Your Publishing Professor
Stay tuned—I am almost ready to start supporting your publishing journey!
I am working on this website and can’t wait to share it with you.
Your guide to the Business of Books
Hi, I’m Sara Wigal—a literary agent, educator, and publishing advocate. I serve as an Associate Professor and Director of Publishing at Belmont University, where I lead the next generation of publishing professionals. With a passion for literature and a deep understanding of the publishing industry, I bring years of experience as a literary agent, educator, and advocate for authors.
I hold a B.A. Literatures in English with a minor in Language Studies in Spanish from the University of California, San Diego, and an M.A. Writing & Publishing from Emerson College.
I’ve worked in publishing since 2008, and my mission is simple: to demystify the book publishing process and empower writers and publishing professionals with actionable insights.
Sara Wigal, Your Publishing Professor
Professional Highlights
Associate Professor of Publishing with Tenure, Belmont University – In 2025, I received promotion and tenure and continue to teach and direct the undergraduate publishing program.
Executive Director of Ami McConnell Literary Agency – A female-owned and run, full-service literary agency pursuing excellence by championing our writers every step of the way. I am also a literay agent, and you can see info about my author clients here.
Executive Director of WriterFest Nashville– A premier annual conference for writers of book, song, and screen, plus smaller events throughout the year.
Editor of Belmont Story Review– A literary journal recognized by Best American, recipient of the 2022 NCTE REALM First Class Award, and supported by a 2021 Tennessee Arts Commission Grant.
Community Leader – I’m a former Council Co-chair and current member of the Next Chapter Society, supporting Nashville Public Library Foundation programming. I also co-chair A Dolly Good Time, an annual fundraiser for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Middle TN, the largest chapter in the world.
Publisher of bespoken profit-share hybrid imprints: Abston Books, Banana Banana Books, and Betty Fay Books
Industry Contributor – My work has been published in Library Journal, The Tennessean, Publishers Weekly, Writer’s Digest, The Chaffin Journal, Miracle Monocle, New Plains Review, and Variant Literature.
At this point it probably goes without saying that I consult frequently with authors, publishers, and everyone under the beautiful book publishing sun.
Expertise & Speaking Engagements
Before becoming a professor, I worked in literary PR, and today I speak at industry events, academic conferences, and writing groups nationwide. My expertise spans traditional publishing, hybrid and self-publishing, writing and editing, and book marketing strategies—making me a trusted voice for anyone navigating the publishing world.