Pennsylvania Authors' Network

Frequently Asked Questions

Free to join . . . Free to use

If you can’t find the answer to your question on the ‘guide’ pages, or in the answers below, fill in the contact sheet at the bottom of this page (or send an email: admin@pennsylvaniaauthorsnetwork.com). I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
~John Evans

I’m doing just fine on my own. What can the Network do for me that I can’t do for myself?

It’s great if you're doing okay by yourself, but you don't have to do it alone. Personally, while I think the network will help increase sales for everyone who takes part, I believe the folks who already put themselves out there will benefit the most. The subtle, but vital, difference in the approach to multi-author panel/Q&As is that you promote the event and the other writers as well as (and in the case of friends/family etc. instead of) yourself. This makes it a lot easier for writers to get the same people to attend more than one panel/Q&A etc. Sure, you have to share the limelight at multi-author events, but how many people will come along, not even knowing you exist, but leave with a signed copy of one of your books? Let’s not forget the potential publicity. From a 'name in the papers' point of view, potential readers are more likely to take an interest in a themed, multi-author event than one for one presented by a single, relatively unknown, writer. Then there are the other authors. Some of them will be promoters like you. You'll hear about opportunities for book fairs and other writerly events which you may otherwise never have known about. There’s a good chance the audience will include members of local writing/reading groups, who came because one of their own was participating. These are the kinds of people you want to read your book, because if they like it, they'll promote it.

My work has appeared in a short-story anthology. Can I use the network to sell that?

By all means. Why not contact the other contributors? If they live in or near Pennsylvania, encourage them to sign up too.

I don't live in Pennsylvania, but I live near there. Can I join the Network?

Of course. We welcome out-of-state writers too.

I'd like to have PennAN put on an event for me. How much do you charge?

We don't charge a penny, provided you help promote the event, attendees are allowed in free, and participating authors are allowed to sell their books after the event.

How do I contact you?

You can email the network at admin@Pennsylvaniaauthorsnetwork.com.

As an event coordinator, I put in more work than the others. Can I charge a small fee for my efforts?

No. There’s no charge for joining the network, and nobody should have to pay to take part in a signing (other than what they spend on their own flyers, etc.).

What if there's no writing group in my town?

Then relocate—just kidding. First, check the Yahoo! Group. You'll find a database of writers’ groups by county and town. If you don’t see one near you, check your local library, they might host one. If not, visit bookstores in the area. Barnes & Noble encourages writing groups to use their stores as a meeting point.
If you still can’t find one, consider starting something up yourself, but do it for the love of writing, not because you want to sell your book. You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have.
Handy tip: For a great example of a writing group, check out the Greater Lehigh Valley Writing Group: www.glvwg.org

I write books, but I’m not published yet. Can I still join the network?

Of course, but you can't sit on a panel until you're actually published.

How can I help promote PennAN?

Please link to us from your blog and/or website. In the 'Files' section of the Yahoo Group,

you'll find a compressed version of the spiffy PennAN banner—feel free to use that.

What if I organize an event and nobody turns up?

Relax, if everybody plays their part, the event will be a success. That said, there’s no guarantee that people will buy your book – that depends on how well you do your ‘pitch’ (and of course, the quality of your work).

What about sales tax?

Just so you know, sales tax is the responsibility of the seller. The state of Pennsylvania doesn’t care whether or not you actually charge sales tax, but they do expect their share of any sales you make. It's an easy calculation:

Actual sale price x 1.06 = Total cost $21.00 x 1.06 = $21.20

GENERAL DISCLAIMER

Please note: Membership of the Pennsylvania Authors’ Network is free, but joining does not guarantee youa place on any multiauthor signing,or the success of any event.