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Self-Publishing for Success,  Every book deserves to be published

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Every sailor keeps a ships log and many of us actively blog about our cruising adventures. Some even wax poetic about their feelings while underway or swinging peacefully at anchor. And most of us do a lot of reading while on-board.

Have you ever dreamt of turning those experiences, musings, particular skills, or expertise into a published book? With today’s technologies and self-publishing options it’s entirely possible and actually quite easy to achieve those dreams. Experienced cruisers, teachers, authors and GLCCSchool Faculty members Alex and Daria Blackwell have done just that. They have self-published several novels and how-to books, including their popular book on anchoring: Happy Hooking. You can too.

Do you have an idea for a book? Have you done a talk to your club, or here at the GLCC School? Have you been asked about further reading? Do you have an idea for a novel and are uncertain what the next steps are in getting it into the hands of a reader? Have you been turned down or disappointed by traditional publishers? Alex Blackwell has worked his way through all of these scenarios. He has also been a book printer and has self-published several of his own fiction and non-fiction books.

Book publishing has changed radically in the past decade. Self-publishing, the alternative to the traditional route, was previously an expensive option. With print-on-demand technology and online digital marketing, the up-front costs are no longer prohibitive. Getting a book published is now something you can achieve.

Meet The Instructor

Captain Alex Blackwell
Alex Blackwell, with his wife, Daria, is a lifelong sailor and passionate cruiser. They have completed three Atlantic crossings and have spent years cruising the coasts of the Americas and Europe on their ketch Aleria. Alex is a sailing journalist, author, and editor. He frequently writes about sailing technology and sailing adventures, contributing to several magazines, websites and e-zines, including his own, Coastalboating.net.