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Authors and publishers—including editors, sales reps, marketers, and publicists—work together on a book for many months, most intensively between when a contract is signed and a book is published, and then for months and sometimes years thereafter as promotion continues and royalties get paid.

Having a strong relationship with your publisher will make these years fun and fruitful. However, much of what is involved in this relationship is shrouded in mystery. How can you have a productive relationship with your publishing team if you don’t know what to expect from them, or what they will expect from you?

This live class pulls back the curtain on the publishing process so you can better understand what the people on the “other side” do, so you can anticipate their needs and questions, plus understand why they want or ask for certain things. You’ll learn what questions to ask your publishing team and how to create a productive, ongoing relationship that is rewarding.

Instructor Anne Trubek has worked in traditional publishing since 2012. She is the founder of Belt Publishing, which she still heads today, and is also a published author with Bloomsbury and University of Pennsylvania Press, among others. She will explain common practices of traditional publishers, covering key stages of the publishing process, including:

• which contract terms are most important to negotiate upfront, including how advance and royalty payments work
• the cover design process and how authors can meaningfully contribute
• the different types of editing that a publisher does (plus: do you need to secure your own freelance editor?)
• a plain English explanation of how book distribution works
• the role of pre-publication reviews
• various phases of the marketing process
• what publishers’ sales teams do
• best practices for author marketing and promotion
• what you can expect your publisher to do (or not do) to support your book

For this class, the instructor has promised to answer all questions either live or in writing. Any questions we cannot answer live will be answered in writing and delivered with the recording.

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Who this class is for

• Writers seeking a publisher who want to better understand the traditional publishing process
• Writers just now establishing a relationship with a traditional publisher
• Authors who have published a book and are considering a different publisher for their next one
• Authors who self-publish and want to understand how traditional publishing works

This class is not suited for:

• People interested only in how Big Five publishers work. While publisher Anne Trubek has experience with all types of publishers, and has written a guide for writers on the publishing industry, she does not work inside the Big Five and may not be able to speak to all their peculiarities (e.g., treatment of seven-figure authors or how they market and promote Stephen King-like brands)
• Writers of children’s books, as such books often carry a different set of processes and assumptions

What you’ll receive

How do I attend the live class?

This class uses Zoom webinar technology. You will join through your Internet-connected computer or mobile device. When you register, you will receive information via email on how to join the class. If you don’t receive it within 1 hour of registering, please contact us.

• When: Wednesday, July 8, 2026
• Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Pacific Time
• Fee: $25 through July 5, 2026 / $35 if you register after July 5, 2026

The webinar is broadcasted via the internet with live audio delivered through your computer or mobile device speakers. The visual presentation is displayed directly from the presenter’s computer to your computer screen. The Q&A is managed through a chat-style submission system with questions read and answered by the presenter for the entire class to hear.

Closed captions are provided during the live class. We use Zoom’s automated closed caption service, which is about 80%+ accurate.

Refund policy

If you attend the live class and/or watch the recording, and it does not meet your expectations, contact us for a full refund, no questions asked.

Praise for Anne’s book, So You Want to Publish a Book?

Event Attendance & Anti-Harassment Policy

We strive to provide an environment where all present—whether attendee, presenter, or staff—can feel supported. In order to ensure a welcoming event, here is what we expect from all who participate.

• That the presenter and the presenter’s work be treated with respect by attendees and that all attendees treat each other with respect and a generosity of spirit.
• That attendees will refrain from harassment of any sort including (but not limited to) comments or questions of a racist, homophobic, sexist/sexual, or threatening nature. This includes actions that disrupt or interfere with anyone’s ability to participate. Offenders will be disconnected from the live event.