ATTENTION AUTHORS!
PUBLISHING 101
STARTS JANUARY 20, 2026
EARLY ENROLLMENT DISCOUNT
Publish Smart | Avoid Scams | Make Informed Decisions
Finally publish your book the right way — without overwhelm, wasted money, or rookie mistakes.
In just six weeks, Publishing 101 helps you choose your best publishing path, avoid scams, build your author platform, launch your book like a pro.
Self, hybrid, or traditional—you’ll know what’s real, what’s risky, and what’s right for you.
FREE CLASS PREVIEW DECEMBER 9, 2025
Join this free live session to get a preview of the January program along with the clarity and confidence to publish your book in 2026—without wasting time or money.
You'll learn how to identify scams, avoid common mistakes, and to choose trusted partners. We'll also review today's publishing paths and learn new ways to reach readers.
Whether you're still working on a draft or you've already finished your manuscript, you need this class!
Register for free and attend live for Q&A or catch the replay.
READY TO JOIN THE JANUARY PROGRAM?
EARLY ENROLLMENT GETS YOU A DISCOUNT AND EARLY ACCESS TO MATERIALS
Join my Publishing 101 "Book Publishing Master Course," updated for 2026. It includes expert support, Q&A, and a like-minded community that has your back.
ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT PUBLISHING? NOW'S THE TIME TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS AND TAKE THE FIRST STEPS
EARLY ACCESS & ENROLLMENT BONUSES
FOR SIGNING UP BY DECEMBER 20, 2025
Who should take this course?
If you aim to publish within 6-24 months, this course is for you!
Not sure how to bring your book to market? You’re not alone.
There are more publishing paths than ever—self-publishing, hybrid, custom presses, small presses, and traditional publishing with an agent. Which one’s right for you?
Here’s the truth: No matter how you publish, your success starts now—by preparing your platform, building an audience, and getting strategic about your launch.
Publishing 101 is your shortcut to clarity
In six weeks, you’ll gain the tools and insight to make smart publishing choices—with a book proposal that doubles as your business plan. You’ll be ready to collaborate with professionals, connect with readers, and move toward publishing with confidence.
This program is for
- Authors exploring independent publishing—or still undecided and ready to take the process seriously
- Writers who want to stop spinning their wheels and start building a structured plan (and a backup plan)
- Smart authors who want to avoid publishing pitfalls—especially the polished scams and lookalike “publishers” that promise the moon and disappear with your money
- Creators who know their book needs an audience—before launch day
- Industry professionals—VAs, editors, designers, tech support—who work with authors and want to grow their expertise and income
This course is especially valuable for second-act authors—professionals and creatives who are turning life experience into fiction and nonfiction stories worth sharing.
How this Program is Different
STREAMLINED AND ACTION-ORIENTED
I’m Carla King, and I’ve been helping authors navigate publishing for over two decades. I don’t split things up into separate courses and upsells—you shouldn’t have to pay extra just to understand how marketing, distribution, or publicity fit into the publishing process. That’s a broken model.
Publishing is an integrated process. Platform-building, positioning, editing, production, marketing, promotion, launch planning—it all fits together. That’s how I teach it.
This course reflects everything I believe about publishing smart.
- I treat you like an intelligent professional who’s serious about doing this right.
- I don’t sell hype or unrealistic timelines. You’ll walk away with a real plan—one that fits your life, your goals, and your pace.
- I help you connect with readers before you publish—because you are going to need an audience, not just a finished manuscript.
- I show you how to start building visibility through blog posts, Substack, and author community—not just posting on social media and hoping for magic.
- I teach you how to evaluate publishers, platforms, and offers so you don’t waste time or money on shady services dressed up as opportunity.
You won’t leave this course overwhelmed. You’ll leave informed, prepared, and focused—with a roadmap you can trust and a community you can rely on.
If you’ve worked with me before, you know I know all the shortcuts. I won’t let you fall into traps, and I won’t let you give up on your book.
Hi there! If you don't know me, I’ve been guiding independent authors since the early days of self-publishing.
Since launching my first Self-Publishing Boot Camps in the 2000s, I’ve helped hundreds of authors bring their books to market—and thousands more through my guides, workbooks, podcasts, and publishing tools.
I’ve seen this industry from every angle:
- As a self-published and traditionally published author
- As a tech columnist for PBS, focused on self-publishing tools
- As a publishing insider, serving on the advisory board of IngramSpark
- And as an instructor, speaker, and partner to organizations like the San Francisco Writers Conference, the Nonfiction Authors Association, and the National Association of Memoir Writers
Publishing changes fast. My mission is to make sure you don’t get lost in it—or worse, misled. I want you to publish smart, build real visibility, and bring your stories into the world with confidence.
