Join Kevin Watson of Press 53 and Patricia Thompson of Redhawk Publications for an engaging and informative conversation on The Fine Points of Small-Press Publishing in the 21st Century. Drawing on years of industry experience, these seasoned publishing professionals will discuss what they look for in a manuscript, common red flags that can halt a project before it begins, and what happens once a manuscript is accepted. Learn about the editorial process, expectations placed on authors, and how small publishers and writers collaborate to shape and promote a successful book. This session will offer practical insights into how North Carolina publishers help authors navigate today’s literary landscape, from submission to release, promotion to public appearances.
Kevin Morgan Watson founded Press 53 in October 2005 and has published over three hundred titles by writers in thirty-eight states. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with editors in Atlanta, Tucson, and Charlotte, Press 53’s primary focus is on poetry and short fiction collections. As a tribute to “the writingest state,” out-of-print classics by North Carolina authors are reprinted under the Carolina Classics Editions imprint to assure that these books are always available to readers. Prime Number Magazine, a free, Pushcart Prize-winning online journal of distinctive poetry, short fiction, and flash nonfiction, features writers at all levels, and the free, monthly 53-Word Story Contest receives hundreds (sometimes thousands) of entries and is used as a teaching tool in classrooms around the world.
Patricia Thompson is the acquisition editor at Redhawk Publications, a creative initiative of Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, NC. In this role, she evaluates manuscripts from authors, negotiates contracts, guides accepted titles through the publishing pipeline, and develops book launch marketing strategies.
During her five years with Redhawk, she has worked with over 100 authors and overseen the publication of 200+ books.
Patty is an outspoken advocate for the literary arts and a champion of all artistic endeavors. She proudly serves as the president of Arts Culture Catawba and as a board member of the North Carolina Writers’ Network.
She has a twenty-year background in higher education and holds a Master’s degree in Education from George Washington University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Georgetown University.