An Insider’s Guide to Publishing
with Michelle Kicherer
November 5, 2025
Length: 4 Weeks
Open to AllText and Live Video
Zoom calls Thursdays from 7-8:30PM Eastern
Original price was: $345.00.$295.00Current price is: $295.00.
Original price was: $345.00.$295.00Current price is: $295.00.Enroll Now
So you want to publish your novel or memoir… now what? The path from manuscript to publication can feel overwhelming, with countless decisions about publishing models, agents, marketing, and even how to present yourself as an author. In this four-week course, industry expert and indie press founder Michelle Kicherer will demystify the publishing process and give you the tools you need to take your next steps with confidence. Whether you’re preparing to query agents, considering self-publishing, or simply want to understand the landscape, this course will guide you through the practical essentials.
We’ll begin by exploring the pros and cons of different publishing models—self, hybrid, indie, and big press—so you can identify which path makes the most sense for your work and goals. From there, we’ll discuss how to get your manuscript into its strongest possible shape before you pitch, and what goes into a compelling query letter and submission package. You’ll draft your own query letter for my feedback, giving you a clear, actionable model to refine and use.
Later sessions will focus on building your author presence and preparing for the marketing and publicity side of publishing. You’ll learn why an author website matters, what it should include, and how to set one up quickly and effectively. We’ll also discuss how to craft an author bio and think strategically about your public identity, so you’re ready for readers, journalists, and potential publishers alike.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a clear understanding of today’s publishing landscape, a practical plan for your next steps, and the confidence to move your work from the page into the world.
Learning and Writing Goals
Learning Goals:
- What are the pros and cons of each type of publishing: self, hybrid, indie press, and big presses?
- What shape should your manuscript be in by the time you pitch it?
- What goes into a query letter?
- Why you should have an author website, and what to put on there (and, how to set one up in an afternoon)
- So you get an agent, then what?
- So you get a publishing deal….then what?
Writing Goals:
- Draft your query letter.
- Write your author bio.
Zoom Schedule
We will meet on Zoom on Thursdays November 6th, 13th, 20th and December 4th from 7-8:30PM Eastern. There will be no meeting on Thursday, November 27th due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Weekly Syllabus
Week One: Intro to Publishing
What are the different types of publishing options, and what are some pro’s and con’s of each?
Homework – Review the of the publishing resources we discussed in class, and write a list of questions that came up or reflections you reached. Be prepared to share at least one (written or verbally).
Week 2: Agents and Query Letters
Agents, query letters, and what else you should have ready if you want to go traditional. We’ll also talk about how to get your manuscript into the best shape you can get it before you pitch.
Homework – Take an honest assessment of your manuscript and ask yourself: is it in the best shape I can get it? And, write your query letter! I will provide written feedback on your one-page query.
Week 3: Publicity and Marketing…Oh, my!
Marketing yourself can be a real pain, but you want your book to sell once it’s out there, right? Today’s session is all about what happens after you get a book deal or confirm a different publishing path.
Homework – Writing reflection: What do you want people to know about you? What feeling do you want your readers to get from interacting with your work? Submit your author bio for written feedback, and bring your questions next week for where you got stuck.
Week 4: Author Website and Online Presence
Today we’ll talk about your author website and online presence. What is helpful to have in place before and after the publishing process? What do agents and journalists look for? I’ll help you get set up with the top things to have available so that you’re most likely to land a book deal and publicity.
Original price was: $345.00.$295.00Current price is: $295.00.Enroll Now
Student Feedback for Michelle Kicherer:
November 5, 2025
Length: 4 Weeks
Open to AllText and Live Video
Zoom calls Thursdays from 7-8:30PM Eastern
Original price was: $345.00.$295.00Current price is: $295.00.
Original price was: $345.00.$295.00Current price is: $295.00.Enroll Now