This is the evolved version of the Book Publishing Master Course I taught for years—now streamlined, updated, and with marketing and promotion fully integrated from the start.
The knowledge, tools, and support you actually need to succeed
You’re ready to bring your book into the world—but the publishing landscape is messy. Should you self-publish? Hire a hybrid or custom press? Pitch small publishers? Query agents and aim for the Big 5?
Publishing 101 gives you the clarity, structure, and guidance to make the right decision—and the confidence to move forward with purpose.
Here's what you'll learn:
- How to publish professionally—and profitably
- How to choose your best-fit publishing model (indie, traditional, hybrid, Kickstarter, etc.)
- How to identify scams, overpriced services, and rookie traps
- How to build your pre-launch reader list and author platform
- How to create a book launch plan that works for your life
- How to prepare for distribution to retailers, libraries, and readers
- How to finish with confidence—and an actionable plan to execute
- How to choose among all the publishing options (self-publishing, assisted, hybrid, custom, small press, traditional, agented)
- How do decide on your next steps—no jargon, no overwhelm, just what you need to do now
- How to spot scammy, predatory, and overpriced “services” in today’s outsourced, AI-driven environment
- How to write a strong book proposal that doubles as a business plan—ready for agents, publishers, or your own indie team
- How to run marketing and promotion strategy that runs alongside—not after—your publishing plan
With a supportive author community, live sessions, and expert feedback—you won’t do this alone
Education, community, and connection for authors around the world.
Program Format & Schedule
Starts Tuesday, January 20, 2026
90-minute sessions start: 10:00 am PST / 1:00 pm EST / 5:00 pm GMT
Dates: Jan 20, 27 & Feb 3, 10, 17, 24
We meet live for six 90-minute sessions—each one includes a focused lesson plus plenty of time for Q&A and open discussion. You’ll get your questions answered in real time and hear what other authors are working through, too.
Between sessions, you’ll stay connected in a private discussion group where you can ask questions, get publishing support, share wins (and frustrations), and learn from your peers.
Here's how it works:
Six weeks of guided structure and support to help you stay focused and make progress
Six live 90-minute trainings covering essential publishing topics—including marketing and promotion
Pre-recorded lessons and bonus materials for deeper dives on specific tools and strategies
Ongoing access to a private discussion group for questions, tech support, and community connection
Replays and downloadable resources so you can catch up anytime, on your schedule
Tools, Templates, and Publishing Resources
Access a curated library of planning guides, editorial calendars, checklists, and timelines—built to help you make consistent, measurable progress toward publishing.
Supportive Peer Network & Discussion Group
Stay accountable and connected. Share goals, celebrate wins, ask questions, and get feedback as you navigate the writing and publishing process together.
AI Education for Authors
Learn how to use AI to support your work—from outlining and editing to market research, proposals, and promotion. Smart, ethical, and author-first.
GET YOUR BOOK IN STORES
IN 2026
Become the Author Publishers Take Seriously
In this program, you’ll learn how to approach publishing like a professional. Whether you plan to self-publish, pitch a hybrid or small press, or land an agent and a Big 5 deal, you’ll gain a serious edge over authors who go in unprepared.
By the end, you’ll have:
- A polished book proposal and business plan
- A clear understanding of your publishing options
- A platform in motion—so you’re building your readership before launch day
Show up to the live sessions. Engage in the discussion group. Ask questions. This is how you accelerate your learning, build connections, and publish with confidence.
Live Sessions
Recorded for On-Demand Learning
TOPICS
No busywork. No overwhelm. Just the support, structure, and expert guidance to make publishing work for you.
Position Your Book for Success
- Find comparable books for metadata and pricing analysis
- Identify your best Amazon categories and keywords and choose your BISAC codes
- Identify and connect with other authors in your genre
- Identify and reach out to beta readers and reviewers
- Identify and connect with influencers (bloggers, podcasters, etc.) for marketing and publicity
- Grow your author platform by publishing short works
Choosing Your Publisher
- Aiming for a Big 5 publishing deal? Here's what to do.
- Your book proposal, demystified, and how to make it work as a business plan, should you decide to self-publish
- Great hybrid, assisted, and custom publishing options
- Indie-publishing (POD) distribution with IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, PublishDrive, and Amazon KDP
- Audiobook production and distribution options
Your Book Business
- Creating your publisher/ imprint name
- Setting up business with an LLC or other legal entity
- Acquiring your book identifiers (ISBNs, LCCN, PCIP Block, MARC record)
- Taxes, legal matters, trademark, and copyrights
- Creating a detailed book publishing budget
- How to hire an author assistant
Book Production
- Understanding book formats (digital, print, and audio)
- Timeline for editing, design, and producing ARCs: Simplified!
