workshopOn Submission: How Books Actually Sell
Join author and agent Jessica Berg for an inside look at publishing's most mysterious phase: the submission process. Learn exactly what happens after your literary agent sends your book to editors – from the initial pitch to offer negotiations and everything in between.
DATE: Wednesday, 4/23/25, 12:30 - 1:30pm ET
WHERE: Zoom (a replay will be available for attendees who can’t apply live
COST: $39 ($29 early bird)
In this 60-minute workshop, you'll learn:
The Reality vs. The Myth of the submission process and how to set realistic expectations
What Happens Before Submission – how agents craft pitches, build submission lists, and time their strategies
The Life Cycle of a Submission – from initial reads to second readers, acquisitions meetings, and pub board
How Deals Actually Work – pre-empts, auctions, negotiations, and why advances are structured the way they are
What to Do When a Book Doesn't Sell – when to revise, when to reposition, and when to move on
Meet your teacher
Jessica Berg is a literary agent and author passionate about nurturing unique voices in publishing.
As an agent with Rosecliff Literary, she focuses on character-driven stories and high-stakes narratives, helping authors navigate the industry. Her own fiction explores identity, generational trauma, and relationships.
A multi-nominated writer with an MFA from Spalding University, Berg is a member of the AALA and EFA. She also provides developmental feedback for Writer’s Digest, Uncharted Magazine, and Fractured Lit. She is represented by Amy Collins of Talcott Notch. Find out more about her here.
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