For authors curious about the book business and how to break in as a writer
CONFAB • Friday, January 16, 2026 • 10am-11:15am PST
Have you ever thought that if you could have someone give you an overview of the book industry and how it works, your life as an author would be much easier? Book publishing is a complicated business and it continues to evolve and change every year, sometimes it seems every minute. This Confab provides a broad view of the industry from a 40-year publishing veteran. Vicki will introduce the many players from booksellers, to publishers, to sales reps, to wholesalers and distributors and how it all works together. She’ll discuss the various publishing routes from self-publishing to hybrid to small press to large houses and their roles in the industry. Vicki believes that as an author the best thing you can do (beyond writing an excellent book) is to understand the industry, adjust your expectations accordingly and pitch in in all the right places.
The Sibyl Writing Craft courses are held via a private zoom link, allowing you to participate from anywhere.
You will receive your private Zoom link via email one week before the course.
A reminder email will be sent 24 hours prior to the course start time.
We will email any essential course materials, handouts, and recommended resources prior to the start of the course.
Navigate the Publishing Landscape: Demystify the traditional publishing world by learning its language, understanding the roles of key players from publishers to booksellers, and discovering how the industry operates to achieve its goals.
Understand the Art of Distribution: Go beyond the obvious to understand the crucial role of booksellers and how the intricate process of distribution is a necessity for your book to reach its readers.
The Path to Bestseller Status: Define what a bestseller truly is and learn the strategies to strive for this coveted status, all while maintaining a healthy sense of realistic expectations.
Your Role as an Author-Marketer: Uncover your new and essential role in the marketing and publicity of your book. Discover how to effectively promote your work and build a lasting presence in the literary world.
Friday, January 16, 10am-11:15am PST
The publishing industry is always changing, but your path to success doesn't have to be a mystery. Get the essential overview you need from a seasoned professional and learn how to position yourself for success.
Bonus 25% Discount on Select Sibylline Press books and Sibyl Writing Craft Books!
The heyday of small press publishing in San Francisco lives again. This is the never-before-told story of a unique time in San Francisco as well as in book industry history, when Bay Area small presses—armed with arrogance and personal computers—took the publishing field.
Students enrolled in any course will receive 25% off select Sibylline Press books and all Sibyl Writing Craft books.
Discount code will be sent with course enrollment confirmation
Sibyl Writing Craft offers two distinct types of courses. Learn about each below to help choose which is right for you.
A Confab is a focused 75-minute session led by one of our mentors. It’s an engaging, information-rich talk on a specific topic—like writing vivid characters, revising your manuscript, or understanding publishing. Confabs are designed to give you practical insights you can apply right away.
A Lab is a longer, hands-on course lasting three or more hours. Labs may take place in a single immersive day or unfold across multiple weeks. They’re designed for deeper exploration, interactive practice, and direct feedback from your mentor.