- Book trim sizes, color options, and other design specifications
- Easy to use DIY interior formatting tools vs pro design
- Getting a great cover that will sell your book
- Using AI to help you with tasks and organization
Grow Your Early Readership
- Choosing between WordPress, Wix, SquareSpace, and other tools
- Blogging on your own website, Substack, or Medium
- Growing your email list with story giveaways
- How to hire a quick, competent, and affordable website pros
- Using AI to help you choose stories to share
Your Book Launch
- Getting ARCs to beta readers, reviewers, influencers, and the media
- Rewarding early reader relationships with freebies
- Wooing the media that wants to cover your topic
- How to deliver digital review copies
- Setting up preorders to increase chances of bestseller status
- Managing your Amazon Author Central page
- Employing Amazon ads to get your book in front of the right readers
Choosing Your Tools and Your Team
- The range of options for your budget: DIY vs fully supported
- Interior book design tools like Atticus or Vellum for giveaways
- Cover design tools and services like Canva
- AI: tools for everything
- The humans: editors, designers, assistants, and tech specialists
- ARC and document delivery options
3 Bonus On-Demand Courses
- AI for Authors
- All About Printing
- Author Branding
SOUND DAUNTING? IT'S DOABLE!
Publishing can feel overwhelming—but with the right guidance, it’s completely manageable..
This course gives you the foundation to make smart, confident decisions—for your book and your author career.
You’ll get familiar with how the publishing industry really works, learn what you can do yourself, what to delegate, and how to stay in control of your timeline and budget.
Most of all, you’ll walk away educated, motivated, energized, and ready to implement what you’ve learned—with support every step of the way.
Everything You Need In One Place
This program is hosted inside the Writing & Publishing Circle, your private, distraction-free hub for everything related to the course.
One login, one location, no chaos
You’ll find:
- All course materials—slides, replays, workbooks, guides, checklists, and templates
- A private discussion group—no Facebook required
- Space to ask questions, share wins, and get support
- Easy access to documents and recordings—no more digging through email or desktop folders
- A focused, modern interface designed for writers—not marketers or influencers
Included: The Guides and Workbooks
With this program, you’ll get digital access to my complete set of publishing guides and workbooks.
The Publishing Workbook is your step-by-step guide and activity tracker—designed to help you stay focused, organized, and moving forward.
Many authors like to write directly in it—so if you prefer working on paper, consider grabbing the print version.
It’s a great companion during and after the course—something you’ll keep referring back to throughout your publishing journey.
Avoid the mistakes most authors make
One of the biggest takeaways authors have from my programs?
You don’t know what you don’t know—until it costs you.
A common (and costly) mistake?
Using the free ISBNs from Amazon or other retailers.
That one choice can limit your publishing options and damage your credibility. And it's just one of many pitfalls eager authors fall into when rushing to get their book out.
Slow down. Get informed.
Learn how to publish like a pro before you upload your book for sale.
I’m proud that my courses and coaching have helped so many authors publish successfully, independently, and on their terms.
Ready to do it right from the start—or
recover from early missteps?
This course will get you back on track,
equipped and confident.
What authors are saying
It would have taken me years of trial and error to get as far as I did in Carla's publishing program.
Rosamond Banks ● Author, Common Knowledge, a Novel
I brought my book confidently to the market, with reviews ready to publish on launch date.
Lynn Fraley ● Author, Cherish the Girls: A Well-Rounded Approach to Breast Health and Wellness
Carla is tuned into today’s publishing industry and helps you focus on your author brand and reader relationships.
Colleen Snyder ● Author, In Search of Giants: The Quest to Find the Genetic Giants of Northern Ireland
Carla’s program is a must for the novice and seasoned self-publisher alike. She lays out the essential steps in a logical and understandable way. She’ll answer questions you didn’t know you had!
Author-Publisher ● Fireweed Glow and other books, Mad Goat Press
Too often people rush to self-publishing only to find out they have made costly blunders. Carla shows you how to avoid these mistakes, publish a better manuscript, and position yourself toward larger profits.
Stephen T. Holland ● English & Education Professor, Author and Publisher
Carla’s courses are easy enough for newbies and enlightening for those like myself with certain publishing experience. If you are interested in going the indie publishing route, I suggest you travel with Carla!
Karen Kappe ● Designer and Publisher, Tragus Media Project
Have you made friends with AI yet?
Writing, publishing, marketing, and promotion: Learn to make AI your friend!
There's no doubt AI will continue to impact our lives in this next decade. Many writers still resist using it. Let's make friends!
Writing, editing, marketing, promotion—AI can help.
Let’s demystify it, not fear it.
