Personal Essay Boot Camp

Personal essays are one of the best ways to break into top magazines

Course is closed.
Personal Essay Boot Camp

DURATION/TIME
8 weeks
Wednesdays
October 25 - December 20
7-10 pm

LEVEL
Intermediate

LOCATION
New York (Midtown West) 

PRICE
$499 ($475 for )
more info

Course Details

From 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.

In this class, you can expect to learn:

  • How to find a narrative voice to weave throughout your essay
  • How to tell a personal story without being whiney
  • How to tell someone else's story
  • How to know what to leave in and what to leave out

By the end of class, students can expect to have:
At least two complete and salable personal essays

Admission Requirements:
Please submit a letter of interest, (including a brief work history) and a writing sample (less than 2,000 words).

Instructor Bio

Glenn Gordon's Courses

Your First Big Break – New York (Seminar on March 25)

Glenn Gordon
Glenn Michael Gordon is an accomplished journalist whose experience as an editor and writer spans the print and online worlds. His work has appeared in numerous publications including New York, Self, Seventeen, Departures, Budget Travel, and Reader's Digest, as well as several websites including CNN.com, LadiesHomeJournal.com, and WebMD. He was the editor-in-chief of ReadersDigest.com and a senior editor at Child magazine. He has appeared as a guest on several television news programs and has cooked live on The Food Network. He is currently writing a memoir, a part of which was published as a feature in New York magazine.

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

AvantGuild* Discounts on mediabistro.com courses are just one of the wonderful benefits of being in AvantGuild, our premium membership program. For just $59 a year, you'll receive instant access to our How to Pitch articles and other premium articles, transcripts from selected seminars and panels, and discounts on virtually everything we do (including eClasses and the Freelance Marketplace)! Click here to join now.