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.

Summer reading for writers: 4 recommendations

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books_writingVacation season is upon us, and besides packing a  good beach read, how about re-charging your writing batteries?

There are many ways to improve your writing, and a little continuing education isn’t hard to come by. Here are some of my favorite books on writing, in no particular order:

Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer by Roy Peter Clark:

I’ve learned a lot from Clark over the years, both through his books and by attending seminars at the Poynter Institute. Clark outlines each strategy in just a few pages, so you can easily read a few chapters over lunch.

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White:

This classic is probably the most-read book on writing and it easily fits in your pocket or satchel. Who didn’t get their first copy in a high school English composition class? The “Approach to Style” chapter in particular resonates with me: “Write in a way that comes naturally. Write with nouns and verbs. Revise and rewrite. Do not over write.”

On Writing Well by William Zinsser:

I’ve had this book since college days and it’s the book I’ve recommended most often to high school and college students. I love what Zinsser says at the opening of Chapter 2, which is titled Simplicity. “Clutter is the disease of American writing. We are a society strangling in unnecessary words, circular constructions, pompous frills and meaningless jargon.” Amen.

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg. 

The subtitle of this book is “Freeing the Writer Within.” This book is full of inspiration. Goldberg points out that just like running, the more you write, the better you get at it. As for running, “You practice whether you want to or not. You don’t wait around for inspiration and a deep desire to run…That’s how writing is, too. Once you’re deep into it, you wonder what took you so long to finally settle down at the desk.” 

So true for me.

So what are your favorite books about writing?