Writers’ Hub
Welcome to the Writers’ Hub at Bedford Books—a space designed to support and inspire our local writing community. As a writer myself, I know how meaningful it is to have a place where creativity is nurtured and ideas can take shape. Here, you'll find resources, events, and a welcoming community to help you along your writing and publishing journey.
Write What You Know: Memoir, Novels & Personal Essays
Have you dreamed of turning a personal experience or family story into a written work of art? What does it mean to “write what you know?” Drawing from your lived experience and emotional truth can provide powerful scaffolding for a story. We’ll cover internal and external methods of mining the truth, types of writing to create, how to overcome fears, when to reframe facts to best serve the story, as well as marketing, branding, privacy, and legal considerations. Lisa will touch upon examples from her own experience of using her family’s story to create her award-winning novel, Everything We Thought Was True. This workshop will be interactive and include questions and answers. You’ll walk away feeling more empowered to effectively capture your personal story on the page and share it with the world.
Coffee and snacks will be served, and Lisa's novel Everything We Thought Was True will be available for sale.
Publishing Made Easy Workshop
I’ve been running publishing workshops for nonfiction writers since 2018, and I’m so excited to now bring them to the bookstore.
My Publishing Made Easy workshop is an intimate, in-person workshop that guides you through the nonfiction publishing landscape, helping you understand what makes a book sellable and how to craft a winning pitch. With practical strategies, templates, and hands-on activities, you'll leave with a clear action plan and the confidence to move forward on your publishing journey. 📚✨
This program includes:
✓ An intimate in-person workshop with Fran Hauser at Bedford Books, limited to just five participants. You’ll learn about the different nonfiction publishing options, what makes a book sellable, and how to create a winning pitch (I call it a "Book Brief").
✓ Practical tips, proven strategies, and a step-by-step roadmap so that you can make informed decisions on publishing your book. We’ll also mix it up with group discussions and hands-on activities.
✓ Templates and worksheets so that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
✓ An environment where you’ll be able to connect with other aspiring authors, swap stories, and support each other.
Key takeaways:
✓ Clarity on which publishing path to pursue (Big 5, indie, hybrid, or self-publishing).
✓Action plan with specific next steps to get you going on your journey (including how to refine your concept and craft your Book Brief).
✓ Identification of the collaborators who can help bring your book to life.
THE DEETS:
Date: June 16, 2025, 10:00 - 1:00
Place: Bedford Books—13 Court Road Bedford, NY
Price: $399
Coffee & light bites are included. Five spots are available: grab yours now!
BookLaunch Pro
If you’re an author whose book is coming out in three-six months and are looking for a book marketing expert to help you develop a customized launch plan, this one’s for you!
This program includes:
✓ A 90-minute one-on-one session with Fran Hauser (virtual or at Bedford Books), where you will learn her 7-step process of a successful book launch.
✓ Access to a library of all the assets and tools you’ll need to execute each step (email templates, social media assets, and project plans).
✓ Post-session communication with Fran via email (up to three emails).
Key takeaways:
✓ Ready-to-go emails for outreach to media, friends/colleagues, influencers, and more.
✓ A plan to recruit launch team members.
✓ Collateral templates (press kit, online media kit, and more).
✓ ARC distribution plan (getting the book to people who can amplify).
✓ Content calendar for social media and other platforms.
✓ A process to get a meaningful number of Amazon reviews posted on launch day.
✓ Outreach tracker (a document that will allow you to track outreach and commitments).
✓ Launch day punch list: a complete list of to-do’s for the big day.
PRICE: $1,499
P.S. We also offer the opportunity to rent the bookstore for a special and private book launch party! 🎉
Contact us to learn more and set up your session: call/text at 914-688-5857 or email at hello@bedfordbooks.shop.
TESTIMONIALS
“Going through the BookLaunch Pro session with Fran was exactly what I needed to feel less stressed about my launch. It was a total game-changer for me. I came out of the session with a crystal-clear plan on the marketing channels I should prioritize and how to best activate them. Just as importantly, I also have clarity on the areas I shouldn't waste my time on. If you're a nonfiction author who is looking for expert help with your book launch, I would highly recommend Fran and this awesome program!”
— Annie Orenstein, Author of Always a Sibling (Hachette 2024) and Sr. Research Manager, YouTube.
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“As a first-time author, Fran’s BookLaunch Pro was a game-changer. Though I’m a seasoned marketer, Fran made creating a breakthrough book launch easy and joyful. She has examples for every step of the process and organizes them for flawless execution. Most of all, I loved my session with Fran. I am blown away by her warmth, wisdom, and generosity.”
— Bonnie Wan, Author of The Life Brief: A Playbook for No-Regrets Living (Simon & Schuster 2024) and Partner/Head of Brand Strategy, Goodby Silverstein & Partners
BOOKBOUND
Bookbound is an initiative founded by Fran Hauser and literary agent Bethany Saltman to support nonfiction writers. Through our BOOKBOUND podcast, Read Like a Writer book club, and e-book on crafting a standout book proposal, we offer tools and inspiration to help writers become published authors. Explore all of our resources here.
