Three, 1-Hour Consults with Laura Stanfill
Buy three sessions for a $125 discount off our standard hourly rate. This listing is for THREE, one-hour consulting sessions, open to authors or publishers at any stage of their careers. I’ll offer advice with love, authenticity, and insights from my ten years in the book industry. If you’re in the querying trenches, gearing up for a book launch, or weathering the emotional after-effects post-publication, we recommend this package. Publishers looking to grow, or working on building a specific tenet of their businesses, will also benefit from this three-session block. I’ll meet with you at an agreed-upon time scheduled through my calendar app. After our chats, as a follow-up, I’ll send you notes and links based on our conversation.
If you’re unsure if this service is for you, send me an email at forestavenuepress (at) gmail (dot) com before purchasing.
Laura Stanfill is the publisher of Forest Avenue Press, which she founded in 2012, and the author of Singing Lessons for the Stylish Canary (Lanternfish Press). She graduated from the Yale Publishing Course, thanks to a scholarship from the Independent Book Publishers Association, and Vassar College. Publishers Weekly named her a 2017 Star Watch honoree.
It’s your hour. And my brain is all yours.
Here are some possible topics for authors:
I don’t have a publicist for my forthcoming book and I want to figure out how to focus my promotional energy and time to maximize my efforts without wanting to hide under my desk until next year.
I’ve read lots of material about agents and presses, but I don’t know where to start querying. Can you help me sort out the publishing options for my manuscript based on my personal goals?
I’ve read a lot of advice on “audience” and I think I know mine, but I’m not sure. Why should people care about my book?
My publicist asked for specific materials (i.e. a list of influencers or booksellers), and I’m panicking. Can you talk me through this? Do you have ideas for me?
I have a limited number of ARCs to give out. Can you help me figure out the best use for them?
I’m scared about asking for blurbs. What’s the best way? How many people should I ask?
I have a limited budget for marketing and contest entries. How should I spend it? What’s worked for you?
My cover options just came in and I don’t like any of them. But I’m not sure what feedback to give. Can you look at them with me?
I keep getting rejections. Is it my idea? My query letter? Or am I targeting the wrong markets?
Here are some possible topics for publishers:
I want to start working further ahead to get blurbs and reviews. Can you talk me through adjusting my editorial calendar?
Let’s talk about metadata—what it is and how I can use it to get more attention for my titles.
I have questions about distribution and whether I need to sign with a distributor or fulfillment company to grow.
How can I make the most of print on demand?
I need to figure out a more efficient way to communicate with my authors; I want to help them but I only have so much time.
Forest Avenue keeps winning awards and getting on lists. How can I grow my press’s profile like that?
I’m not sure if I should be printing offset runs, digital runs, or POD, or some combo. Let’s talk through the options.
