Every author’s journey starts with one bold step.
“Don't wait for permission to become an author.”
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 I've written over 50 books, including 2 New York Times bestsellers. I've also worked alongside publishers on hundreds of major publishing projects as writer, editor, and coach!
Having reviewed countless book proposals over the years for writers at every stage—I know exactly what gatekeepers need to see to say "yes."
That’s exactly why I created the Aspiring Author’s Roadmap: these courses will walk you step-by-step from idea to published.
Your Publishing Roadmap
Part of the Aspiring Author's Roadmap — Take #YourNextPublishingStep
Where are you in your journey?
1️⃣ Choose Your Path: Decide which publishing route (traditional, hybrid, or self) is for you.
2️⃣ Grow Your Platform: Build the online presence and pitch that make you stand out.
3️⃣ Build Your Book: Hone your fresh idea and map out your book.
4️⃣ Dazzle a Gatekeeper: Craft a nonfiction book proposal that dazzles agents and publishers!
Start where you are.
Decide which publishing route is right for you.
Traditional? Hybrid? Self?
Stop spinning your wheels and choose the best fit for your goals, timeline, and budget.
You’ll learn:
~How each publishing model really works
~A map to follow if you want a book deal
~How to set realistic expectations
Make your online presence impress gatekeepers, not distress.
Publishers will Google you — here’s how to look like the professional writer they want to work with.
You’ll learn:
~My Thrive-with-5 strategy for a great author website
~What to include (and what to skip)
~How to build one even if you’re not “techy”
Make agents and editors say “Tell me more.”
You’ll craft a clear, compelling pitch that gets attention fast.
You’ll learn:
~My signature 14-beat strategy for a successful pitch
~How to communicate your “big idea” clearly
~Common mistakes that get submissions ignored
Outline your nonfiction book from start to finish — in one focused day.
Get your ideas out of your head and into a structured, professional framework.
You’ll learn:
~The simple “chapter map” method
~How to identify your reader's need
~How to outline your book so that when you write there's a map!
Your professional proposal — done right.
This is the same system my coaching clients use to get agented and published.
You’ll learn:
~Exactly what to include in each section of your proposal
~A real proposa that landed a book deal with a Big 5 house
~How to confidently approach agents and publishers
👋🏽 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 proposal?”
Such a great question! Yup, learn more about getting a nonfiction book proposal review HERE.
✋🏻 "Can I get feedback on my book?"
Heck yeah! Learn more about Margot editing your nonfiction book HERE.
🖐🏿 "Should I buy these courses if I write fiction?"
Mostly...nope. (Though the Author Website course could serve you!)
🤚🏽 "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 [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help you decide whether this is a good fit for you.
Where You Can Find My Clients' Books...
"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!)
Don’t Let Another Year Go By Without Making Progress on Your Book
Start today with the course that matches your step.
🔎 Get clarity about the best publishing path for you: 👉 HERE...
🔨 Create a site that will dazzle publishers: 👉 HERE...
🎤 Polish your pitch to a gatekeeper: 👉 HERE...
📕 Build your book in ONE DAY when I show you how to create a book map: 👉 HERE...
📋 Craft a nonfiction proposal to start a bidding war: 👉 HECK YEAH!
