Sutter Communications

We’re wild about words!

Want to self-publish a book? Free classes via Zoom

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Image of self-published book Sutter's Sodas Satisfy
I self-published this memoir in 2015, and followed up with a related book in 2019.

Hundreds of thousands of authors write and self-publish a book every year. Why not you?

The idea to self-publish a book can feel overwhelming and it did for me, too, at times. But experience results in knowledge and I’m offering mine in an upcoming three-part series.

I’ve self-published two books of my own, and I work as an editor with other authors on their self-publishing projects.

I’m teaching “A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing” via Zoom as part of the Rochester Writes program sponsored by the Central Library of Rochester. Tune in from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday July 16, 23 and 30.

Space is limited and at this writing, there are just 11 seats left.

Here’s the description: Have you written a book or have one in process but are confused about how to publish it? Jane Sutter, author of two self-published books and owner of Sutter Communications, will help you learn about all the different options of self-publishing (print and e-book) and the many details involved. Topics to be covered include the difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing, types of self-publishing available, building a support team, getting an ISBN number, the business side of selling books yourself, the costs of self-publishing, and marketing your book successfully 

Related content: Got writer’s block? 5 quotes from Ernest Hemingway may help.

Everyone’s journey in self-publishing is different. I’ll share my journey and why I made the decisions that I did, but I’ll also outline the variety of choices. In addition, I’ll share the essentials of self-publishing that are vital for everyone. I’ll include a hefty amount of ideas on marketing, because after all, you probably want to sell copies of your book!

I was scheduled to teach this class in person in March, but that was cancelled when the library shut down due to the pandemic. I’m confident we can still have a great class via Zoom.

The class is free, but you must register in advance. We also ask that you commit to attending all three sessions. Click on this link for more information and to register.

Is 2019 the year you want to write a book or a blog?

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Write a book
Writing a book takes discipline and patience but it can be done!

Judging by the emails and calls my business, Sutter Communications, has been getting, it seems many people have made a New Year’s resolution to write a book or finish the book they started many moons ago. Or they’ve resolved to learn how to blog, or blog more consistently or grow their blogging audience.

If you’re one of them, here are a few tips that work for me.

Resolve to spend 15 minutes a day on your writing.

Of course, you can do a lot more, but 15 minutes seems do-able, right? You’d be amazed at how going slow and steady brings actual results. I learned this when I was researching and writing a thesis, while working many hours as an editor at the Democrat and Chronicle. Once you start writing, I’ll bet you find it so fun you’ll spend more than 15 minutes on it!

Related: 5 Takeaways from State of Blogging Industry report 

Set up deadlines.

You want to write a book? “Deadline is the greatest motivator” became my mantra years ago, when as both a reporter and then an editor, I realized that deadlines are critical to getting work done. It’s too easy to put off the writing. Want your book to be printed in time for holiday sales? Then do a back-out schedule that makes that happen.

Related: Got writer’s block? 5 quotes from Ernest Hemingway may help

Take a class.

You go to the gym to get stronger and in better shape, right? Then taking a class can do the same for your creativity and desire to write a book. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, blogging, whatever your genre, I recommend you check out the classes at Writers and Books.

I’ve been on the faculty there for almost four years, and I’ve also attended classes and author talks. You’ll come away inspired and more than likely, you’ll meet some fellow writers who may become life-long friends and a great support system.

Over the next two months, I’m teaching Blogging 101, Blogging 201 and a new-ish workshop called Social Media for Writers. You can see the entire list of Writers and Books offerings here.

Hope you find these tips helpful. What works for you?

Got writer’s block? 5 quotes from Ernest Hemingway may help

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Ernest Hemingway before he became the famous writer.

We writers are always looking for inspiration and ways to make the writing come easier. Maybe we should just accept that even brilliant writers like Ernest Hemingway struggled.

Here are five quotes from the book Ernest Hemingway on Writing, edited by Larry Phillips.

  • “There’s no rule on how it is to write … Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly. Sometimes it is like drilling rock and then blasting it out with charges.”
  • “After a book, I am emotionally exhausted. If you are not, you have not transferred the emotion completely to the reader. Anyway, that is the way it works for me.”
  • “Have been work(ing) very hard on this book. She pretty near over. All that remains now is to perform the unperformable miracle you have to always do at the end.”

This next one is from Hemingway’s speech accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1954.

  • “Writing, at its best, is a lonely life. Organizations for writers palliate the writer’s loneliness but I doubt if they improve his writing. He grows in public stature as he sheds his loneliness and often his work deteriorates. For he does his work alone and if he is a good enough writer he must face eternity or the lack of it, each day.”

For when you are struggling for the right word:

  • “Actually if a writer needs a dictionary, he should not write. He should have read the dictionary at least three times from beginning to end and then have loaned it to someone who needs. There are only certain words which are valid and similies (bring me my dictionary) are like defective ammunition (the lowest thing I can think of at this time).”

Do you have a favorite quote on writing?