SANDPOINT, Idaho -- Recession or no, more books are being published now than at any time in history. Yet attendance at publishing industry trade shows like BookExpo America has been plummeting for years. Because of slashed budgets, instead of going to costly live events, people are attending virtual conferences like the upcoming second annual Self-Publishers Online Conference (SPOC) instead.

SEATTLE, Wash. -- 'The Artist's Guide to Success in the Music Business' (ISBN: 978-1-935359-33-3) was just released by author Loren Weisman. The book is a detailed analysis of the subjects that all musicians should understand and apply in order to pursue a successful and sustainable career in music. Full of ideas and practical advice, this book provides comprehensive details on how to optimize success and achieve sustainability and self-empowerment in today's music business.

MIAMI, Fla. -- 'Papal Rogues' (ISBN: 978-1936183029), the debut thriller by author Ron Wilk is now available on Amazon.com, ronwilkfiction.com, and through book stores nationwide. Papal Rogues is published by Langdon Street Press and draws the reader into the clandestine underbelly of corporate America, the U.S. Military and most shockingly -- the Vatican.

TORRANCE, Calif. -- Neotrope today announced it has joined in sponsoring the second annual Self-Publishers Online Conference (SPOC), a three-day virtual event that features a total of 15 expert speakers, and which will take place May 12-14, 2010. Neotrope's Send2Press(R) Newswire service will be providing both promotional services for the event, as well as discounts on book promotion packages for attending book authors and small publishers.

SANDPOINT, Idaho -- The second annual Self-Publishers Online Conference (SPOC) gives entrepreneurial writers, authors, and publishers the opportunity to learn from experts in book publishing from the convenience of their own office. At SPOC, everyone is encouraged to 'Live Long and Publish!' This three-day virtual event features expert speakers on May 12, 13, and 14, 2010.

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Smart Imagination, a creative house and publisher with a focal point of serving humanitarian efforts, today announces its debut book in the Tattoo Stories series benefiting Starlight Children's Foundation. The art of tattoos has intrigued many people in various cultures around the world. 'Tattoo Stories' (ISBN: 978-0-9842417-0-5) not only addresses taboos plaguing the art form, but draws readers in for an intimate look at journeys, experiences and cultures.

TORRANCE, Calif. -- For the first quarter of 2010, Publishers Newswire (PNW), an online resource established in 2004 for small publishers, as well as lesser known and first-time book authors, has today announced its latest semi-annual 'Books to Bookmark' list. This is a round-up of 13 new and recent interesting books which are often missed due to not originating from major New York book publishing houses, or 'big name' authors.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- 'Altar Boy Altered Life' (ISBN 978-159858-724-1, Dog Ear Publishing) is a new book released by author David Price. When he becomes depressed and suicidal in 1993 at age 28, David Price decides to seek therapy. During his sessions David begins to uncover repressed memories of being sexually abused as a teen (1979-1984) by a trusted and well-loved Catholic priest.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Author Cari Kaufman has a message: while Facebook may have increased the sheer volume of people you are in contact with, only intentional interactions will create the deep, meaningful friendships we all need to find joy in uncertain times. In her new book, 'Living Life with Strings Attached' (IBSN: 978-0-557-31564-2), Cari explains how the cultural trend of superficial and uncommitted associations has left us feeling lonely and disconnected.

FORT WORTH, Texas -- If you have a friend or loved one who is ready for a new start, please consider the inspirational book 'Getting Up & Starting Over' (ISBN: 978-0-9842743-0-7, Trading Life Publishing) by Steven D. Smallwood. Sometimes it takes a third party to speak the same things we speak to our loved ones over and over. In this inspirational book about starting over, in his own conversational approach, Steven shares his thoughts on getting up wherever you may find yourself in life's journey.