Join us for our next member meeting, presented by Neva Talladen: “Indie publishers need to develop an evolving conscious language strategy and style guide to keep up with our changing times: Tips and Starting Points”

May 9 member meeting description:

Conscious language has always been an important part of publishing. In the early days of publishing, editors would often revise and reissue books after a sensitivity reading to ensure that the language was appropriate for the time. This practice continued into the 20th century, but it began to decline as publishers became more focused on distribution, licensing, and marketing.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in conscious language in publishing. This is due in part to the rise of social media and the increasing awareness of the power of language to harm or uplift. Indie publishers, in particular, are well-positioned to lead the way in developing conscious language strategies and style guides.

This session will provide indie publishers with tips and starting points for developing their own conscious language strategies. Topics will include:

  • The history of conscious language in publishing
  • The benefits of using conscious language
  • How to develop a conscious language strategy
  • Resources for developing a conscious language style guide

This session is designed for indie publishers who are interested in using conscious language to create more inclusive and equitable publishing spaces.

Goals:

  • Remind indie publishers of the deep roots of conscious language in publishing
  • Highlight the benefits of using conscious language
  • Provide indie publishers with tips and starting points for developing their own conscious language strategies
  • Encourage indie publishers to lead the way in developing conscious language strategies and style guides

Audience:

  • Indie publishers
  • Editors
  • Writers
  • Anyone interested in conscious language in publishing

About the speaker:

Neva Talladen is a multi-passionate writer and developmental editor with more than ten years of training and experience in editorial work, media, and business. She has collaborated and supported writers and businesses to bring out the best and most authentic form of their stories. She’s the managing editor for Talking Writing journal and podcast as well as a community organizer for arts and literary events in Rockaway, New York, working with the Adult Learning Center of The Peninsula Queens Library. She’s also a member of the Diversity Equity and Belonging Initiative of the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). 6:30–7:00 (CT) Virtual Happy Hour Networking—drop in any time before the meeting to say hello (and test your audio and optional video) 7:00–8:30 (CT) Presentation and Discussion Make sure to sign up for MiPA’s email list on the home page to hear about upcoming meetings and opportunities!

Register for the May 9 meeting on Zoom!