Travcom is proud to present three veteran Travcom members who have collaborated on the recently self-published novel My Father’s Ears by Karen Goa.  The trio have agreed to speak to us about how to publish and promote a book, and the steps, milestones (and pitfalls) from conception to self-publishing to radio broadcast. Each of our speakers brings an interesting and complementary angle to our panel discussion.

We thought that this topic would be highly relevant at this time because commercial publishers and booksellers are increasingly cautious about new books, particularly from previously unpublished authors, and so even writers with marketable books sometimes do need to consider going the self-published route.

This event will also include the Travcom AGM (very brief), see my previous email for details or let me know if you would like more information.

Featuring speakers:

• Karen Goa – the author
• Belinda Cooke – the publishing specialist
• Owen Scott – the translator to radio script (plus author, playwright etc.)

More about our speakers:
Karen Goa – Canadian born and raised, Karen Goa traded a hospital pharmacists’ white coat in wintery Saskatchewan for an editing and writing career in New Zealand. My Father’s Ears is Karen’s first novel. She has also written many short stories for Radio New Zealand plus numerous travel and other print articles. She’s the author of two quirky travel books, both published by New Holland and adapted for radio: One Flat Coyote on the Centre Line and Bitten by the Bullet: Motorcycle Adventures in India (awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the Whitcoulls Travel Book of the Year Award 2007).  RNZ is re-broadcasting Bitten by the Bullet this very week, on Afternoons at 2:30pm, (you might like to hear what an adapted book sounds like).  Written by Karen Goa, published by Belinda, adapted by Owen. Perfect timing!

Belinda Cooke is a Publishing and Communications professional.  Her past roles have included Managing Director at New Holland Publishers (NZ) Ltd and Public Relations Manager at Struik Publishers in South Africa.  Belinda has a wealth of experience in communications, publishing, public relations, marketing, advertising and journalism.  She now combines these skills in her own marketing and communications consultancy business, working with clients in range of fields that include publishing, the arts, food, wine and health.  Belinda assisted Karen in the trade distribution and marketing of her novel, and will share with us insiders’ tips on what we should know about the world of publishing.

Owen Scott is a non-fiction writer, an editor and a broadcaster.  He went to drama school in London (LAMDA), and was an actor in the UK for twenty years. Returning to NZ in the early 2000s he wrote a book about his family’s association with Fiji over five generations, Deep Beyond the Reef. It became the basis for Annie Goldson’s film An Island Calling, which Owen co-wrote and presented. He then abridged the book for Radio NZ and read it over 15 episodes. This was a start of Owen’s journey in adapting other books for RNZ, some of which he also read. Notable recordings were Nigel Cox’s Waiting for Einstein, Owen Marshall’s The Larnachs and Jenifer Roberts’ Fitz.  Owen’s most recent adaptation has been Karen Goa’s My Father’s Ears and the current reading on RNZ National is Owen’s adaption of Tina Makareti’s Where the Rekohu Bones Sing.

As usual we’ll have presentations from all three speakers and plenty of time for questions and answers.  If there is anything you would like to know about book publishing in New Zealand this event is not to be missed.

Where:           Heritage Auckland, 35 Hobson St, Auckland Central

When:            Tuesday 31 May – 6pm to 8pm

Cost:              $25 members / $35 non-Travcom members
Includes nibbles and a drink on arrival (cash bar thereafter)

NB: We would like to extend the invitation to NZSA members at the Travcom members rate ($25 instead of the non-member rate of $35).  Click here for event information online and booking.
R.S.V.P. by 5pm Friday 27 May 2016
As usual, no door sales, please book ahead and pre-pay for your tickets via the Travcom website events page (scroll to the bottom and click on Register to this event, you’ll be taken through to Paypal).
Or via the Travcom bank account.
You’re no doubt already aware that if we reserve a ticket for you we are bound to pay the Hotel for the numbers we give them on 27/5/16 and will therefore ask you to pay for the ticket, (whether you are able to attend or not).

Reserve your ticket with:
Helen Davies
2B Pukehana Avenue
Epsom, Auckland 1023
Ph: 624 5707 or 638 2626 or email: helen.davies@clear.net.nz  if you’d like to use internet banking or have any queries.

 We’ll look forward to seeing you there,