2020 Lightning Rounds:
Creative Publishing at Libraries Leads to New Literature

 

Lightning Round Description

As large publishers publish fewer and fewer unknown authors, small presses and publications have stepped in to publish new, diverse authors as well as local content. Many libraries in Florida and the rest of the US publish creative works including novels, biographies, literary magazines, picture books, local tourism and history guides, poetry books, short story anthologies, and more. Some books are authored by library staff, while other are authored by new writers from around the world. By assuming the role of publisher, libraries help shape the future of small presses and promote local, diverse literature. When library staff authors a book, they further establish their library as a source of community knowledge and expertise. Any type or size of library can embark on a creative publishing project, and publishing can lead to successful community partnerships and programming. 

Presenter

Stephanie Katz- Manatee County Public Library System

  • Stephanie Katz is a librarian with the Manatee County Public Library System and the Editor in Chief of 805 Lit + Art (805lit.org), an international literary journal published by her library. She is the author of Libraries Publish: How to Start a Magazine, Small Press, Blog, and More (August 2020, Libraries Unlimited, ABC-CLIO). She runs Literary Libraries (litlibs.org), a free resource and community for creative library publishers.