Aspiring authors, publishers and writers gathered in the Meyer Health and Sciences building Friday, April 24 for an opportunity to learn what it takes to get a foot in the door of writing from the experts themselves.
Over 30 students were in attendance to hear panelists Rick Barot, Renee D’Aoust and Christine Holbert speak about editing, writing and publishing, respectively. “Trestle Creek Review” adviser Jonathan Frey moderated.
Barot is a poetry editor for the New England Review and author of three books of poetry himself. D’Aust has authored various notable nonfiction essays and Holbert is the founder and publisher of Lost Horse Press, a nonprofit based in Sandpoint.
Among many things, the panelists discussed the importance of reading other writers’ works, having a good cover letter and utilizing the Internet. In a time where many authors decide for themselves when and where to publish their writing, one recurring piece of advice among all the panelists was not to trust your own ego.
“Your ego is telling you that this is a fantastic piece of work,” Dact said, “and I think you’re probably wrong.”
In fact, all of the panelists recommended publishing through a professional, rather than trying to undergo the process yourself, but reminded students that every situation is different.
Perhaps the most frank piece of advice on publishing was delivered by the professional, Holbert herself.
“I guess one of the main things that I would say to everyone is to not be an a–hole when dealing with editors and publishers,” Holbert advised.
Quincee Nuffer, 20, English, Emmett, poetry editor for the “Trestle Creek Review,” said it’s critical to hear from professional writers in order to expand your horizons as a writer.
“Being able to hear from people that are involved in the actual process of editing and writing is imperative to even writing or reading if you’re looking into publishing,” Nuffer said. “The entire process is really intricate and it’s, like, a puddle that you just think is a puddle but it ends up being an entryway to the ocean. There’s always something deeper. ”
