Book Publishing Master Course with Optional Professional Certification

Calling all nonfiction authors, book coaches, author assistants, and publishing industry professionals!

Learn how to create your own publishing company, produce books that meet publishing industry standards, and create a plan for self-publishing success. 

The Book Publishing Master Course Returns LIVE March 5, 2026

BOOK PUBLISHING MASTER COURSE

The Book Publishing Master Course will help you:

  • Follow essential steps to launch your own publishing company.
  • Navigate copyrights, trademarks, and legal risks.
  • Receive endorsements from well-known authors.
  • Understand book distribution and how to get your book on Amazon and into brick and mortar stores.
  • Follow publishing industry standards to produce your books professionally every time.
  • Maximize Amazon features to sell more books including Author Central, pay-per-click ads, and A+ Content.
  • Utilize proven marketing strategies to create a successful book launch.
LEARN TO PROFESSIONALLY SELF PUBLISH BOOKS
AVOID COMMON MISTAKES AND PUBLISH PROFESSIONALLY

The Book Publishing Master Course Delivers Step-by-Step Instructions to Self-Publish Your Book Professionally and Comply with Publishing Industry Standards

BOOK PUBLISHING MASTER COURSE CURRICULUM

Module 1: Publishing Business Essentials

You will learn how to:

  • Define your publishing goals and target audience
  • Research and launch your publishing company
  • Acquire necessary business licenses
  • Set up business processes and banking
  • Understand potential legal risks
  • Navigate trademarks and copyrights
  • Locate and hire contractors, editors, and designers
  • Produce books by other authors under your publishing imprint
  • Create a plan for profitability
BOOK PUBLISHING MASTER COURSE - PUBLISHING BUSINESS ESSENTIALS

Module 2: Editors, Beta Readers, and Book Endorsements

You will learn how to:

  • Protect your work with copyright registration
  • Understand editing options and which ones you need
  • Request (and receive!) book endorsements from well-known authors
  • Work with beta readers for editorial feedback and marketing support
  • Plan to send out review copies
  • Leverage your community of influence
  • Build your book launch team
BOOK PUBLISHING MASTER COURSE - EDITORS BETA READERS BOOK ENDORSEMENTS

Module 3: Book Printing and Distribution to Libraries and Bookstores

You will learn how to:

  • Work with Print on Demand (POD) printers
  • Choose non-POD printers, when necessary, and become an Amazon direct seller
  • Setup book distribution to Amazon, brick and mortar bookstores, and libraries
  • Sell books in bulk to retailers, companies, and nonprofits
  • Get your ebook formatted and distributed to retailers
  • Create your audiobook and distribute it to retailers
BOOK PUBLISHING MASTER COURSE - BOOK PRINTING DISTRIBUTION BOOKSTORES LIBRARIES

Module 4: Self-Publish Like a Pro

You will learn how to:

  • Choose from paperback and hardcover options
  • Register ISBNs and Library of Congress Control Numbers
  • Follow publishing industry standards for book design
  • Choose the best retail price for your book
  • Identify BISAC codes
  • Create and maximize meta data for your book
  • Choose the best launch date based on your goals
BOOK PUBLISHING MASTER COURSE - SELF-PUBLISH LIKE A PRO

Module 5: Amazon Optimization to Boost Sales

You will learn how to:

  • Setup pre-orders
  • Reach the bestsellers lists on Amazon
  • Research and choose book categories
  • Optimize your Amazon book page to convert visitors into buyers
  • Create an Author Central account
  • Get book reviews on Amazon
  • Utilize A+ Content
  • Implement Amazon ads
BOOK PUBLISHING MASTER COURSE - OPTIMIZE AMAZON TO BOOST SALES

Module 6: Proven Book Launch Success Strategies

You will learn how to:

  • Optimize your author website
  • Prepare and send out book announcements
  • Leverage your community of influence
  • Get booked on podcasts
  • Utilize proven marketing strategies to create a successful launch
BOOK PUBLISHING MASTER COURSE - BOOK LAUNCH STRATEGIES THAT GET RESULTS

WANT TO BECOME A CERTIFIED

BOOK PUBLISHING PROFESSIONAL?

The Certification program is an OPTIONAL ADD-ON to the Book Publishing Master Course.

If you are a book coach, ghostwriter, editor, book designer, virtual author assistant–or you want to build a career in one of these fields–this certification program is for you! 

Here’s how it works:

You will take an online quiz following each course module. Once you pass all quizzes with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive the following:

  • A one-year listing in our online directory of Book Publishing Consultants OR our directory of Virtual Assistants for Authors, which will be promoted to our community year-round. We expect your listing will generate more than enough business opportunities to justify the cost of this program. ($297 value for listing)
  • Written interview with you featured in our blog and shared across our social media networks, highlighting the services you offer.
  • Frame-worthy gold foil-accented certificate mailed to US participants. International participants receive a printable version.
  • Exclusive Certified Book Publishing Professional logo, a digital asset you can post on your website and in related marketing collateral. This endorsement from the Nonfiction Authors Association is meant to set a standard in our industry, making you a founding member of this program.
  • Access to an exclusive database of content available only to graduates of this program, including digital templates you can customize with your own logo and use with your clients. 
  • Invitation to join our private Facebook group available only to Certified Book Publishing Professionals, providing ongoing support for your business journey.

