Getting Published Despite the Economy
Getting published is never easy, but the current economic climate offers additional challenges--and opportunities. In this workshop, you will learn: why debut writers are more valuable than published authors; what agents and editors are looking for more than ever; and the one trait that will ensure publication (hint: it’s not about the writing).
Query Letter Clinic
Writing a winning query letter requires a completely different skill set than that required for writing a manuscript. In this workshop, you will learn: the essential components of a query letter; the dreaded phrases agents and editors hate; and the one sentence that will reveal whether you’re agent-worthy. Depending on the size of the audience, each writer who brings a copy of his/her query letter will have the opportunity to receive verbal feedback.
How Editors Think
Do you think editors spend their days reading manuscripts? Think again! If you want to understand why editors choose to publish certain writers and reject the rest, learn how they think. Topics discussed include: the three most common mistakes writers make when trying to get published; the two most important jobs of an editor (editing isn’t one of them!); and the number one quality editors look for in a writer.
Publishing for Latinos: Knowledge is Power Only When Shared
Finding the right publisher is difficult for any writer, but Latinos face unique challenges--and opportunities. Topics discussed include: the significance of Latinos to mainstream publishers; writing in Spanish vs. English; dealing with the label of “Latino Writer”; overcoming cultural and social barriers, especially for Latinas; and the most important thing you can do to ensure the future success of Latino publishing.
Pitch Your Book
Pitching a book idea is an essential skill most writers lack and need when submitting their work to agents and editors. Topics discussed include: why pitching is important; how to formulate a winning pitch; and the three most common mistakes writers make when pitching their book ideas.
Before You Send It Out
Agents and editors don’t have time to read entire manuscripts. So how do they choose which writers they want to work with? Proposals. Regardless of whether you have a book for adults or children, in fiction or nonfiction, you need a strong proposal. But while many writers invest a significant amount of time, energy, and money in crafting their manuscripts, few know how to compose a proper proposal. In this class, you will learn:
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• Why 90% of submissions are rejected based on the cover letter alone
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• The single most reliable—and free!—resource for finding a good agent
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• Three common, yet easily avoidable, mistakes writers make
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• A proposal’s true purpose (hint: it’s not to demonstrate talent)
After the Contract
Knowing what comes after you sign a book contract can make or break your book's future. Topics discussed include: the true relationship between publisher and author; the supreme importance of author questionnaires; editing vs. copyediting; an introduction to your publishing team: cover designer, sales rep, publicist, etc.; and the real role of the author in the publishing process.
Become an Editor
Do you love to read? Do you dream of working with writers? If so, a career in book publishing may be right for you. But the competition for jobs, especially on the editorial side, is fierce. How you choose your first job can either launch or limit your career. Topics discussed include: the three things you need to know before you start your job search; the most important question you must ask on an interview; the real reason why you should attend a publishing course; how to forge relationships with agents; using ed board as a career building tool; and the supreme importance of mentors.
Shattering Stereotypes
If you believe what you see in the media, Latinas face seemingly insurmountable challenges: we drop out of school at a higher rate, have more teenage pregnancies, and are more likely to be depressed. Yet, the media rarely mentions the facts that Latinas are three times more likely to start a small business, continue to be elected to high positions in government, and control the pursestrings of the fastest growing demographic in the nation. What can we do to change the way we are portrayed? Topics discussed include: the real reason education is important; identifying how our culture stifles activism; using our natural passion and determination to effect lasting change; how to choose a mentor and--more importantly--how to be a mentor.
