West Virginia Writers, Inc. and Taylor Books to be part of Charleston’s FestiVALL events!

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - “The Many Paths to Publishing.” Are you dreaming of becoming a published book author? Do you wonder how to get included in those lovely literary magazines with your poetry, short stories and essays? Come hear a panel of publishing experts at Taylor Books in Charleston on Capital Street June 19, from 2-4 p. m.

Panelists include the representatives from Woodland Press, Brian J. Hatcher and Michael Knost, who’ll speak about their award winning press and what they look for in a promising author. Woodland Press is a West Virginia company that focuses on Appalachian-based stories that uphold and encourage the rich culture and colorful history of Appalachia. Some of their recent books: Legends of the Mountain State, Dark Tales of Terror, Writers Workshop of Horror (winner of the 2010 Bram Stoker award), Tale of the Devil: A Biography of Devil Anse Hatfield and The Feuding Hatfields & McCoys.

Cathy Teets, with Headline Books in Terra Alta, WV, offers full service publishing. Find out what that means as she speaks about what they offer and what they seek from writers. Headline Books has over 80 titles and currently has 30 active authors who travel, speak, do conferences, book signings and workshops. Headline Books has won 39 national awards including 4 Mom's Choice Award Winners and their most recent release [April 1], Manifest Destiny by Rick Robinson, was named Winner for Best Fiction at the Paris Book Festival and the New York Book Festival. Cathy will entertain 15 minute pitch sessions for $15 after the panel. Headline Books publishes fiction, non-fiction and children's books. Contact Cathy at: www.headlinebooks.com to schedule a pitch with her.

Abby Freeland is the marketing manager at West Virginia University Press in Morgantown, WV. She has worked in the published industry in the United States and the United Kingdom. West Virginia University Press is a member of the Association of American University Presses and disseminates peer-reviewed scholarly and creative materials through books, journals, and electronic media within academia and to society at large.

On June 23, 7 p.m., at Taylor Books, on Capital Street, in Charleston: “Seeking the Swan: showcasing West Virginia Writers,” a reading of the winning writers from West Virginia Writers annual contest for the past several years, collected in a beautiful presentation in the anthology, Seeking the Swan. All award winning writers. Come hear these winners read. A few you may know: Geoff Fuller, Eddy Pendarvis, Larua Bently, Llewellyn McKernan, to name a few. All quality writers and readers you’ll enjoy hearing. Sale of the anthology will follow the reading. Both events moderated by Cat Pleska, current West Virginia Writers President.