May 8th, 2026

Welcome to Publishers and Writers of San Diego

Publishers and Writers of San Diego (aka PWSD) is a nonprofit trade organization focusing on the business of publishing. Our mission is to help independent publishers and authors understand the many facets of the industry and publish as successfully as possible. We emphasize upholding professional standards, regardless of how a work is brought to market, and learning together about this constantly changing business.

We meet on the last Saturday of each month, either in person or on Zoom, to network and learn from a guest expert on various publishing topics.

September 15th, 2025

Metadata Simple Strategies Mean Marketing Success with Pam Sheppard (SLIDES)

In August 2025, member Pam Sheppard unlocked the mystery of metadata. She generously agreed to share her slides.

Get the slides here.

July 18th, 2025

Launching Your Book in the Age of Internet Fatigue with James Faccinto (SLIDES)

James Faccinto spoke to us about social media fatigue (yes, we can all relate) and how to be heard above the noise. He generously shared his slides, below, so that we can all learn to break through about our books and our business. Thank you, James.

Get the slides here.

April 12th, 2025

Hannah Jacobson of Book Award Pro, spoke about ways that top quality in books is recognized, and what you can do to highlight your award-winning work. (SLIDES)

In March, we heard from Hannah Jacobson of Book Award Pro, about ways that top quality in books is recognized, and what you can do to highlight your award-winning work. Thank you, Hannah.

Get her SLIDES here.

March 13th, 2025

Dave Ray gave an idea-filled presentation on how to be a better speaker and avoid “death by PowerPoint.” (SLIDES)

PWSD member Dave Ray gave an idea-filled presentation on how to be a better speaker and avoid "death by PowerPoint." He generously shares his slides. Get them here.

February 10th, 2025

Desiree Duffy gave an excellent presentation on book reviews: the many kinds, how to get them, and how to use them. (SLIDES)

To start off 2025, Desiree Duffy of Black Chateau gave an excellent presentation on book reviews: the many kinds, how to get them, and how to use them.

She generously agreed to share her slides. Get them here.

October 9th, 2023

The Three Pillars of Successful Book Marketing with Jeniffer Thompson (SLIDES)

As always, Jeniffer Thompson of Monkey C Media gave an inspiring presentation about personal branding and your book. She generously shared her slides. Get them here.

September 1st, 2023

Sponsorship and Crowdfunding for Authors with Charmaine Hammond (SLIDES)

Speaker Charmaine Hammond provided these resources as a follow-up to her terrific program in August. A recording of the program is available this month. Here's the link and the passcode is:   ^Y8EW.5N

August 15th, 2023

Publish Your Voice: How Indie Authors Can Use Audio for Books, Podcasts, & Marketing (SLIDES)

Thank you, Carter Wogahn, for a clear, focused and information-packed review of audio books and podcasts in July. Covering the process, the technology, the distribution options, and the marketing, Carter gave a great overview of how and why it is important to add audio to your book promotion toolbox. Carter generously shared his slides, and you can find them here.

 

July 10th, 2023

DIY Book Publicity with Marika Flatt (SLIDES)

We welcomed Marika Flatt from PR by the Book, who gave an insightful presentation about how to optimize PR for your project. She generously agreed to share her slides.

Get the slides here.