Interview with Diane Mencher and Karen Mender, Founders of the first Self-Publishing Book Expo 

 

On November 7, 2009, self-published authors will have, for the first time ever, a tradeshow dedicated solely to them. Founders Diane Mencher and Karen Mender created this Self-Published Book Expo in order to highlight the unique contribution that self-published authors are making to the modern industry, and to give them the credibility they deserve.

 

 

1.                Your website states that the Self-Publishing Expo is the only event of its kind. Why do you think that there has never been a self-publishing expo, and why choose to start one this year?

 

As recent articles in several well-respected publications (including the New York Times and Time Magazine) have shown, self-publishing is the one aspect of the publishing industry that has grown, despite the downturn in the economy that has affected mainstream publishing.  The success of self-published authors has also grown, increasing their visibility immensely.  It is for these reasons that we believe the time is right for a book Expo focused solely on self-published books and authors.

 

2.                In your opinion, what are some of the downsides of the larger book publishing expos, especially for self-published authors? How do you plan to meet or rectify those issues?

 

Prior to this Expo, self-publishers have been included in Book Expo America, which is the largest trade show of its kind, but their status has been limited in terms of space and visibility, thus limiting their authors’ opportunities.  Our plan is to feature self-published authors by offering them a place to sell and exhibit their books to the general public, something that is not available to them anywhere else, and to highlight the people and the services of the companies that produce the books.

 

3.                During a time when the publishing industry is tightening its belt, how do you rationalize the benefit of your expo? In other words, how do the benefits outweigh the costs?

 

We believe that the benefits of the Expo will far outweigh the costs because first and foremost, the costs for individual authors to exhibit are extremely reasonable!  Authors will have a chance to not only sell their books to the public, but also to meet their peers, interact with industry professionals, attend ongoing panels and discussions throughout the day, meet members of the media, and learn more about the services of other self-publishing companies, all for one low fee.

 

4.                How do you expect to overcome the stigma that is often associated with the words self - published?

 

The stigma that was once associated with the words self-published, has already great diminished.  The digital age has broadened the opportunities for self-published authors to the point that many writers are choosing to have complete control over their publication, from inception through selling and marketing.  This Expo will only help in those efforts.

 

5.                What do you hope to accomplish with this event? What can a self-published author hope to gain from an Expo like this?

 

What we hope to accomplish is directly related to what we hope self-published authors can gain. Our aim is to shine a spotlight on self-published books and authors and the professional who bring these titles to the marketplace; provide a showcase for self-publishing by giving authors the opportunity to display and discuss their books, sell to the public, learn more about the services of pod companies, and meet media contacts who otherwise might not have heard about their books; and finally to provide a home for self-publishing companies to showcase their services.

 

 

We would like to thank Ms. Mencher and Ms. Mender, as well as our other contributors, for their time and comments, and wish them the best of luck in their endeavors. For more information about the Self-Publishing Expo and how you can sign up, please visit their website.