Whether you'd love to produce the definitive non-fiction work on a topic you're fascinated by, write a children's book or turn your half-finished novel into a bestseller, getting a book published is a major ambition for many people.

But understanding how the publishing industry works and what goes into getting a book deal or successfully self-publishing can be daunting. This practical workshop will demystify the process and explain -

how to get an agent or approach publishers direct

money - how advances and royalties are structured. Facts and figures about how much a range of authors earn from their books.

the editing process

book covers – their importance and how to influence your book cover design

publicising your book

self-publishing options will also be explained.

A brief preview of some aspects of what the workshop will cover can be found at https://www.mariamccarthy.co.uk/articles/how-to-get-your-book-published/ . If you have any queries please do email me at maria@mariamccarthy.co.uk

The workshop will take place via the Zoom app so please do make sure you have it downloaded in advance. I will sent out the link and password 24 hours beforehand.

I also offer 1-2-1 publishing advice sessions during which we can discuss how to craft your publishing proposal and approach and I can advise on suitable publishers and agents. £25 for 25 minutes, available under ticket options.

ABOUT MARIA

I'm a freelance journalist working for national magazines and newspapers (The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, Good Housekeeping, Saga) and a commentator on motoring matters for the BBC, ITN and Sky news. I am also the author of The Girls' Guide to Losing your L Plates and The Girls' Car Handbook published by Simon and Schuster. For more information and examples of my work check out www.mariamccarthy.co.uk

I've run workshops on how to get published at Bristol, Cardiff and Oxford Brookes universities and at many literature festivals including Ilkley, Daphne du Maurier, Warwick Words and Winchester Writers' Festival.

As a journalist, broadcaster and author I have a particular interest in how authors can publicise their work and have run sessions on publicising your book for The Society of Authors and The Romantic Novelists' Association.

FEEDBACK FROM MY WORKSHOPS

'Your workshop was, for me, one of the best of the festival. It was so informative and entertaining – and I've never seen attendees make so many notes.' Rachel Levy, Events Manager, Bath Literature Festival

'I want to thank you for such an excellent workshop at Ilkley Literature Festival. I've had such enthusiastic feedback from participants who clearly got a lot out of it.' Rachel Feldberg, Director, Ilkley Literature Festival

'Many congratulations on the superb feedback forms for your recent dayschool, 'Path to Publication'. These really are outstanding and many students took the timeto write comments particularly praising your style and delivery.' Tom Sperlinger, Course Director Humanities, Bristol University

'Maria's workshop at Salisbury Arts Festival was well-prepared, informative and entertaining. The long queue of people wanting to talk to her afterwards was an additional tribute to her skills.' Debbie Rigg, Salisbury Festival Director

'Thank you so much for giving us such an excellent talk on Publicising your Book. It was packed full of just the right sort of tried and tested information with the perfect balance of realism and enthusiasm.' Emma Boniwell, Society of Authors