Writers
Self-Publishing Panel: What We Wish We Knew
Expert self-publishers who’ve done the work and reaped the benefits will show you the ropes and bare their battle scars!
Member$28.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Guest$35.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Tuition Assistance and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Thur, 9/25/2025 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Thur, 9/25/2025
About
Do you want to self-publish your book but you’re not sure where to start? Are you new to self-publishing and not sure where to go next? Or are you a seasoned indie who needs to know you’re not alone in your trials and tribulations? No matter where you are in your self-publishing journey, this panel will remind you that you’re in good company.
Our moderated panel includes five authors who write in eight different genres, a TikTok sensation/New York Times bestseller, all levels of self-publishing experience, and a willingness to reveal how the sausage is made.
We’ll talk about the many hats self-published authors wear, how to get started, and how to avoid the biggest traps and pitfalls of the industry. Along the way, they’ll share their own fears and foibles, talk about why they chose “indie” over “trad,” and help you celebrate the freedoms and joys of being in charge of your own bookish destiny.
Our moderated panel includes five authors who write in eight different genres, a TikTok sensation/New York Times bestseller, all levels of self-publishing experience, and a willingness to reveal how the sausage is made.
We’ll talk about the many hats self-published authors wear, how to get started, and how to avoid the biggest traps and pitfalls of the industry. Along the way, they’ll share their own fears and foibles, talk about why they chose “indie” over “trad,” and help you celebrate the freedoms and joys of being in charge of your own bookish destiny.
Class Policies
Ages 14 and up are welcome.
BARN Policies
- View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy.
- Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Fill out the Accommodation Request Form before any class for which you require an accommodation. Email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org if you have any questions.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Serena Bell
USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes romantic comedies with small towns, big hearts, hot nights, and all the feels. Serena’s 20-plus books have earned many honors, including a Romance Writers of America finalist spot, a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance. When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband, two book-loving kiddos, sewing machine, and stash of dark chocolate.
Mark Jenkins
Mark Jenkins is a British-American author of speculative fiction. He is an outdoor enthusiast, swimmer, bass player, and philomath. He has completed seven Ironman triathlons and climbed volcanoes in the Cascades. His love of nature and adventure is woven into his sci-fi and fantasy tales.
Coral Moore
Coral Alejandra Moore writes character-driven stories of connection and triumph. She enjoys conversations about genetics and microbiology as much as those about vampires and werewolves. All of her books are kissing books. She earned an MFA in writing from Albertus Magnus College and is an alum of Viable Paradise XVII. She has been published by Diabolical Plots, Lightspeed Magazine, and Mermaid's Monthly. She has edited fiction for Constelación and Solarpunk magazines. In the gaming industry she has worked for Asmadi Games and Kobold Press.
Along with the rest of the Dream Foundry, she won the Ignyte Community Award for outstanding effort in service of inclusion and equitable practice in the speculative genre. She lives in Washington with the love of her life where she rides motorcycles, raises chickens, and drinks all the coffee.
Along with the rest of the Dream Foundry, she won the Ignyte Community Award for outstanding effort in service of inclusion and equitable practice in the speculative genre. She lives in Washington with the love of her life where she rides motorcycles, raises chickens, and drinks all the coffee.
Jen Pitts
Jen Pitts Scheiderman is a lifelong mystery reader who turned her obsession into writing cozy mysteries of her own. When she isn’t plotting fictional murder and mayhem, she’s chugging coffee, traveling, reading, and enjoying life with her husband, children, and two cats in the Pacific Northwest. www.jenpittsauthor.com
Emily Rath
Emily Rath is a New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Amazon bestselling author of fantasy and romance. Emily started her career as an indie author, self-publishing books with little more than a hope and prayer. Now, on Amazon alone, she’s had over 600 million pages read of her books. Her works have been translated into 14 languages and counting.
Eliana West
Eliana West, recipient of the 2022 Nancy Pearl Award for genre fiction, crafts tales featuring characters and communities that reflect the diversity of our world. Weaving together elements of love and hope, she creates stories that grip readers from the very first page and are filled with poignant moments that both tug at heartstrings and leave readers spellbound. Perhaps it’s her love of Jane Austen that draws Eliana to write about small towns, close-knit communities, and both found families and the complex dynamics of the families into which we're born. Eliana loves stories that bring people from different backgrounds together through the common language of unconditional love and acceptance.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find Eliana adventuring with her husband, wandering the back roads in their beloved vintage Volkswagen Westfalia, affectionately named Bianca. Don’t be surprised if those back roads lead to a vineyard.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find Eliana adventuring with her husband, wandering the back roads in their beloved vintage Volkswagen Westfalia, affectionately named Bianca. Don’t be surprised if those back roads lead to a vineyard.
Follow Us