Authors Publishing On-Ramp Program (January 2022)

Career Writer Program
$79.00

Accelerate toward your writing goals!


Here's a little secret: being the most talented writer in the world will only take you so far.  So how do authors get published? Through connections! This industry is about relationship-building and connecting human to human first. Savvy authors are excellent at expanding their network while producing sharp work and enticing introductory material. Roadmap brings a unique program to not only introduce career authors to industry professionals, but to build an ongoing rapport.

From these programs, authors have signed with Trident Media Group, The Seymour Agency, Metamorphosis Agency and more! 

In the Roadmap Writers Publishing On-Ramp, we provide authors with educational tools, collaboration opportunities, promotional strategies to help take your craft to the next level, and a safe environment to practice while also expanding one's network.

On Ramp is a month-long program that you have the option to do one time OR repeat monthly, as the execs available refresh each month. Also, just by participating in the monthly program, you'll receive access to bonus sessions, exclusive discounts, and secret executives not available to the general public. 


"I am highly impressed by Roadmap Writers and the way they come alongside writers to help them hone their craft. Roadmap has a great program set up, and that any writer would benefit from the feedback and training they get." - Agent Megan Burkhart @ Cyle Young


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Week #1: Query Letter Bootcamp

Date / Time
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Summary

A query letter is your introduction to an agent or an editor. There's a specific format, but you must also demonstrate your originality within that.  How do you follow the rules and also stand out? Whether you're new to crafting this all-important letter, or you're looking to refine, you'll come away with keen insights and inspiration to get your query ready for the industry! Returning On-Rampers may share their revised query letter or work on a brand new one. 

Host:
Cassandra Rodgers - Literary Agent, 5 Otter Literary

A literary agent with The Rights Factory for over seven years, Cassandra and two colleagues have recently started their own agency, 5 Otter Literary.  She has worked with a diverse group of clients on both adult fiction and non-fiction works.  Her clients’ books have been featured in publications such as Oprah, The New York Times, and USA Today. Focused exclusively on adult work, she is looking for up-market commercial fiction, historical fiction, and suspense. On the non-fiction side, she is looking for fresh views on topics such as politics, history, science, finance and sports.  Inspiring and meaningful memoirs are always on her wish list.

Week #2: Unique Critiques

Date / Time
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Summary

You only get one shot with a particular agent or editor. How do you know your manuscript is ready? This opening pages clinic will give you insights on how to make your specific beginning the strongest it can be, and it will give you the tools to thoroughly analyze the rest of your manuscript!

 

As a member of the Roadmap community, you agree to be respectful to all execs, RoadCrew staff, moderators, and fellow writers. Remember to keep any advice and notes offered to your peers constructive and actionable—and aligned with their vision for their story. Please be mindful when making comments about sensitive experiences and identities with which you yourself do not have personal experience.

Week #3: Synopsis—WTF?

Date / Time
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Summary

One word in particular tends to strike fear in the hearts of writers: Synopsis. There can be so much mystery surrounding its purposes and how to create a version that will grab attention.  In this clinic you will learn how to craft an effective one-pager, and then it will be workshopped to make sure it really shines.  

Host:
Jessica Reino - Author, Writing Coach, and Freelance Developmental Editor, Jessica Reino Coaching and Editorial Services

Freelance Developmental Editor, multi-genre author, and former literary agent, Jessica Reino offers personalized guidance to authors needing additional support in taking their manuscript to the next level. Jessica has expertise in both nonfiction and fiction projects from YA to Adult. For nonfiction she is most interested in working with authors on their business, leadership, parenting, health & wellness, and self-help books. For fiction, she is interested in working with authors who write in the SFF, crime, mystery, thriller, suspense, romance, book club, and commercial fiction space.

Week #4: Five Minutes of Fame

Date / Time
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Summary

In this roundtable setting, you're face-to-face with a seasoned exec in the publishing industry. You'll get to pitch the story you've written—and yourself, and learn how to effectively build a relationship with an industry connection from the ground up. Get actionable feedback on your pitch, and build the confidence you need to soar!

Host:
Andy Ross - Literary Agent, Andy Ross Agency

Andy Ross opened his literary agency in 2008. Prior to that, he was the owner of the legendary Cody’s Books in Berkeley for 30 years. His agency represents books in a wide range of non-fiction genres including: narrative non-fiction, science, journalism, history, popular culture, memoir, and current events. He also represents literary, commercial, historical, and upmarket women’s fiction, and YA and middle grade fiction.

For non-fiction Andy looks for writing with a strong voice, robust story arc, and books that tell a big story about culture and society by authors with the authority to write about their subject. In fiction, he likes character and voice-driven stories about real people in the real world. Sorry. No zombies at the prom, thank you very much.

Andy has participated and taught classes in numerous writers’ conferences including San Francisco Writers Conference, Kauai Writers Conference, San Miguel de Allende Writers Conference, Nebraska Writers Conference, and more. He has organized and conducted writing intensive workshops with Linda Watanabe McFerrin in Santa Fe, Provence, Kauai and in Scotland.

Andy is the author of The Literary Agent’s Guide to Writing a Non-Fiction Book Proposal. Authors Andy represents include: Daniel Ellsberg, Fritjof Capra, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, Susan Griffin, Leonard Shlain, Gwen Strauss, Linda Watanabe McFerrin, Anjanette Delgado, Mark Goldblatt, Tawni Waters, Randall Platt, Mary Jo McConahay, Gerald Nachman, Michael Parenti, Paul Krassner, Milton Viorst, Senator Jeff Bingaman, Michele Anna Jordan, and Scott Ostler.

Website: www.andyrossagency.com

Testimonials

Working with Roadmap has been a real pleasure and a treasure trove of good writing. I attend many writers' conferences and workshops and have gotten lots of pitches. I find that the authors who have been vetted and referred to me by Roadmap are very talented, much more than at other venues. I have signed one author who I met through Roadmap and submitted her work to publishers. But there have been many more who have the talent that I am looking for but rarely find. I hope to be doing more work with Roadmap in the future.

~ Andy Ross, Andy Ross Agency

Roadmap Writers gives good guidance to hopeful writers looking to become published authors.

~ Mark Gottlieb, Literary Agent @ Trident Media Group

How it Works

After registering, your confirmation email will include a link for you to access your syllabus for the program, which will include any prep work & resources, class dates & times, join links, assignments, and other instructions.

All interactive sessions are conducted face-to-face via video conferencing software Zoom. While the ability to call in by phone does exist, we strongly recommend taking full advantage of the face-to-face nature of these programs, so you should plan to attend your sessions in front of a computer or stationary tablet at a desk or table in a well-lit room. All Zoom sessions are recorded and distributed to the participating writers so everyone can be fully present in the session and still have a record to review for notes if needed.

Please ensure you are familiar with our Code of Conduct.

The Roadmap Promise

Roadmap Writers prides itself on the quality of executives we bring to our programs and we work hard to get you the best feedback possible.

Our vetted executives are chosen by the legitimacy of the companies they work for and their ability to evaluate pitches and pages.

Only the executives you sign up for will be provided with your materials.