Flagler Leads Self-Publishing Revolution

The Annual Self-Publishing Symposium was created as a catalyst to educate, inspire and share resources with people who want to learn how to self-publish their literary works.

The Second Annual Self-Publishing Symposium at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture was an inspiration and a deluge of information for Self-Published authors and novices, agents, editors, distributors and other industry professionals. 

Founded by Renee Flagler, CEO of Aspicomm Media, a self-published author herself, the revolutionary annual event was created as a catalyst to educate, inspire and share resources with people who want to learn how to self-publish their literary works.

“This year’s Symposium is geared toward helping participants learn successful business strategies from industry experts, network with professionals and make powerful connections, that will help them grow their business to new heights,” stated Flagler.

Keynote Speaker, Tony Rose, CEO of Amber Communications Group, Inc. and founder of the African American Pavilion at Book Expo America*, shared his expertise on “Publishing and Writing with Purpose and Conviction”.  Other speakers and panelists included  Donna Hill, Georgia Woodbine, Troy Johnson, Felecia Pride, Marc Anthony Jenkins, Tom Campbell, Dr. Maxine Thompson, Teri Woods, Takesha Powell, Linda Pate, Nancey Flowers, Richard Jeantry, Dr. Cynthia Hunter, Adrienne Ingrum, Esther Armah and Diane Gedymin. The daylong event presented a series of sessions, including:  “Truths about Publishing”, “From the Page to the Stage & Beyond”, and “Mastering Business”.

An additional highlight of the event was the Second Annual S’Indie Awards (Self/Independent Publishing Awards) which was initiated to raise awareness for works by African American independent and self-publishers and authors and giving homage to them and their contribution to the industry.  The winners were chosen based on literary excellence, quality of production and originality.  Recipients of the Second Annual S’Indie Awards included Rosalind McLymont, Best Fiction for “Middle Ground,” Andrea Travwick Jones, Best Children’s Book for “God Loves Me,” L.Y. Marlow, Best Non-Fiction for “Color Me Butterfly,” Rev. Will Kenlaw, Best Spiritual/Inspirational for “A Father’s Guide to Raising Daughters: For Women,” C.D. Grand, Best Poetry for “Just a Little Love,” Bea Joyner, Best Cover for “A Taste of Things To Come,” and The Trailblazer Award went to Rose Whaley.

Renee Daniel Flagler is a media professional and author of three highly acclaimed novels: “Miss-Guided,” “Mountain High, Valley Low,” and “In Her Mind.”

Her written works have been featured in business and consumer publications nationwide. Flagler has been featured in Ebony Magazine, The New York Amsterdam News, Our Times, Caribbean Life Newspaper, The Columbus Post, Black Star News, and Mahogany Baby Magazine thus far. She was also awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year 2005 Award by C&B Books Distribution and the Entrepreneurial Legacy Award of Excellence by Disilgold Soul Magazine.

Flagler is a graduate of New School University with a Masters in Media Arts as well as a graduate of St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications. She is a member of the National Black MBA Association, National Association of Female Executives and Publishers Marketing Association.

The Second Annual Self-Publishing Symposium at the Schomburg was a tremendous success.

For more information on Renee Flagler and Aspicomm, logon to www.aspicomm.com

The African American Pavilion at BookExpo America is coming to the Javits Center in NYC next weekend from Friday, May 31st to Sunday, May 3rd.  For more information, contact Tony Rose at [email protected]

Brenda Jeanne Wyche is Managing Editor of The Black Star News and Harlem Business News and CEO of Winning Strategies & Associates.  If you have a solution, contact [email protected] .  Maybe we’ll talk.

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