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.
Build Your Author Platform
A workshop for authors at any stage who want to build an authentic platform that draws in readers, agents, and publishers.
Convincing readers to buy your book is easier when they know who you are. In this two-hour workshop, author brand advisor Jessica Sorentino will guide you through the essentials of building an authentic author platform that connects with readers, agents, and publishers. You'll start to identify your personal brand, learn how to represent yourself as the main character of your story, and create sustainable habits for showing up for your community—without feeling chronically online.
All attendees will receive The Notebook, Jessica's content planner designed specifically for writers, featuring brand activation prompts, marketing organization spreads, and space to bring your book (and dreams) to life.
Limited to 14 participants. Sign up here!
THE DEETS:
Format: 2-hour in-person workshop; capped at 14 participants.
Date: Mar. 16, 2026, 11:00 - 1:00
Place: Bedford Books—13 Court Road Bedford, NY
Price: $39
From Idea to Book: What Publishers Look For
Many aspiring nonfiction authors have a topic they care deeply about—but aren’t sure if it’s strong enough to become a book.
In this 90-minute workshop, bestselling author and publishing coach Fran Hauser will help you pressure-test your idea and understand what makes a nonfiction concept truly compelling.
Fran will walk you through how publishers and agents think about positioning, and why the difference between a topic and a book idea matters more than most first-time authors realize.
In this interactive session, you’ll learn:
The difference between a topic and a book idea
How publishers evaluate nonfiction concepts
The three key questions every successful nonfiction book must answer
A simple framework to help you pressure-test your own idea
Perfect for anyone thinking about writing a nonfiction book—or wondering if their idea is ready for the next step.
Limited to 10 participants. Sign up here!
THE DEETS:
Format: 90-minute in-person workshop; capped at 10 participants.
Date: Apr. 13, 2026, 11:00 - 12:30
Place: Bedford Books—13 Court Road Bedford, NY
Price: $79
Publishing Made Easy
Fran’s 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:
Format: 3-hour in-person workshop; capped at five participants.
Time: May 11, 2026, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Place: Bedford Books—13 Court Road Bedford, NY
Price: $399
Coffee & snacks are included.
BOOKBOUND
Bookbound is an initiative founded by Fran Hauser and literary agent Bethany Saltman to support nonfiction writers. Through our BOOKBOUND podcast, Substack, 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.
