Watch How to Publish Your Book

2015
1 Season

How to Publish Your Book, a part of The Great Courses Signature Collection, is a comprehensive and practical guide to getting your book published. The series is conducted by Jane Friedman, a publishing industry veteran, and begins with an introduction to the publishing industry, followed by an exploration of the various publishing options available to authors. Covering a wide range of topics, the course takes you through the entire publishing process, from manuscript submission to promoting the book once itâs on the shelves. The course is designed to be helpful for both established and aspiring authors, and as a result, it provides valuable information to guide you regardless of where you are in the writing journey. Jane Friedman gets off to a strong start with a comprehensive overview of the publishing industry. She outlines the different types of publishers and publishing models available to authors, including traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. She also delves into the key players involved in the process and what they typically do, such as literary agents, editors, and sales representatives. Next, the course takes a deep dive into the actual publishing process. Jane explains what publishers are looking for in a manuscript and how to write a successful book proposal that will catch the attention of publishers. She also covers topics such as manuscript preparation, editing, and formatting. One of the highlights of the course is the section on self-publishing. With the rise of digital publishing platforms like Amazonâs Kindle Direct Publishing, self-publishing has become a viable option for authors looking to retain more control over their work. Jane explains the ins and outs of self-publishing and provides valuable tips on how to successfully promote your book as a self-published author. The course also explores the critical role that marketing plays in getting a book published. Jane discusses different marketing strategies and provides practical advice for authors looking to build a platform and promote their work. Finally, the course ends with a discussion of the future of publishing, including emerging trends in the industry, such as hybrid publishing and the growing importance of audio books. The information in How to Publish Your Book is presented clearly and effectively. Janeâs teaching style is engaging, and her knowledge of the publishing industry is evident throughout the course. She provides numerous examples and case studies to illustrate key points and regularly draws on her own experiences as a publisher and editor. The course also includes a wealth of resources and materials to support your learning. There are downloadable worksheets, sample query letters, and checklists to help you stay organized throughout the publishing process. There is even a section on working with book cover designers and advice for creating author websites. Overall, How to Publish Your Book is an excellent resource for any author looking to get published. The course is well-organized, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to understand and digest. Whether you are an experienced author or just starting, this course is well worth checking out.

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Seasons

24. Beyond the Book: Sharing Ideas in the Digital Age

October 23, 2015

In an era when attention spans are shrinking and collaborative reading and writing are becoming more common, it's important to consider the story or message you wish to share, rather than focusing on the container. Consider the many ways besides a book to write, publish, and share ideas in the digital age. Explore the plethora of options you have as a writer in modern times, and reflect on what the future may bring.

23. Principles of Self-Publishing Success

October 23, 2015

Understand the vital role metadata plays in positioning your self-published book for success. Examine pricing models to attract a large audience that is hesitant about purchasing from an unknown entity. Learn tips to garner reviews that will help your book get noticed.

22. The Self-Publishing Path: When and How

October 23, 2015

Discuss the value of publishers, then review specific scenarios in which you may not need those benefits. When is self-publishing a viable option for your book? Get invaluable advice on steps you should take if you choose to self-publish, and learn about the tools you will need to succeed.

21. Career Marketing Strategies for Writers

October 23, 2015

Author websites, blogs, newsletters and emails, and social media will be your responsibility, and these marketing tools are often required by your publisher. Get tips on creating successful marketing tactics to help publicize your work and keep your publisher happy.

20. Becoming a Bestselling Author

October 23, 2015

Marketing your book is a huge part of becoming a best-seller, and much of the onus of marketing will fall on you. Learn about how you'll be expected to provide support in order to help publicize your book, such as hosting author events, creating a presence on social media, and reaching out to your connections.

19. Working Effectively with Your Publisher

October 23, 2015

While most aspiring writers are thrilled to get to this point in the publication process, it's also important to know what will be expected of you once a publisher agrees to move forward. Learn the several phases you'll go through with the publisher, including editorial development, design and production, sales and marketing planning, the book launch, and post-launch PR and publicity.

18. The Book Publishing Contract

October 23, 2015

If you get to the point of the process where publishing contracts are being drafted, it's important to understand the terminology and protect your rights. Examine the three areas of the contract to which you should pay close attention: the grant-of-rights clause, the reversion-of-rights clause, and the subsidiary rights clauses. You'll also explore matters of compensation and material ownership.

17. Overcoming Obstacles to Writing

October 23, 2015

Rejections are not the only obstacles to becoming a published author. Look at common dilemmas writers face, and learn how to create time for writing no matter what your daily schedule looks like.

16. How Writers Handle Rejection

October 23, 2015

In this important lecture, you'll learn why you might be rejected, even if you've done everything correctly. Dissect some of the common reasons for rejection, how to let go of rejection or react to it in a constructive manner, and what your options are if you've been rejected. Interpret common or form rejection phrases to learn what feedback is really being conveyed.

15. Hiring a Professional Editor

October 23, 2015

Explore the different stages of writing and reviewing, examine the different types of editing you can consider, and learn what an editor can and can't do to make your work publishable. Then, find out the three reasons you may consider hiring a professional to review your work.

14. Avoiding Common Manuscript Pitfalls

October 23, 2015

Many agents and editors rely on their experience and instinct and can tell within the first page whether or not a manuscript is worth reading further. Discuss the two rough categories of red flags: narrative or structural problems and surface-level errors that can lead to a make-or-break decision before the second page. Youï¿½Ûªll also get invaluable tips on creating a strong opening, including the pivotal first sentence.

13. Pitching Your Book

October 23, 2015

Not all aspiring writers will have the opportunity to pitch their books, but every writer should have a pitch prepared. Learn the three types of pitches you should have ready, examine strong and weak pitch examples, and get tips on how to prepare for pitches without succumbing to nerves or stage fright.

