Course Description: Write and Publish Your Nonfiction Book

Did you know that you are ten times more likely to get published if you write nonfiction rather than fiction? Whether you dream of becoming a full-time author, writing books to advance your career, or penning your memoir or family history, this fun and information-packed course will teach you how to plan, research, write, edit, and publish your masterpiece.

We’ll start with planning and strategy. You’ll learn how to choose a topic and size up the competition, developing a perfect, one-of-a-kind book concept that will stand out to agents and editors. Then you’ll learn how to immerse yourself in your subject and get the information you need from research, interviews, and observation techniques.

Next we’ll get into the heart of writing and editing. You’ll learn how to choose a writing style, structure, and slant that will appeal to your unique audience and keep readers hooked. You’ll also get great ideas for editing your work and soliciting feedback from readers. Perhaps most important, you’ll get invaluable practical tips that will help you set a writing schedule, banish writer’s block—and actually finish your book!

Finally we’ll delve into both traditional and nontraditional publishing, helping you determine the right path for you and your book. You’ll learn exactly how today’s traditional publishing industry works and what techniques you can use—such as crafting standout query letters and proposals—to get noticed by editors and agents. You’ll also master nontraditional publishing options such as self-publishing, on-demand publishing, and e-publishing. By the end of the course, you’ll have all the tools at your fingertips to get your book published in any method you choose.

Whether your passion lies with memoirs or creative nonfiction, self-help or travel writing, cookbooks or business books, writing nonfiction is a wonderful way to master a topic, show what you know, and significantly increase your chances of landing that book contract.