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Blame it on the Blank Page!: Overcome Writer’s Block at Hotel 1000 with Industry Experts Kerry Colburn and Jennifer Worick
All new talks in “The Business of Books” series provide aspiring authors with tools to conquer writer’s block and create a successful book proposal
SEATTLE – (July 26, 2011) – Hotel 1000, downtown Seattle’s premier luxury hotel, partners with two successful local authors and former publishing executives Kerry Colburn and Jennifer Worick to offer the next “The Business of Books with Jen & Kerry” series of workshops for aspiring authors. In their new series, Writer’s Block, Jen & Kerry will provide writers with tools on how to combat the common roadblocks that can delay the writing and submission process, polish key components of a proposal, and employ useful strategies to stay motivated and focused throughout the publishing process.
In addition, back by popular demand, Jen & Kerry will offer another session of their previously sold-out Book Proposal Series, in which attendees learn how to hone their idea, research the competition, build an author platform, target key publishers, and craft all the elements of a successful proposal.
All events will take place in Hotel 1000’s intimate Corner Room setting and feature a presentation hosted by Colburn and Worick on a specific topic relating to the book business. Bringing 40 years of experience and 40 published books between the two of them, Colburn and Worick created this lively series of talks to offer insight, inspiration and tools for navigating the world of publishing.
This fall, Colburn and Worick will host these two three-part workshops, the “Book Proposal Series” and the “Writer’s Block Series” in September, October and November 2011; schedule is as follows:
BOOK PROPOSAL SERIES
- Wednesday, September 21; 7-9 p.m.:
Join Colburn and Worick as they discuss how to “Prepare to Get Published.” This talk will focus on how to find an idea and then grow it into a viable book proposal. Attendees will learn what makes a good book idea; how to position themselves as a potential author; various ways a book can take shape; what publishers look for in a book proposal; how to research the marketplace, and target publishers, editors and literary agents.
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/187913 - Wednesday, September 28, 7-9 p.m.:
Join Colburn and Worick in their next installment as they discuss “Secrets of a Successful Proposal.” This talk will focus on what makes publishers take notice of one book idea over another when they see hundreds of proposals each week. Attendees will learn insider tips as the two draw on decades of industry experience to share the secrets of a winning proposal—and they’ll leave with the tools they need to get their proposal under way.
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/187915 - Wednesday, October 5; 7-9 p.m.:
Join Colburn and Worick in their next installment as they discuss “Navigating the World of Publishing.” They will share their dual perspectives, drawing from experience as publishing executives and successful authors. Attendees will learn how a book goes from a proposal to finished product; hear publishing options including e-books and self-publishing; gain insight about royalties and contracts, sales and marketing, catalogs and publication dates, and more.
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/187916
WRITER’S BLOCK SERIES
Join Colburn and Worick as they discuss “Getting Unstuck.” This helpful talk will cover all the roadblocks that writers experience at some point or another in the process. Various techniques will help writers hone their idea, address time-management issues, and keep motivation level high. Writers will leave with creative tools and strategies to finish a book proposal, manuscript, or any writing project they may have.
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/187919
Join Colburn and Worick in their next installment as they discuss “Fine-tuning Your Proposal.” In this talk, they’ll dig deep into the make-or-break details that make a proposal sell. A proposal’s opening lines, title and subtitle, author platform and marketing plan, and even the basic concept itself will be explored through hands-on exercises throughout the evening, including troubleshooting and a creative brainstorm. Works-in-progress are welcome at this talk.
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/187920
Join Colburn and Worick in their final installment as they discuss “The Submission Process…and Beyond.” In this talk, writers will learn secrets of a successful submission, from a killer cover letter and presentation to an optimal strategy for pitching a book to the right people. The talk will also address how to incorporate constructive criticism (and how to handle the dreaded rejection letter!) in order to make a book idea even stronger and more marketable.
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/187923
Attendees of “The Business of Books with Jen & Kerry” are invited to BOKA RESTAURANT + BAR, a vibrant blend of lounge and restaurant located adjacent to Hotel 1000, for a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of an entrée. BOKA features a menu of urban American food, hand crafted cocktails and wines by the glass, including rarely seen by-the-glass offerings, such as Opus One, Silver Oak Cabernet and Duckhorn Merlot.
“The Business of Books with Jen & Kerry” is $50 per person/event or $129 for the entire 3-part Proposal Series or Writer’s Block Series. On the evening of the event, attendees can check-in with the Host at BOKA RESTAURANT + BAR to receive a free appetizer with purchase of an entrée. For additional information, please visit bizofbooks.com.
About Kerry Colburn
Kerry Colburn is a Seattle-based author, editor, columnist, cocktail drinker, and mom of two young girls. Former executive editor at Chronicle Books, she now happily writes books from her (often chaotic) home or a variety of coffee shops in her neighborhood. She is the author of many nonfiction titles including How to Have Your Second Child First, Good Drinks for Bad Days and So You Want to Be Canadian? Her latest book is Mama’s Big Book of Little Lifesavers: 398 Ways to Save Your Time, Money, and Sanity.
About Jennifer Worick
Jennifer Worick is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller, The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Dating & Sex. In addition, she has co-authored or written more than 25 hilarious and helpful books, including her newest titles, Beyond the Family Tree: A 21st Century Guide to Exploring Your Roots & Creating Connections and Simple Gifts: 50 Little Luxuries to Craft, Sew, Cook & Knit. Formerly the editorial director at Running Press, she has written and reviewed countless book proposals and shepherded many successful titles to market.
About Hotel 1000
Hotel 1000, open in downtown Seattle since June 26, 2006, features 120 luxury guest rooms, BOKA RESTAURANT + BAR, Spaahh and The Golf Club. At Hotel 1000, genuine, caring, personalized service enabled by leading-edge technology and intimate yet spectacular accommodations redefines the luxury experience. Hotel 1000 offers unexpected pleasures, distinctive amenities, anticipative service and a customized experience tailored to any occasion. Located at 1000 First Ave. at the corner of Madison Street, Hotel 1000 is steps away from the waterfront along Elliott Bay, and conveniently centered between Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, the business district and lively and historic Pioneer Square. For more information, please visit www.hotel1000seattle.com.
Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and the Personal Luxury Collection℠. The independent company, launched in 1980, is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations. Benchmark’s international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston. Benchmark Hospitality is also a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers. The company’s northeast regional office is in New Jersey, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark’s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.
Media Contacts:
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