Your Publishing Professor

Teaching the Business of Books

Sara Wigal in her office

Start your publishing journey with your new professor!

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Welcome to Your Publishing Professor—your go-to channel for everything book publishing. I’m Sara Wigal: tenured Associate Professor of Publishing, literary agent and Executive Director of Ami McConnell Literary, Executive Director of  WriterFest Nashville, and Belmont University’s Director of Publishing. Here, you’ll learn how the publishing industry really works—from best sellers and marketing strategies to query letters and author branding. Have a self-publishing question or audiobook conundrum? I bet I can help you learn how to tackle either.

Whether you’re an aspiring author, early career editor, marketer, or publicist, or a dreamer considering joining the wonderful world of books, this website and my channels give you insider tips, access to experts, and practical explanations about the overlooked mechanisms of publishing. Think of this site as the college elective you wish you took—practical, insightful, and inspiring.

Sara Wigal emceeing an event at Belmont University

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

Sara Wigal standing in formal dress in Nashville Public Library
Sara Wigal with Tee shirt bearing names of the six wives of Henry VIII

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.

Talk Books to Me

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 co-chair A Dolly Good Time, an annual fundraiser for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Middle TN, the largest chapter in the world. I’m a former Council Co-chair and current member of the Next Chapter Society, supporting Nashville Public Library Foundation programming.

  • Publisher of bespoke 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.

Words of Gratitude

  • Randi Smith signs a copy of her book

    “Working with Sara Wigal to publish with Betty Fay Books was the best decision I made for my novel. This small and dedicated team not only knows this industry but also knows how to make authors feel empowered. Their kindness, professionalism, and expertise is just what every author needs. I couldn't have become a published author without Betty Fay Books!”

    —Randi Smith, debut young adult author, ADA HOLLOWAY’S HAD ENOUGH (2026)

  • “Sara Wigal is like the Mayor of Literary Nashville. She's my first call when we need referrals for interns, when someone needs work in the publishing scene, or I'm trying to get connected to this specific person, do you happen to know anyone who knows them— oh wait, she's already dropped their contact in my inbox. I've personally hired two of her grads, and they are sharp, curious, creative thinkers, widely-read and adaptive, and I know those skills were nurtured in her program. It's a joy to attend her class, it's a joy to be part of the WriterFest community, and it's a joy to know Sara Wigal.”

    —Rachel S,, Marketing Director, HarperCollins Christian Publishing

  • A young man with dark skin and short hair, wearing a gray polo shirt and light-colored pants, sitting on a bench in a minimalist room with beige walls. His expression appears pensive, with soft lighting casting shadows on the wall.

    “I want to thank you for your investment in our daughter. You made the difference in her decision to attend Belmont and have directly impacted the trajectory of her career. Her dad and I are so incredibly grateful for you. As parents we have seen the power of Belmont and its love for the students.”

    —Parent of 2026 Belmont University publishing graduate

  • “Sara is a thoughtful, experienced and very conscientious coworker who you can always rely on to do her best. She is a true asset for any team and a quick learner who is up for any challenge. She is passionate about both books and marketing and committed to learning as much as she can and always puts her best foot forward. I don't know what I'd do without her!”

    — Emily Miles Terry, New York Times Bestselling author and Founder of Open Book Publicity (previous employer 2010-2018)

  • “Over the past several years, I've had the opportunity to work with multiple interns who studied under Sara Wigal, and I've been consistently impressed by the preparation they bring to the experience. They arrive curious, eager to learn, and excited about the publishing industry, with a solid foundation that allows them to contribute meaningfully from the start. Just as notably, they speak highly of Sara's mentorship and the support she provides as they prepare for professional careers in publishing.”

    — Tim Cobb, Senior Production Manager, Ministry Resources, Abingdon Press | The United Methodist Publishing House

  • More blurbs to come!

  • Collecting more testimonials to share :)

  • Feeling blessed ;)

I am so grateful to all of the amazing authors, collaborators, families, and former students who have provided testimonials about my work. I am always able to connect potential new professional partners and clients with a reference upon request.