On March 26, the Alumni Relations department hosted an Alumni Author Publishing Workshop in the Lower Level Art Gallery. With discussions, Q&As, and personal feedback, panelists discussed their experiences with publishing their works in both self and traditional routes. 

Sara Faurot Crowley, Director of Alumni Relations, and Ayisha Lee, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, hosted this event, inviting alumni who are familiar with the publishing paths. This space allowed attendees to ask questions and receive feedback, and real-life feedback from qualified authors. 

Alec Pangia graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelor of Literature with a concentration in creative writing and author of Barker’s Rules. With experience in both traditional and self-publishing, Pangia gave insight into the pros and cons of both directions. Pangia said to ask yourself, “Who is your audience and how are you going to reach them?”

Jin Ho Cordaro, adjunct faculty member and author of A Map For Exiting The Body, shares her perspective as a poet who went the traditional route when publishing. Cordaro explains the advantages and hurdles she faced, especially when using a small independent press. Cordaro shared the effort it takes when pursuing marketing and gave excellent advice that allowed a better understanding of making the most of opportunities, especially when first starting. 

Brian Cimins, Stockton Alum of ’98, began his publishing career by republishing others’ works before focusing on his personal writing. With great knowledge and inside scoops into the publishing industry, Cimins shared ways to promote your work before it has even been published. With social media taking a rise in the marketing world, he explains how to work the algorithm in your favor. When asked about his work, Cimins said, “My purpose is to reach at least one person.”

Ayanna Lee, ’21 graduate of Stockton University, is a self-published author of Falling into Faith Through Grace. Writing about her religious journey, Lee gives the ins and outs of the challenges she faced with writing. When asked about burnout and taking breaks while writing, Lee explains, “Give yourself grace. You are on this journey; leave room for mistakes.”

Nicholas Georel, ’19 Alum and current Professional Services Specialist at Stockton, is a self-published author of The Death of Earth. While having also created his own book cover, Georel had a unique direction when it came to his publishing career. Georel shares his knowledge of book cover art and even advises on which websites he chose to work with and why. Designing his own book cover allowed it to feel like a “DIY project” and gave him free rein on the process. When discussing the editing process, Georel said, “You don’t have to have an editor every step of the way, but you want fresh eyes towards the end.”

The Alumni Relations department created an amazing opportunity for published authors to connect with aspiring authors and share their wisdom. They plan on creating more events in the future, and Alumni are more than welcome to contact both Sara Faurot Crowley and Ayisha Lee about ways to create space for connecting current students and past ones.