Self-Publishing Panel: Brenda Anderson, Mari Keisling, Stacy Monson

Brenda S. Anderson writes gritty and authentic, life-affirming fiction. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and is currently President of the ACFW Minnesota chapter, MN-NICE. When not reading or writing, she enjoys music, theater, roller coasters, and baseball, and she loves watching movies with her family. She lives in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area with her husband of 27 years, their three children, and one sassy cat.
Readers can learn more about Brenda S. Anderson at www.brendaandersonbooks.com.

Mari Keisling, author and speaker, is on staff at Northgate Church. Mari has a deep desire to see women grow in their faith and live fully in Christ. By offering a unique perspective, she seeks to encourage others to draw close to God, walk with and learn from Jesus, while being led by the Spirit. She ministers to women regarding topics such as purpose, relationships and discipleship through her various studies and devotional style blog, LYF Moments. Mari and Craig have been married for over 20 years and have two adult daughters. You can learn more about Mari at www.marikeisling.com and liveyourfaithministries.wordpress.com.

Stacy Monson writes stories that show an extraordinary God at work in ordinary life. She released Book 1 of the three-book Chain of Lakes Series, Shattered Image, in April 2015, and plans to release Book 2, Crisis of Grace, mid-September. A member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), she is the current secretary and past president of MN-NICE, as well as the area coordinator for Minnesota. Residing in the Twin Cities, she is the wife of a juggling, unicycling physical education teacher, mom to two amazing kids and two wonderful in-law kids, and a very proud grandma. You can learn more about Stacy and her books at www.stacymonson.com.

Practical, Professional Aspects of Self-Publishing

Our panelists will discuss the process of independent publishing: writing the manuscript, editing process, cover designing, formatting the manuscript, ebook conversion, what front and back matter to include in books, ebook and paperback publishing, obtaining copyright, obtaining ISBNs, companies to use for ebook publishing and paperback publishing, when to subcontract for services such as editor, cover design, formatting, cost of indie publishing (everything has a cost), plus marketing info and trailer creation. Come with your questions about working with people versus technology, building a platform, and how to decide between the one-stop shop, finding your own experts, and becoming the expert.