Rick Miles offers a workshop for “The Undaunted”

Since the advent of e-publishing, the book world has seen a revolution, allowing many authors to achieve the dream of writing full-time. Unfortunately launching a career is more than just writing, and the challenges are just beginning.

“Writing a book is hard. Publishing is even harder,” said Rick Miles, CEO and co-founder of Red Coat PR. He will discuss ways to help you master the literary industry and cement yourself into your new career at a workshop from 10 a.m. to noon, July 8, at 1050 Des Peres Rd., St. Louis, MO, 63131. Free to members of the St. Louis Writers Guild; $5 for nonmembers.

Rick understands the minefield of the publishing world. He created Red Coat PR to be the company that provides authors and publishers with unique opportunities in marketing, branding and business management.

“As a writer, you pour your heart and soul into your work, and likely hope to teach, entertain, or inspire. Whether you love to write a hard-hitting romance or an epic fantasy adventure, you are an artist with a unique talent and voice,” he said. “Readers in every genre eagerly await new content, ready to discover the next great work. Your work.”

The new world of publishing has many opportunities for you to publish, but those opportunities bring a number of questions. How do I get reviews? Can I get into a brick and mortar store? How do I use social media? Should I go on a book tour? Who is my targeted audience and how do I reach them? How do I market? These questions inspire doubt and fear, making it all that much harder to navigate the complicated and ever-changing world of publishing.

“You are not alone,” Rick said. “Our team has more than fifty years of collective leadership, project management, digital development, and marketing experience. Together we can help build your brand and launch your career. You are the undaunted!”

Key points of the workshop include:

· Valuing your work

o Price Point

o Free Books

· Finding your target audience

o Online Advertising

o Print Advertising

o Book Clubs

o Reader Communities

o Which social media outlet reaches your audience the best

o Book Conventions

· Agents

o When is one right for me

o How do I know if it’s the right one

o Truths about Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

· Merchandizing

o iBooks love

o Kobo Promotions

o Amazon

Previously Rick was the Vice President of an International Risk Management company specializing in strategic and financial risks. He is the co-founder of Penned Con, a book convention hosted annually in St. Louis, MO., where all proceeds are donated to charity. He created the Penned Con Scholarship Fund at Action for Autism, a 501 (c)(3) charity.

Learn more about the St. Louis Writers Guild at www.stlwritersguild.org.