Workshops for Writers-May 4: What to Expect When You're Expecting (a Book): From Acceptance to Book Launch and Beyond

The journey to a finished book can be a long, tedious, sometimes painful process, ultimately resulting in a little bundle of pride and joy. However, like having a child, your work is not complete upon publication!

Set yourself and your next book up for success by getting a behind-the-scenes peek at what happens after the publishing contract is signed at the St. Louis Writers Guild workshop from 10 a.m. to noon, May 4, at The Lodge Des Peres, 1050 Des Peres Rd., St. Louis, MO 63131. Free to members; $5 for nonmembers.

Author Cynthia Graham and publisher Jennifer Geist will discuss how authors and publishers collaborate on bringing a book to publication, including editing, the design process, the book launch, and the marketing that follows.

Cynthia A. Graham is the winner of several writing awards, including a Gold IPPY, two Midwest Book Awards, and was named a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award. Her short stories have appeared in both university and national literary publications. She attained a B.A. in English from the Pierre Laclede Honors College at the University of Missouri in St. Louis. Cynthia is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the St. Louis Writers Guild, and the Missouri Writers Guild.

Jennifer Geist is the publisher of Pen & Publish, Inc. With a decade of experience in editing, book compositing, photography, graphic and web design, marketing, writing, and more, she is able to see any book from acquisitions to publication and beyond. Jennifer received her bachelor’s degree in creative writing with a focus in small press publishing through Southeast Missouri State University. She has worked with numerous small presses and her stories and photos are published in a variety of literary magazines. In addition to heading Pen & Publish, Open Books Press, and Transformation Media Books, she added a literary fiction and poetry imprint in 2015: Brick Mantel Books. Jennifer is a member of the St. Louis Publishers Association and the St. Louis Writers Guild.