About the course

For many writers, the publishing world can feel opaque—full of assumptions, half-truths, and advice that’s either outdated or incomplete. Understanding how the business actually works is often the missing piece between writing a strong book and seeing it succeed in the marketplace.  This course pulls back the curtain on how books actually sell, what the numbers really look like, and how decisions are made inside publishing houses. From current market trends to real-world sales stories, you’ll gain practical insight into what’s working now—and why. We’ll explore what acquiring editors want to see in their inboxes (and what immediately turns them off), along with the unwritten rules and insider practices that shape publishing outcomes behind the scenes.  More than theory, this course is designed to sharpen your commercial awareness and strategic thinking as a writer.  No matter your genre or career stage, developing business savvy will help you make better creative, professional, and long-term decisions—giving your work a stronger chance to reach readers and endure in a competitive marketplace.  Writers of all categories and genres are invited to attend.  The course will air live on April 9 at 7pm ET and will run approximately three hours, including an interactive Q&A. All registered students will receive access to the recording for 60 days and may watch at their own pace. * Students who sign up for "Writing Interiority and Psychological Acuity" by January 31st 2026 have access to this course for FREE

Meet CeCe

CeCe Lyra is a literary agent at Wendy Sherman Associates and co-host of the popular podcast The Shit No One Tells You About Writing. CeCe draws on years of publishing experience to help writers develop compelling hooks, sharpen their craft, and position their stories for success.

Course Curriculum

7 Chapters · 7 Lessons

  1. 1

    Real Books, Real Numbers

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructions

  2. 2

    What’s Trending Now

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructions

  3. 3

    What Acquiring Editors Want to See in their Inbox (and what they don’t)

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructions

  4. 4

    Stories of Book Sales: Success Stories and More

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructions

  5. 5

    Secrets of the Trade

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructions

  6. 6

    Business Savvy Practices for Ambitious Writers

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructions

  7. 7

    Interactive Q&A

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructions

What People Are Saying

Discover how our course is empowering writers to succeed in the competitive industry

”
As an editor, writer, learning junkie, and director of online education, I’ve observed hundreds of lectures. Nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to CeCe’s webinars. She’s crafted them to provide as much publishing insights as a semester-long course. Simply invaluable!
Jeanne B.

Senior Executive Pipeline Media Group, former Senior Editor Writer’s Digest

”
I've signed up for more writing courses than I can safely share without feeling bad about my finances. Hands down, Cece's courses are the best ones out there. The content is so incredible that it's borderline overwhelming – you'll feel your brain swelling and about to explode in the best possible sense. Regardless of the genre you're writing in, I recommend you learn with Cece. I teach storytelling for a living, and the first thing I tell my mentees is: go follow Cece and take one of her courses. My favourite so far has been Hacking Writing on a Line Level – it's just mind-blowingly superb with heaps of practical tips. Writing Emotion and Writing Tension will 100% transform your novel and will even make you read books with a different (more critical) mindset.
Nadia H.

Perth, Western Australia

”
CeCe's courses are phenomenal! I have taken every single one of them at least once, most of them twice, and I will keep taking them as long as she teaches them. Not only is she an exceptional and engaging teacher but every minute of her courses is jam-packed with invaluable information. I recommend them to every writer I know!
Melissa H.

Boston, MA

”
As an agented kidlit writer, I’ve taken numerous online writing workshops and courses over the years, but CeCe's are absolutely at the top of the list. Three courses in, I remain amazed by her generosity and knowledge
Kiley A.

Columbus, OH

”
Cece is an incredibly thorough and generous teacher. With theory, formulas, and plenty of interaction, her course had everything I wanted and more to take my writing to the next level. If you’re serious about your craft, sign up with eyes closed!
Stephane V.

Marseille, France

”
I have an MA in writing, yet I have never been enrolled in a class that provides as much in-depth, detailed, and specific insight into the craft as CeCe’s courses do. CeCe not only provides proven formulas and checklists but offers plenty of real-life examples from bestselling works and inspiring and honest insight into traditional publishing. I have taken several of her classes and each one has elevated me as a writer, editor, storyteller, and reader.
Megan G.

Ontario, Canada

Refund policy

Since the course has limited seating/availability (as well as other peculiarities, such as preparatory work required), we are unable to offer refunds. All sales are final. By enrolling, you acknowledge and agree to this policy.

Ready to Elevate Your Writing Career?

Join our course today!

Please contact us for access. (opens email in new window)