Courses

Aspiring authors need a clear understanding of how the publishing industry works and how to present themselves and their work professionally. This two-day course offers a practical introduction to the fundamentals of traditional publishing, from creating strong submission materials to building an author platform and maintaining healthy working relationships with agents, editors, booksellers, and the reading public. Taught by a literary agent and former acquisitions editor, the course will guide students through the elements of a successful query letter, with time to draft and refine their own. We will cover how to identify and approach agents and publishers, how to evaluate which publishing path fits your goals, and what to expect from contracts and long-term professional relationships. You will leave with a polished query letter draft, a firm grasp of the other materials you may need, and concrete next steps. The course includes generous time for questions and a visit from a guest author.