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BookCAMP
2024
Thank you so much for all your work organizing BookCAMP, and everything you and Gabby do to help authors!
As a speaker, the event was profitable, and if all those who said they would join my program actually do so, it will be excellent. From all I could see you did a wonderful job in organization and execution.
“You all did an amazing job! Just a wonderful event. Thanks for everything.”
Brian Jud S P E A K E R
Megan Henry author of An Incomplete Theory: The Search for Quantum Gravity
JW Warner author of Of Fog, and Fire, and Ice: Book 3 of the Kotidor Chronicles
“Ted, I want to thank you for your support and the amazing event you created. Thank you very much in advance for all the amazing work you put into the event. Jenny and I loved it very much. Thank you once again.”
Hi Ted, Thanks again, for your BookCAMP and Awards Ceremony. We truly enjoyed ourselves, appreciated the Professional Ceremony and your exceptionally thoughtful presence. We felt very cared about and respected. Also, if I may, your memory for names is remarkable, and memorable in itself. Congratulations! Again, Thank You: for a Once In a Lifetime experience!
Ernesto Atkinson
Dr. David Rockwell
author of Stolen Moments / Momentos Robados www.IndependentPressAward.com
author of We Were The Ramchargers: Inside Drag Racing’s Legendary Team, Second Edition 2
www.nycbigbookaward.com
Great meeting you at your BookCAMP event over the weekend. I enjoyed being a panelist on the first day. I could not believe that was the first year because it was so well-organized and polished.
“So glad to have been your first presenter at the first BookCAMP. You have a wonderful model for success here and it will succeed because you are a people person”… “I am your guy no matter where you want to go.”
Jeff Rivera S P E A K E R
Thanks so much for having us, Ted! It was great to meet you as well as the authors in attendance and talk about ways to create audiobooks through ACX.
Brian Feinblum S P E A K E R
“You got a great turnout. Thanks for having me.”
Jess Guro
Great show and it was good to see you! Thanks for inviting me to join the show.
ACX.com
Jarred Weisfeld S P E A K E R
Kenichi Sugihara
Hi Ted and Gabby - we just wanted to say how much we appreciated attending the Independent Press Award banquet last week. The whole event was exciting and fun and we appreciated the opportunity to attend as the publisher representing our books and authors. Look forward to future events! Warm, regards
S P E A K E R
I had a fantastic time at the Awards banquet and felt truly spoiled! Thank you so much for the fantastic evening! It was a night to remember.
Tiffany and Calvert Laurisa Brandt
Publishers,
author of Birthright of Scars: Rising
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Publisher’s Letter BookCAMP 2024 happened, and what an amazing experience for us all! With such an ambitious program happening for the first time, I was wondering if I may have tried to do too much. As you’ll read, the program centered around three days, each with a theme. In addition, BookCAMP was in fact three separate shows under one roof. A component catering to young talent and small press, another to the independent author and publisher and, of course, award-winning authors from around the world. Attendees were satisfied and impressed with the depth and breadth of the programming. Everyone thought we had done this for years. Fact is, in a sense, we have. Wolfgang Schmid, a 50+ year veteran in the shipping and logistics industry spoke to publishers and authors about getting books abroad to Don Mazzella, whose first job was at NBC, a lifelong newspaperman and journalist for half a century, spoke about the benefits of writer circles. A long-time supporter of mine, David Nudo who served as Managing Director of Books, The New York Times, Publisher of PW, and the President Emeritus, Publishers Marketing and Advertising Association, has been part of the publishing industry for the better part of three decades. Warren Frasier, agent for Joyce Carol Oates, at the John Hawkins and Associates, Inc. who has three and a half decades of experience as a literary agent, generously donated his time and resources to preliminary readings of authors and publishers manuscripts, then meeting with them at BookCAMP 2024.
Book CAMP by Printed Word Reviews magazine, Online format Library of Congress ISSN: 2994-4406 is published 5 times a year. Questions or comments are welcomed, please contact the Publisher Ted Olczak at Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com.
To submit your book, visit our websites: Fall 2024: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/ (More consumer focused; different judging; allows for all authors and publishers to participate; announced in the fall of every year) or Spring 2025:
And I even brought a bit of star power with publishing heavy weight Jarred Weisfeld, who has created and produced television shows for Vh1, MTV, Spike TV and Nickelodeon. Recently Jarred has served as Executive Producer on “Gone Too Soon” which was seen in over 50 Countries. Currently, he serves as CEO of Objective Entertainment, a full service literary agency and is the President of Start Publishing, a publisher of high quality titles in a variety of niches; including science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, and advice how-to. Mr. Weisfeld has overseen the acquisition of over eight publishing companies. Start Publishing now has a backlist of over 6,000 titles and is distributed by Simon and Schuster.