Your editor is using it. Your designer is using it. Publishers and agents? They’re using it too.
AI won’t replace your voice—it supports it. It helps you write, revise, research, and stay organized.
In this course, you’ll learn how to use AI ethically and effectively to:
- Draft faster – Generate outlines and usable first-pass content
- Enhance your craft – Improve scenes, dialogue, and sensory details
- Structure your manuscript – Spot gaps, rearrange flow, and improve clarity
- Save time – Simplify research, brainstorming, and revision
Writers who understand how to use AI will move faster, smarter, and with less stress. Don’t resist it—learn to use it well.
EARLY ACTION BONUS
Enroll by December 20, 2025
Get $100 off
And access to 2025 materials
Plus these bonuses from Book Go Social
You missed out!
Book Marketing Training with Books Go Social
Writing and book marketing training valued at over $1000 plus Dublin Book Festival video sessions.
Join Now for Access to Books Go Social Book Marketing & Writing Craft Training
Our friends at Books Go Social have offered early action bonus access to social media marketing trainings and writing craft sessions.
This includes inspiration and practical advice from and a huge range of writers and publishing industry experts including Pulitzer Prize winners!
- Fast Track Masterclass in Viral Marketing for Authors
- Fast Track Basics of Digital Marketing for Authors
- Master Class in Blogging for Authors
- Fast Track Masterclass in Twitter/X for Authors
- Fast Track Master Class in Facebook for Authors
- The Amazon Ads Turbocharge Course
- Marketing Tactics to Help You Find Readers
- Adapting Your Work for the Screen
Take the First Step!
Take the first step toward publishing your book with confidence and clarity. Let’s get you on the right path.
$ What It Costs $
$ and What It’s Worth $
Hiring a consultant? $3000+
Wasting time on bad advice? Priceless.
Most serious writers spend thousands each year on consulting and fragmented courses without ever finishing or building sustained momentum. This program combines topics and streamlines your decision making around publishing, business, marketing, and promotion, no matter how you decide to publish.
Publishing 101 gives you:
- A proven path
- Professional support
- Practical resources
EARLY ENROLLMENT DISCOUNT
Join by December 20, 2025
for $100 off
DISCOUNT APPLIED AUTOMATICALLY IN CART
You missed out!
Live sessions begin January 20, 2026.
Enroll early to start learning now with the 2025 program replays
and for Books Go Social trainings and discounts.
AUTHORS
Course
PUBLISHING 101 FOR AUTHORS
$597
$497 through Dec 20
PUBLISHING PROS
Course
GROW YOUR BUSINESS HELPING AUTHORS
$797
$697 through Dec 20
On your credit card statement, look for payment to: Misadventures Media, LLC.
Canadians, Australians, and New Zealanders: STRIPE exchange rate conversions and fees are expensive, so I've provided you with the option to pay with Wise, which offers better exchange rates and lower fees. Contact me here and I'll send you an invoice, then add you manually to the course.
Winnie Gutierrez, Publishing Pro
I was tasked to establish a publishing arm for our university’s business and entrepreneurship programs. Carla provided me with actionable steps and a detailed roadmap through each step of the journey, opening my eyes to a new world of possibilities. Now I’m clear on the steps to creating the program and confident about this next staged of my career.
Project Manager of Operations, Graduate Assistant, Alvernia University MBA Program
More About Your Guide
Your Publishing Compass instructor, coach, and community leader.
Here to help manifest your publishing goals!
Carla King: Empowering Authors to Publish with Confidence
Carla King is a trailblazing travel writer, memoirist, and publishing coach known for her solo motorcycle adventures around the world and as a pioneer in online travel blogging. She’s the author of five books on publishing and three memoirs, blending creativity with real-world strategy to help authors publish polished, professional books that stand out.
With over two decades of experience, Carla has become a trusted guide for both fiction and nonfiction writers, offering clear, actionable advice through her books, courses, and consulting services.
Through her work with major publishing platforms and industry organizations, she’s helped thousands of authors understand the publishing landscape, avoid scams, and launch with confidence.
Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned storyteller, Carla’s approachable, results-driven teaching style will help you bring your book to life—and into the hands of the readers who need it.
Proud member of leading professional organizations
"Found everything I needed, including sound best practice advice."
"[Carla's info] was the blueprint for the indie chapter of my career as a professional writer. In a blizzard of advice and innumerable websites, courses, newsletters and podcasts, that all combined to hit my "overwhelm kill-switch." I pretty much found everything that I needed, including sound best practice advice... An indispensable compendium for those serious about going it alone."
Adam Nevill
Award-winning author and Netflix filmmaker
Filmmaker: No One Gets Out Alive and The Ritual (Netflix)
❝