Howard Yoon
ONLINE CLASS

Launch Your Book Successfully

Up-to-date marketing and publicity guidance for traditionally published authors—from a literary agent


INSTRUCTOR

Howard Yoon

DATE

Live on May 26, 2022, or watch recording

IDEAL FOR

Traditionally published authors with an upcoming release

ACCESSIBILITY

Closed captions by Otter; transcript provided with recording


You’ve already heard it from your fellow authors. No matter what type of publisher you’re working with, you’re likely to run into problems or disappointments when promoting your book. Is it the publisher’s fault? Is it a sign of the times?

The answer is complicated, but the universal truth about marketing and promoting your book is the same: it’s never been more challenging to get attention for your book.

Fortunately, there are things you can do—on your own, in partnership with your publisher, and by hiring third-party companies—to guarantee lift-off for your book launch.

Long-time literary agent Howard Yoon will explain the basics of book promotion and marketing, the trends that are affecting success, and the shifting priorities that publishers and authors have to consider when thinking about launching a book (e.g., goodbye radio tours, hello podcasts). In this 90-minute class, Yoon will cover everything you need to know to feel armed and ready to give your book the best possible shot at a successful launch. During this workshop he’ll answer questions such as:

  • What should I expect from my publisher and what do I have to do on my own?
  • Who are the players involved on the publishing side and how should I expect to interact with them?
  • How should I think about digital and online media and promotion? How much should I do now versus when the book comes out?
  • What does the timeline of a publicity launch look like? At what points on the timeline should I anticipate certain things falling into place?
  • What are the most important “gets” for my launch, and how do I give myself a shot at booking them?
  • What do I need to know about “first serial” (the pre-launch excerpt of your book in a paper or magazine)?
  • When is it worth hiring an outside publicist and how much should I expect to spend?
  • How has Covid and Zoom culture changed the way authors get booked for promotion?

Throughout the class, Yoon will address ways in which authors can empower themselves to make the best decisions and be a partner with their publisher.

Who should take this class

  • Debut authors (any category or genre) who are working with a traditional publisher, large or small
  • Authors who haven’t launched a book in some years and wonder how much things have changed
  • Authors who are new to working with traditional publishers and want to know what to expect
  • Authors working with a hybrid publisher who have funds to invest in marketing and publicity

Who should NOT take this class

  • Self-publishing authors
  • Authors who feel confident about working with a traditional publisher and/or have established relationships with trusted marketers/publicists
  • Professional and freelance marketers/publicists who have been actively working in the book publishing industry

What’s included in all of Jane’s classes

How do I attend the live class?

This class uses Zoom webinar technology (see system requirements). 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: Thursday, May 26, 2022
  • Time: 1:00–2:30 p.m. Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific
  • Fee: $25

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 (powered by Otter), which is about 80%+ accurate. We also use Otter AI to generate an unedited transcript, provided with the recording.

Howard Yoon

About the instructor

Howard Yoon has been in book publishing for 30 years, as a literary agent, book consultant, ghostwriter, and book editor. As a literary agent, he works closely with his clients at every stage of the book process, from book idea to deal to manuscript to launch. His books have been New York Times bestsellers and national award winners. He has won two teaching awards for his narrative nonfiction writing class at the Masters of Journalism program at Georgetown University, and he currently serves as vice president on the board of 826 National, the country’s largest student writing nonprofit that helps teach creative writing to more than 120,000 public school students.

Howard Yoon was professional, organized and engaging, offering useful information and optimism. Clearly open to answering questions, Howard’s desire to assist writers of all genres was genuine.  

Diane Singer

Clear, direct presentation with inside information from someone who knows his business. It puts my mind at ease to have a better understanding of what the process will be like.

Glenn Dixon

As a first-time author, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate the ins and outs of the publishing world and what our responsibility as authors are (besides, of course, producing an excellent product). Yoon’s webinar was excellent.

Lorraine Johnston

All students receive the following

  • Access to the live class. After roughly 75 minutes, Howard will take questions during class using in-class chat/text. The class will end after roughly 90 minutes.
  • A recording of the class—audio and video. This is especially helpful if you have a conflict with the class time or something comes up and you can’t make the session. Each registration comes with access to the archived version of the program and the materials for 30 days. You do not have to attend the live event to access the recordings.
  • Presentation slides. All participants receive a copy of the slide presentation in PDF form.
  • Rough transcript. We use Otter to create an automated transcript of the entire webinar, which we’ll share with you in addition to the audio and video recording.

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.