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To advertise, please contact Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com, or visit our website, https://www.independentpressaward.com/advertise No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express permission from the publisher. The magazine Independent Press Award and NYC Big Book Award present is published eight times per year and has been issued the following ISSNs by the U.S. ISSN Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.: Format: Online Format: ISSN 2836-9157; and the Print Format: ISSN 2836-9149. Any questions or comments, please contact the Publisher Ted Olczak at Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com.
On a personal level, a highlight for me was when the mayor’s office presented his Proclamation declaring this INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD WEEK.
All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who provides us credit may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper without permission in writing from the publisher. To submit your book for review, send to: Printed Word Reviews, 63 Clinton Rd, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028. Allow 8 - 12 weeks. Unpaid reviews are not guaranteed. More details available on our website at https:// printedwordreviews.com/
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I look forward to BookCAMP 2025, and bringing in more experts and practical actionable publishing programming to continue to benefit independent authors and publishers, and you can sign up at https://www.independentpressaward.com/ipabookcamp. Until next issue,
Ted Olczak Publisher
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BookCAMP 2024: The Trade Show for Independent Authors and Publishers
A significant publishing industry trade show event designed to benefit authors and publishers
T
he BookCAMP 2024 event took place on June 23-25th, 2024 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel near Newark Liberty International Airport where independent authors, publishers, industry experts gathered to learn, trade success stories and network.
publisher of these distinctive awards, and point to the fact that tonight’s awards dinner is proof. I believe this is the most far reaching book awards celebration, with such a large number of authors and international participation.” The BookCAMP 2024 event grew out of a quarterly magazine BookCAMP, Library of Congress ISSN: 2994-4406, which addresses authors and publishers’ business challenges of book publishing.
BookCAMP 2024 helped independent authors & publishers improve their bookselling strategies. Topics that ranged from marketing, publicity, distribution through bookstores, libraries, big box stores such as Costco, Target, etc. Podcasting as well as audiobooks presentations as well as a session on libraries helped authors and publishers think about how they could make their books better succeed.
Feel free to contact Ted Olczak directly at Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-olczak-64a1386. For additional information and to learn about BookCAMP 2025, please visit the website, https://www.independentpressaward.com/ipabookcamp.
Audible.com audiobook service ACX sponsored the welcoming ceremony to all newcomers at “Get the Most Out of the Show”’ of the BookCAMP 2024 event.
ALL AUTHORS & PUBLISHERS INVITED! Print and Audiobooks accepted
“I believe it was a significant key event in years for our industry,” said David Nudo, former publisher of Publishers Weekly, Former Managing Director of Books of The New York Times, and a show participant, “and I am very much looking forward to BookCAMP 2025”.
AUGUST 30th is the final deadline to receive books!
Join us this fall
Also, worldwide authors were recognized at the awards dinner & ceremony held during BookCAMP 2024. An incredible 200 attendees participated in the Independent Press Award and NYC Big Book Award ceremonies & dinner on Monday, June 24, 2024. Authors in attendance were from Singapore, China, and Australia just a few of the countries represented, along with authors and publishers from across the United States. Publisher Ted Olczak said “With authors and publishers in focus, BookCAMP 2024 provided practical, actionable information and connected them with other publishing professionals that absolutely made a difference in how they will continue their book publishing programs and book sales.” He went on to say “BookCAMP has proven itself to be a MUST-ATTEND event, impacting every publisher and author’s publishing trajectory. They learned invaluable information presented in a very compact format and in record time.”
