In 2015, more than 458,000 books were published by independent authors. That figure doesn’t include the 10,000-plus books produced by traditional publishing houses. In other words, last year 1 out of 655 Americans published a book — and that number is projected to go up.

Author and publisher Neil White aims to help those authors writing, or about to publish, a book. White, whose bestselling memoir, “In the Sanctuary of Outcasts,” was published by HarperCollins, also owns a small press, The Nautilus Publishing Company.

“We want emerging authors to understand how the process works whether they are publishing with a New York publishing house, a small or university press, or contemplating self-publishing.” White said. “We take the mystery out of the process.”

Julie Schoerke, president of Nashville-based literary publicity firm JKS Communications, said, “Neil White reveals publishing secrets that no one else talks about. Anyone planning to write, or publish, a book simply must attend his workshop.”

“It’s harder and harder to get the attention of traditional publishing firms,” White added, “but the opportunities for independent publishers expand every day.”

The two-day seminar is scheduled for Oxford/Ole Miss on July 29-30. Full details and locations are listed at http://neilwhiteworkshop.com.

Past Success

White started the Write & Publish Your Book workshop in 2012. Since that time, sixteen attendees have seen their books published.

Former CNN anchor Schatzie Brunner, whose memoir was published this year, said,  “The workshop is a weekend jam-packed with more information than a writer could possibly imagine.”

Gulfport attorney Michael Hewes, whose novel “Watermark” hit Amazon.com’s Hot New Releases, added, “I don’t think I would have known where to begin if I hadn’t attend this workshop.”

Online registration for the conference can be found at http://neilwhiteworkshop.com/register.html. The cost for each day is $150; for both days, the fee is $250.

For more information, visit http://neilwhiteworkshop.com or call Nautilus Publishing at 662-513-0159.