Write and Self-Publish Your First Book with a Step-by-Step Plan with John Lim, Bus '13 (MBA)

Course Title: Write and Self-Publish Your First Book With a Step-by-Step Plan with John Lim, Bus '13 (MBA)

Instructor: John Lim, Bus '13

Brought to you by Odyssey  

January 30, 2026 - March 6, 2026 (6 Sessions) 

Fridays,  6:00PM ET - 8:00PM ET 

Virtual via Zoom

Course Description: Writing a book is one of the top "bucket list" goals of people around the world. Taking on a big project like this can be intimidating. This course will provide a framework to break this down into reasonable, and realistic steps to make writing and publishing a book an achievable goal. Learn the "anatomy" of a book, how to get your ideas organized, how to overcome writer's block, and self-publish on Amazon KDP: one of the biggest publishing platforms in the world.

Note: This course is open to both non-fiction and fiction writers. Classes will be recorded as a courtesy for students.

*Top Rated Instructor*

Explore more lifelong learning opportunities in our full SPRING 2026 Odyssey Catalog

What Past Participants Are Saying...

“In all honesty, I was not educated on the book world or author world but after taking your class, I felt beyond ready to release my first poetry book! You made the class simple and digestible really breaking down the ins and outs of being an author. From brainstorming to editing to marketing. I still to this day, review some of the notes from the sessions. I am extremely grateful there are people like you who want to help and want to give back. For those who take John’s class, really be intentional so you can get the most out of the experience!”  

"I recently attended John's webinar series on Writing and Publishing ... He is an inspiring instructor — organized, knowledgeable, and responsive. His teaching style is very hands-on, filled with valuable information and practical advice. The assignments he gave challenged us to apply the things we were learning. Before attending this course, I knew nothing about how to self-publish on Amazon. Thanks to his effort and encouragement, I'm now a published writer!" 

“I thought that John did a phenomenal job both in planning content and presenting the course. His significant resources were very helpful and I will continually refer to them as I move forward in writing my book. He is very knowledgeable, having written several books on diverse topics.” 

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Johns Hopkins Tuition Remission Policies 

Tuition benefits are available to University faculty, staff, and retirees only. Employees of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, or the Applied Physics Laboratory should contact your institution’s Human Resources office for information about tuition remission and eligibility:

• Johns Hopkins Hospitals and Medical Institutions: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/human-resources/benefits/tuition-assistance

• Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory: https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers/professional-development

Select the correct ticket pricing during registration. If we cannot confirm your university eligibility, you will be requested to pay the full registration price for each course. Complete eligibility details can be found here.

Withdrawals & Refunds:

If a course is canceled or closed, the registrant is notified immediately, and a full refund is processed automatically unless another course is requested. Registrants who wish to withdraw from an active course must complete the online Odyssey Refund Request Form. Attach any documentation to support your request (e.g., medical documentation, family crisis documentation, etc.).

• 100% refund: Prior to the start of the course and after the first class.

• No refunds: After the first week of each course unless in exceptional cases.

For single-session courses:
100% refundable within two (2) business days of the event.

Please note, refunds apply only to the tuition portion of an Odyssey participant’s charges and are not applicable to any fees or gifts made to the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association. Registrants will be notified by email if a refund is approved within five (5) business days.