TWS260

Getting Published: From Manuscript to Book

This course is for writers who are ready to embark on the adventure of getting published. It is designed to give authors the information they need to work confidently with professional publishers in getting fiction, non-fiction, and poetry manuscripts into print. You will learn to prepare book proposals, position your work to your advantage, research the publishing market, approach agents and companies, read publishing contracts, and collaborate with publishers in editing, production, and marketing once the contract is signed.

This course is for individual registration and not 2012 Writer's Studio students. (Current TWS 2012 students will take this course in November 2012).

Section Sessions Dates Time Campus Instructor(s) Hours Cost Registration
TWS260 4 - Wed Mar 21- Apr 11
6:30–9:30 Van Mary Schendlinger 12 $350 Register

What will I learn?

By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:

  • Participate responsibly and effectively in the publishing process
  • List the publishing alternatives for a previously unpublished writer
  • Describe the criteria that agents and publishers use in acquiring books for publication
  • Describe the challenges and opportunities for a previously unpublished writer entering the trade publishing marketplace
  • Identify agents and publishing companies appropriate for your work
  • Write a summary of your work that describes the content, voice, and audience
  • Write a concise query letter and prepare a cogent book proposal
  • Approach agents and publishers with confidence
  • Position your work in the writing and publishing marketplace
  • Describe the essential elements of a standard author-publisher trade book contract

How will I learn?

  • Lectures
  • Class discussions
  • Workshops
  • Independent take-home assignments
  • Case studies
  • Q & A sessions with guest industry professionals

How will I be evaluated?

You will complete five assignments, reports, and/or projects. You must attend at least three sessions to pass the course.

Textbooks and learning materials

We will provide custom course materials.