Office Hours: Book Production and Publishing

MEETS: Most Saturdays February 1–May 31

11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. PST / 1–2:30 p.m. CST

LOCATION: Virtual

COST: 1 drop-in session $35; four drop-in session pack $49

WHO IT’S FOR: Authors looking for support and answers on any aspect of book production and publishing

MY CREDENTIALS: In 2024, I became a certified book publishing professional through the Nonfiction Authors Association. In 2008, I published a memoir with a traditional publishing house, Gumbo Tales: Finding My Place at the New Orleans Table. I recently self-published How to Begin Writing Your Life Stories: Putting Memories on the Page, and I’m at work on my next self-published book. I’ve additionally helped many authors to the finish line with their own book projects and coached them on various aspects of the publishing process.

The purpose of these weekly drop-in office hours is to provide authors support, encouragement, and instruction on the various aspects of book production and publishing. Every week the floor will be open for attendees to ask questions and run ideas by Sara and each other. Possible topics of discussion: writing book proposals, querying agents, building an author website, finding suitable publishers, starting a newsletter, making a marketing plan, the various steps of the self-publishing process—and whatever else comes up for you as you prepare to get your book published and begin to engage with your target audience.

This is not an editing or critique group, though attendees may share portions of written materials (such as proposals, web content, and book descriptions) for verbal feedback from Sara and anyone else in attendance. Attendees will learn from each other's ideas, successes, and fumbles. We’ll help each other to the finish line!