The Fayette Writers Group was

honored Oct. 4 with the presence of Collin Kelley, an award winning local

poet, playwright and journalist. He is presently the managing editor of

Atlanta News Group, which publishes the monthly magazines Atlanta Intown

and Atlanta Buckhead. Kelley has just published his first book of poetry,

"Better to Travel."

Many of his poems have appeared

in "Pedestals," "Harrow," "Welter," "Subtle

Tea," "Alternative Arts and Literature" and many other

pulibcations. His play, "The Dark Horse," won the 1994 DeepSouth

Writers Award and the 1997 Georgia Theatre Conference Award. His interview

and profile of the legendary German filmmaker Wim Wenders will be published

this month in Movie Maker magazine.

Kelley's presentation

to the group included information about how he went about getting published.

He stated that in today's market, it is necessary to have a literary

agent. However, there are alternatives such as self-publishing, which

more and more people are turning to instead of waiting for the "big

break" to come.

He also stated that he did

a lot of research into different outlets such as "print-on-demand"

publishers. Kelley was very pleased with this approach. He was able to

do all work through email. The company provided an ISBN number, whcih

is essential when putting your book in stores. The company was also recognized

Kelley explained distribution

and setting up book signings. "For promotions, it is necessary to

put together a press kit - containing a copy of the book, a bio,

and a letter of introduction with reviews of your book," he said.

He also discussed using Web

pages for marketing. "Today, it is a very valuable tool, well worth

the effort and not that costly if you shop around."

Kelley owes his love of the

literary world to his parents, who read to him a lot when he was small.

They also encouraged him to write. he has started a monthly poetry night

at the Georgia Tech Barnes and Noble. He also does spoken word performances.

Kelley concluded by stating,

"To be a good writer, you have to be a good listener."

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