The difference between a writer and an author is that the latter has published a book. But the path to publication is seldom straightforward. After finishing a manuscript, many aspiring authors are uncertain how to proceed. Do you need an agent, and how do you go about finding one? Is it important to hire a developmental editor, and how do you know who's going to be a good fit? If you choose to self-publish, what steps are involved? How do you make the public aware that your book exists?

This course gives beginning writers exposure to published authors who will talk to them about the steps they took toward (and after) publication, demystifying the process. In this six-week course, we will begin with an introduction to the basics of publishing, then discuss six books (one each week) by successfully published authors: Samina Ali (Pieces You'll Never Get Back), Hollis Brady (Pescadero), Lara Love Hardin (The Many Lives of Mama Love), Tod Lending (The Umbrella Maker's Son), Liza Monroy (The Distractions), and Jacquie Walter (Dearest).

Each author will come to our class via a live online session together with an instrumental member of the team who helped them on the path to publication. These sessions will serve as part book group, part information session about how publishing works. You will be able to ask these authors and their “teammates” questions about their books and their working relationships and become better able to navigate the path to publication on your own.