisher meetup. People who already love the convention come together over their projects. The support given ensures not just successful launches of books/comics/game, but also further builds the social structure of con attendees. In turn when the convention rolls around, the group can speak on their successes, recruit new members – and maybe just get tables in the dealer’s room and artist alley.
Let me speculate on how this could operate:
- It should focus on the convention, staff, and attendees. I can see it expanding under some conditions, but should at least start that way.
- It should have both virtual and in person meetings. This way you build local connections but include out-of-towners.
- It would probably be best official or semi-official as part of a convention. It might have to evolve into that.
- It should focus on getting works out. Get people getting results.
- It should work to integrate with the convention to run panels and events.
In time such an event could expand. It could be based around several conventions in an area, or sister conventions further apart. There could be several groups, based at other conventions, that team up at conventions. More, tight, productive relationships would evolve – and we’d see some great stuff!
Now I wish I’d actually collected email addresses at the panel – I got stupid and forgot. But maybe online or next year I can try that.
So I’d like to ask you dear reader, what do you think? Drop me a line!
Steven Savage