Your next publishing step starts here.
If navigating the journey to publication seems murky, I get it You don’t have to figure it out alone. Having written 50 books—including 2 NYT bestsellers—I know the way and I am here to walk it with you.
One step at a time.
There's a map.
You’ve had a book in your heart for years — but between life, work, and not knowing where to start, it keeps getting pushed to “someday.”
I am Margot Starbuck and 2 decades ago I was standing in your shoes. Since then I've worked alongside publishers on hundreds of major publishing projects as writer, editor, and coach!
Having interviewed countless agents, publishers, and editors, I know exactly what gatekeepers need to see to say "yes."
Discover Your Path to Nonfiction Publication...
🧭 How to Use the Aspiring Author's Roadmap
Getting published isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about doing the right thing at the right time.
This roadmap shows you the full journey—from choosing the right publishing path to pitching a professional book proposal—so you can see where you are and what comes next.
You don’t need every course.
You don’t need to start at the beginning.
Start with the phase that matches your biggest question right now:
• Unsure how to publish?
• Needing readers or platform clarity?
• Trying to shape the book itself?
• Getting ready to pitch publishers?
Each course solves one specific problem. When you’re ready for the next step, the roadmap shows you exactly where to go.
You’re not behind. You’re just somewhere on the path.
Figure out the smartest path for your book — traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing — so you stop spinning and start moving forward with confidence.
When you know how publishers think, you can deliver what publishers want. Discover the 3 things every gatekeeper needs to see to say “yes.”
Learn exactly what your website needs to communicate so agents and publishers take you seriously the moment they look you up.
Grow your reach the smart way by tapping into audiences that already exist — without hustling for likes or chasing algorithms.
A strong book idea can still get rejected if the pitch doesn’t land. My 14-beat pitch strategy equips you to craft a compelling pitch that gatekeepers respect.
The one-sentence premise of your book needs to be clear, unique, and meet your reader’s need. Learn how to nail your one-sentence book hook!
If starting your book feels overwhelming, this course gives you a map. In one focused, guided day, you’ll outline your entire nonfiction book so you can write with confidence.
This mini-course shows you how to write book titles and subtitles that attract the right readers, signal value, and make gatekeepers lean in instead of skim past.
Great writing doesn’t explain — it offers evidence. Show, Don’t Tell teaches the #1 rules of good writing that makes readers believe you.
This Is Where Publishing Decisions Are Made
Your step-by-step guide to building a professional nonfiction book proposal. Learn how to shape your idea into a proposal that shows gatekeepers you understand the industry — and that your book is ready to compete.
And when you finish the course you'll have completed your nonfiction book proposal!
"Listen: Here's What You Need to Do..."
"When I first started writing all I wanted was for a publishing veteran to sit me down and say 'Listen: here's what you need to do.' Margot does exactly that—with friendliness, savvy, humor, clarity, and grace. Gone is the foggy mystery of publishing: here is your one-stop guide to delivering what publishers are looking for."
-Sarah Arthur, author of A Light So Lovely (and others!)
Where You Can Find My Clients' Books...
👋🏽 I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS
✋🏾 “Do I need to take the courses in order?”
Nope! You know which one you need in this moment.
✋🏻 "Can I get feedback on my book or book proposal?"
Heck yeah! Learn more about Margot editing your nonfiction book or proposal HERE.
🖐🏿 "Should I buy these courses if I write fiction?"
Nope.
🤚🏽 "Are these live or instant access?"
These are instant access. You can start learning how to dazzle a publisher as soon as you join!
✋🏾 "How long will I have access?"
Lifetime access — revisit the material anytime you need it.
✋🏻 "Is there a guarantee I’ll get published?"
Nope. But here’s the guarantee: you will know exactly what it takes to get published, and successful execution is up to you!
✋🏾 "Do you offer refunds?"
Due to the digital nature of the product, we do not offer refunds. If you have questions about whether or not this offer is for you, email us at wordmelon@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to help you decide whether this is a good fit for you.
