When I ventured to my first BAIPA meeting, I was confused and overwhelmed by the self-publishing process. I had so many questions, I didn’t even know what to ask. But the BAIPA members were friendly, welcoming and generous in offering their expertise and experience. Over a couple of years, I learned a lot from the members and from the program presenters. Last year, I was excited to self-publish my book, Sarah’s Secret, historical fiction inspired by the lives of my grandparents.
I am so grateful for the generosity of BAIPA members and the opportunity to learn how to approach the self-publishing process. I want to give something back. I raised my hand to organize the delayed process for the BAIPA Book Awards Advisory Task Force, which has not had a volunteer leader during the last year. But I cannot do it alone. As we know, anything in an organization that serves its own members requires a “village.” I’d like to ask you to join me in a committee to plan and organize the BAIPA Book Awards. Below is a description of what the BAIPA Board is expecting. I am sure that most of the work can be done by email and conference calls.
I know that you, too, must feel grateful for all that BAIPA has taught you about independent publishing, for the helpfulness and generosity of individual members and for the sense of community the organization offers to us in our lonely pursuit of writing and publishing. Here is an opportunity for you too, to contribute to our community. Please join me in this endeavor. Call me at (415) 317-3434 or email me at [email protected] if you would like to talk further about what is involved. I look forward to hearing from you soon. We hope to gather our committee to begin our process on March 1.
Book Awards Advisory Task Force
Work with a small task force (2-5 max) to come up with a plan for running our annual book awards in an effective, fair way that supports members and encourages excellence in independent publishing as well as new membership. The committee will determine what is needed in terms of meetings and work in between meetings. At least one member of the committee will report regularly to the board, and the committee will make recommendations to the board.
