Sutter Communications

We’re wild about words!

Free classes on self-publishing at Rochester library

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There’s a lot to self-publishing besides writing the book!

Self-publishing a book for the first time can be a daunting task. You’ve focused for months, maybe years, on the writing, and as if that wasn’t difficult enough, now you face a myriad of choices and tasks to birth your baby into a book.

I know, because I’ve self-published two books of my own, plus I’ve worked with other authors as their book editor.

So I’m excited to share what I’ve learned in a three-part class that begins in March at the Rundel Library on South Avenue in downtown Rochester.

At the request of librarian Carol Moldt, who is the Rochester Writes programming coordinator at the Central Library, I’m developing this class called “A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing.”

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.

The class will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays March 14, 21 and 28 in the Rundel Arts Room on the third floor at the Rundel Library.

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!

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

Interested in other classes in the Rochester Writes series? Click here for the calendar. (Please note that some classes are full.) Another great source for classes on writing is Writers and Books.

Check out Kiva to get money for your biz

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Kiva is an international micro-lending organization.
Kiva is an international micro-lending organization.

You’ve probably heard of Kickstarter as a crowd-funding way to raise money for your business or start-up. But what about Kiva?

What I like about Kiva is its emphasis on alleviating poverty, so it works with entrepreneurs  with little or modest means who need cash. Kiva connects him or her with people who want to do good. The money is a loan, not a donation. So for just $25, a donor can make a difference.

How Kiva works is pretty simple. An entrepreneur applies for a loan, and the application goes through an underwriting and approval process. (The underwriting is interesting; it means that the applicant is able to get friends or family to contribute a portion of the loan request, to show the applicant’s trustworthiness. Or  a Kiva-approved trustee can vouch for the borrower.) The Kiva website is full of compelling stories of people around the world who are seeking loans for things like a tractor for their farm or a bicycle and school supplies for a student. When the borrower repays the loan, the money goes back into the lender’s Kiva account and the lender can loan it out again if he/she chooses to do so.

Informational session Oct. 13

The city of Rochester is partnering with Kiva, and offering a great deal to applicants with businesses in the city. Brad Willows, project coordinator for Kiva Rochester, spoke about Kiva at Learn to Soar 2.0,  a day of seminars for small business owners that was sponsored by the Greater Rochester chapter of SCORE, of which I’m a member.

Brad is hosting an informational session  from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Arnett Branch Library. You can read details here. Through the city’s partnership with Kiva, borrowers can get a loan of up to $10,000 from online lenders. What’s especially appealing about the City of Rochester’s program is that the city has set up a matching loan fund that totals $100,000.  If a qualified borrower receives $5,000 from lenders, the city will match it with another $5,000. What a great opportunity.

For more information on eligibility, click here. You can also call Brad at (585) 428-6053 or email him at bradley.willows@cityofrochester.gov.