Get my ultimate start to finish blueprint on telling a better story, crafting a powerful proposal, navigating the publishing world, and finally making good on that dream
that- let's be honest- you can't go a day without thinking about. Let's make this the YEAR you finally write YOUR book.
What would it feel like to hold your own book in your hands? To thumb through the crisp pages and see the words you've had inside you for years spilled out in the four corners there. What would it feel like to get notes from readers- YOUR readers- telling you in your messages and DMs, emails and even voice messages just HOW much your words have meant to them. How much they made them feel seen, how much they found themselves in your story. And how much healing your book brought to them.
This is your time. This is your moment, This is your invitation. There is an empty space on the shelf just waiting to hold YOUR book.
And the world is waiting for the story that only you can tell...
"It's one thing to be able to sit down with Mary and have intentional discussions about titles, chapters, and writing routines... which we did, and I'm so grateful for that.... but it's another thing to sit down with Mary and be SEEN... to be seen for everything you are and for everything you don't even realize yet... to be reminded that the things you need to say... need to be heard and need to be shared. That the things you feel called to do... are POSSIBLE. The routines and clarity I gained from my time with Mary have certainly helped equip me to become an author... but knowing I can make an impact with my words and that I AM an author will allow me to actually follow through with the routines i've learned... and that's powerful."
I have wanted to write a book since I was 5 years old. I finally got around to writing my first book the year that I turned 40. So I KNOW what it's like to sit on a dream, paralyzed with fear, and watch yet another year go by without making anything happen.
But I also know what it's like to finally DO something about it. In the last two and a half years alone, I have signed a 5-book deal with a major publisher, written two of those books, and launched an ECPA & Amazon #1 bestseller (and finalist for Memoir of the Year!) with my second book due out in April.
Once I knew and understood all the steps, I was able to make up for a LIFETIME of procrastinating on the dream.
I've taken everything I've learned in the last 5 years about crafting a proposal, signing with an agent, landing a 5-book contract, and becoming a bestselling author and turned it into proven start to finish blueprint in the form of this online course, designed exclusively for storytellers like YOU!
The very first thing we'll dive into is WHAT is the actual book? Who is it for? Who are the primary, secondary & tertiary target readers, and so much more!
• What is the book? What is the structure?
• Who does it help? Crafting your target reader avatar.
• What are the metrics of the comparable books in the market?
• Memoir vs. Teaching?
Next, we'll begin talking about the process of writing and what's involved. From writing prompts to drafts after drafts after drafts (aka the editing process), to book mapping and how it all comes to together, we'll cover it all!
• Writing space & writing messy
• How to write the HARD stuff
• Developing the habit of writing
• Write Your First Sample Chapter
When it comes to good writing, there are a number of dynamics to consider. From being specific to going with the unexpected, focusing in on the five senses, felt reader need, and so much more!
• Learn how to show and not tell
• Learn how to paint a 5-senses scene that immerses readers
• Avoid these common mistakes that undercut your writing
• Write your Second Sample Chapter
During Module 4, we'll dive into the second half of the dynamics of good writing. We'll cover character development, narrative arc, effective dialogue, how every scene moves us forward, and more!
• Learn character development, transformation & narrative arc
• Learn the keys to compelling, authentic dialogue
• Learn how to write so every scene moves the story forward
• Write your Third Sample Chapter
In the second part of the course, we'll begin deep diving into building your platform. Publishers WANT to see numbers...
so we'll talk through creating freebies, running Facebook ads, building an email list, social media presence, and more!
• Learn how to build opt-ins and create freebies
• Learn how to run Facebooks ads & grow a strategic email list
• Develop a consistent, impactful social media presence
• Be able to demonstrate exponential audience growth even if you aren't an "Influencer"
During the second part of building your platform, we'll cover what it looks like to launch a podcast, pitch yourself as a guest to other shows, share episodes across multiple platforms, write powerful blog posts that convert, scale on Pinterest, and more!
• Learn the basics of starting a podcast as part of your author brand
• Learn how to pitch yourself to other audiences and capture leads
• Learn how to create powerful blog posts and share consistently
• Learn how to scale traffic with Pinterest and Facebook Ads
We're halfway there! During Module 7, we'll do a deep dive into components of a good author website, how to navigate the "numbers", and how to turn your website into a 24/7 lead generating machine.
