Watch How to Publish Your Book

How to Publish Your Book, a part of The Great Courses Signature Collection, is a comprehensive and practical guide to getting your book published. The series is conducted by Jane Friedman, a publishing industry veteran, and begins with an introduction to the publishing industry, followed by an exploration of the various publishing options available to authors.

Covering a wide range of topics, the course takes you through the entire publishing process, from manuscript submission to promoting the book once it’s on the shelves. The course is designed to be helpful for both established and aspiring authors, and as a result, it provides valuable information to guide you regardless of where you are in the writing journey.

Jane Friedman gets off to a strong start with a comprehensive overview of the publishing industry. She outlines the different types of publishers and publishing models available to authors, including traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. She also delves into the key players involved in the process and what they typically do, such as literary agents, editors, and sales representatives.

Next, the course takes a deep dive into the actual publishing process. Jane explains what publishers are looking for in a manuscript and how to write a successful book proposal that will catch the attention of publishers. She also covers topics such as manuscript preparation, editing, and formatting.

One of the highlights of the course is the section on self-publishing. With the rise of digital publishing platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, self-publishing has become a viable option for authors looking to retain more control over their work. Jane explains the ins and outs of self-publishing and provides valuable tips on how to successfully promote your book as a self-published author.

The course also explores the critical role that marketing plays in getting a book published. Jane discusses different marketing strategies and provides practical advice for authors looking to build a platform and promote their work.

Finally, the course ends with a discussion of the future of publishing, including emerging trends in the industry, such as hybrid publishing and the growing importance of audio books.

The information in How to Publish Your Book is presented clearly and effectively. Jane’s teaching style is engaging, and her knowledge of the publishing industry is evident throughout the course. She provides numerous examples and case studies to illustrate key points and regularly draws on her own experiences as a publisher and editor.

The course also includes a wealth of resources and materials to support your learning. There are downloadable worksheets, sample query letters, and checklists to help you stay organized throughout the publishing process. There is even a section on working with book cover designers and advice for creating author websites.

Overall, How to Publish Your Book is an excellent resource for any author looking to get published. The course is well-organized, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to understand and digest. Whether you are an experienced author or just starting, this course is well worth checking out.

How to Publish Your Book is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between October 23, 2015 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection