| To Be Published, Self-Publish, and Artists' Books: Choices for Photographic Artists Today

Join Mary Virginia Swanson and Susan kae Grant in this dynamic workshop, where photographers will explore publishing options and gain insights on book design, editing, marketing, and distribution.

Join industry experts and accomplished photographers Mary Virginia Swanson and Susan kae Grant in this dynamic and insightful workshop, where photographers will explore publishing options, from traditional to self-publishing, and gain insights on book design, editing, marketing, and distribution. Engage in site visits to an academic special collections library, a private photobook library as well as a fine press gaining firsthand knowledge.

Who is this workshop for?

Photographers who have a project they wish to bring to the book form for the first time and seek to understand publishing options, ideal audiences and the paths to reach them.

Established and/or published artists who wish to update their awareness of the markets for trade, self-published and artists’ books today.

Artists and/or bookmakers who wish to gain insights into the audience for collectible artists’ books and appropriate methodologies to introduce their work.

What is the purpose of this workshop?

To provide an overview of the paths to being published, self-publishing and/or creating your limited edition artist’s book and identifying and reaching your audience.

What will the students expect to learn?

Through classroom lectures and site visits, participants will:

• Gain insights into the variety of opportunities in publishing, self-publishing and artists’ books. 
• Identify industry professionals to help bring their projects to publication from large publishing houses to small presses, as well as editors, designers and production experts.
• Gain an understanding of how and where to access artists’ books for knowledge and inspiration through networking, online research and discussions with public, private and academic special collection librarians. 
• Learn research methodologies for identifying public collections and private collectors with an established interest in acquiring limited editions and unique works. 
• Best practices for preparing a professional Prospectus for introducing limited edition and/or hand-made artists’ books for potential acquisitions.
• Gain experience summarizing and sharing their photobook projects with faculty and peers.
• Learn about fine press publishing and distribution by meeting with the proprietors of Two Ponds Press.
• Gain insights into professional collection strategies through visits to a respected private photobook collector’s library, as well as a meeting with curators at the George J. Mitchell, Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library.
• Experience the impact of excellence in image editing, sequencing, typography, design, and how choices in materials impact the reader’s experience.

Student Testimonials

“A phenomenal week that exceeded any and all expectations. Never have I been in the classroom with teachers who are so knowledgeable and committed to teaching. They have introduced me to a plethora of ideas and resources that are brand new. To say that our instructors went the extra mile would be an understatement.” – Cindy Beams.