From Writer to Author: Navigating the Twisty Path to Publication

COURSE DESCRIPTION Many writers dream of becoming published authors, but the path to publication is seldom straightforward.

How do you know when a manuscript is ready to submit to agents? Do you even need an agent? If you don't land a major commercial publisher, should you give up? When might self-publishing become a viable option, and how do you help a published book reach the right readers? This course demystifies the publishing process by offering firsthand insight into the various routes writers may take.

Each week, a visiting author will answer student questions and reflect on the choices they made from first draft to printed book.

In addition to visiting authors, at least one agent, editor, and publicist will join the class during the quarter to speak about their roles and collaboration.

The only homework is to read each author’s book ahead of their visit, allowing students to understand how creative, thematic, and structural choices make a work publication-ready.

SCHEDULE Session 1: Thursday, July 9, 12:00 - 1:15 pm (PT) Self-Publishing (Literary Thriller) Author/Developmental Editor Cynthia Swanson, New York Times best-selling author, self-published author of Anyone But Her , and 2025 Indie Author of the Year Shana Kelly, Developmental editor Session 2: Thursday, July 16, 12:00 - 1:15 pm (PT) Agent/Author Stephanie Reents, Author of We Loved to Run Emily Forland, Agent at Brandt & Hochman Session 3: Thursday, July 23, 12:00 - 1:15 pm (PT) Author/Publisher Martha Conway, Author of We Meet Apart Jaynie Royal, Publisher at Regal House Publishing Session 4: Thursday, July 30, 12:00 - 1:15 pm (PT) Author Jayson Greene, Author of Once More We Saw Stars: A Memoir of Life and Love After Unimaginable Loss Session 5: Thursday, August 6, 12:00 - 1:15 pm (PT) Author/Publicist Clare Frank, Author of Just One More Game: A Pickleball Quest Taryn Roeder, Publicist at Abrams Press Please note: Speakers and schedule may be subject to change.

For students who have previously taken this course, the structure is the same but the books and guests are new.

Students will have access to supplemental discussion threads to discuss the books and the course.

There will be no writing assignments.