What you need to know to get your book deal

This course is ideal for: Anyone who wants to better understand the publishing world

You’ll discover:
Exactly how to pitch your story to agents and publishers
Scripts and templates that will sell your manuscript
What NOT to do when trying to secure an agent or publisher
An overview of the entire publishing industry
Your rights as an author
An understanding of copyright and how it affects you
Whether traditional or self-publishing is best for you
The process, including advances and royalties.

“Anyone who wants to be a writer and who is planning to send their manuscript out, MUST do the course first so that you understand the industry, so that you don’t make mistakes, and so that you understand what you are being offered.”
– Cherie Corbett-Jones

Key information
Key information:
This is an online self-paced course
Duration 1 This is an online self-paced course

Duration:
Your 12 months' access begins straight away

Duration:
Your 12 months' access begins straight away

Course Creators:
Pamela Freeman and Valerie Khoo
Course Creators:
Pamela Freeman and Valerie Khoo

$265
This course was formerly called Inside Publishing but has been updated.

This course is essential if you want to:

  • get your book published any time in the next three years
  • know exactly hot to pitch your story to agents and publishers
  • have scripts and templates for cover letters, synopsis, pitches and more
  • understand rights, territories, contracts and royalties
  • discover how publishing really works
  • be clear on the pros and cons of the industry – so you can use this to your advantage.

Valerie Khoo on what you can expect from Pitching and Publishing

Pitching and Publishing is ideal if you want to understand how the business of publishing works so you are informed and well-positioned – especially if you want to be published by a mainstream publisher. And if you’re currently deciding whether you want this or to self-publish, this will help you determine the best route for you. 

“I felt like you were inside my brain – every one of my questions was answered, just as I was thinking it. The course was structured in a really easy-to-digest way which meant I came away feeling like I ‘got it' – even some of the complex stuff. I feel like, when my manuscript is ready, I'll feel confident to navigate the submissions process without fear of silly missteps.”

April Whitehead

Knowledge is everything

If you want to submit your novel or memoir or non-fiction book to a mainstream publisher, it pays to know how the business works.

Do you know:

  • What the difference is between copyright and territorial rights?
  • What exactly goes into a pitch to an agent or publisher?
  • How does your pitch differ if you say it face-to-face versus email?
  • What goes into a synopsis when it’s requested from a publisher?
  • How much should a publisher be paying you?
  • What the difference  is between an A format and a B format paperback, and which is better?
  • Whether you should go the self-publishing route or try for a traditional publisher?
  • How, exactly, you get a publisher to read your work?
  • What happens after that?

“The course really speaks to the debut author and answers all the questions they will have. The detail and clarity in the course material was exceptional.”

Wes Lockhart

Here’s what you’ll learn:

  • What a publisher/agent expects from you.
  • An understanding of what needs to be included in a synopsis, pitch and query letter/email.
  • What rights you have as an author over your work.
  • How those rights can be sold all over the world.
  • What not to do with your copyright.
  • What kind of publication is right for you: traditional versus indie publishing, hardcopy versus ebook.
  • How to go about getting published: the process and the pitfalls.
  • What an advance is and the difference between that and royalties.
  • What happens after a publisher likes your work – from their first reading to publication, and after.
  • And so much more it would take pages to list!

This self-paced course consists of seven modules. It’s ideal if you spread your learning over seven weeks – digesting one module per week. Or you can power through it all in one go – that’s the beauty of a self-paced course!

In each module – mainly through video and handouts, as well as links to resources – you will learn about a different part of the publishing business, from the overall legal framework to the nitty-gritty of negotiating with a publisher.

Pitching and Publishing concentrates on helping you understand how publishing works, and how to get your book deal.

This course focuses on the traditional publishing industry. If you’ve decided you’re an indie author, and you are confident that you understand how publishing works, then you might be more interested in these courses:

And, naturally, we run lots and lots of courses that help you develop your skills as a writer!

“Do this before or while writing your book! Don’t wait till you’ve finished as it’s a fascinating and comprehensive introduction to how the publishing industry works for novelists and children’s books.”

Thēátin Zamiah

What’s included in your online course?

  • Over 7 hours of content – access anytime at your own pace
  • 24 video lessons plus 7 supporting handouts

How our “self-paced courses” work

This is one of AWC’s 35+ “self-paced” online courses. But what does that mean? Allow us to explain:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Who is this course for?
A: Anyone who would like to be a published author by getting a book deal with a mainstream publisher.

Q: I can’t decide whether I want to self-publish or approach a mainstream publisher?
A: This course will help decide whether mainstream publishing or self-publishing is the right path for you..

Q: Why do I need to know this stuff?
A: If you want to be published by a mainstream publisher, then you need a book deal. This course reveals everything you need to know to pitch your story to maximise your chance of success in getting that book deal!

Q: Do I really need to understand how the publishing industry works?
A: If you want to be a professional author, it literally pays to know how the industry works. Not only will this knowledge save your time and money down the track, you'll feel more confident and equipped to engage with editors, publishers and agents and negotiate the ins and outs of your contract. This course is packed with all the knowledge most authors WISH they knew before they published their first book.

Q: I haven't finished writing a book yet. Should I do this course?
A: If you're seriously considering publication, then yes. The beauty of this course is that you have unlimited access for 12 months, allowing you to refresh your knowledge whenever you need. You'll also learn how to select the best publishers for your specific book – perfect if you want to start keeping an eye out for opportunities now, and collating your hit list.

Q: How much detail on self-publishing will I get?
A: This course covers the entire publishing process – the ideal place to start for a broader understanding of how the industry works and your options. It will help you decide if mainstream publishing or self-publishing is right for you. If you’d like more in depth information specifically on HOW to self-publish, we recommend completing our Self Publish Your Novel on Kindle course for fiction writers or our Successful Self Publishing course for non-fiction and business books.

Want to become a published author? This powerful course is your ultimate guide to help you get your book deal. Add it to your toolkit today!

Key information
Key information:
This is an online self-paced course
Duration 1 This is an online self-paced course

Duration:
Your 12 months' access begins straight away

Duration:
Your 12 months' access begins straight away

Course Creators:
Pamela Freeman and Valerie Khoo
Course Creators:
Pamela Freeman and Valerie Khoo

$265
This course was formerly called Inside Publishing but has been updated.

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