Main content

Cover Story: The ins and outs of writing to publish

Many writers like to picture their literary projects eventually appearing on the shelf of their local bookstore, with favorable reviews excerpted on the dust jacket and readers standing in line for a word or two with the author and an autographed copy. In reality the publishing world is a crowded and competitive marketplace, and aspiring authors need an in-depth understanding of its complexities and an eyes-wide-open approach if they hope to reach the audiences they have in mind..

The vast publishing landscape encompasses the well-known legacy publishing houses and their subsidiaries, independent brick-and-mortar operations, hybrid publishing entities, vanity presses, printing services for self-publishing authors, AI, and not a few fly-by-night enterprises. Additional methods for distributing one’s writing out-number this list—at a time when production of printed and bound books is declining.

Knowing what options make the most sense for publishing your first (or next) work will save you time, effort, and unnecessary expense. The course will clarify the role of editors as industry gatekeepers, and advise you on building a portfolio and forming a network of supporters.

Students are encouraged to bring a first page or concept to discuss as the basis for exploring their publication options.

Instructor: Angela Alanson