Writing a book is only the beginning. Today, even seasoned
journalists can be surprised by the maze that comes next: pitches that need
precision, audiences that must be understood, platforms that demand so much
more than we ever imagined. In this four-day online workshop, we’ll explore how
to shape a compelling pitch, assess your own reach and “brand,” weigh
commercial versus self-publishing, talk to a New York book agent and prepare for the ever-changing world of
promotion: social media posts, reels, and stories; BookTok; Substack and newsletters;
podcasts; book clubs. What does it take to build visibility without
sacrificing authenticity?
We’ll also look at the traps that lurk in the modern
publishing ecosystem: misleading services, promotion scams, and the subtle
pressures that can turn authors into marketers. By the end of the workshop,
you’ll have a clearer map of the terrain, a sharper sense of what’s worth your
effort, and the beginning of a plan to move forward thoughtfully,
strategically - and on your own terms.
Lauren Kessler is a narrative journalist, an immersion
reporter, and the award-winning author of 15 works of narrative nonfiction. Her
new book, Everything Changes Everything: Love, Loss, and a Really Long Walk,
debuted as a top choice in solo travel on amazon. She publishes an original
essay every Wednesday on her Substack, Life After All, and writes a regular
column for LookOut, the first digital-only newspaper to win a Pulitzer.