Join us on Tuesday, February 27 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (CST) for this special free online guest lecture with esteemed author and advisor Mary Virginia Swanson in which she will review and explore the various options photographers have today to publish their completed projects in a book form.

Registration is required via this link.

The journey to bring your completed project to book form can take many paths: utilizing “print-on-demand” technology, working closely with an experienced team of publishing professionals and choosing to self-publish and/or produce your book in small or limited editions. Depending on the role of a publication in your artistic practice, there is much to consider well in advance of making decisions.

In this richly illustrated “big picture” presentation, Mary Virginia Swanson will explore the differences and similarities between seeking and securing a traditional publisher for your work vs. assuming all aspects of self-publish your book project. This presentation will cover the pros and cons of different approaches, advice on gaining knowledge surrounding production options, maximizing book launch, marketing timelines and critical resources to help bring your book to its ideal audience. Time will be allocated for Q&A with attendees.

Mary Virginia Swanson is an educator, author and entrepreneur in the field of photography, and a respected advisor to artists and arts organizations. She has dedicated her career to helping artists find the strengths in their work, identify appreciative audiences, and present their work in an informed and professional manner. Swanson is co-author with Darius Himes of Publish Your Photography Book, now in its updated and expanded Third Edition (Radius Books, 2023), and continues to stay current on the growing market for photobooks, reflecting both the relative ease of self-publishing and the rise of the collectible photographic artist book. In March 2024 Swanson will be in Houston, Texas serving as a Portfolio Reviewer during both sessions of FotoFest’s “The Meeting Place”, and is coordinating a Professional Development seminar on photobooks taking place at FotoFest on 3/15.

Images: © Brad Trone, Courtesy of Radius Books