Any author (self-, hybrid), any publisher, anywhere, can submit their book for the 2024 BIG BOOK AWARD Contact Ted Olczak at (718) 938-4590 or Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com
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Additionally Olczak said, “For the Independent Press Award and the NYC Big Book Award, I am proud to be the magazine www.IndependentPressAward.com
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BookCAMP 2024
Class of
2024 Ceremony
By Printed Word Reviews Staff
BookCAMP magazine is recognizing the Next Generation in publishing. BookCAMP’s “40 Under Forty in Publishing” committee set out searching for dynamic individuals under 40 who are making a significant impact on the publishing world. To nominate someone for the Class of 2025, please complete the form on our website page: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookcamp-40under40. BookCAMP magazine asked the industry to show their appreciation by nominating their favorite “mover & shaker” in any role. We said, whether it’s your exceptional editorial assistant, a visionary editor, a creative designer, an insightful blogger, a dedicated publisher—we wanted to hear about them! And, so on June 23rd, publisher Ted Olczak said “the industry has spoken. We have the nominated outstanding individuals to be recognized here tonight and I am here to personally congratulate them on behalf of BookCAMP magazine.” Olczak went on to share a few thoughts on publishing. Below is an excerpt from the publisher Ted Olczak’s open statement at the ceremony:
We don’t do it for the money, we do it because we believe in what we do. It’s more than a business, ‘IT’ matters. People matter. Ideas matter. Everything matters…
successful. You raise people up. You use technology. You are progressive. You train, and give training. You give back. You are involved. Simply put, you are talented.
With so much at stake, I was thinking about what it takes to make independent publishing happen. So, I looked at those who work tirelessly, starting with the ‘40 under Forty’, and making an impact on our industry.
You are the young ‘movers and shakers’. You make opportunities where little to none exist, and lead others forward by your efforts. You are in a constant state of uplifting people, resources, and the work, and you prove how hard this work is with results that matter. I say to our industry, take notice.
Tonight, I share many of the nomination forms entries I received about the people that are making it happen every single day. You have integrity. You are principled. You are authentic. You are extremely hard working. You blur job functions. You empower others. You are inclusive. You give voice to those who are hardly heard from. You strive at everything you do, and help the people around them be
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Independent publishing is as passionate and as collaborative a field you can get, driven by a desire to make a difference. Looking at these qualities of these contributors is what it takes to make success in publishing. Tonight, we celebrate you!”
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BookCAMP
2024
DAY ONE Focus on sales, marketing, publicity Publicity / Marketing / Book Business Challenges of Small Press / Hybrid Publishing
Bestseller Book Marketing Tips & Strategies and Authors, Don’t make These 8 Marketing Mistakes
Streaming Initiative via ROKU
Dr. Danielle Camer Creative Director / Author Danielle is the author, creative director, and producer of her debut children’s picture book, “Sophie Won’t Sleep”. This self-published title has been awarded nine awards in the past year, including 1st place in the Moonbeam Children’s Picture Book Awards 2023 for best first book (picture book) and Distinguished Favorite in the NYC Big Book Award 2023 for best Picture Book - All Ages. This is a huge achievement for a self-published author.
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DAY ONE
BookCAMP 2024
Focus on sales, marketing, publicity
“40 Under Forty in Publishing” ceremony
Meet the Experts
Natasha Kane Trio House Press, Acquisitions and Marketing Editor
Natasha Kane is a talented editor, book designer, and innovator. She has served as primary editor on several poetry titles, with great attention to detail. Besides editing, Natasha also supervises interns and volunteers, designing marketing and social media strategy and assigning tasks, motivating, encouraging, and mentoring these volunteers as they learn about publishing and work to market the books to find a larger readership.
Natasha’s intention is to use her teaching skills that she works to improve at the university to be useful for writers in her community who cannot afford college-level courses. These monthly workshops have been a wonderful way for me to create a safe-judgment-free zone for my community to come together and experiment with different writing genres.
Hosting writing workshops at Femme Fire Books, her local bookstore,
Natasha has made a difference in publishing by advocating for the poetry I believe the world needs now. Not just in open readings, but also through marketing. Also, her editing skills allow for each poet’s unique voice to shine through. Poetry is a genre that piques the curiosity of readers but there seems to be a lack of confidence in interpreting the work. By advocating for poetry as a way to learn more about our world, Natasha believes the genre is becoming more accessible to readers everywhere.
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In Natasha’s own words, “Beyond the typical work of editing and marketing, I really work to foster good communication channels for each of my poets to make them feel supported in their publication process. I find that keeping the energy uplifting builds a sense of camaraderie for each book publication.”
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DAY ONE
BookCAMP 2024
Focus on sales, marketing, publicity
Wine Tasting with Michael C. Higgins Sponsored by Folktale Group, LLC. and Albatross Ridge Wineries
Networking
Gabriel Cleveland CavanKerry Press, Director/Managing Editor Has a generous spirit, kind, and wants others to do well. He lifts those up around him, and plays a vital supporting role. He understands a good leader is a good follower. He unabashedly gives his all in helping others, fomenting their efforts who he believes can have a larger impact than himself. Also what makes Gabriel special is his willingness to push forward by consistently advocating for progressive changes in equity for writers and employees alike. He leads with his heart. In Gabriel’s own words, he lets “compassion for my fellow human beings drive my decision-making over potentially more financially advantageous options which may cause harm. I believe in leading with an eye on the way you *wish* the world worked, rather than just caving in and accepting the unpleasant ways in which it does. It is his spirit, and generosity that will help him to continue to make an impact in our industry. Gabriel also has a MFA in Creative Writing, Poetry.
