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          Published on the digital version of The Edmond Sun:

September 11, 2012

Edmond publisher speaks at Alaska Writers Conference

The Edmond Sun

 

EDMOND — Edmond author, editor and publisher Vivian Zabel of Edmond was one of the featured speakers at the 2012 Alaska Writers Conference Sept. 7-9.

This three-day annual conference brings nationally known authors, agents, editors and publishers straight to writers, ready to share their knowledge of how to write well and get published. Many of these speakers have authored or worked on nationally recognized books, films, television and other media.

Zabel was to present one of the Friday Interactive Workshops — Keeping the Reader’s Interest: A workshop on how to write so that “action” and “showing” keeps a reader’s interest.

Her publishing company 4RV Publishing produced the Oklahoma Book Award winner in fiction for 2010; “Confessions of a Former Rock Queen” by Kirk Bjorngaard. Other books have received regional awards in their categories. 4RV has released children’s books, middle grade and young adult books, novels and nonfiction books. 4RV is a royalty paying, traditional press. Authors do not pay for being published. The company takes the financial risks.

As an editor for more than 35 years, an English and writing teacher for nearly 30 years, an author with poetry, articles, short stories and novels published (with a few writing awards), and the head of a small publishing company for more than five years, Zabel experienced both sides of the submission experience. She understands being rejected, too. Since all submissions go to acquisition editors anonymously, one of her own submissions to 4RV was rejected.

“That’s the only way to keep the company honest,” Zabel said.

Zabel also was to speak on pitching book ideas and tips for impressing agents, editors and publishers, and presenting a finished book to a group.

 
           Included in the same issue of The Edmond Sun:

4RV launches young adult paranormal books

4RV Publishing of Edmond will officially debut two young adult paranormal fiction books at the Kansas Book Festival Sept. 15.  The event will be at the Kansas Museum of History in Topeka, Kan.

“A Shadow in the Past” by Melanie Robertson-King and “Victoria and the Ghost” by Janet Brown will debut at the Kansas Book Festival.

Robertson-King will be flying to the festival from Canada to sell signed copies of her debut YA/crossover paranormal romance.

In “A Shadow in the Past,” ancient Scottish legends become a reality when Sarah Shand finds herself transported back to the Victorian Era. She falls for the handsome Laird of Weetshill, but will he simply be the next to break her heart? After all, he is spoken for...

Brown will sell signed copies of her new YA paranormal novel as well. 

In “Victoria and the Ghost,” Victoria, a 15-year-old city girl, loses her mother’s love and tries to cope with country isolation, no friends, and no one who cares, until she meets a ghost.

           At the time the press release was sent to the media, the company didn't know Leroy's Chance would be ready to be launched. However, Galand Nuchols will be at the Kansas Book Festival for the official release of her novel, too. 

          All together, 65 4RV titles will be available for purchase at Topeka.  All can be found on the 4RV Book Store, too.