The Book Proposal Masterclass is taught by me, Beth Kempton, in partnership with my literary agency Hardman & Swainson and a host of invited industry experts. My books have been translated into 24 languages, selected by TIME Magazine as a recommended read, called ‘truly transformational’ by Sunday Times Style and chosen by Apple USA as a ‘Must Listen’ on iTunes. My four book proposals have secured 33 individual book deals with publishers all over the world.
This course includes:
- Everything you need to know to turn your non-fiction idea into a compelling, commercial pitch for agents and publishers. I do not believe in formulas for creative work, but I do have a process for developing book proposals that land book deals (and have had multiple publishers bidding for them in auctions), and it is that process that I share in this course.
- Industry insight from a host of experts (see below) so you understand where your book idea will land, how it will be viewed, and how the key decision makers decide whether to bid for or reject a proposal, along with detailed explanations of how rights and advances work. Want to hear exactly what goes on at a Commissioning Meeting at a major publishing house? Want to know what happens at book fairs? Want to know whether or not you need a big social media platform? It’s all in here!
- Behind-the-scenes details of my own experience, with details that are very difficult to find out on your own, including specific examples of the pitch to publication timelines for my books, an example of the actual pitch email and press release used to land coverage in a major national magazine, an insight into creating an awesome book marketing plan and more.
- Encouragement and support for your writing journey, including advice on coping with self-doubt, fear and rejection.
- Tips for building a flexible and sustainable writing career with multiple streams of income.
- Advice for taking care of yourself as a writer, so you can be in it for the long term.
- And a little sprinkling of magic…
When is it happening?
Class runs June 29 – July 26, 2020. Places are strictly limited to allow me to support each and every student, and answer any questions you might have, and places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. The last class SOLD OUT. Just sayin’.
So, if you are serious about getting your book proposal written, book yourself a place asap!
Who is involved?
I have designed this course to share everything I wish I had known when I was starting out, and most of the daily lessons are taught by me, speaking to you writer-to-writer, and also sharing my experience as a business owner with multiple streams of income, which support and are supported by my writing. I have also brought in the following experts to give you invaluable industry insight through my probing interviews with them:
- Caroline Hardman, Co-Founder of Hardman & Swainson Literary Agency (my own agent)
- Therese Coen, International Rights Director at Hardman & Swainson Literary Agency (my own foreign rights agent who has sold the translation rights for my books to 24 different languages)
- Anna Steadman, Commissioning Editor at Headline Publishing, an Hachette company (Anna was the Commissioning Editor for Wabi Sabi before she moved to Headline and has vast experience in acquiring and publishing non-fiction books including the bestselling Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton)
- Beth Wright, Senior PR Officer at Piatkus / Little, Brown (Beth has led on the PR for my books at Piatkus)
- Aimee Kitson, Senior Marketing Officer at Piatkus / Little, Brown (Aimee has led on marketing for my books at Piatkus)
- Beth Kephart, award-winning memoirist, writing tutor at the University of Pennslyvanie (UPenn) and author of ‘Handling the Truth: On the Writing of Memoir’ and over 30 other fiction and non-fiction books
Where do I sign up?
Sound like exactly what you need to bring your book dream to life and land an actual real-life book deal? Then Register HERE now. You will instantly get access to the first part of class, so you can begin preparing right away. The first lesson will then be delivered into the classroom on Monday June 29.
Want to know more? Check out the course info page here.
