Turning the Pages
Workshops & Mentorships in Book Publishing
With a huge thank you to a group of five book publishing professionals, More Than a Single Story is launching a new book publishing program.
What is it?
Turning the Pages is a program designed to provide an in-depth introduction into the world of book publishing.
Beginning with a 5-day intensive from August 13-17, the program will feature five virtual workshops on contracts, marketing, book design, and more. From acquisition to printer to the shelf of your favorite bookstore, expert industry professionals will provide instruction and insight on every part of the process.
Participants who attend all workshops, and who are interested in becoming publishing professionals, can apply to participate in a 6-month mentorship. Six applicants will be selected to participate in the mentorship from October 2025 through March 2026.
Who is Eligible
Emerging writers, established writers, and current or recent graduates of English, Creative Writing, Publishing, Journalism, Communications, and Media programs
Individuals with an interest in book publishing: writers, readers, librarians, booksellers, marketers and publicists outside of publishing, college students and recent graduates regardless of their major
Publishing professionals: editors, publicists, marketing professionals, book designers, production manager, admin, bookstore managers, distributors, account reps, etc.
Individuals looking to self-publish a book—and who want to better understand the industry in order to publish/market/publicize/promote their work.
Workshop fees
Price to Attend All Workshops: $175.00
Price Per Workshop: $70.00
Pay It Forward: $350.00
– Pay for yourself and for another individual experiencing financial hardship.
Donate to The BIPOC Book Publishing Fund:
More Than a Single Story believes in the power that is gained when writers of color can tell their own stories, in their own voices, and in their own words. In a field that has been, and remains, overwhelmingly white, it is important to question who chooses what stories are important enough to tell? Who chooses which books to market? Who decides which authors receive higher advances? The book publishing fund was created to provide full scholarships to BIPOC individuals interested in a book publishing career. We believe that a healthy literary ecosystem requires diversity at every level of book publishing.
$25.00
$50.00
$75.00
$100.00
$200.00
$350.00
Mentorship Application
Due to limited space, we can only accept 7 participants.
DEADLINE: August 31, 2025
Selected participants will be notified by September 30th, 2025
Scholarship Application
We are offering two scholarships for this program. We will not ask for financial confirmation. Instead, please explain how this scholarship will help to further your career goals.
DEADLINE: July 15th, 2025
Workshop Descriptions
An Introduction to the World of Book Publishing
Ann Regan
Wednesday, August 13th 6:00 – 8:30pm CT
Online
Learn about the roles, departments, and processes behind your favorite books! Including
discussions about editorial, design, production, marketing, and even administrative roles, this
workshop is an all-encompassing introduction to the world of book publishing. Delving into the
differences and overlaps between large and small publishing houses, you’ll learn what it takes to
go from acquiring a manuscript to releasing a book to readers everywhere.
Demystifying the Acquisitions Process
Barbara Moulton
Thursday, August 14th 6:00 – 8:30pm CT
Online
Learn the ins and outs of the acquisitions process. Barbara Moulton has held roles as an Editorial
Assistant, Acquisitions Editor, and Senior Editor at HarperCollins, and for over 20 years, has run
her own Literary Agency. In this workshop, we’ll discuss what it means to discover and fall in
love with a manuscript. You’ll learn about the data and logistics considered when making an
acquisition, and even what it means to negotiate and win (or lose) the book!
Book Contracts and the Professionals Who Work With Them
Scott Edelstein
Friday, August 15th 6:00 – 8:30pm CT
Online
Author-agent contracts are the hubs around which most of book publishing revolves. In this
workshop, you’ll learn some of the essentials surrounding these agreements—from rights,
royalty rates, and other terms, to negotiations and other key aspects of the contracts process. This
workshop is also an opportunity to get a better understanding of the publishing ecosystem,
learning about those who work directly with book contracts, as well as the roles, duties, and
career tracks of each.
Book Production: The Hidden World of Design
Anitra Budd
Saturday, August 16th 12:00 – 2:00pm CT
Online
Discover the world of design behind your favorite books. Each book contains a multitude of
design choices and elements that shape your reading experience: the style of font, the shape and
size of the book, and the feel of the paper in your hands. In this workshop, you’ll learn about the
role of the production department in the book making process, as well as the role of the
Managing Editor, proofreaders, and copyeditors. From the printer to the shelves in your favorite
bookstore, learn how books get designed and delivered.
Marketing Books: From the Indies to the Big 5
Patrick Lee Hughes
Sunday, August 17th 12:00 – 2:00pm CT
Online
Ever wondered how books become bestsellers? This session dives into the exciting world of
book publishing marketing, perfect for anyone exploring a career in the industry. Learn about
key players—Big 5 publishers to indie presses—and discover how marketing drives a book’s
success. We’ll break down essential strategies, from pre-launch buzz to viral BookTok
campaigns, and explore career paths like Publicity Manager and Digital Marketing Specialist.
With real-world case studies, interactive exercises, and insider tips, you’ll leave equipped with
the skills and knowledge to jumpstart your career in publishing. Ready to turn page-turners into
bestsellers?
