Ever dreamed of seeing your name on a published book? Filipinos looking to turn their literary aspirations into reality flocked to a recent Self-Publishing 101 workshop held by Bookshelf PH, a local publishing house.

The workshop, part of Bookshelf PH’s ongoing book club series “The Write Side of Bookshelf,” aimed to empower aspiring Filipino authors by delving into the world of self-publishing.

Understanding Your Audience: The Key to Success

The workshop, held at the SM Aura Book Nook on 22 May 2024, highlighted the importance of understanding your target audience. Monette Quiogue, Co-founder of Bookshelf PH, emphasized, “You need to determine who your audience is” while acknowledging the information overload of today’s digital world.

Despite the prevalence of online content, Quiogue noted a continuing demand for printed books, particularly those with localized content. Filipinos are seeking stories that resonate with them, creating a gap in the market that self-publishing can address.

From Draft to Published Book: A Step-by-Step Guide

The workshop provided a roadmap for aspiring authors, guiding them from crafting the initial draft to seeing their book published. Porsha Mangilit, Managing Editor and Marketing Manager at Bookshelf PH, stressed the importance of setting realistic deadlines and celebrating milestones along the way.

“Writer’s block? Step away from your work. Find a critique partner who can offer constructive feedback. Remember, you’re writing for an audience who wants to be captivated by your story,” advised Mangilit.

Owning Your Story: The Power & Responsibility of Self-Publishing

Self-publishing empowers authors to retain complete creative control. However, it also comes with the responsibility of managing the entire publishing process. This can encompass tasks like layout, cover design, editing, and printing. Bookshelf PH offers support in these areas, connecting authors with skilled professionals who can bring their vision to life.

Marketing & Selling Your Book: Reaching Your Audience

The final step involves reaching your target audience and generating sales. “Utilize online marketplaces and social media platforms. But don’t neglect offline channels. Public speaking engagements, book exhibits, and partnerships can put you face-to-face with potential readers,” according to Michelle Dulinayan, Marketing Manager at Bookshelf PH.

Bookshelf PH: Empowering Filipino Authors

The workshop concluded with a book giveaway and a heartwarming donation to the SM Aura Book Nook, enriching the community library’s collection. Bookshelf PH’s commitment extends beyond workshops. The publishing house encourages aspiring authors to stay tuned for upcoming events and book club sessions. As their motto states, “Your story deserves to be told, and Bookshelf PH is here to help you tell it.”

Learn more about Bookshelf PH by visiting their website and checking out their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert “Bob” Reyes is a technologist, an ICT Consultant and Tech Speaker, a certified Google IT Support Specialist, and an Open Source advocate representing the global non-profit Mozilla (makers of Firefox) in the Philippines. Bob is a Technology Columnist for the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation and an aviation subject matter expert contributor for Spot.PH.

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