Yes, we’ve PACKED this certification program with value! We want to be sure you leave the program ready to grow your business and help authors expand their businesses, too.

“I just wanted to let you know that I gained my first client through my posting on your website [a benefit of completed certification]. Not only is it a lucrative project, but it is the type of content I absolutely love to work with. Cheers to supporting awesome creative endeavors!”
– Catherine Fishman

If you want to increase the value of the services you offer to your clients, the Publishing Certification Program is for you! 
Choose the add-on option with registration below.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THE BOOK PUBLISHING MASTER COURSE?

This course is ideal for:

  • Nonfiction authors, new or experienced.
  • Anyone interested in starting a publishing company.
  • Book coaches and shepherds.
  • Book editors, designers, and production professionals.
  • Virtual assistants and author assistants.
  • Anyone who advises authors on publishing and business practices.
  • Aspiring book publishers in all genres.

WHO SHOULD PURSUE BOOK PUBLISHING PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION?

The Book Publishing Professional Certification is ideal for:

  • Virtual assistants and authors’ assistants.
  • Book coaches and shepherds.
  • Book editors and designers.
  • Professionals who want a careers in book publishing, marketing, promotion, tools development, or any branch of the publishing industry.

 

Join the Nonfiction Authors Association when you register and receive discounted member pricing!

Membership benefits include:

=> Weekly Author Advisor email featuring podcasts seeking guests and outlets where you can publish nonfiction articles and essays so you can grow your platform.

=> Huge database of templates, checklists, recordings, reports, and legal agreements to find the answers you need and make your author journey easier.

=> Live monthly Zoom events including the Author Brainstorm Exchange, where members meet in small groups, and the Author Round Table, an open discussion for brainstorming and Q&A.

=> Private Facebook group to connect with authors and industry pros.

=> Meet-the-Members program where you can share your book announcement with our email subscribers, blog, and social media community, plus share an excerpt of your book on NonfictionBookClub.com.

=> Discount (33%) off our year-round Nonfiction Book Awards program and author toolkits.

=> Discount (33%) off our exclusive courses, including the Book Publishing Master Course and Book Marketing Master Course, both with optional professional certification.

=> Discount (33%) off the Nonfiction Writers Conference, held entirely online since 2010.

=> Discounts with NFAA partners including Lulu, Office Depot, Findaway Voices, and more.

Premium Membership Benefits

=> Special benefits for VIP and Thought Leader members, including FREE admission to the Nonfiction Writers Conference ($300+ value), NFWC Greatest Hits, all downloadable Author Toolkits ($600+ value) and a free featured listing on NonfictionBookClub.com for added visibility with readers ($250 value). Total added value: $1,100+

=> Thought Leader members get an all-access pass to ALL live courses, plus immediate access to the Book Publishing and Marketing master courses (self-study), and a FREE entry in the Nonfiction Book Awards. Total added value: $6,500+

    Since 2010, we have helped thousands of people learn to write, publish, and promote nonfiction books. We can help you find the answers you need to accelerate your path to success.

    I just wanted to tell you how much I value all that you are doing with NFAA. It is one of the best investments in a membership I have ever made. I have been listening to your webinars and taking copious notes during them. One of my favorites was Revenue Stream for Authors. I am using it as a checklist for the many ways I can promote my book. It helps keep me focused. Being a first-time author was daunting enough. I didn’t realize how much time and effort it takes to promote a self-published book. NFAA has given me the tools for structuring that process. I would recommend NFAA to both the novice and seasoned author. ” – David Petrovay, PhD, Author of Life Between Jobs: Out of Work…Not Out of WORTH

    Connect with a community of fellow writers and publishing industry professionals and save on courses, events, and other programs when you join the Nonfiction Authors Association.
    Choose the membership upgrade option with registration below.

    Meet the course instructor
    STEPHANIE CHANDLER

    Stephanie Chandler has a reputation for delivering content-rich workshops, presentations, and events. In addition to being founder and CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association and Writers Conference, she has authored several traditionally-published AND self-published books, has been a book publisher since 2008, and she’s a former owner of a brick-and-mortar bookstore. More importantly, she has walked in your shoes.

    Stephanie started from square one, just like you. There was no magic fairy dust, no celebrities to help grow her career, and no lucky breaks. She has never been on a reality show and doesn’t have any celebrity friends!

    Stephanie is the author of The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan AND The Nonfiction Book Marketing Plan. She will show you how to avoid the many mistakes new authors make, help you follow publishing industry standards, and show you how to produce books you can be proud to share with your own community. 

    TAKE YOUR AUTHOR GOALS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

    Satisfaction is always 100% guaranteed.
    If for any reason this course isn’t for you, notify us within the first two weeks of instruction and receive a full refund.

