Today's Read Contributor The Chicago Book Expo, held on July 10, 2022, brought together authors, publishers, and industry professionals to discuss the future of self-publishing and the role of digital innovations in transforming the book industry. The event, hosted at the McCormick Place Convention Center, featured panels, workshops, and networking sessions, exploring how technology is enabling new avenues for authors to connect with readers directly.
Sarah Williams, Director of the Chicago Book Expo, kicked off the event by emphasizing the growing importance of digital tools in the publishing process. “The publishing industry has been undergoing significant changes, and this event provides an opportunity to showcase the future of bookselling,” Williams remarked in her opening speech. “Self-publishing and digital platforms have democratized the industry, giving every writer the opportunity to succeed.”
A prominent panel discussion, “Self-Publishing in the Digital Age,” featured James Anderson, CEO of IndiePress Publishing, a leader in digital-first publishing. Anderson discussed how digital tools are revolutionizing the way books are published and distributed. “The shift toward self-publishing has allowed writers to bypass traditional publishing gatekeepers and engage directly with their audiences,” Anderson said. “This has led to an explosion of creative voices in the literary world.”
The expo also featured a session on the growing influence of audiobooks, a rapidly expanding segment of the publishing market. Penguin Random House, one of the world’s largest publishers, hosted a workshop that highlighted how traditional publishers are adapting to the rise of audiobooks. Panelists discussed strategies for engaging audiobook listeners, with a focus on the integration of voice technology and its potential to expand the reach of audiobooks.
A key theme throughout the event was the importance of social media in marketing self-published books. Indie authors shared their experiences on how platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have enabled them to build loyal reader bases and promote their work. One author, Claire Johnson, who self-published her debut novel, shared how she used social media to create buzz before the book’s release. “It’s about creating a community,” Johnson explained. “Social media allows me to connect with readers in a way that was never possible with traditional publishing.”
The expo also gave authors the opportunity to network with literary agents, publishers, and other industry professionals, allowing them to discuss future projects and collaboration opportunities. As self-publishing continues to rise, events like the Chicago Book Expo are playing a crucial role in providing aspiring authors with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in a fast-changing industry.