• Learn the components of an effective author website
• Learn how to navigate numbers when you don't have many yet
• Learn how to capture and convert leads on your website
• Learn what publishers are looking for in your online author presence
Publishers are looking for a savvy marketing plan in the proposal almost as much as they're looking at the writing! During this Module, we'll cover a variety of topics to help develop your compelling marketing plan, including but not limited to JV/affiliate launches, influencer boxes, courses, challenges, preorder bonuses, speaking to groups, and more!
• Learn how to craft an effective pre-launch onboarding sequence
• Learn how to craft an effect post-launch long tail campaign
• Learn the dynamics of launch teams, virtual launch events & more
In Part Three of the Course, we'll get your official book proposal together! We'll talk about different components involved, your marketing plan, endorsements, unique selling proposition, the unforgettable hook, and so much more so you will be totally equipped to send it off.
• Learn how to confidently craft your proposal
• Land on your marketing plan, half page and one sentence
• Learn your unique selling proposition & unforgettable hook
• Preparing your "book trailer" video to accompany the proposal
Once you are ready to publish, it's time to find an agent! But where do you begin when finding one? How do you know if they are a good fit? What will they do on your behalf? What does the pitching process look like? We'll dig into it all!
• Learn how to find the right agent for you
• Learn how much agents typically take
• Learn how to pitch to different agents & what they are looking for
• Learn how to work with your agent to prepare to pitch to publishers
In addition to finding an agent, we'll talk about what it looks like to find a publisher and the entire process of proposal sent out to signing. We'll also walk through what questions to ask, how to know if they are a good fit, and more.
• Learn the entire process from sending out your proposal to signing
• Learn all the different players involved in the acquisitions decision
• Learn how to discern if a publisher is the right fit
• Learn what is involved with getting multiple offers
You made it!! After you are officially signed, now what? We'll talk through first draft to final draft with your content editor, copyediting, book cover and title, final phasing, marketing team, and publicity.
• Learn the process of first draft to final with content editor
• Learn how to be the best teammate to your publisher at each step
• Learn how to manage the marathon of book writing --> marketing
• Launch your book to the world!!
"Working with Mary has been such a breath of fresh air. She is FOR you, for your success and growth - and she won't let you slide on the hard work it takes to get there. Through her encouragement and writing prompts I have found both a voice and focus for my story. Mary has been a champion for me when I began to have doubts, and the push I need to keep going. Without her, I would no doubt still be just talking about someday writing a book, instead of actually writing one! Working with Mary has easily been one of the best investments I have made in ME, not just in my business."
Are you ready to finally do something about this dream of writing a book that you just can't shake? The truth is, you will never feel like there's a 100% perfect time for this... instead you have to learn how to feel the fear and show up anyway. I can help with that. The time is now. Let's not wonder anymore what would happen... instead, let's make that dream come true. You're here and you have a story to tell. The world is waiting on you.
My name is Mary and I'm so excited to help you start your own book writing journey! Just three short years ago, I was the girl asking myself, "Could I ever actually do this?" Wondering how I would ever get my book in the hands of a publisher, let alone on shelves or in front of readers. But as a now two-time bestselling author (Dirt + Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots) with three more books on the way, I have fallen in love with helping other people get their muddy stories out in the world too!
As an entrepreneur, host of iTunes Top 200 podcast The Mary Marantz Show, an educator and a coach, I've helped countless people learn to tell a better story. You can change the trajectory of your life. You can make up for YEARS of sleeping on a dream. And you can do it a lot faster by not having to do it alone. Are you ready to dive in together?
Unfortunately, just since we have so many students and need to keep it fair, we are unable to offer an endorsement from Mary for your book.
Can I put you down as an endorser for the book?
Yes! You'll have 30-days from when you start the course to tell us that the content didn't work for you. Simply email mary@marymarantz.com to submit all of your completed course homework and show us that you have viewed all the modules, and we'll be happy to refund your purchase.
is there a money-back guarantee?
While most of the content applies to BOTH, this is definitely geared toward non-fiction writers. My heart comes the most alive helping people share their own muddy story!
is this for fiction or non-fictIon books?
Unfortunately, just since we have so many students and need to keep it fair, we are unable to introduce you to Mary's agent or publisher.
will you introduce me to your agent/publisher?
The course is designed to be a self-study, but we do offer add-on Coaching Sessions for anyone who is looking to have some more custom feedback on their writing, book proposal or marketing plan.
Can I send you my sample chapters or proposal to look over?
No worries at all! The course comes with LIFETIME access to all the modules so you can watch right away, watch at a later time, or re-watch as many times as you want! We know everyone works at a different pace, so rest assured your content is there when you need it!
what if i can't watch all the content right now?
It's go time! Let's DO THIS!!