51ºÚÁÏÍø

51ºÚÁÏÍø Press to host mini-conference

February 22, 2024
The 51ºÚÁÏÍø Press is partnering with the Dahlonega Literary Festival to host its first mini-conference on March 1. The event will address author-publisher relationships and how to keep them thriving.

Article By: Agnes Hina

The University of North Georgia (51ºÚÁÏÍø) Press is partnering with the Dahlonega Literary Festival to host its first mini-conference, titled "Creative Transactions: Sessions on Publishing and Presses." This event on March 1 will address author-publisher relationships and how to keep them thriving during the publication process.  

"We're very excited to host press directors from the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and Hub City Press for these conversations, along with one of our own award-winning authors," Ariana Adams, 51ºÚÁÏÍø Press assistant managing editor, said.  

The conference is set to last from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Library Technology Center at 51ºÚÁÏÍø's Dahlonega Campus featuring the following guests: 

  • Stephen Hundley, author of "The Aliens Will Come to Georgia First" (51ºÚÁÏÍø Press) and the novel "Bomb Island" (Hub City Press). 
  • Dr. Michael McGandy, director of the University of South Carolina Press 
  • Dr. Alison Mero, director of Clemson University Press and former editorial assistant and managing editor for the Journal of Musicology 
  • Meg Reid, executive director of Hub City Writers Project and publisher of Hub City Press 

The day will begin with opening remarks followed by two panels on the different perspectives of publishing. By 1:30 p.m., attendees will be able to participate in a question-and-answer session and a refreshment break. 

Creative Transactions will conclude with a book pitch judging session conducted by 51ºÚÁÏÍø Press staff, who will be providing feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of two pre-selected book pitch submissions. 

[This Dahlonega Literary Festival] suggests how businesses and careers enriching our region are also collaborating with and supporting what students are learning at 51ºÚÁÏÍø.

Dr. BJ Robinson

51ºÚÁÏÍø Press director

"This Dahlonega Literary Festival crossover event celebrates books and publishing, connects publishers with authors and readers and vice versa, and demonstrates the values of liberal arts education —creativity, communication, narrative arts, the human experience — to the publishing business that relies on all these values," Dr. BJ Robinson, 51ºÚÁÏÍø Press director, said. "It suggests how businesses and careers enriching our region are also collaborating with and supporting what students are learning at 51ºÚÁÏÍø." 

During the activities March 2, 51ºÚÁÏÍø will have representation on some of the panels, including Dr. Tanya Bennett during "Writers Never Stop Learning" and 51ºÚÁÏÍø visiting author Julia Watts during "Writing for Young Adults." Melissa Lockaby, one of our 51ºÚÁÏÍø Librarians, will also be conducting a session interviewing Stephen Hundley on his short story collection, "The Aliens Will Come To Georgia First". 


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