Nonfiction Book Writing

Draft your book and get it published

WHEN Materials available starting June 3
Discussions start Monday, June 10, 8-9 pm ET - Full Schedule

WHERE Online

PRICE
$675 (or $650 for AvantGuild members - details)

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Details

In this class, you will learn how to manage the tricky process of writing a nonfiction book from an instructor who has overseen the development of nonfiction titles of all kinds, including memoir, narrative journalism, self-help, social and political issue, business, and narrative nonfiction.

Find out where to start, how to stay motivated, how to write for a specific audience, and how to establish a powerful voice. You'll get guidance while receiving invaluable feedback on your writing. Class will be a combination of lectures and weekly manuscript workshops.

In this class, you will learn how to:

Research your topic efficiently and effectively
Create a dramatic structure that makes your book a page turner
Find and sustain the right voice
Distinguish your book in a crowded marketplace
Navigate the publishing industry

By the end of class, you will have:
A draft of your nonfiction book manuscript, an outline for completion, and an understanding of how to navigate the publication process.

Students who have taken this class have published:
Too Good to Be True: The Rise and Fall of Bernie Madoff (Penguin), The Creative Girl's Guide To Having It All: How to Brave the Odds and Make Your Way in a Creative Career (Perseus/Running Press), Something New: Wedding Etiquette for Rule Breakers, Traditionalists, and Everyone In Between (Simon Spotlight), Escape from Corporate America: A Practical Guide to Creating the Career of Your Dreams (Ballantine), and Read My Hips (Harmony)

The online classroom has several components:

Lessons: Learn new skills through written lessons
Discussion: Join a weekly live, interactive discussion via IM and video
Assignments: Complete homework and receive instructor feedback
Forums: Exchange resources, meet peers, and ask your instructor questions

Course Syllabus

Nonfiction Book Writing (PDF)

View a sample syllabus for the class here.

Instructor

Christa Bourg is a professional book packager and editor. She has developed books for various imprints at Random House, Penguin Group, Simon & Schuster, and Sterling Publishing in nearly every nonfiction category including business, memoir, parenting, lifestyle, home, health/medical, reference, and humor. She has also ghostwritten a number of titles including the recent New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller Taking People With You.

Christa Bourg's Courses
Nonfiction Book Writing – (Starts June 3)

Testimonials

Christa made the daunting process of crafting a book proposal much more manageable. Weekly assignments kept me on track and feedback shaped my idea into a solid, marketable proposal. -- Jessica DuLong

"Christa is a fantastic instructor. She's thoughtful, her edits are incredibly thorough, and she takes the time to walk students carefully through their book projects. I've taken three classes with her, and I keep coming back for a reason!" -- Corey Binns

"Thanks to Christa's teaching, I was inspired to write a complete, polished proposal for my book. I signed on with the Zachary Shuster Harmsworth literary agency!" -- Joyce Hanson

"Christa guided us through each section of our proposals and workshopped them thoroughly. I came out of the class confident in my proposal with the tools to navigate the business." -- Elise MacAdam

"I workshopped a piece that will be published in a magazine, and the feedback and structure improved my work significantly!" -- Judy Kamilhor

"Christa was informative and inspiring. I appreciated having someone so down to earth as her!" -- Philana Marie Boles, author of Little Divas, In the Paint, and Blame It on Eve

"Christa was excellent! She has been in the industry for many years and was extremely informative and helpful. She's confident, patient, and thoughtful." -- Al Hazan

"Christa is a very thoughtful, thorough, and patient instructor who takes a genuine interest in her students." -- Ian Morgan

"Christa teaches you everything you need to know to impress agents and publishers with your book proposal and come one step closer to your publishing goal." -- Jennifer Poe

"The timetable and deadlines provided me with the structure and motivation I needed. I walked away with a lot of practical knowledge on how to get published." -- Lynsey Griswold

"Christa gives an excellent overview of the publishing world and what you need to do to get your proposal read. She offers solid advice to make your dream into a reality." -- Claudia Perry

"I can't say enough good things about Christa. She gives insightful, precise, and helpful writing feedback. I went from chronic procrastination to having several chapters, a working plan, and a much more positive attitude." -- Karen Schechner