Workshops
Writing should not be an isolated process. Workshops provide an opportunity to refine your craft, engage with your peers, and receive live professional feedback. Find your community by joining any of our workshops!
Manuscript Accelerator
Do you have an idea for novel but haven’t been able to get started? Are you stuck mid-manuscript? Have you put your writing goals on a back-burner? This 4-week intensive workshop will spark your creativity and provide a framework for getting those pages done. You will submit up to 10,000 words every week and receive personalized feedback from the instructor, as well as exercises to strengthen your writing. Through a combined approach of professional and peer critique as well as dedicated writing time, this workshop will help you move forward with your work in progress. Get the essential guidance you need from an industry expert to achieve your publishing dreams.
You will learn:
- How to create an outline
- How to best structure your story
- How to keep the pace moving
- How to develop strong characters
- How to write believable dialogue
Fee: $399
Length: 2 hours
Duration: 4 weeks
Format: Zoom video conference
Time: Saturdays 2:00-4:00 PM EST
Dates: Please contact us for our upcoming dates!
Query Letter Writing
A query is a persuasive sales letter that entices an agent or editor to request and read your manuscript. This short missive needs to accomplish many tasks and avoid many pitfalls: What is this book about? (But don’t give too much away!) Peak my interest! (But don’t hammer me with questions.) Where does your book fit on the bookshelf? (But don’t use obscure or incomparable references.) Learn what is a must and what is a bust for query letter writing.
You will learn:
- How to structure a professional query letter
- How to hook your reader
- How to streamline your overview
- How to refine your biography
- How to effectively use comparative titles
- How to navigate the querying process
- How to research professional agents and editors to find your best fit
Fee: $150
Length: 3 hours
Format: Zoom video conference
Time: 1:00-4:00 PM EST
Dates: Please contact us for our upcoming dates!
Bring your query letter draft if you would like to share for live feedback!
First Five Pages
The first pages are a critical determining factor in whether or not an agent or editor will read the rest of your manuscript. How you open your story, what tense is used, how to ground the reader, create interesting dialogue, and avoid common pitfalls are among the many concepts covered in this workshop. Give your work the polish it needs to stand out from the rest.
You will learn:
- How to grab attention in your first page
- How to improve your opening scenes
- How to approach perspective
- How to use dialogue effectively
- How to introduce your world
- How to connect with your reader
Fee: $150
Length: 3 hours
Format: Zoom video conference
Time: 1:00-4:00 PM EST
Dates: Please contact us for our upcoming dates!
Bring your first five pages if you would like to share for live feedback!
Build Your Platform
More than a great idea for a nonfiction book, an author needs to establish a solid platform that recognizes them for being an expert in their field. Learn how to identify and expand your target audience, how to build an irresistible hook, and how to position yourself using core branding strategies. What will make your proposal look appealing to an agent and editor? We can help you concentrate your digital and social media efforts for the largest value, so you can stay focused on your writing!
You will learn:
- Why you are the expert
- How to define your brand
- How to build and maintain your online presence
- How to identify and reach your target audience
Fee: $150
Length: 3 hours
Format: Zoom video conference
Time: 1:00-4:00 PM EST
Dates: Please contact us for our upcoming dates!
Publishing Contracts Overview
As a successful author, you will be putting your pen to paper for more than just your writing. Over the course of your career, you will be signing many publishing and related contracts, beginning with your agency agreement, and spanning domestic, international, and film & television deals. It’s important you understand what you’re putting your name on, and the implications of every aspect of your contracts.
You will learn:
- How to identify the basic elements of a contract
- How to interpret contract language
- What are the industry standards
- How to negotiate in your favour
Fee: $150
Length: 3 hours
Format: Zoom video conference
Time: 1:00-4:00 PM EST
Dates: Please contact us for our upcoming dates!