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Personal Essay Boot Camp
Personal essays are one of the best ways to break into top magazines
Course DetailsFrom Anna Quindlen to Adam Gopnik, the work of personal essayists is increasingly filling the pages of newspapers and magazines, offering readers a tantalizing glimpse of inner worlds, and, in the process, casting a light on the larger world around them. But what separates a compelling personal essay from mere navel gazing? This class will explore the basics of writing and selling first-person narratives with an eye toward the publications that publish them, such as The New York Times, Newsweek, Self, Jane, Men's Health, Out, Salon.com and others. We will read and discuss student work in class and prepare it for pitching.
By the end of class, students can expect to have: Please submit a letter of interest, (including a brief work history) and a writing sample (less than 2,000 words). | ||
Instructor BioGlenn Gordon's Courses Your First Big Break New York (Seminar on March 25) ![]() Testimonials Glenn was so supportive and encouraging, offering honest feedback every step of the way. The class was a perfect combination of tips, guidance, advice, and reading and revisions. -- Susan Gernhart"Glenn offered us a practical strategy, based on his experience as a writer and editor, on how to get published when you haven't been published before. He was extremely patient with answering our questions -- and we had so many." -- Al Leibman, freelancer "I took Glenn's seminar at mediabistro in late August, and by October was published in Time Out NY and will be published again in upcoming issues. Thank you, Glenn, for the great class and the inspiration." -- Judie Hurtado "Glenn provides plenty of useful information, and he does it with sincerity, wit, and grace. Whether you're looking for that first byline or you're an established writer looking for ways to supplement your income with freelance assignments, you will benefit from this seminar." -- Cecil Harris, author Call the Yankees My Daddy and Breaking the Ice "I felt pumped when I left and I can't wait to start pitching ideas to various publications. I really feel like I can actually do this!" -- Ann Guaglione "Glenn was wonderful -- upbeat, encouraging and really helpful. He gave us all kinds of information about pitching and even editors' names. I loved his 'Oprah Moments.'" -- Laurie Vazquez "Glenn gave me the confidence I needed to move forward! He taught me that no matter what job you are currently in or what point you are within in your career, there is always a fascinating story lurking not far behind you!" -- Alexis Lardieri "Glenn made me feel inspired and a lot less intimidated. I would recommend this class to anyone who needs that extra boost and advice on how to get their foot in the door." -- Andrea Chelariu "Glenn's enthusiasm was infectious and I left his class feeling optimistic and brimming with ideas -- and, thanks to Glenn, now I'll even know where to pitch them!" -- Donna Silber |
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-- Susan Gernhart




