Class Description
Publishing a book yourself isn't easy, but in this six-hour seminar, Jenny Hudson, owner of a self-publishing and promotion company, will give you an intensive overview of what you need to know so you can go forward confidently. Starting with tips on how to prepare your manuscript, we will cover design, publication, distribution, and marketing. Whether you do it yourself or decide to hire professional services, you want to be in the know to make choices that will help your book stand out in a crowded marketplace. We will also touch on crowdfunding as a way to fund your book and remove some of the risk from self-publishing. Participants will leave the class with a rough personal marketing plan for their books along with a wealth of resources and tips.
Topics covered in this intensive, hands-on seminar will include:
- An overview of self-publishing
- How to know when you’re ready to publish: a checklist for moving forward
- How to use the crowdfunding option to fund professional services for your book
- The basics of book interior design: guidelines, tools, and tips
- What makes a good cover: design and typography basics
- How to get publicity, use social media, book readings, use PR and book reviews, and more
- How to be an effective online presence with a WordPress website and blog
- The differences between Twitter, Facebook, and other social media platforms and how to use them to engage an audience
- How to use the power of video: tricks and tools
- How to sell your book: some scenarios that work
- How to develop your media kit
- How to do a blog tour
- How to approach book stores and reach alternative markets
- The essentials of creating a marketing plan for your book
Part of GrubStreet's "Get Published" series, dedicated to helping writers navigate the publishing world. For more on this series' offerings, click here.
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!
Zoom Participation:
Students are not required to turn their camera on, but are encouraged to participate any way they feel comfortable through functions such as the live chat, emoji reactions, and unmuting the microphone. Learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
We ask that instructors enable closed captioning and send a transcript of the session after class. You can also enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting. If your instructor forgets to send the transcript, just send ’em an email!