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DAY TWO BookCAMP Focus on companion pieces, audio,
2024
libraries and literary agents
Write Your Way…with Morgan speaks about pitching companion pieces
GAB TALKS Interviews
Podcasting with Michele Cobb
Learn how public libraries discover and acquire books, and how individual authors can engage and partner with them
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DAY TWO BookCAMP Focus on companion pieces, audio,
2024
libraries and literary agents
Writers’ Circles Improve Individual Member Success Literary Agents
Meet your fellow author
Pre-Awards Photos on the Upper Terrace
Noah Perkins Neuwirth & Associates Noah is the founder and chairman of the Young Publishers Association which aims to foster connection, provide mentorship, and uplift the next generation of publishing professionals at all stages of their career. By creating common spaces across the industry, he hopes to inspire collaboration, spark conversation, and facilitate networking opportunities that will ultimately forge an accessible and long-lasting community. Since the founding of the YPA, they have held three in-person networking events, the latest of which was attended by over 60 people, and now will have remote options as well. A graduate of Northwestern University.
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DAY TWO BookCAMP Focus on companion pieces, audio,
2024
libraries and literary agents
Awards Dinner & Ceremony
Zara Hoffman Inimitable Books, Publisher Zara started a publishing company to uplift marginalized voices and allow them to write about things other than personal struggles (even in a fictional method). Becoming a distribution client with Simon & Schuster allowed Zara to exponentially expand her operation much faster than expected. Three titles sold out within 3 months of publication. According to Keith Riegert of Ulysses Press, Inimitable Books started a new business model by Riegert’s taking a 10% ownership stake in the company. Inimitable Books generated almost $71,000 with 5 titles in 6 months as a 1-person operation (aside from cover designers). Zara has a Masters of Science in Publishing from New York University.
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DAY Three BookCAMP Day Focus on logistics, selling to
2024
Costco, Target, Big Box stores, etc.
BookCAMP Group Breakfast Keynote Speaker on Getting Books Abroad
BookCAMP Group Breakfast
Katie Miller Publishing at BiggerPockets In the past five years, Katie, a brilliant independent publishing executive who started as a sole entrepreneurial business to a team of six, has sold more than 3 million books. What makes Katie a great “40 Under Forty in Publishing” candidate is the face that she never forgets that publishing is a people business—the numbers matter, but relationships matter more. Katie’s focus on relationships helps the team build strong connections and always operates with a policy of honesty and kindness. Her direct report of five years says she has been a mentor and inspiration! Katie also volunteers as part of the independent trade industry editorial board and is an investor-entrepreneur, who has spoken on various podcasts about her portfolio.
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BookCAMP 2024
DAY Three
Day Focus on logistics, selling to Costco, Target, Big Box stores, etc.
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Mayor’s Proclamation of “INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD
WHO CAN ENTER?
WEEK”
Print and audiobooks can be submitted by: • Independent publishers • University presses • Hybrid publishers • Association presses • Self-published authors If you are a big five publishing house, you must submit your books to our fall competition, NYCBigBookAward.com, which has a separate committee and entry fee. Outside of the big five publishing houses, any publisher or author may submit to both competitions, IndependentPressAward.com (every spring); and NYCBigBookAward.com (every fall). See webpages for complete details.
