Book Publishing 101, a course with Dr. Patricia Leavy

April 22, 2024

7:00pm-9:00pm UK time

This 2-hour webinar will provide a detailed overview of everything you need to know to publish a book. The focus of this course will include finding a publisher (which may involve finding an agent), writing effective query letters and book proposals, pitching yourself, and understanding book contracts (unpacking the most important terms with tips for how to negotiate your contract). While self-publishing and hybrid publishing options will be mentioned (and can be elaborated during the Q&A if there is interest), the focus of this course is on finding and negotiating a contract with a traditional publisher (academic, university, and trade presses). Various book types will be reviewed: academic, nonfiction, fiction/literary. So, whether you have a novel, autofiction, poetry collection, or memoir tucked away in your desk, or an idea for a nonfiction book, textbook, or anthology, or you want to publish your thesis or dissertation as a book, you will learn both the basics for securing a publisher and understanding your contract, as well as insider tips to empower you in the process. Be prepared to take notes and ask questions. There will be plenty of time for Q&A after the presentation.

Patricia Leavy, Ph.D., is a world-renowned researcher and bestselling author. She has published over forty books, earning commercial and critical success in both nonfiction and fiction, and her books have been translated into many languages. She has extensive experience publishing with academic and trade publishers, both large and indie, and has recently worked with a hybrid publisher. Her books have garnered more than 40 awards including USA Best Book Awards, Independent Press Awards, International Impact Book Awards, National Indie Excellence Awards, Firebird Book Awards, International Book Awards, New York City Big Book Awards, and American Fiction Awards. She has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In addition to her experience as an author, Patricia has served as series creator and editor for 10 book series, partnering with 4 different publishers including Oxford University Press and Guilford Press. Through her fiction and nonfiction book series, she has vetted thousands of book proposals and helped hundreds of authors publish their work, including numerous bestselling and award-winning titles. A fierce author advocate, she successfully spearheaded game-changing negotiations with Brill, a global publishing house with a 300+ year history, securing better terms for all their authors. In 2022 an empowerment network gave her an award for “Leadership and Humanitarian Efforts in Literature and Publishing.” She has vast insider knowledge regarding how to successfully pitch your work and secure a good contract and is eager to share her wisdom and answer your questions.