12 weeks of live instruction, workshops, and implementation — from understanding the landscape to executing your launch. Every session produces a deliverable you'll use.
Traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, independent publishing, and vanity publishing. What each model actually means, what each costs, what each requires from you, and which one fits your goals, timeline, and budget. We'll look at real examples of books published through each path and compare outcomes.
How to evaluate whether your manuscript is ready for the next step — whether that's submitting to agents, hiring an editor, or beginning production. We'll use the Manuscript Ready framework to assess story structure, voice, market positioning, technical polish, and author readiness.
Developmental editing, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading — what each does, what each costs, and which ones your manuscript needs. How to find an editor, evaluate their work, and manage the editorial relationship.
Cover design, interior layout, typography, and format. Why design matters more than most authors think. What good design costs. How to brief a designer and evaluate their work. We'll analyse comparable titles and identify design conventions in your genre.
If you're pursuing traditional publishing, the query letter is the most important document you'll write besides the manuscript itself. We'll break down what agents and publishers actually want to see, study examples that worked, and you'll draft your own.
Publishing contracts are written to benefit publishers, not authors. We'll go clause by clause through a standard publishing agreement so you understand what you're signing, what you're giving up, and where you have room to negotiate.
The mechanics of getting a book into the world. ISBNs, metadata, print-on-demand, ebook conversion, wholesale distribution, library distribution, and getting into bookstores.
Most authors wing their launch. Most books disappear within 90 days. We'll build a structured launch plan covering pre-orders, review copies, media outreach, social media, email, bookstore events, and the critical first 90 days post-publication.
Two weeks of live, small-group workshops. Participants submit their manuscript opening (first 10 pages), query letter, or book proposal for direct feedback from Kay and the cohort. This is where the program becomes personal.
Dedicated implementation sessions. Bring your contracts, your vendor quotes, your agent research, your launch plan draft, your questions. We work through them together in a structured office hours format.
Your manuscript should be complete or very close (75%+ drafted). This is a publishing program, not a writing program.
All genres. Publishing fundamentals apply across fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and poetry. Genre-specific topics are tailored during discussions.
No. All three paths are covered. Your action plan will reflect whichever path is right for your book.
One 90-minute live session per week plus 1–2 hours of implementation. Roughly 4–5 hours per week for 12 weeks.
Every session is recorded and available within 24 hours. You'll miss the live interaction, but the content and materials are all available. Workshop sessions (Weeks 9–10) are the most important to attend live.
Yes. The program is valuable for experienced authors exploring new paths or updating their knowledge.
Yes. The Live Cohort can be split into 3 monthly payments. Details are provided upon acceptance.
You keep lifetime access to all recordings and materials. The community remains active. Alumni can join future cohort workshop sessions at no additional cost (space permitting).
Kay, the founder and publisher of Sūtra House. Every session is taught personally — no guest instructors or TAs for the core curriculum.
Most publishing courses are taught by people who teach courses. This is taught by someone who publishes books, every day. The content comes from daily practice, not theoretical knowledge.
Space is limited to 15 participants. Apply now to secure your seat and start publishing with intention.
Apply for the Next Cohort →