Kia ora koutou
Well these are strange times indeed e hoa mā. While we’re in Level 4 and 3 I’ve redesigned my publishing courses to be online only. I know it’s weirdly tiring to teach or learn via videoconference, so I’ve split my courses into manageable hour-long modules, all starting at 3pm.
Please register via Lil Regie at the links below. If the dates of the workshops you’re interested in are in the past, no worries! I will be running them again soon. Just drop me a line (books@elizabethheritage.co.nz) to register your interest and I’ll be in touch when I’ve rescheduled.
These workshops are aimed at early-career writers who want to learn more about the publishing process; self-publishers; and those considering self-publishing. Nau mai, haere mai!
Intro module - pitching to an agent/publisher
Goal setting (tbc)
Setting goals for what you want your pukapuka to do is a vital step that nearly everyone omits. We will work through all the different kinds of goals you might have, from sales/financial to cultural/emotional/posterity.
Writing a query letter (9 May) https://event-7420-b7e5.lilregie.com/
By popular demand! We will work through what should be in your query letter when you're pitching your pukapuka to a literary agent or publisher.
Writing a book proposal (6 May) https://book-proposal.lilregie.com/
This one is for the non-fiction writers. You'll usually need to submit a book proposal, either instead of or as well as a query letter.
Copyright module
Manatārua mō kaituhi / Copyright for authors (23 May) https://copyright-for-authors.lilregie.com/
Essential for all authors, both traditionally published and self-published. It is vital that you understand copyright before embarking on the publication process.
Managing copyright in a multi-contributor site during a pandemic (13 May) https://managing-copyright.lilregie.com/
The pandemic means that lots of projects that used to be in-person events, print pukapuka, or zines are hurriedly redesigning themselves as digital publications. This requires a new approach to copyright. Learn how here.
Editing and design module
Getting the most out of working with an editor (18 April) https://working-with-an-editor.lilregie.com/
Learn what exactly editing is and what you should be able to expect from your editor. A good editor-writer relationship can transform your pukapuka into its best possible self. Discover the do’s and don’ts here.
Managing pukapuka cover design (22 April) https://managing-cover-design.lilregie.com/
Pukapuka covers have their own special language and function in te ao pukapuka. In my opinion the old adage is dead wrong: if it’s been done well you absolutely should be able to judge a pukapuka by its cover. Learn how to manage the design process here.
Sales, marketing and publicity module
Researching target markets (8 April): https://book-marketing-tahi.lilregie.com/
Before you begin marketing your pukapuka it’s vital to know who your readers are, where they hang out, and how they like to be told about new pukapuka — otherwise you’re just shouting into the void. Avoid the void!
Developing your hook and sales points (11 April): https://book-marketing-rua.lilregie.com/
These are fancy marketing terms for being able to effectively and persuasively tell your readers what your pukapuka is and what’s so great about it. Probably the most important part of marketing.
How to sell into bookshops and libraries (15 April): https://book-marketing-toru.lilregie.com/
If you want your pukapuka to be available for sale in bookshops and for readers to borrow from libraries, there are certain processes you need to follow and certain sales materials you’ll need to create. Learn how here.
Writing a media release (25 April) https://pukapuka-marketing-wha.lilregie.com/
If you’re doing your own pukapuka publicity then a strong, persuasive media release will be one of your most important tools. Learn how to write one here.
Pitching to journalists and other influencers (16 May) https://pitching-to-journos.lilregie.com/
Now that you’ve got your media release, it’s time to figure out who are the best people to send it to, how, and what to ask for.
Reviewing module
How book reviews work (20 May) https://how-book-reviews-work.lilregie.com/
By popular demand! This mini-workshop is to explore the world of book reviewing: what book reviews are, who writes them, how the money side of things works, and how to arrange for your pukapuka to be reviewed.
How to write a book review (2 June) https://event-7476-8893.lilregie.com/
We will work through what a book review is, what questions it should answer, how it should be structured, and what editors and readers are looking for.
How to become a book reviewer (4 June) https://event-7477-f628.lilregie.com/
I love book reviewing and have been doing it professionally for several years. In this workshop I’ll share guidance, resources and key contacts to help you get started - or, if you’ve already started, how to get paid.
Industry issues module
Deciding whether to pursue traditional publishing or self-publishing during a pandemic (28 April) https://trad-vs-selfpub.lilregie.com/
Even if you already had a handle on your publishing plans, now’s a good time to reassess. We’ll talk through the pros and cons of the different approaches and help you figure out what’s best for you.
I'll add more topics and workshops as we go.
Source: Auckland Weekly News, 1911, via Auckland Libraries Heritage Collection
My pricing kaupapa
My aim is to make my workshops as accessible as possible while still earning myself a decent living. I've therefore created three pricing levels: waged, unwaged, and helping hand. The overall kaupapa is to chip in what you can.
If you are technically waged but struggling financially - especially if you've been hit in the wallet by the pandemic - please buy an unwaged ticket. And if $5 is too much right now, no worries, just drop me a line: books@elizabethheritage.co.nz
Conversely, if you’re technically unwaged (eg. retired) but are financially comfortable, I’d be really grateful if you would purchase either the waged or helping hand ticket.
The helping hand ticket is for people who can not only afford the waged ticket but also want to help subsidise those attendees purchasing an unwaged ticket.
If you'd like to help but can't manage that much extra, there's also an option for you to add a donation amount of your choosing.
I hope things are going well for you in your bubbles. Noho ora mai :-)
