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The Secrets Behind Writing and Selling Your First Book

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The Secrets Behind Writing and Selling Your First Book

WHEN 1 day, Sunday, December 14, 10 am-4 pm

WHERE Meridian Gallery, San Francisco, CA

LEVEL Beginner

PRICE
$125 ($100 for )
more info

Course Details

Do you have a great idea for a book but don't know how to go about writing and selling it? Maybe you've already written a book but you're stalled trying to get the attention of agents and publishers. Whether you're just starting to develop your project or have already written the entire manuscript, this workshop will give you all the tools you need to get your first book project sold, published, and on the shelves in bookstores.

In this workshop, you will learn:

  • The structure of the publishing business -- how publishing houses are organized, and how they make money
  • What publishers and agents are really looking for
  • If your idea is salable and, if it's not, how to change it
  • How to get an agent
  • How to get a book deal without an agent
  • The essentials of a rock-solid proposal
  • The top 10 reasons book proposals are rejected, and how to avoid those pitfalls
  • How to promote yourself so you get noticed and your book gets sold

Laura Mazer has helped many first-time writers and journalists land book deals, and she will share her secret weapons to help you get unblocked so you can finish, pitch, and sell a brilliant first book project. Laura will offer her insightful feedback, offer suggestions of what might sell faster and better, and answer all of your questions about how to break into book publishing.

Past guest panelists have included Ericka Lutz, novelist and author of several nonfiction books, including On the Go With Baby and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Stepparenting.

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Instructor Bio

Laura Mazer's Courses

Laura Mazer
Laura Mazer, a veteran book editor, has worked with a wide range of publishers including Avalon Publishing Group, Perseus Books Group, Counterpoint Press, and Random House. Previously, Laura edited Op-Ed columns for nationally published writers including Tony Snow, Molly Ivins, Arianna Huffington, and Hillary Clinton. She was a senior editor at Brill's Content magazine and the special
sections editor for the Los Angeles Times. A New York City transplant, she lives in Oakland, California, with her family.

Testimonials


I have been in publishing for 30 years and cannot remember meeting someone who was so extemporaneously creative with ideas as Laura. -- Howard Baldwin

"Laura stands out both for her expertise and her presentation of the ins and outs of the industry." -- Kimberley Kwok

"Laura knows what she's talking about and will dish it with a no-nonsense, honest approach. As a result of this class, I will query better, smarter, and fearlessly, because all it takes is a great idea and an understanding of how the business works." --Mary Kolesnikova

"Laura has an enormous amount of creativity and positive energy. Her you-can-do-this attitude toward getting published was gratifying and infectious. The boost in writing energy in our class was incredible." -- Neala Philpot

"Laura has wonderful insight and experience from the book industry to share with students. I highly recommend this inspiring and encouraging course." -- Allie Brawley

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