Is Your Book Idea a Winner? Find Out

Publishing is everywhere. From updating your website to posting white papers to scoring that feature in a national magazine, disseminating your content seems easier than ever. But is there a full-length book in there? And what does it really take to become a published author? You know your subject area, but every book idea needs direction and every author needs a publishing plan.

Enter Jesse Finkelstein and Trena White, founders of Page Two, a company that helps non-fiction authors navigate all of their options for publication, and helps organizations with their publishing activities. They have 30 years of combined experience in book publishing, and their clients include award-winning authors and national bestsellers.

Who better to bounce your book idea off of -- and learn how to give it the best chance of finding a wide readership? On May 24, Jesse and Trena will lead a day-long Tyee Master Class on how to develop your concept, hone your pitch and determine your next steps. How can you refine and improve your book concept to ensure its success? Should you self-publish or try to land a book deal? Do you need the help of an agent, and if so, how do you find one? Is this a digital-only project or are you looking for print distribution?

"Build Your Winning Publishing Plan: Develop Your Book Concept & Hone Your Pitch" is for people who already have a non-fiction book idea in mind (you don't need to have written the manuscript).

You'll come away from this workshop with answers to these questions and more, having begun to craft your own individual publishing plan with a viable book as your end goal.

'Canadians are reading as much as ever'

The last time Jesse and Trena taught a Tyee Master Class it was packed and the attendees gave rave reviews. As the two instructors explained in an email:

"This is a fascinating period in book publishing, because technological changes have cracked open all kinds of new ways for authors and publishers to create books and reach readers. The pace of change in this realm is dizzying right now, so no, books are not dead. Far from it. Canadians are reading as much as ever, and books remain their preferred form of reading material, whether print or digital."

So don't dare let that book idea of yours slip away without putting it to the test with two pros in the know. Bring any notes you have that summarize your book concept. Come ready to explain and workshop your intended project. And enjoy a sure to be stimulating day in the convivial setting of the Tyee newsroom -- with lunch and wine provided.

Space is limited so enrol early.

As industry leaders, Jesse and Trena lecture frequently on publishing innovation at events across the country. They worked together on the management team at D&M Publishers, providing leadership to a staff of 40 people and strategic guidance in all areas of the business, including corporate and digital publishing. For more detailed bios of each, visit their website.

And for more information about the Tyee Master Class "Build Your Winning Publishing Plan: Develop Your Book Concept & Hone Your Pitch" click here.