There were so many wonderful classes to take at SNAP! Some groups divided and conquered, but some didn’t and so that is why I’m posting my notes that I took. I’ll be posting them throughout the next few days through to next week along with photos I took as well. I have enough photos and content on the SNAP Conference that I could probably have posts for the next month!
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A Sweet Welcome: Cake by Topsy Turvy
Before diving into publishing insights, conference-goers were treated to an unforgettable cake by Ashlee of Topsy Turvy. Multi-layered, impeccably designed and themed to the SNAP! logo, the cake set a festive tone for the welcome dinner—and fueled excited chatter about the sessions to come.
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Spotlight Session: Blog to Book
The “Blog to Book” workshop brought together three publishing insiders who shared real-world advice on turning your blog into a book deal.
Courtney Dial (Pizzazzerie.com)
- Discovered by a publisher on Twitter—proof that social media can be your scouting ground.
- “Appeal to everyone. Even if it doesn’t appeal to you, make something appeal to everyone.”
- Views the author–publisher relationship as a partnership: you’re responsible for selling your own book.
- Recommends book tours, blog hops and strategic brand collaborations to drive awareness.
*Side Note:* Courtney’s doing a book signing in Denver on Cinco de Mayo at Swoozies, 2 pm. Look for her new title Push-up Pops.
Marie LeBaron (Make and Takes)
- Transitioned from blogging to publishing by researching agents and publishers since 2008.
- Key takeaway: “If it’s something you want to do, go get it and do it.”
- A strong proposal includes:
- Who you are
- Why the book matters
- How you’ll market it
- Typical advance: $5,000–$13,000
- Royalties around 6%, paid bi-annually
- Writing a book is less about immediate income and more about establishing authority (ideal for speaking engagements).
- Photography is crucial—negotiate with your publisher or contract your own photographer.
- “I’m an open book” — Marie encourages email questions at [email protected]
Betty Wong (Senior Editor, Potter Craft at Random House)
If your proposal isn’t quite there, expect constructive feedback rather than a simple “no.”
Explained the publisher’s role:
- Proposal → negotiations → book deal
- Manuscript & art → editorial → layout & design
- Production → printing → sales, marketing & publicity
A solid proposal (8–9 pages) should showcase:
- Your platform and audience
- Sample photographs or project mock-ups
- The book’s unique angle
Random House leverages:
- Paid bookstore promotions
- Trade shows, events, TV, radio
- Social media channels reaching up to 20 million followers
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From Blog Post to Bookshelf: Next Steps
1. Pimp Yourself Out
Brag about every brand partnership and platform you’ve built.
2. Find Representation
Literary agents typically take 15% commission but open doors and negotiate contracts on your behalf.
3. Build Your Platform
A strong social media presence and engaged readership boost your manuscript’s appeal.
4. Get to Work
Once your deal is in place, you’ll shift focus to writing, photography, and refining your manuscript.
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What’s Next on the SNAP! Recap
Stay tuned for more notes and photos—plus my take on the Queen Bee Market experience!
