On Saturday, November 1, the Selby Library transformed into a hub for writers and readers eager to explore every stage of the publishing journey. The inaugural event, Publishing Day, launched Sarasota County Libraries’ Off the Page Literary Celebration. The daylong conference, free and open to the public, offered practical workshops, panels, and one-on-one consultations for aspiring writers at every stage of their careers. Attendees packed the Jack J. Geldbart Auditorium—standing room only for some sessions—to learn the ins and outs of getting published, crafting strong first pages, and revising like a pro.
Among the lineup of authors, editors, and industry experts were several familiar faces from Ringling College of Art and Design’s Creative Writing faculty and alumni community. Creative Writing faculty members Glenn Schudel, Sylvia Whitman, Esty Loveing-Downes, and Creative Writing Interim Department Head Dr. Ryan Van Cleave also contributed to panel discussions.
Schudel presented Which Path Is Right for You? Big Publisher, Indie Press, or DIY? and co-led the interactive workshop First Pages That Stick: Hooking Readers from Line One, where participants read opening pages aloud and offered supportive, constructive feedback. He also joined the lively Pitch, Please! speed-pitching event for aspiring authors.
Whitman’s session, Voice, Vision & Vibe: Finding the Heart of Your Project, encouraged participants to reconnect with the emotional core of their work. She was also part of the Pitch, Please! speed-pitching.
The day also featured industry consultations through Ask an Editor/Agent, where writers could get real-time feedback on their pitches and publishing questions. Among the professionals fielding those questions was literary agent, Ringling alum, and adjunct faculty member Esty Loveing-Downes, who shared insider insights on navigating the industry.
Interim Department Head for Creative Writing Dr. Ryan Van Cleave also consulted at the Ask an Editor/Agent event. Additionally, he contributed to the Beyond the Book: Getting Paid to Write—Magazines, Freelance Markets, and More panel, helping participants learn to identify the right markets, craft effective pitches, and get their work published and paid for.
Attendance exceeded expectations, with more than 90 participants attending the morning panel alone. “It was out-the-door popular,” said Van Cleave.
Film grad Patricia Pete, who now works within the Sarasota County Library system and is publishing her own books, also served as a panel moderator.
The Off the Page Literary Celebration continues throughout November, featuring author talks, workshops, and the keynote appearance of bestselling author Amy Tan (The Joy Luck Club, The Backyard Bird Chronicles). Learn more and see the full schedule for Off the Page on the Sarasota County Libraries website.
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