The Women’s Publishing Network  June Writer’s Group special guests were members who have recently self-published non-fiction. They shared their background stories and lessons learned through publishing, speaking and marketing their own books.

 Jane Grieve, author of ‘Slippin on the Lino’, a collection of short stories around the theme of motherhood, loss of career and identity, and the observations, frustrations and delights of raising children.  

 Diane Carter, author of ‘Dare to Live’, an inspiring autobiographical tale of life in Africa, recovery from a near-fatal hyena attack, and the courage to go on against all odds.

 Lori Cartanega, author of ‘The Heartbreak Option’, the autobiographical story of her colourful life and the recent reunion with her son who she gave up for adoption many years ago.

 Some of their recommended resources:

Printers: McPhersons Printing Group; Palmer Higgs; Griffin Press

Distribution & Sales: Palmer Higgs; Dennis Jones; Amazon; Fishpond; Lulu; Mary Ryan bookstores; Angus and Robertson; Dymocks…

When Jane was completing her book last year she received a lot of support from professional contacts she had made through her varied career: many endorsed her book and one such contact enabled her to sell her book through Pillow Talk stores when it was first released.

Lori and Jane have both opened up their own distribution into bookstores by being persistent and approaching stores directly. Jane approached the ABC stores by contacting the state manager and her distinctly Aussie book is on their shelves.

Jane has also recorded her stories in audio-book format in a professional studio in her home town of Warwick, and most recently contributed to the new publication ‘The Modern Women’s Anthology 2010′.

 Diane’s focus is to use the book to promote her speaking career and is successfully selling books through her speaking engagements and online. She is also raising money through her book sales to support cancer charities.

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