Online - 23/01/2027

Course Description

1

This 3-hour, online workshop will be split into three parts, walking you through the stages of getting published step by step. 

Part 1 covers traditional publishing. We'll look at the pros and cons of traditional publishing, explain how to get a literary agent (Melissa has secured three over the years!) and encourage the independent mindset that will stand you in good stead if you take this route. Plus how to proceed if you can't find a publisher. 

Part 2 looks at self-publishing. We'll cover the pros and cons and then talk you through the basic process of getting from manuscript to holding a book in your hands. You'll have advice and contacts for editors, cover designers and much more. We'll talk about important commercial decisions authors need to take and where to find advice for every stage. 

Finally, part 3 will take you deeper into marketing. It doesn't matter which route you take to publication, the marketing will ultimately come down to you. We will cover 10 marketing steps you can take even while you finish your manuscript, so you can hit the ground running when you publish. It'll impress agents if you go the traditional route and help you be successful more quickly if you go down the self-publishing route. 

You will leave this workshop inspired, with a clear set of steps to take to get your book published, along with a list of contacts to get started. We will mainly focus on fiction, but non-fiction authors will learn a lot too and we will briefly discuss the very specific needs of picture books. 

After the event, you will be sent in-depth slides from our main talk and a free eBook, Melissa Addey's Merchandise for Authors, which offers a wealth of ideas for using your book as the basis for developing merchandise.