12. Networking: From Writers€™ Conferences to Courses

October 23, 2015

Just like with a job search, networking can be an important and useful component to getting published. Delve into the options and resources you have for meeting other writers, agents, and publishing representatives, learn how to develop a gripping elevator pitch for your work, and discover ways you can network online to help develop and perfect your proposal.

11. Submissions and Publishing Etiquette

October 23, 2015

While each publisher and agent has their own requirements for you to follow when submitting your work for consideration, there are rules that apply universally and will often result in rejections when not followed. Learn the guidelines for mailing and emailing queries, what your rights are and how to protect your work, and the definitions of common terminology that publishers and agents may use when requesting submissions.

10. Writing an Effective Book Proposal

October 23, 2015

Once you've completed the research required, analyze how to effectively incorporate your findings in a compelling manner, how to craft an author bio that will showcase your credentials, and how to integrate a marketing plan-including identifying your target audience-throughout your proposal. Review examples of how stats and research are incorporated into well-crafted proposals.

9. Researching and Planning Your Book Proposal

October 23, 2015

Dissect the elements in a book proposal, which is essentially a business plan that persuades a publisher to invest in your book. Because publishers look for a viable idea with a clear market, paired with a writer who has credibility and marketing savvy, your proposal will need to demonstrate both of these, which will require investigation into the target market, audience, competition, authors, and more. Learn the five essential components you need to research to write a captivating proposal.

8. The Importance of Author Platform

October 23, 2015

A platform generally refers to an author's visibility and reach to a target audience: who is aware of your work, where does your work appear, and how many people see it. Examine the six components that make up most platforms, and review the requirements for various genres of writing.

7. Writing Your Novel or Memoir Synopsis

October 23, 2015

Once you've nailed a query letter, you will need to provide a synopsis. Condensing your entire story into a one-page overview while still keeping it compelling and intriguing is not easy. Get valuable tips on what a synopsis should and should not contain, and learn what your synopsis needs to focus on and accomplish to be successful.

6. Writing Your Query Letter

October 23, 2015

The query letter is your first impression and often what catches an agent or publisher's attention, so it's important to create a memorable one. Learn what elements comprise a good query letter, what components the publisher or agent requires, and how to stand out from a sea of queries so your book gets further consideration. Find out which red flags almost always result in immediate rejection.

5. What to Expect from a Literary Agent

October 23, 2015

Examine the pros and cons to using literary agents, and learn how the responsibilities and obligations of literary agents have evolved. Learn about how to acquire one, what to expect from an agent, and what standard and non-standard practices you may encounter if you choose to go that route.

4. Researching Writers€™ Markets

October 23, 2015

The modern publishing markets are far more complex than they were even a few decades ago. Learn about the different agents and publishers, and discover the tools out there that can help you find the right ones for you. Also, learn how to spot scams and get a handle on what questions you need to ask when deciding whom to approach.

3. Categorizing Your Nonfiction Book

October 23, 2015

The non-fiction world is also broken into categories including memoires, education, creative or narrative non-fiction, and practical or self-help. Delve into the various genres of non-fiction writing, and learn how to determine which publishing house best aligns with your non-fiction manuscript.

2. Defining Your Fiction Genre

October 23, 2015

Understanding where your fiction book falls in the general categories of literature is an essential step to getting published, as there are a plethora of genre-specific publishing houses. Differentiate between the various categories of fiction writing, including defining commercial and literary fiction, and examine the various types of children's books.

1. Today's Book Publishing Landscape

October 23, 2015

Take an in-depth look at the world of writing and getting published: the history of the business, the competition in the modern market, and the major and minor players in the industry. Clear up some common misconceptions about what it takes to become a published writer and get an overview of what to expect if you pursue a career as a writer.

Description

Covering a wide range of topics, the course takes you through the entire publishing process, from manuscript submission to promoting the book once itâs on the shelves. The course is designed to be helpful for both established and aspiring authors, and as a result, it provides valuable information to guide you regardless of where you are in the writing journey.

Jane Friedman gets off to a strong start with a comprehensive overview of the publishing industry. She outlines the different types of publishers and publishing models available to authors, including traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. She also delves into the key players involved in the process and what they typically do, such as literary agents, editors, and sales representatives.

Next, the course takes a deep dive into the actual publishing process. Jane explains what publishers are looking for in a manuscript and how to write a successful book proposal that will catch the attention of publishers. She also covers topics such as manuscript preparation, editing, and formatting.

One of the highlights of the course is the section on self-publishing. With the rise of digital publishing platforms like Amazonâs Kindle Direct Publishing, self-publishing has become a viable option for authors looking to retain more control over their work. Jane explains the ins and outs of self-publishing and provides valuable tips on how to successfully promote your book as a self-published author.

The course also explores the critical role that marketing plays in getting a book published. Jane discusses different marketing strategies and provides practical advice for authors looking to build a platform and promote their work.

Finally, the course ends with a discussion of the future of publishing, including emerging trends in the industry, such as hybrid publishing and the growing importance of audio books.

The information in How to Publish Your Book is presented clearly and effectively. Janeâs teaching style is engaging, and her knowledge of the publishing industry is evident throughout the course. She provides numerous examples and case studies to illustrate key points and regularly draws on her own experiences as a publisher and editor.

The course also includes a wealth of resources and materials to support your learning. There are downloadable worksheets, sample query letters, and checklists to help you stay organized throughout the publishing process. There is even a section on working with book cover designers and advice for creating author websites.

Overall, How to Publish Your Book is an excellent resource for any author looking to get published. The course is well-organized, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to understand and digest. Whether you are an experienced author or just starting, this course is well worth checking out.