    BONUS MATERIALS WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR THE
    BOOK PUBLISHING MASTER COURSE

    • A dozen+ handouts and worksheets.
    • A digital copy of the book: The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan by Stephanie Chandler and Karl Palachuk. 
    • Special report: The Author Business Startup Plan and Business Plan Template. You can begin working on the exercises in this report immediately!
    • Special report: How to Land a Traditional Book Deal. This step-by-step guide shows you how to locate literary agents and publishers, includes a sample book proposal (that earned a book deal!), and provides all the steps you need to pursue a publishing deal.
    • Self-Publishing Simplified Checklist. Keep this handy as you navigate your self-publishing journey.
    THE NONFICTION BOOK PUBLISHING PLAN - BOOK BY STEPHANIE CHANDLER

    Course Dates: March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 2, 9, 2026

    Thursdays at 10am PT /1pm ET
    Live on Zoom, sessions last about 90 minutes.
    Recordings shared same day so live attendance is optional.

    3-PAY OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN CART

    Member Rate: $467 or 3 payments of $169
    Non-Member Rate: $697 or 3 payments of $255

    Authority and VIP Members: Visit your member discount page for 33% savings code.
    Thought Leader Members attend for free. Contact us to request enrollment.

    Not a member yet?
    You can join with registration below and receive the discounted member rate for the course!

    Avoid the mistakes new authors make and learn how to professionally and profitably publish your nonfiction books!

    COURSE REGISTRATION OPTIONS

    (SCROLL DOWN FOR CERTIFICATION OPTIONS FOR PROFESSIONALS)


    BOOK PUBLISHING MASTER COURSE
    -----
    Includes all course benefits: Six live training sessions, slides, handouts, and book.
      BOOK PUBLISHING MASTER COURSE ONLY$697OR $255 X 3 PAY
      JOIN NFAA

      COURSE +
      AUTHORITY MEMBERSHIP
      -----
      Includes all course benefits plus AUTHORITY MEMBERSHIP in the Nonfiction Authors Association for one year ($390 value). Price includes 33% member discount off course.
        COURSE +
        AUTHORITY MEMBERSHIP
        $870OR $315 X 3 PAY
        jOIN VIP

        COURSE +
        VIP MEMBERSHIP
        -----
        Includes all course benefits plus VIP MEMBERSHIP in the Nonfiction for one year ($790 value) with free conference access, monthly group consulting calls, and more. Price includes 33% member discount off course.
          COURSE +
          VIP MEMBERSHIP
          $1,250OR $445 X 3 PAY
          All Access

          COURSE
          THOUGHT LEADER MEMBERSHIP
          -----
          Includes all course benefits PLUS THOUGHT LEADER MEMBERSHIP in the Nonfiction Authors Association for one year, admission to the Nonfiction Writers Conference (held online), and all-access pass to live courses during membership term. ($6,400 value)
            COURSE +
            THOUGHT LEADER MEMBERSHIP
            $2,490OR $655 X 4 PAY

            COURSE + CERTIFICATION OPTIONS FOR PUBLISHING INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

            FOR PROS

            COURSE +
            PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
            -----
            Includes all course benefits plus certification quizzes. Pass with 80% or better and receive a certificate of completion, badge for marketing materials, and listing in our directory for one year.
              COURSE +
              PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
              $1,497 OR $520 x 3 PAY
              JOIN DEAL!

              COURSE + CERTIFICATION +
              AUTHORITY MEMBERSHIP
              -----
              Includes all course and certification benefits plus AUTHORITY MEMBERSHIP in the Nonfiction Authors Association for one year ($390 value). Includes 33% member discount off course.
                COURSE + CERT +
                AUTHORITY MEMBERSHIP
                $1,390 OR $495 x 3 PAY
                JOIN VIP

                COURSE + CERTIFICATION +
                VIP MEMBERSHIP
                -----
                Includes all course and certification benefits plus VIP MEMBERSHIP in the Nonfiction Authors Association for one year ($790 value), free admission to Nonfiction Writers Conference, monthly group consulting calls, and more. Includes 33% member discount off course.
                  COURSE + CERT +
                  VIP MEMBERSHIP
                  $1,790 OR $635 x 3 PAY
                  All Access

                  COURSE
                  THOUGHT LEADER MEMBERSHIP
                  -----
                  Includes all course benefits plus THOUGHT LEADER MEMBERSHIP in the Nonfiction Authors Association for one year, admission to all live courses, and admission to the Nonfiction Writers Conference event during membership term. (Added value: $6,400+)
                    COURSE + CERT+
                    THOUGHT LEADER MEMBERSHIP
                    $2,490 OR $665 x 4 PAY

                    Need to spread out payments over time?

                    Have questions?

                    We are happy to assist!

                    Contact us here.

                    Please note that we do not guarantee any outcome or financial benefit for participants. Results will vary and depend in part on the effort you put into participating in the course and then implementing your publishing plans. Course benefits, dates, and times are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. As a reminder, you can cancel and request a full refund for any reason within the first two weeks of the course. We look forward to having you join us. Questions? Contact us here.

                    Questions?

                    If you have questions about the event or prefer not to register online, please send us an email.

                    Become a Member



                    Learn more about membership in the Nonfiction Authors Association.