Regional writers set up a guild

Members will be able to market their books online and through stores and gift shops.

Author James Campbell of Tazewell decided there had to be a better way of getting his books out.

Campbell has published two novels, "Luther’s Mule" and "Ida Mae: Moonshine, Money, and Misery." But he was lucky to get 5 percent to 12 percent of retail whenever a copy sold. Publishers and distributors take the bulk of the revenue. It is a lament Campbell had heard from other regional writers, even though he said Appalachian writing is hot these days. Sharyn McCrumb ("St. Dale"), Adriana Trigiani ("The Queen of the Big Time"), Homer Hickam ("Rocket Boys") and Jack R. Pyle ("Black Horse, White Rider") are among those whose books have Appalachian roots and have achieved popularity far beyond the region.

Last fall, Campbell began talking to other authors about ways they might distribute their books themselves. The result was the formation of the Appalachian Authors Guild, which was established last year and will launch its Web site, now under construction, at a media event April 8 at Southwest Virginia Community College near Richlands.

The event will conclude with book signings for the public from 4:30 to 7 p.m. by guild authors.

Guild offices are in the Richlands Business Incubator, which offers support services for startup businesses including an Internet high-data line through which the guild will market members’ works online.

The guild gets 25 percent of the profits from the sales it generates, compared with the 60 percent or more that goes to traditional distributors.

By Paul Dellinger
(276) 228-4752
The Roanoke Times

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