Masterclass in April on the truth about traditional publishing and how to self-publish
7-8.30pm GMT Tuesday 21 April
Pay on demand for non-members. Discount for members.
Which publishing path? Traditional, self and hybrid explained
with Sanjida O’Connell & Ken Preston
Tuesday 21 April 7-8.30 GMT
Expert-led 90-min masterclass on choosing trad, self or hybrid publishing—rights, timelines, costs and strategy—so you pick the best path.
In this 90-minute online masterclass, I’ll discuss down how traditional publishing really works, then self-published author and creative writing teacher, Ken Preston, covers self-publishing and hybrid routes, including what it takes to do it professionally, what it costs and what tends to pay off.
You’ll leave with a clear, practical framework for deciding which path suits your book and your goals.
Traditional and self-publishing aren’t rivals — they’re different business models, and each suits different books and writers. Many writers now choose to use both types of publishing path.
What we’ll cover:
Clear definitions: traditional, self-publishing, hybrid and vanity presses (plus quick red flags)
The traditional pipeline: agent, submission, acquisition, editing, production, distribution and publicity
Typical timelines for traditional publishing.
The basics of rights and contracts: territory, format, term, options, non-compete, audio, translation and screen
The real pros and trade-offs of traditional publishing (control, money, marketing, reach)
Why self-publish?
Preparing Your Manuscript, including editing, cover design and interior layout
The Publishing Platforms and Amazon Exclusivity vs Wide
Marketing, building your author brand, and planning your next steps
Live Q&A so you can ask about your specific situation.
What you’ll get afterwards:
A recording (so you can rewatch)
A bonus handout: a downloadable PDF with all the information covered on self-publishing, plus a step-by-step guide on Amazon’s publishing process, as well as information on process of finding and submitting to an agent.
Who it’s for:
Debut writers deciding which route to pursue
Traditionally published authors considering self-publishing
Self-publishers curious about agents, deals and rights
Anyone who wants a grounded overview without sales pitches
Format:
• Online, 90 minutes: short intro, two focused talks, then Q&A
Trying to choose between traditional, self-publishing or hybrid? This masterclass will give you a clear framework.