Free Business Classes for Writers

Every month, Jane offers a free session on the business of writing or publishing. These take a few forms:

  • Jane or a guest expert presents on a focused topic. These are informally called Business Sermons. These sessions launched in 2020 and were commonly held on Sunday afternoons, but now they take place any time.
  • Jane helps a writer with a business conundrum. These are called Business Clinics. Jane helps writers determine next steps based on their goals and experience, complemented by her insight into current market conditions. Anyone can apply and be considered for Clinic. It’s free.
  • Jane hosts industry discussions: Jane sometimes hosts conversations with authors or colleagues on both timely topics and evergreen challenges.

Watch past classes

Upcoming sessions

Feb. 13: Should Successful Indie Authors Pursue an Agent?

Author D. Liebhart has achieved modest success as an independent author. Her first novel, House on Fire, has sold over 10,000 copies and generated 1.7 million KENP page reads in the two and a half years since release. Her second novel, Feral Creatures of Suburbia, has sold over 2,500 copies and surpassed one million KENP page reads in its first 15 months.

While she is not seeking representation for these books, she is questioning whether pursuing an agent would be a wise move for current and future projects. Is it viable, practical, or logical?

This Business Clinic with Jane Friedman will address questions such as: Is pursuing an agent at this stage a smart and strategic move for D’s writing career? Why or why not? How does her track record as an indie author affect her chances—or desirability—in terms of getting an agent? Which career path is likely to be more financially sustainable in the long run? Which approach is most likely to expand her readership and reach? If she does pursue an agent, how should her approach differ from that of a debut author?

Register for free

So these classes are free?

Yes! No strings attached. You will not be pitched or sold anything.

Will you or the guest answer questions?

For those who attend live via Zoom, yes. We will look at and answer questions as time allows.

Do I have to register?

Only if you want to participate live, ask questions, or interact with other attendees during the session. If you can’t attend live, you can watch it afterward at my YouTube channel.

I’d like to recommend a topic for a future session.

That would be wonderful. Contact me.