WHEN CAN I ENTER the Independent Press Award? We are on a rolling submission, approximately every two and a half months, with two hard deadlines: (1) March 2024 to August 30, 2024; (2) September 1, 2024 to December 30, 2024 All entries must be postmarked no later than December 30, 2024. This final deadline will not be extended. What if I miss the deadline? Enter our fall program NYCBigBookAward.com as we take books until August 30th. ENTRY FEE $125 per title/per category, plus $75 for any additional category
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS Decide which books (copyright date within the past three years is recommended but not required) to enter into this year’s competition. 2 Calculate the total entry fee. Choose which categories, https://www.independentpressaward.com/categories, to enter each book into. You may enter a book into as many categories as you’d like. The fee for the first category is $125. Any additional book categories for that same book is $75 per category. • SINGLE BOOK, MULTIPLE CATEGORIES: One who enters “Book One” in Children’s Educational and Book Cover Design Childrens category, the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200. 1
Educational and Book Cover Design Childrens category, the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200, and “Book Two” in Mystery and New Fiction (first-time published), the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200, so $200 + 200 = $400 in total book entry fees. 3 Download a form from this page, OR submit the entry form online on this page, https://www.independentpressaward.com/online-entry-form-1 Complete form 4 Duplicate each Entry Label if you are entering multiple categories. For print books, a copy of the completed Entry Label must be placed inside the front cover of every book submitted. Up to four physical copies for entry into four or more categories. Audiobooks, a single copy of the completed Entry Label must be submitted along with either an Audible gift code or Authors’ Direct code. IF SUBMITTING ONLINE and sending a book directly from Amazon.com or other retailer/printer, NO PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED to accompany the book(s). 5 Pay via PayPal button on the website or mail a check, along with your books and printed entry form, and ship to:
INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD 63 Clinton Road Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 USA
www.IndependentPressAward.com
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Printed Word’s PUBLISHING SERVICES and PRODUCTS AUDIOBOOKS
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AUTHOR SERVICES At My World Publishing we manage an author’s project through every detail: writing, editing, production, publication, distribution, even marketing. We have recently been submitted to the US Congressional Record for being a new model of publishing that helps protect authors—a model where you keep your rights, royalties, and profits. Contact Amanda Miller at Amanda@MyWordPublishing.com or visit www.MyWordPublishing.com SPARK Publications-custom publishing Professionally custom publish your non-fiction business book, cookbook, or coffee-table book. High-level editing, design, publishing, consulting, and hand-holding services for business owners & leaders. No Royalties. In business 25 years. SPARKpublications.com/books eBooks2go About eBooks2go: eBooks2go is the single source for all of your book publishing needs. We offer an array of affordable solutions to assist self-publishing authors at every stage of the publishing process including cover design, eBook conversions, hardcover and paperback book printing, worldwide distribution, marketing packages, and much more. Email: info@ebooks2go.net • Phone Number: +1 (847) 598-1150 ext. 4141 Website: https://www.ebooks2go.net
BOOK AWARDS Independent Press Award, Gabby Olczak, President Every spring; awards independent authors and publishers. https://www.independentpressaward.com/ • gabby@IndependentPressAward.com
Our goal at DTPerfect Book Design is to help you create a book you are proud of. Whether fiction, nonfiction, children’s, or coffee-table books—you dream it, we’ll design it. Need more than design? Ask about our full-service publishing packages. We do the work—you keep all the rights. To contact Elena, and see more of what we do, please visit www.dtperfect.com
DISTRIBUTORS Cardinal Publishers Group, Tom Dougherty, President A full service national book distributor. 2402 Shadeland Ave A, Indianapolis, IN 46219 | (317) 352-8200
EDITING SERVICES Write On, Inc., Nonfiction Book Editor Editing for indie authors writing on business/leadership, self-help, true crime. Work with a seasoned editor who literally wrote the award-winning book: Cover to Cover: What First-Time Authors Need to Know about Editing. Sample edit, assessment and project pricing for the level of edit your book needs and deserves. Free ebook and more information on editorial services. www. WriteOnInc.com
PRINTERS Print Nation is your trusted partner for all your printing and marketing needs. We specialize in high-quality printing solutions and include hardcover books, softcover books, high-end 32pt business cards, flyers, stickers, etc. designed to leave a lasting impression. Our primary goal is to provide our clients with the highest quality products, a quick turnaround time, and exceptional customer service. www.printnation.com• Mention BookCAMP magazine for special discount.
REVIEWS Falcon Reviews: Reviews call a significant amount of attention to your book. By purchasing a FALCON Review by Printed Word Reviews, you will have the opportunity to get noticed by agents, book buyers, publishers and other industry influencers. Receive an affordable book review that can generously boost your writing career. www.independentpressaward.com/falconreviews
SALES & MARKETING
NYC Big Book Award, Gabby Olczak, President Every fall; awards authors and publishers of all persuasions: independent, self, and traditionally published books. www.nycBigBookAward.com • gabby@nycBigBookAwards.com
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DESIGN
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE reaching over 10,000 authors and publishers Or here: https://issuu.com/independentpressaward reaching over 10,000 librarians and booksellers, 20,000 additional book lovers and consumers. Contact the Publisher Ted Olczak Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com
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