Deadline for applications extended to Sept. 4th
“It was an irreplaceable experience. I am SO grateful for that early interest in my novel, for it gave me the boost I needed to stick with the writing. Not sure I would have rolled out those first 50 pages if it were not for Sara’s request.“
–Colette Crown, participant in 2021 Book Publishing Workshop
We always say that every woman has a story. Well, maybe that story deserves to be a book. You never know, right? Actually, we’re giving you the chance to find out for sure.
Our friend Sara Nelson, Vice President and Executive Editor at Harper Collins, wants to help women our age publish their book. Sara conducted a Book Publishing Workshop previously, in early 2021, and helped 12 women hone their story and learn about the realities and opportunities in the publishing world today.
Now, NextTribe is offering another 12 women the chance to learn from Sara how to develop and pitch a book idea. It could be an idea for a memoir, non-fiction, self-help, or fiction. We are looking for candidates from diverse backgrounds, with distinctive voices.
Writing experience of some sort is required, and first preference in choosing students for the workshop is given to NextTribe members.
Members fill out the application form here.
If you’re not a member, fill out the form below.
To join NextTribe click here.
About Sara Nelson
Sara Nelson, left, with some of the students from our past Book Publishing Workshop.
Sara Nelson has been in her position at Harper’s Books for more than four years. She acquires fiction and nonfiction, which an emphasis on historical fiction. Her authors include the New York Times bestselling author Jenna Blum and the revered historian Simon Winchester. Nelson is the editor of the instant New York Times bestseller, The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
Before Harper’s, she was the Editorial Director for Books and Kindle at Amazon. While at the retailer, she raised the profile of Amazon’s editorial program, launched the Amazon Book Review, and managed a team of editors and writers.
She was previously the books editor at O, the Oprah magazine, where she started Oprah’s Book Club 2.0. Before that, she was editor-in-chief of Publishers Weekly, where she reinvigorated the print magazine and upgraded the digital version. She is the author of So Many Books, So Little Time.
Timeline for Our Book Publishing Workshop
Those who’d like to take part must fill out an application by Thursday, Sept. 1st. Sunday, Sept. 4th. We will announce the 12 candidates by Tuesday, Sept. 6th. To take part, there will be a fee for those selected of $150 (members will receive a discount). We will waive the fee for those who don’t have this in their budget.
The first workshop with Sara will be Tuesday, Sept. 13th at 6:30 pm ET, 5:30 CT, 4:30 MT, 3:30 PT. This will be a Q&A session with Sara so students can ask questions about how to develop their ideas and write a proposal, and what publishing houses are looking for.
The second workshop will be Sunday, Oct. 2nd at 2 pm ET, 1 CT, 12 noon MT, 11 am PT. In this session, students will each have 10 minutes to pitch their idea to Sara individually and receive feedback. This session will last two to two-and-a-half hours.
We will allow a limited number of people to sit in on the two workshop days to listen and learn. These viewers will not be able to ask questions or make a pitch but they will be able to soak up Sara’s advice and benefit from her experience. Again, preference for these slots will be given to NextTribe members. More details on reserving your space will be coming soon.
By filling out this form, you are acknowledging that you are available on Tuesday, Sept. 13th and Sunday, Oct. 2nd. Thanks!
