Whether you are looking for a traditional publisher, or are planning to self-publish your manuscript, you need to have a top-notch manuscript and either submission or advertising materials. In this class, participants will sort through the steps needed to give themselves the best chance to reach an audience. Students will do some hands-on editing, create a query and synopsis, and learn how to choose which publishing professionals to contact (for traditional publishing). They will also create a book blurb, and learn how to choose a cover designer and editor (for indie publishing). The class will also cover strategies for planning an author platform. Students will put together a basic author website and choose social media platform(s) they wish to be present on. They will also build a couple of versions of their biographies

Material covered relates to modern marketing theory, and discusses strategies used for recently published works. The teaching method accommodates the needs of students who want to shape their work for publication, as well as those who are writing to create an heirloom, or for personal fulfilment. The instructor has published in multiple genres, and critiques manuscript partials in a number of genres for major writing conferences.

This is a hands-on class, with writing assignments (in-class and as homework) and assignments to evaluate marketing elements of other books, films, etc. Students will have the opportunity to have samples of their work critiqued each week.