We’ve unfortunately met more than one author who's signed a bad contract or spent way too much money on subpar publishing services, only to find out their book needed a more professional cover or a proper edit.
These mistakes can cost you time and money. Don’t let this happen to you!
Whether your dream is to sign with a traditional Big Five publisher, work with a smaller independent house, or to self-publish and maintain full control, you need a detailed picture of the landscape to make the best decisions for you and your book—and to avoid those newbie mistakes.
"I really got a lot out of the Publish Like a Pro program! It’s concise and easy to understand with lots of good examples. I definitely got a clear picture of everything that I don’t know, helping me understand the whole publishing process and giving me a clear understanding of each of the steps [ahead]."
Ruth Davis, Author
Understand the types of editing, and what your book needs when (plus how to use beta readers)
Discover the pros and cons of different publishing paths
Explore what traditional publishers and agents want and how to deliver it
Take an agent-guided tour through publishing contracts, royalty statements, and legal FAQs (copyright, fair use, defamation, etc.)
Get into the nitty-gritty of self-publishing’s must-knows
Write a book description that will sell your book (not just summarize it!)
Learn how to design—or hire out—a stunning, marketable book cover (or make sure it’s done right if you sign with a small press)
Get clear on marketing tactics—and discover resources for professional help!
I came to you after hybrid publishing several books over the years, and I must say that, as a result, [this] is my greatest book. Thanks for all your support to help make my dream come true!
Dr. Rosalind Tompkins, Author, Speaker, Activist, Pastor
Lesson 1
Learn about the different types of editing and which you need for different stages of your book’s development and production, how to process and act on alpha and beta reader feedback, and how to develop an editing plan unique to your book’s purpose.
Lesson 2
Get insider information about the different paths to publishing (trad, indie, hybrid), the pros and cons of each, and how your goals, timeline, platform, and topic affect which path you choose.
Lesson 3
This class goes into depth on why you may want an agent; what agents are looking for (or, how to get out of the slush pile!); when you should start querying and where; how to write queries, synopses, and book proposals; navigating rejection like a pro; and best practices for pitching.
Lesson 4
Get clear on the basics of publishing law to protect yourself and negotiate like a pro! Lawyer and senior literary agent Jaqui Lipton covers FAQs about traditional publishing contracts and royalty statements, plus copyright, trademark, defamation (safely writing about others), fair use, and more.
Lesson 5
Dive deep into self-publishing paths to understand the types of indie services available, the pros and cons of each, and how to determine which publishing plan aligns with your goals, budget, and timeline.
Lesson 6
Despite the long-standing advice, we all judge a book by its cover! And, as one of your most important marketing tools, you want yours to pass muster. Avoid common mistakes and woo your target audience into clicking BUY with the time-tested strategies publishers and professional cover designers use to ensure a marketable cover.
Lesson 7
Your book description (sometimes called a blurb, backliner, or jacket/back cover copy) is a critical marketing tool. Readers will expect to know—in just a few seconds of skimming it—if this book will solve their problems, intrigue and awe them, or transform their lives. Get it wrong and they stop reading. Get it right and watch those sales pour in!
Lesson 8
From USA Today best-selling author Heather B. Moore, discover where and how to start marketing your book like a pro. Learn the most important platforms to post and advertise on and get directed to pros who can help you make a splash. Plus, with our extensive marketing checklist, you can get clear on the breadth and depth of marketing tactics available.
Lesson 9
Save time learning how to quickly navigate and understand your royalty statements from various distributors. Plus, get some insider tips that will prevent confusion and frustration if you have more than one distributor making your books available to stores.
8 hours of teachings
30+ Lessons in 9 Modules!
14 in-depth worksheets, checklists, trackers, and guides
10 videos (each 25 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes long)
Weekly actionable homework assignments
As a first-time author, I was referred to them but didn’t know what to expect. I was suspicious of . . . publishing companies, having been approached by many who wanted my business. I believed in the marketability of my writing but realized I needed the professional touch of a company serious about making my series a success. I quickly realized that this team was the real deal. Guiding me through the publishing process has been a team of talented and experienced people who care about helping me reach my goals. I can’t say enough good things about their quality, competence, talent, and experience. Wonderful people!
We’re so confident this course can uplevel your publishing know-how that we’re offering a seven-day satisfaction guarantee. If you don't feel it’s a fit for you, and you haven’t downloaded the worksheets, you can contact us about your concerns and we’ll issue you a full refund.
Skip those painful mistakes, advocate for your book,
and make pro decisions that will set you up for success!