Young Adult Novel Writing: Master Class

WHEN Classroom opens July 9 Discussions start Tuesday, July 16, 10-11 pm ET - Full Schedule WHERE Online PRICE $660 (or $635 for AvantGuild members - details) Add to Calendar iCal | Outlook ALSO STARTS:  Online - 9/10/2013 Notify me when this is offered again.

Details

You've taken your young adult manuscript as far as you can, but there's another level to reach before securing a book deal. This workshop is for writers who are seeking to do the serious revision that will bring a good idea to its fullest realization.

In this intensive workshop -- limited to 12 students -- you'll hone your story arc, character development, setting, voice, point of view, level of diction, and every element of your manuscript. Each week you will receive detailed feedback from the instructor and your classmates as you work toward polishing your YA or middle grade manuscript for submission to agents and book publishers. You'll learn how to navigate the publishing world to be in the best position to get published.

By the end of class, you will have:
Up to 80 polished pages of your young adult novel and steps for submitting it to literary agents.
 
This class is purely workshop-based and does not contain written lectures.

Admission Requirements:
This class is for students working toward a polished manuscript. Apply with a note to explain your interest in this topic and goals for the course. Please include a two-page writing sample.

The online classroom has several components:

• 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

Young Adult Novel Writing: Master Class (PDF) View a sample syllabus for the class here.

Instructor

Brendan Deneen is an editor at Thomas Dunne Books (a division of St. Martin's Press/Macmillan), where he acquires young adult novels from the small and quirky (Being Audrey Hepburn) to the big and epic (Conquered Earth). He also launched Macmillan Films, whose first project, the young adult novel Tempest, was quickly pre-empted by the producers of the Twilight movies.

Brendan is a former development/production executive for Scott Rudin and Bob & Harvey Weinstein (Miramax/Dimension Films) and a former literary and film manager, where he closed dozens of publishing and movie deals. He also teaches writing for television and film in the undergraduate school at Hunter College.

Brendan Deneen's Courses
Young Adult Novel Writing: Master Class – (Starts July 9)

Testimonials

Brendan was funny, smart, and incredibly generous with his time and expertise. He gave honest feedback that helped me solve tough story problems. I started the class with a rough draft and finished with much tighter, more polished pages. -- Mai Nguyen

"If you have the opportunity to take this class, don't hesitate. Your writing and your project will improve exponentially. You'll gain valuable, honest insight into the strengths and weaknesses of your manuscript and how to prepare it for the marketplace." -- Laura Kogonis

"Brendan's knowledge of the publishing world was invaluable, and the feedback he gave me regarding my novel will definitely help me land an agent." -- Alicia Butler

"Brendan gave focused, insightful feedback. He challenged us to improve our stories and his suggestions resulted in a stronger manuscript. Thanks, Brendan!" -- Jeanne Moran

"Brendan treated us like professionals, giving us feedback he would have given one of his own authors. His critiques were invaluable in helping me re-think my work-in-progress. I felt his authentic wish for us to succeed." -- Lily Garfield