Ms. Brawner speaks on a variety of business topics related to the publishing industry, the music industry, and geek culture. For pricing, or a multiple program quote, please contact her at
Marketing and the Art of Self Publishing
This presentation is appropriate for ages 18+
You finally finished writing that book, but you’re intimidated by the idea of finding an agent and a publisher. You explore self-publishing only to find out that you need to do all of your own formatting, marketing, promotion, and absolutely everything else. It’s a lot of work! No matter which way you go, it seems impossible but… people do it. How do they come up with a plan? What platforms do they use? What are the tips and tricks? Can AI help? How can you make the impossible of marketing and self-publishing manageable and, in fact, enjoyable? Come find out!
The Nuts & Bolts of Self-Publishing (1 hour)
This presentation is appropriate for ages teen and above
Do you want to be an author? Have you thought about self-publishing? Haven’t tried it but are curious about what’s involved? Author Jessica Brawner talks about the gritty details involved in self-publishing, from finding an editor, to creating cover art, to seeing the book in print for the first time. She discusses marketing strategies for self-published authors, and the pitfalls to avoid. In addition she lays out the pros and cons of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing and gives attendees a simple set of questions for any author to ask before deciding which route to take. Q&A to follow.
No extra materials are required for this presentation.
The Nuts & Bolts of Self-Publishing (half day workshop)
This presentation is appropriate for ages teen and above
Ms. Brawner will do a walk through and take a more in-depth look at the nuts and bolts of self-publishing. In addition to discussing self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, marketing strategies for books, choosing an editor, and potential pitfalls, Ms. Brawner will walk attendees through setting up a Createspace account, offer suggestions for book formats, discuss the pros and cons of different on demand publishing outlets, and take a look at some of the basics of Amazon rankings and analytics. She will also go through the basics of e-publishing and formatting for ebooks.
Hour 1 – Self publishing overview, finding an editor, finding a cover designer, Social media marketing, potential pitfalls.
Hour 2 – Set up KDP accounts, walk through KDP, discuss ISBN numbers.
Hour 3 – Continue walking through KDP, discuss cover design, and alternatives to Amazon.com.
Hour 4 – Discuss ebooks and ebook formatting and creation; discuss pros and cons of going ebook only; Discuss Amazon analytics, the importance of reviews, and networking. Q&A
Attendees will need to provide or have access to computers and the internet. This program can be modified for a variety of lengths, but is best as a 4 hour program.
The Business Side of Music (1 hour)
This presentation is appropriate for ages teen and above
Music is an art. Artists are frequently depicted as starving, and that should be the status quo, right? Wrong. If you want to make a living as a Musician, (or any type of artist!) it helps to have a few fundamental business basics under your belt, and it helps to have a plan. Former booking agent Jessica Brawner discusses the importance of contracts, getting paid, and planning tours that don’t break the bank. She will also touch on the importance of marketing, and building and keeping a fan-base.
No extra materials are required for this presentation.
How to Plan a Band Tour for Small Bands (1-3 members) (1 hour)
This presentation is appropriate for ages: adults
Are you part of a new band, or a solo-artist that wants to start touring? Do you want to go on tour, but don’t even know where to start? Have you tried touring but found that you lose money every time? Former booking agent Jessica Brawner discusses the advance planning needed for profitable small band touring, how to approach booking shows, and determining the tipping point for a financially successful tour. She also covers topics such as
- Staying healthy on tour
- Getting business done on the road
- Communication – or how not to hate your band mates
Come and ask questions, get your questions answered, and hear a few stories of what not to do.