Library hosts 'Secrets to self-publishing'

Darien Library and On Demand Books are co-sponsoring a panel presentation to reveal the secrets of self-publishing Thursday, Feb. 2 at 7 p.m.

The panel "The Secrets to Self-Publishing" will provide advice for anyone who's ever dreamed of publishing their own book, whether it be a novel, cookbook, memoir or graphic novel. There will also be detailed information about how Darien Library's Espresso Book Machine can be the perfect tool for your self-publishing journey.

The panel will feature four panelists: William Edgerton, who self-published his mystery novel "Wine Killer"; Sandy Garnett, a self-published book designer and author of the memoir "Baloney Express"; Adair Heitmann, an award-winning author who will speak about how to best promote oneself as an author; and Stephanie Anderson of the independent bookstore, WORD Brooklyn, who will discuss the decision-making process being purchasing self-published books for sale.

The Espresso Book Machine, which first appeared in the library in October is a revolution in book-publishing technology that provides patrons with the ability to print millions of on-demand. In addition to providing unprecedented access to out-of-print volumes, the EBM is also a tool for local authors, who can print their self-published books easily through the EBM. Darien Library was the first public library on the east coast to have an on-site EBM

A Facebook RSVP to the event is appreciated, but not required. Additional parking for the event will be available on Thorndal Circle, behind Nielsen's.

Darien Library is ranked as one of the top 10 public libraries in the country for its size, according to Hennen's American Public Library Rating, and is a Library Journal Five Star Library. The library is among the busiest in the state with over 1,300 people visiting on an average day, 92 percent of the town's residents holding library cards and the highest per capita circulation in Connecticut, with more than 28 items per Darien resident. The library collection includes 120,000 books and 300 newspaper and magazine subscriptions.