How to Publish Your Book

By: Jane Friedman, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Jane Friedman

Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

With the advent of submission conveniences offered by the Internet, today's authors face unprecedented competition in the writing market. Adding to that the publishing market is in a constant state of flux, making publishers wary about taking on new authors. Further, a plethora of options for publication make navigating the increasingly complex publishing industry harder than ever. So, how does an aspiring author get published?

Learning the ropes, understanding how publishing works, and having someone who can help you navigate this convoluted system will make all the difference between a manuscript sitting on your closet shelf - or sitting on the top of the best-sellers shelf. In 24 eye-opening lectures, Jane Friedman, publishing industry expert and educator, provides you with sought-after secrets of the publishing process that will help you navigate this difficult progression, bypass pitfalls that many novice authors get hung up on, and improve your chances of being considered for publication. She acts as your personal guide though the entire process: from finalizing your manuscript to writing the perfect pitch to reviewing contracts and marketing your book. She provides the candid scoop on what you need to do in order to increase your chances of being considered. The knowledge you'll gain by having an inside expert teaching you how to position your book for publication gives you a unique advantage and drastically increases your chances of getting noticed in this increasingly competitive industry.

The reality is that there is no magic formula that will guarantee publication. There are, however, numerous things that you can do to improve your chances and streamline your path to success. Get extensive insights into the publishing process that will help you avoid the most common mistakes and pitfalls that many authors encounter. This course lays out your best options for publication and leads you step by step toward achieving your goals.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2015 The Great Courses (P)2015 The Teaching Company, LLC

A wonderful learning experience.

An astounding amount of pertinent information absolutely fantastic, and the delivery was both engaging and exciting.

This is the perfect introduction for authors wanting to sell their work!

Great resources, advice and information about how to get published and self publish! It also gave tips on contracts, advances and other business concerns authors need to know!

A Truly Great Course

It's Jane Friedman. She's great! She knows what she's talking about and explains everything clearly, thoroughly, kindly -- and with just a hint of wry humour. She gives writers a lot of up to date information and a lot to think about. Thank you!

Absolutely Fantastic

I have read so many books on how to publish my book but this one goes into great detail on every process. It has been so incredibly helpful and current since it was written recently. Everyone really must buy this book if they can't decide on self publishing or traditional publishing.

Great resource

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend it to any aspiring writer.

What did you like best about this story?

As non-fiction, there was no story.

What about Professor Jane Friedman’s performance did you like?

I thought the narrator was a professional until the end of the lectures, when I checked the cover. She does a wonderful job of reading. Her delivery was pleasant and metered, but kept my attention. Her voice is distinctive, but relatable and modern. I would gladly listen to another book that she narrates.

Any additional comments?

The book is exceptionally well organized and comprehensive. She gives clear explanations, pros and cons, without any apparent bias. I bought the book to use for easy reference after I listened to the lecture series. Chock full of not just useful, but indispensable information.

Great resource for the aspiring writer

What made the experience of listening to How to Publish Your Book the most enjoyable?

Able to skip to lectures. Detailred information that prompts one to do even more research

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

It met my expectations

Invaluable Info from a Highly Credible Source

Considering traditional publishing for a new book, I found this well organized, useful, and exactly what I needed.

Hands down - Fabulous

What did you love best about How to Publish Your Book?

I work with authors every day, plus I teach a quarterly course called "How to Publish Your Book" which is only 3 hours -- so I frequently recommend books for them to read. This is my new "go-to" book. Excellent content, not stuffy or favoring one method over another, and comprehensive but not too much to consume. Great job!

What other book might you compare How to Publish Your Book to and why?

Truthfully, I've read nearly everything on this subject because it is what I do every day. Not only is this one more comprehensive, but it is well written. I can't compare it to one book because it covers so many books.

Have you listened to any of Professor Jane Friedman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

There was no way to listen to it in one sitting -- however, I was driving many times while listening and she said something I wanted to write down. There were many instances where I thought "I wish there was a reference sheet" or some other way to get her suggestions on paper so I could remember to read. I was so pleased when I saw that a download of the printed book came with the purchase. Well cone!

Any additional comments?

I love her tone of voice in this audiobook -- it's very personal and personable. High marks Professor! Also, it was very up to date compared to many of these books. And she never once recommended that someone could write a book in 3 days or some other crazy idea like so many books do today.

An essential resource for every writer

This highly impractical and accessible resource will be an essential tool for any writer, emerging or established. Read by the author, her confidence and experience shines through and gives readers a multifaceted perspective on the writing life, both the art and the business.

Invaluable advice for writers

She does an excellent job of showing the paths and their potential rewards and pitfalls.
Aimed at virtually all writers in places, but with specific advice for each type (literary, commercial, genre, nonfiction, memoir, etc).