A three-part in-person series with publisher Patricia Marshall of Luminare Press
Congratulations! You’ve done the hard part—you’ve written a book.
Now it’s time to get that draft from your desk to a reader’s hands. This three-part series walks you through every stage of what comes next: sharpening your prose until it shines, navigating the complex landscape of modern publishing, and building the kind of author presence that connects your book with the readers who need it.
Whether you’re aiming for a traditional publishing deal or planning to publish independently, these classes will give you the practical tools, honest insights, and confidence to move forward.
What to expect
The best part of this series might be the Q&A. Each session is a working conversation with someone who publishes books for a living. Patricia will share how things actually work behind the scenes, and every class leaves plenty of time for your questions. Bring the ones you’ve been googling at 2 a.m., and the ones you weren’t sure were OK to ask. You’ll be in a room with other writers who are at the same crossroads, swapping notes, comparing paths, and maybe sharing some chocolate.
Take all three sessions for the full roadmap, from revision to readership.
Class 1: The Revision Mindset: Editing Your Manuscript
Sunday, February 7, 2–3:30 p.m.
Writing is often an act of solitude, but creating a compelling book takes a village. In this session we’ll talk about how your manuscript moves through the editing process, and how to find and get the help you need to make your work shine at each stage. We’ll break down the difference between developmental editing, line editing, and copy editing, and show you how to approach each step in sequence rather than all at once. We’ll also cover how to receive feedback productively, how to work with beta readers, and how to know when your manuscript is actually ready to leave your hands.
In the room: You’ll get a clear picture of where your manuscript is right now and what kind of help it needs next. You’ll also get a chance to ask how to find, vet, and budget for an editor.
Class 2: The Publishing Landscape: Finding the Right Path for Your Book
Sunday, March 7, 2–3:30 p.m.
Publishing has never offered more options, or more confusion. This class gives you an honest, up-to-date map of the industry so you can make an informed decision about the path that’s right for you and your book. We’ll examine current models, including traditional, independent, and hybrid publishing, covering the real costs, timelines, and decisions involved. By the end of class, you’ll understand the trade-offs of each path, know exactly what steps to take next, and have a realistic timeline for getting your book into the world.
In the room: This is your chance to ask a working publisher the questions that are hard to get straight answers to online: what things cost, who keeps the rights, and how to tell a good offer from a red flag.
Class 3: Building Your Readership: Book Marketing for Authors Who Hate Marketing
Sunday, April 4, 2–3:30 p.m.
Here’s the truth most publishing books don’t tell you: even the best-edited, best-published book won’t find its readers on its own. Marketing isn’t a dirty word—it’s the bridge between your work and the people who will love it. This class is designed for authors who feel overwhelmed, uncomfortable, or just plain lost when it comes to promoting their own work.
We’ll start by helping you define your audience with real specificity, because knowing exactly who your reader is makes every other marketing decision easier. From there, we’ll cover building an author platform that feels authentic and sustainable, whether it’s through social media, newsletters, interviews, podcasting, or blogging. You’ll leave with a mindset shift that turns promotion from a chore into an extension of your storytelling.
In the room: No one will make you start a TikTok. You’ll leave with a few doable next steps that fit your book, your schedule, and your personality.
Bonus for Participants: Publishing Strategy Session with Patricia Marshall
Confused about whether you should pursue traditional, hybrid, or independent publishing? Or maybe go completely DIY? Patricia Marshall, publisher at Luminare Press and Lucent Book Group, offers a half-hour strategy session to help you determine a logical step forward. You’ll provide pre-session information about your book, your readers, and your goals for publication. From that information, you’ll work together to devise a reasonable path forward for publishing your book. (Details provided at the session.)
This series is for you if…
- You have a finished draft (or nearly finished) and you’re asking, “OK, now what?”
- You’ve heard “developmental edit,” “hybrid press,” and “author platform” and nodded along without being sure what they mean
- You’re torn between querying agents and publishing it yourself, and you want the honest trade-offs before you decide
- The word “marketing” makes you want to hide under your desk
- You’d rather ask a real person your questions than read another forum thread
First Sundays, February 7, March 7, and April 4, 2027
2–3:30 p.m
In-person at the Wordcrafters studio
436 Charnelton St. Ste 100
Eugene, OR 97401
Cost: $39 per session General Admission ($117 for the full series); $19 per session Wordcrafters Members ($57 for the full series)
Pricing info: Our classes and events are priced at their actual cost to run.
If paying the full price would keep you from joining us, use the code ACCESS at checkout to reduce your registration amount by 20%—no questions asked. If you’re a Wordcrafters member, use code MEMBERACCESS.
If the full price is within your means, please leave the ACCESS code for those who truly need it.
If you’re able, you can add a donation during registration to support our scholarship fund.
Scholarship info: We want everyone to have access to our writing programs. If you need additional support, please complete our scholarship request form.
Wordcrafters members save 10% on this and other events and classes.
Click here to learn about becoming a Wordcrafter.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Masks are optional. Please stay home if you’re unwell with any upper respiratory illness.
Your instructor
Patricia Marshall (she/her) is the owner of Luminare Press, a company started 2010 to help authors with the process of independent publishing. She has a thorough knowledge of the bookmaking process and a passion for non-fiction book editing, as well as a strong desire to help authors produce a polished, professional book.
Patricia has a degree in journalism from the University of Oregon, an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher College in Baltimore, and a certificate in Digital Journalism from Media Bistro in New York. She is a member of the Northwest Independent Editors Guild and the Eugene Chamber of Commerce, and is active in civic events.
Patricia previously served as the Executive Director and a board member of Wordcrafters, a literary non-profit located in Eugene, OR. Through conferences to writing classes and workshops, Wordcrafters has created a writing community that serves authors far and wide.
Find her at luminarepress.com.
Other Classes You May Enjoy:
Get your writing time in at the Wordcrafters studio at our regular write-ins. FREE for Wordcrafters members and open to the public.
Tuesdays 9:30 am-noon
Sundays 6:30-9 pm
A quarterly journaling workshop that takes you deeper into your thoughts and feelings through grounding, prompts, and a community that holds space for whatever shows up on the page.
Sundays, Nov 8, Feb 14, May 2, 3-5 pm | In-person and online | Age 16+
Share your words in sweet community at our monthly open mic emceed by spoken word poet Jorah LaFleur.
Second Thursdays, September through June | Age 14+ | Next open mic: Nov 12
Demystifying the process of bringing your story to the page in this full day craft intensive with Patricia Crisafulli.
Nov 21 | Ages 18+
A 4-week writing accountability and co-working group to help you make real, steady progress on your writing.
Wednesdays 3-4:30 pm | In person or online | Next cohort starts Dec 2, facilitated by Daryll Lynne Evans | Age 16+
The Oregon Author Series brings a visiting Oregon writer into our space for an afternoon of live conversation: about their book, their process, and the stubborn, beautiful work of making something true on the page.
Dec 13, 2026; March 14, June 13, 2027 | 4-6 pm
Ages 16+