Creative writing. Express yourself with the written word.

Learn how to get your book published! Have you already written your book, or are currently writing it and are wondering what to do next? This course will take you through a systematic, step-by-step process that will help you find publication for your book, regardless of its genre.

The course will cover coming up with a publication strategy, editing and proofreading your final draft to maximise its chances of acceptance, conducting market research on your genre, targeting and querying the ideal literary agents and publishers, writing effective synopses and cover letters, writing book proposals and CVs, communicating effectively with industry professionals, creating an impressive portfolio of your work, and learning how to network and build fruitful publishing connections.

You will also receive feedback on a synopsis, proposal and query template for your specific book. Save yourself time and money by truly understanding the publishing process and fast-track your way through it!

Aims

Learn how to get your book published. Navigate the publishing world, practise writing the ideal query, proposal and cover letter, and find the right agent and publisher for your book!

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• conduct market research relevant to your genre
• develop a publication strategy that maximises your chances of publication
• edit and proofread your manuscript to a professional level so that you’re putting your best foot forward
• write a strong synopsis and query letter for your book, based on the market research conducted earlier
• write an elevator pitch for your book
• write a chapter-by-chapter book proposal
• write a CV suited to seeking book publication
• write a customised cover letter with a publishing focus
• use the right keywords in your pitch, proposal, query letter and cover letter
• communicate effectively with publishing industry professionals using the language of the industry
• find and target the best literary agents and publishers for your book
• plan, track and stay on target with your own submission process
• network with publishers, agents and editors
• create a portfolio of your work that will make publishers and agents sit up and take notice
• finalise your own synopsis, proposal and query letter based on customised feedback.

Content

• Understanding the acquisitions process for publishers/editors
• How to break into the acquisitions process and get noticed by the right agents and editors
• Writing cover letters, query letters, proposals and pitches
• Networking with the right industry professionals and communicating with them effectively
• Developing a publication strategy based on relevant market research
• Assembling a winning portfolio
• Writing a publishing-focused CV
• Planning and staying on-track with the complicated submission process

Intended audience

Writers seeking publication for their book(s).

Prerequisites

You should have written a book or are currently writing one.

Delivery mode

Face-to-face, presenter-taught workshop

Materials

Please bring along a fully-charged laptop if you have one. Alternatively, a pen and paper will be sufficient.