Today's Read Contributor On July 18, 2023, the Self-Publishing Expo 2023 took place in Los Angeles, bringing together authors, publishers, and industry professionals to explore the ever-expanding world of independent publishing. The event, which was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featured an array of panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to help authors succeed in the increasingly competitive self-publishing market.
The expo was organized by Jennifer Davis, a passionate advocate for indie publishing, who opened the event by discussing the growing significance of self-publishing in the modern literary world. “In today’s digital age, authors are no longer limited by the traditional publishing process,” Davis said. “Self-publishing offers writers the freedom to control every aspect of their career—from the creative process to marketing and distribution.”
One of the most anticipated sessions featured Rebecca Solnit, a critically acclaimed author known for her non-fiction work on feminism, history, and politics. Solnit shared her insights on how authors can cultivate a strong personal brand and maintain creative control while still reaching a wide audience. “As a self-published author, you have the unique advantage of being your own boss, but with that comes the responsibility to promote your work authentically,” Solnit explained.
IngramSpark, one of the leading platforms for self-publishing, also played a central role in the expo, providing valuable resources to authors looking to publish and distribute their books digitally. Representatives from IngramSpark discussed the benefits of using their platform to reach readers across multiple channels, including e-books, print-on-demand, and audiobook formats.
The event also included a variety of workshops aimed at helping authors refine their skills in areas such as book design, social media marketing, and building an author platform. Sessions like “Mastering Book Marketing in the Digital Age” provided practical advice on how to successfully promote self-published works without a large budget. Speakers emphasized the importance of building an online presence and engaging with readers through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Goodreads.
In addition to the workshops, the Self-Publishing Expo hosted a series of networking events, where authors could connect with fellow writers, literary agents, and publishers. Many attendees expressed how valuable these connections were in helping them expand their networks and find new opportunities in the publishing industry.
The Self-Publishing Expo 2023 reinforced the idea that independent publishing is here to stay. As technology continues to evolve, the ability for authors to self-publish with ease has never been greater. The expo provided both new and experienced authors with the tools and inspiration to take their careers to the next level, making it a pivotal event for the indie publishing community.
