What Happens After ‘The End’ – The Road To Getting Published

I'm done! Now what?

Since the rise of print-on-demand and e-book technology, getting published is easier and faster than ever before. Yet the avalanche of opportunities, platforms and marketing channels means that writers still type “The End,” and say, “What now?”

Fiction author Shayne Laughter decided to bring together writing and publishing professionals from around the area to get a look at the different paths writers take to transition from working alone at a desk to being a published author. Barbara Shoup, Executive Director of the Indiana Writers Center, counseled against feeling like you could be in control of the process. Claire Arbogast followed an up-and-down path of rewriting for seven years before landing a contract to publish her memoir at IU Press. Retired Editor Linda Oblack revealed why traditional publishing takes years for one book. Bloomington publisher Paul Burt  delved into the history of Author House, a local business that leveraged new technology to become a global force in fast, inexpensive self-publishing. Annette Oppenlander warned against the ways you can get stiffed by a small publisher. K. H. Brower decided to start her own publishing business to put out her books. And Terry Pinaud described the four self-publishing services he worked with to publish six novels over 20 years – from the beginnings of Author House to the surprises of CreateSpace.

The guitar instrumentals you hear in this story are composed and performed by John Patrick Lowrie for the Keithe-Lowrie Duet. You can hear Claire Arbogast, K.H. Brower, Annette Oppenlander and Terry Pinaud read selections from their books by clicking on their names here.