Pathways to Published — A talk by Lana R. Castle, M.A.
Lana Castle’s presentation will provide a broad overview of the publishing industry and explain who’s who and what’s what in publishing. She will answer such questions as:
• Where do you start when you want to get something published?
• What do literary agents, editors, publishers and publicists do (and not do) for a writer?
• What’s involved in self-publishing?
• What are the up and down sides of conventional publishing versus self-publishing?
• What are the up and down sides of short forms (articles and columns) versus long forms (books)?
• How do you break in?
• How do you promote yourself and your work?
Lana R. Castle’s Bio
Lana Castle is an internationally published writer, editor and publishing teacher. She has 28 years’ experience in communications, publishing and training, and owns the Austin-based editorial company, Castle Communications.
Lana is the author of three books:
• Finding Your Bipolar Muse: How to Master Depressive Droughts & Manic Floods & Access Your Creative Power—which explores the creative/”crazy” connection and helps creative people successfully tap their talents—bipolar or not
• Bipolar Disorder Demystified: Mastering the Tightrope of Manic Depression—which has sold over 71,000 copies and has been published in Brazil and Japan
• Style Meister: The Quick-Reference Custom Style Guide—for aspiring writers to publishing pros—which is a highly regarded manual for developing your own publishing standards
Her latest book, Finding Your Bipolar Muse, explores the creative/”crazy” connection and helps creative people successfully tap their talents—bipolar or not. Lana helps creative people of all sorts shine, whether using their art as a hobby or turning it into a full-fledged business.
In addition to her own books, Lana has written, edited, designed and/or produced articles, columns, marketing materials, newsletters, speeches, slide shows, video scripts, textbooks, trade books, user guides and training materials.
Lana holds a bachelor’s degree in speech and theatre with an English minor, and master’s in instructional design. She spends her free time hiking, sketching, taking photos, playing her tambourine and reading.
She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband Ralph, two cats—one bipolar and one bulimic—and assorted tropical fish. She has two grown stepchildren—a tai chi school and coffee shop owner, and a stand-up comic and film director.