If you plan on visiting the area, please contact us in advance so we can reserve a date for you on our calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can speakers bring promotional items?
Speakers are welcome to bring business cards, promotional items, copies of articles, or any other handouts to distribute to the group. Please contact an officer to determine how many copies to bring.
Can speakers bring books to sell?
Speakers are welcome to bring books or other materials to sell. We occasionally do a raffle. Participants donate books, reams of paper, office supplies, CDs, and other items of interest to writers. Participants receive one raffle ticket for each item donated. Near the end of the meeting we do a drawing. Speakers are welcome to donate a book or any other item to the raffle.
What time should speakers arrive?
Our meeting starts at 7:00 p.m., so we ask speakers to arrive around 6:45 p.m. to meet with our officers and be prepared to help ensure a successful presentation. We do not have access to vending machines or food, so we encourage you to bring a water bottle.
How long are the presentations?
Since we only have speakers occasionally, the bulk of the meeting is yours. Please allow time for a question and answer period.
Where does FCCW meet?
We meet at Maranatha Church of Jacksonville, 7550 Collins Road, Jacksonville, FL 32244. When exiting I-295, turn south (toward Orange Park/Oakleaf).
Do speakers receive a stipend?
FCCW is a nonprofit organization for writers who want to help fellow writers. We do not provide a stipend or mileage reimbursement. Speakers may reap tremendous benefits, however, by spreading the word about their products and services and making new connections.
Should I bring a bio?
It is very helpful if you bring a bio so the MC can read a professional introduction. You may provide a few-sentence bio on a printed page from your book or web site, for example. If you don't bring a bio, we will "wing it," based on how we connected with you, but it works best for the speaker, MC and the audience if you bring a few well-prepared sentences in writing, briefly describing your connection with the publishing industry and what you will be presenting in the meeting.
How can I help with PR?
As soon as you confirm your speaking date and you're on our calendar, we ask that you provide us with an extended bio, a digitial professional photo, and a link to your web site if you have one. If your web site includes a bio or an about page, and a photo, a link to your website may be adequate. We will use this information in our blog that posts three to six days before you speak.
We encourage you to announce your speaking engagement via your website, newsleter, Facebook, Twitter, press releases, and any other means you use to market and promote your work. We encourage you to provide a link to www.firstcoastchristianwriters.blogspot.com so people can see the date you're speaking and have easy access to directions and answers to any other questions they may have.
If you'd like to work with an officer, we may be able to assist you in sending out a press release to local media.
If an emergency comes up and you have cancel, we ask that you let us know as soon as possible.
What should I talk about?
We welcome any and all knowledge related to writing, publishing and promotion. Our mission is to support members through: improving writing skills with education and critiques, networking within the publishing industry, and holding each other accountable to achieve goals. Anything you can do to encourage writers and provide guidance based on your experience is valuable.
We want to hear your advice on any of the following:
- managing time, goals, milestones and deadlines
- how to get through ups and down
- how to establish contacts and relationships with editors, agents, publishers
- greatest lessons or best tips
- how you organize your research and files
- who to work with and who not to work with
- how you market and promote your work and/or business through a PR agent, web site, or blogging
- social networking and promotion through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others
- support through writers' conferences, critique groups, mentors and others
- upcoming local events, classes, conferences and training that may be of interest to writers
- publishing venues such as traditional, print-on-demand, and self-publishing
- financial aspects of publishing, the expenses and the rewards
