Scoville Library talk yields tips on how to start self-publishing

Natalia Zukerman, editor of Compass at The Lakeville Journal, presented tips on how to break into the independent publishing industry March 23.
Patrick L. Sullivan

Natalia Zukerman, editor of Compass at The Lakeville Journal, presented tips on how to break into the independent publishing industry March 23.
SALISBURY — The Lakeville Journal’s Natalia Zukerman gave a presentation, “Introduction to Self-Publishing and Indie Publishing” at the Scoville Memorial Library Sunday, March 23.
Zukerman has published her own books and collaborations with other writers and artists, even going so far as to set up her own publishing company, Armature Publishing.
Zukerman, who is also a musician, said she came to self-publishing and independent publishing through her experience putting out her music.
She said she has released eight recordings, three on an independent label and five on her own.
So when it came time to investigate the possibilities of self-publishing, her approach was similar.
She said big publishers, like big record labels, might give a writer or musician an advance.
“But you have to pay it back.”
The pros of self-publishing are “no gatekeepers.”
The speed of production is up to the author.
And the author retains complete creative control over things like book design and artwork.
The cons are:
Some out-of-pocket expense, depending on how elaborate the author gets.
No support team “unless you build one.”
And the possible stigma of using what used to be called a “vanity press,” although this has diminished significantly in the last couple decades.
Zukerman said when preparing a manuscript, “editing is your friend.” Also on the friends list are friends or acquaintances who are willing to read the manuscript with a critical eye.
Zukerman shared her experience creating books with a number of computer-based tools, and said that many of them are simple to use.
“There are programs where you literally drag your manuscript from the desktop.”
Then there is printing the book. Again there are numerous options, ranging from having a few copies run up at your local Staples, to a printer that did an excellent job on one of Zukerman’s collaborations.
The catch was each book cost $25 to make, and the cover price was $30.
Zukerman said one avenue to explore is using crowdfunding for the out-of-pocket expenses. She used Kickstarter for one book, and it worked out, although she admitted to having boxes of the book in her basement.
Zukerman went through getting a book listed on IngramSpark, which is used by independent bookstores, obtaining an International Standard Book Number (ISBN), and making sure the work has proper copyright protection.
And she talked about marketing the book through social media and reviews, Facebook and Google ads, and promotions such as giveaways or virtual events.
Throughout the presentation, as she outlined various options, she stressed that self-publishing gives all the control to the writer, who can do as much or as little as desired.
Promoting your own book “takes some chutzpah,” she said.
“If this is a toe-curling, vomity thing for you, don’t do it.”
Zukerman asked for a show of hands from the full house in the library’s Wardell Room. “How many writers? Illustrators? Photographers?”
“Copy editors,” said someone.
“Right!” said Zukerman. “We have a publishing company right here!”
To find out more, visit www.armaturepublishing.com
The HVRHS boys rejoice around Jackson McAvoy after he scored the game-winning goal against Shepaug with just two minutes left to play.
WASHINGTON — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys varsity soccer team advanced to the Berkshire League tournament final after a 1-0 win over Shepaug Valley High School in the semifinal game on Friday, Oct. 24.
Jackson McAvoy scored the game-winning goal with just two minutes remaining.
The victory marked HVRHS boys soccer’s first victory over Shepaug since 2020.
“Finally,” said HVRHS Coach Adolfo Portillo after the game.
HVRHS will play top-ranked Nonnewaug High School in the BL final. Nonnewaug advanced to the title game by beating Northwestern Regional High School in penalty kicks (4-3) after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The championship game will be played at Nonnewaug beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.
As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.
Spirit week from Oct. 14-17 was unlike those of the previous years. From wearing Housatonic merch to Boomer vs Baby day, this year’s spirit week held a little friendly competition to see which grade could participate the most.
“I think that students are bored of the same old activities and events, so it’s good to switch things up even slightly to incentivize interest within students,” said SGA president and senior Mollie Ford. “Plus the point system is super beneficial because it gives students a reason to participate.”
The school spirit sentiment can be seen outside of just the school. Senior Simon Markow is known for his photography throughout the community, and has dedicated time to help Housy sports teams’ social media posts.
“Since I’ve started photography, I think school attendance [at sports games] has gone up,” Markow said. “I feel this year, students will be more aware of games and are more likely to be at the games.”
Whether it’s a pink-out volleyball game or an under the lights soccer match, it’s likely you’ll see some familiar faces.
Social media has played a large role in this over the years. Almost every student organization at Housatonic has an Instagram account, and it’s helped reach students more efficiently than a poster or email would.
“The increase of social media use, with the help from me but as well as the teams themselves has definitely increased student interest,” Markow said. “With Housy teams posting more about their upcoming games, and my help showing the cool goals, spikes, or touchdowns, it’s enlightened students to watch the games themselves.”
In a small school, promoting pride has proven to be a challenge. But this year’s senior class has made some adjustments in the hopes to change that.
“The SGA community has spent the last few years really focusing on student participation, because we think it’s the students who contribute to a better climate,” Ford said. While Housatonic’s student body may be small in size, it seems they certainly aren’t small in spirit.