Learn the Big Picture of Book Publishing
See the full calendar below and then when you are ready…
2026 Calendar
See my full list of Field Tips and Courses below (All events online unless otherwise noted)
AUGUST
Discourse BHAM (Birmingham, AL) August 20, 2026 7 pm central
Office Hours with Your Publishing Professor - FREE August 26, 2026 1 -2 pm central
Author Branding August 22, 2026 1-2pm central
SEPTEMBER
Publishing 1010 September 9, 2026, 6-8:15 pm central
Inside Literary Agenting September 16 & 23, 2026, 6-8:15 pm central
Hybrid, Indie and Self-Publishing Guest Lecture: Andrea Fleck-Nesbitt September 30, 2026, 6-8:15 pm central
How Books Become Bestsellers Asynchronous delivery, No link yet
OCTOBER
Library Roles in Trade Book Publishing October 14, 2026, 6-8:15 pm central
The Amazon Effect October 21, 2026, 6-8:15 pm central
Bookstore & Retail Relationships October 28, 2026, 6-8:15 pm central
NOVEMBER
Carnegie Writers Conference (Memphis) November 14, 2026
WriterFest Nashville November 20-21, 2026
DECEMBER
Office Hours with Your Publishing Professor - FREE Date TBD
Have you ever wondered how books become bestsellers? What literary agents actually do? Why some books end up on bookstore shelves while others don't? Or how Amazon, libraries, and independent bookstores shape the publishing landscape?
Publishing Industry Fundamentals: How Books Reach Readers offers an insider's guide to the modern trade publishing industry. Whether you're an aspiring publishing professional, a career changer, an author, a book coach, or a freelancer who works with writers, this course will help you understand how books move from idea to marketplace—and the many players who influence their success along the way.
In these online sessions, you'll explore the essential components of today's publishing ecosystem, including literary agents, traditional publishing, hybrid and self-publishing models, bookstores, libraries, bestseller lists, and the ongoing impact of Amazon on the book business. You'll gain practical knowledge, industry vocabulary, and a clearer understanding of the career pathways and opportunities available throughout publishing.
This course is designed for:
Authors seeking a deeper understanding of the industry
Aspiring publishing professionals
Career changers interested in publishing
Book coaches, editors, and freelancers who work with writers directly and want to level-up their industry knowledge and network
Anyone curious about how books reach readers
Bonus Benefits for Course Series Completion
All graduates of the course series receive complimentary admission to WriterFest Nashville, providing additional opportunities to learn from publishing professionals, connect with industry leaders, and expand their professional network. Must attend 6 out of 7 available courses.
All graduates are paired with an industry mentor and guaranteed 2 sessions with this person (online or face-to-face) to discuss goals. Must attend 6 out of 7 available courses to get your match.
Continued exclusive mentorship from Your Publishing Professor, Sara Wigal
This course series is the first in a planned sequence, so stay tuned for future offerings and professional certifications.
