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.

About Fran Hauser:

Fran Hauser is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, owner of Bedford Books, and a LinkedIn Top Voice.

Fran is the author of two books that have been hailed as modern-day bibles for professional women striving to create careers they love while staying true to themselves. The Myth of the Nice Girl (2018, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) has been translated into ten languages and earned the prestigious title of "Best Business Book of the Year, 2018" by Audible. Its runaway success formed the catalyst for her acclaimed thought-leadership platform. The follow-up workbook Embrace the Work, Love Your Career (2022, Collective Book Studio) has become the go-to curriculum for women’s affinity groups nationwide.

Her forthcoming book, Twenty Minutes Is the New Hour, will be published by Penguin Random House/Crown Currency in September 2026.

Fran’s publishing journey was so rewarding that she launched Bookbound, a podcast for nonfiction writers, which she co-hosts with friend and literary agent Bethany Saltman.

In December 2024, Fran opened Bedford Books, the first-ever bookstore in her hometown of Bedford, NY. The bookstore combines her passion for storytelling and community-building, allowing her to support and inspire readers and writers alike.