Join us for an introduction to the business of book publishing, from how books are acquired, edited, designed, and produced, to how they are marketed, sold, and distributed. Covering both trade and academic books, Brandeis University Press presents what book publishers do and what potential authors need to know beyond the proposal. This seminar will also be of interest to those who want to explore careers in book publishing. Come take advantage of the full program and learn what it takes to make a book a success!
Wednesday, 8th March 2023, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Rapport Treasure Hall, Brandeis Library
Free and open to the Brandeis community
REGISTER HERE
9:00 AM Welcome and Introduction
Sue Ramin, Director, Brandeis University Press
9:15 – 10:45 AM Acquisitions
Guest Speaker: Lucy Cleland, Kneerim & Williams Literary Agency
- Trade: Submissions from agents, from other publishers, unsolicited, commissions
- Academic: Direct submissions, series’ editors’ suggestions, commissions
- How to approach a publisher: query letters, proposals, manuscripts
- From dissertation to book
- Academic peer review; Editorial board review
- The contract — incl. royalties — what to expect
10:45 – 11:00 AM Break
11:00 – 12:30 Editorial, Design, and Production (EDP)
Guest Speaker: Lisa Diercks, Book Designer, Endpaper Studio
- Editorial: The state of the manuscript and author obligations – including illustrations and permissions. Developmental editing, managing editor, production editor, copy editor, proofs, index
- Design: Interior and cover
- Production
- Binding: Hardcover, softcover, and ebook
- Printing: Offset, US/domestic, overseas, POD, short run
12:30 – 1:15 PM Lunch
1:15 – 2:30 PM Marketing and Publicity
Guest speaker: Lissa Warren, Publicist, Lissa Warren PR
- Author: AQ and author as publishing partner
- Media: Reviews; articles; excerpts; radio/TV/podcasts
- Events: Book signings, readings, talks, “in conversation with”
- Networks: Conferences; associations
- Digital: Websites and collateral material
- Social media: Building a platform
- Mass Communications: mailings, eblasts, leaflets
2:30 – 4:00 PM Sales, Rights, and Finance
Guest Speaker: Beth Ineson, Executive Director, NEIBA
Sales
- Trade sales: reps and sales conferences
- US sales and international sales
- Distribution and different sales outlets: wholesalers, chains, bookstores, online retailers
- Ebook distribution from Amazon to JSTOR
- Libraries
- Special sales
Rights and Finance:
- Rights: Audio, translation, UK rights/co-editions, permissions
- Finance: Book budget and P&L
REGISTER HERE
Presenters:
Sue Ramin, Director, Brandeis University Press
Sylvia Fuks Fried, Editorial Director, Brandeis University Press
Anthony Lipscomb, Coordinator, Brandeis University Press
Lucy Cleland, Literary Agent, Kneerim & Williams
Lisa Diercks, Principal, Endpaper Studio
Lissa Warren, Principal, Lissa Warren PR
Beth Ineson, Executive Director, New England Independent Booksellers Association
Sponsored by Brandeis University Press and Brandeis Library
With the cooperation of
The Offices of The Provost and the Dean of Arts and Sciences
