Want to publish a book? This session covers both going via a traditional publisher and self-publishing, as well as marketing foundations.

If you want to get published but are not sure how to go about it or whether to go via a publisher or self-publish, then this 3-part workshop is for you. Run by full-time self-published author Melissa Addey, you'll leave this workshop with a clear understanding of your routes to publishing so you can make an informed choice about your preferred publishing path. Melissa will share a wealth of resources, contacts and personal experience, allowing you to fully understand your options. Did you know self-published authors earn more than traditionally published authors? Do you know just how beneficial it is to write in a series or how many books it takes for successful authors to crack £100k? We'll cover it all.

The session will be held in person at the British Library, but also via Zoom as a hybrid webinar, so choose whichever option you prefer.

Part 1: Traditional publishing. We'll look at the pros and cons of traditional publishing, explain how to get a literary agent (Melissa has secured three over the years!) and encourage the independent mindset that will stand you in good stead if you take this route. Plus how to proceed if you can't find a publisher.

Part 2: Self-publishing. We'll cover the pros and cons and then talk you through the basic process of getting from manuscript to holding a book in your hands. You'll have advice and contacts for editors, cover designers and much more. We'll talk about important commercial decisions authors need to take and where to find advice for every stage.

Part 3: Marketing. It doesn't matter which route you take to publication, the marketing will ultimately come down to you (it's a common mistake to believe your publisher will do it all!). We will cover 10 marketing steps you can be taking even while you finish your manuscript, so you can hit the ground running when you publish. It'll impress agents if you go the traditional route and help you be successful more quickly if you go down the self-publishing route.

You will leave inspired and with a clear set of steps to take to get your book published. Specific contacts will be provided (e.g. book cover designers, editors, where to find literary agents, etc.). We will mainly focus on fiction but non-fiction authors will learn a lot too and we will briefly discuss the very specific needs of picture books.

You can book for the workshop/webinar alone or for the workshop + a 121 online for an hour with Melissa to receive bespoke advice on your book plans. This will be booked after the session, at a mutually convenient date and time.

After the event you will be sent resource-filled slides from our main talk and a free eBook, Melissa Addey's Merchandise for Authors, which offers a wealth of ideas for using your book as the basis for developing merchandise. We will also record the session via Zoom so you'll have a video of the session to refer back to (and you can even book if you can't attend live and will receive the video).

Feedback from previous workshops run by Melissa Addey at the British Library:

So much information – extremely helpful and also methodical. I appreciated all the resource lists. It was super helpful.

Loved it - thank you. Very knowledgeable and experienced tutor, brilliant advice and tips.

Engaging speaker: honest and real.

Picked up so many great ideas – can’t wait to put them into practice!

Concise, practical presentation, all good advice and delivered with enthusiasm and credibility.

(We do not take cancellations but if you are unable to attend on the day you will still receive the video, slides and eBook by email after the workshop.)

Description supplied by the event organiser.