The digital publishing revolution has transformed self-publishing from a last resort into an ever-expanding world of opportunity that writers at all stages of their career can take advantage of. This hands-on, three-day course is aimed at writers who want to take the first step towards finding their readership through digital self-publishing, and then market their work online.
First you'll learn how to prepare your manuscript for publication, to a professional standard, and decide which of the many options out there is best for you. Successfully self-published author Catherine Ryan Howard will explain - in practical terms - the steps to self-publishing a finished work through print-on-demand and e-book websites. At the end of day one, a Faber editor will also outline golden rules for authors - and the most common pitfalls to avoid. Then, on days two and three, equip yourself with the skills and confidence to build an author platform across the main social networks (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and so on) with the help of social media consultant Ben Johncock. Ben will cover everything from setting up accounts to building your online profile, showing you how to use your author platform effectively to promote and sell yourself and your work.
So if you want to build a readership, showcase your work, publish high quality books and - if you're pursuing traditional publication - build the kind of online platform, fan base and sales record that will convince an editor to say 'yes!', this could be the course for you.
There are 15 places on this course. The course costs £425.
Throughout this three-day course, taking place at Faber's offices in Bloomsbury, Catherine Ryan Howard and Ben Johncock will guide you through the steps to self-publishing your work online, and promoting it once it's there.
Please note the subject matter of the sessions listed below is a guide only and may be subject to change.
There are 15 places on the course; lunch will be provided.
Day One, with Catherine Ryan Howard:
10am: Introductions
10.15-1pm:
Deciding
Preparing
Publishing
There will be a break for coffee and tea at 11.15.
1-2pm: Lunch
2-3.30pm:
Selling
And Finally...
3.30-4pm:
Q&A
4-5pm:
Faber Editor: Sarah Savitt How to Edit Your Work: Rules for Authors
There will be a break for coffee and tea at 3.15.
Day Two, with Ben Johncock:
10-11.15am:
Part I: Do Not Be Afraid!
Part II: Your Toolbox, The Internet
11.30-1pm:
Workshop: Twitter - beginnings
There will be a break for coffee and tea at 11.15.
1-2pm: Lunch
2-3.15pm:
Workshop: Twitter - getting the most out of Twitter
3.30-5pm:
Workshop: Twitter - essential knowledge
There will be a break for coffee and tea at 3.15.
Day Three, with Ben Johncock:
The Morning After the Night Before: A look at last night's Twitter activity
10-11.15am:
Workshop: Blogs, Tumblr and Pinterest
11.30-1pm:
Workshop: Blogs, Tumblr and Pinterest
1-2pm: Lunch
2-3.15pm:
Workshop: Facebook - the essentials
Workshop: YouTube, Audioboo
3.30- 5pm:
Putting It All Together
Final Thoughts - your digital future
There will be a break for coffee and tea at 3.15.