COURTNEY MAUM is the author of Alan Opts Out and five previous books, including the romantic comedy Touch (A New York Times Editors’ Choice) and the memoir The Year of the Horses, chosen by the Today show as one of the best reads for mental health awareness. Creator of the groundbreaking publishing guidebook and bestselling Substack newsletter Before and After the Book Deal, Maum is an educator and writing coach hellbent on preserving the joy of art-making in a culture obsessed with turning artists into brands. In addition to her advocacy work for writers at The Author’s Guild, Courtney runs a workshop in New Mexico where she combines twenty years of experience in advertising with a deep love of craft to help writers boost their confidence and industry know-how.
