Week 1: Finding Your Why
Before you start on your journey to becoming a published author, you need to know what your options are. Here’s everything you need to know about the pitfalls and benefits of traditional publishing vs. self-publishing. Find out which path is right for you and your writing project. It all starts with identifying your “why.” Is it about bragging rights? Helping others? Proving something to yourself? All are legitimate reasons to publish, but the answer to “Why” will determine which path is right for you.
Week 2: Traditional Publishing
We’re diving into the process of traditional publishing–we’re talking everything from the big 5 publishers to small independent publishers (and how to avoid publishing scams!). Tips on how to find an agent without losing your zen. Paul’s recommendations on the best platforms and how to use them. Also, how to capitalize on a best case scenario and navigate the worst case–either way, we’ve got a plan for it.
Week 3: Traditional Publishing in Action
More details on the path of traditional publishing from our special guest instructor. Hear directly from author Sarah Pinborough, who published the wildly successful Behind Her Eyes and 27 other books (several of which are being adapted for the screen). How she broke into the publishing ivory tower, built an economically savvy empire, and how you can too. Our biggest takeaways for going the traditional route.
Week 4: Independent Publishing
Why a 12 time published author chose to self-publish his debut novel and his success story. The steps you need to self-publish –and the people you want in your corner. The nuts and bolts to publishing, hazards of the trade (and how to avoid them), and your guide to turning your manuscript into a real-life book.
Week 5: Distributing Your Book
Let’s get down to the business of getting your book out there. How to get your book on all the major platforms. Getting into the nitty-gritty: creating your imprint and ISBN and how to upload and set a price for your book. Plus, your platform options, and what to expect so you can make the best distribution choice for your book.
Week 6: Marketing Your Book
Everything you need to know before you plan your launch from our special guest instructor, Ricardo Fayet, one of the founders of the wildly successful company, Reedsy. He provides a step-by-step guide to ensure you secure reviews, so you’re prepared to succeed at launch. Plus, how to put together your marketing plan, and where to access the most effective marketing channels.
Week 7: Publicity for your Book
Before you hire a publicist find out if you really need one. Here’s how to figure out if hiring one is a waste of money or the best path for you. Hear from our special guest instructor on the behind-the-scenes process of publicity and her recommendations for both traditional and self-publishing. An example of successful publicity and how to avoid these common traps that authors fall into. Finally, how not to be a nightmare when working with your publicist.
Week 8: Wrap Up
Our surprise guest instructor, Angela Engel, publisher, and founder of The Collective Book Studio, shares about a third option: Partner Publishing. Here’s what you need to know about it, how to figure out if this middle way is right for you, and how to connect with the people who will get you there. Plus, looking back on all that we have learned, and tools to keep your motivation high by staying connected with your Chairman Me community.
Week 9: BONUS WEEK! How To Publish Your Memoir
How to publish your memoir: An extra week of lessons, taught by Paul Bradley Carr and Sarah Lacy, plus special guests.
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