cheerfulThere's no doubt self-publishing is here to stay, and while it's not a route I'd choose to take for myself (at least, not for a previously unpublished book), there are plenty of folks who would. In fact, if we're not there already, I suspect there'll come a time when self-pubbed authors outnumber the traditionally published.
Personally, I wish anyone who decides to go it alone the very best of luck, but as a matter of principal, I don't think self-publishing has a place on the program at a regular writing conference. Let's face it, there are already more writing subjects than a typical conference could hope to cover.
Besides, self-publishing has so many different aspects to it, I think it makes far more sense to devote an entire program to the subject.
How about you?
Do you think there's a place for self-publishing panels and workshops at a writing conference?
Would you like to see the subject of self-publishing on the program at a regular writing conference/
Yes
14(56.0%)
No
7(28.0%)
Something else, which I'll explain in a comment
4(16.0%)
ETA: Just in case I've given anyone the wrong impression, as a writing group, GLVWG certainly respects self-publishers. Self-pubbed members will be invited to take part in next year's post conference book fair (as they were in 2011 and previous years). GLVWG recently held a 'Writer's Cafe' on e-publishing your own work. In January 2012, the group's main meeting and afternoon workshop will also be devoted to the subject.
