Friday, October 2, 2026 • 9:00–10:15am Pacific Time

Understanding the World of Book Publishing

Gain a clear, practical understanding of today's publishing industry so you can make smarter decisions about your writing career.

A clear guide to today's publishing industry with 40-year publishing veteran Vicki DeArmon

Ideal for writers preparing to publish and authors who want to better understand the business of books.

Publishing has never offered more opportunities—or more confusion. Between traditional publishing, hybrid models, self-publishing, small presses, distributors, wholesalers, bookstores, and ever-changing marketing expectations, it's easy to feel overwhelmed before your book even reaches readers.

In this practical, author-focused webinar, publishing veteran Vicki DeArmon demystifies the modern publishing landscape, giving writers a clear understanding of how the industry works and where they fit within it. Drawing on more than four decades of experience, she'll explain the roles of publishers, booksellers, sales representatives, distributors, and wholesalers while comparing today's publishing pathways and what each can realistically offer authors.

You'll also gain insight into how books actually reach readers, what "bestseller" really means, and why today's authors play a critical role in marketing their own work. Whether you're pursuing a traditional publishing deal or considering independent publishing, you'll leave with a stronger understanding of the business side of writing and greater confidence in the decisions ahead.

This Workshop is Ideal for

Authors preparing to publish their first or next book

Writers deciding between traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing

Authors who want a realistic understanding of today's publishing industry

Anyone seeking clarity before pitching, publishing, or marketing a book

Understanding the World of Book Publishing

Understanding the World of Book Publishing

$55.00

Friday, October 2, 2026 • 9:00–10:15am Pacific Time

You'll Walk Away With

How publishers, booksellers, distributors, wholesalers, and sales representatives work together to bring books to readers.

The differences between traditional, hybrid, small press, and self-publishing—and how to determine which path best fits your goals.

What authors should realistically expect from today's publishing industry, including the important role they play in marketing and publicity.

How books are distributed, what "bestseller" really means, and the publishing terminology every author should understand before moving forward.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Vicki DeArmon

Publisher of Sibylline Press, Vicki DeArmon, shares the wisdom of her 40 years in the book industry. She started San Francisco’s Foghorn Press at age 25, selling it selling it 13 years later. She served as the marketing and events director at Copperfield’s Books (with eight stores) in the San Francisco North Bay, developing a nationally recognized program of 300 plus events a year. She later produced the annual holiday catalog and promotion for the California Independent Booksellers Alliance’s 100 plus indie booksellers. In 2022, Vicki launched Sibylline Press with three other book industry women to publish the brilliant work of women authors over 50.

Ready to navigate the publishing world with confidence?

Sibyl Writing Craft Workshop FAQ

Yes! Most of our workshops are streamed live on Zoom, allowing you to learn in real time and interact with the instructor. If you can't make it, don’t worry—we will send you a link to watch or download the recording within 24 to 48 hours after the session ends.

Yes! If you can’t attend live (or want to revisit the material), you’ll receive a recording after the session. You can watch it on your own schedule.

Our webinars and workshops will have built in time for Q&A at the end. Some workshop instructors may respond to questions throughout the session, depending on the workshop format.

Many workshops include slides, worksheets, or resource lists that you can download and keep.

No preparation is required unless otherwise noted. Some instructors may offer optional prompts or materials to help you get even more out of the session.