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Young Adult Novel Writing

Write your YA book with the help of a senior editor at Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Books

Course is closed.
Young Adult Novel Writing

WHEN 12 weeks, Mondays, October 29 - January 21
Online chats: Mondays, 8-9 pm EST

WHERE Online. Click here for details.

LEVEL Intermediate

PRICE
$610 ($575 for )
more info

Course Details

Did Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret change your life? Have you come to blows at parties over who's better, Phillip Pullman or J.K. Rowling? Can you relate to preadolescents and teens on their own levels, without being patronizing? You might be the next Judy Blume, if only you knew how to get started. We live in the golden age of YA literature, with young people buying books at the fastest rate in decades. YA novels are now respected as important money-makers at publishing houses, and they win honors such as the Printz, Newbery, and National Book Awards.

Why not try your hand at this exciting field? All you need is some coaching and a rigorous environment to make that YA or middle grade novel happen. The goal of this class is to finish your YA or middle grade novel in 12 weeks. With serious work and attention to the class, you can finish it.

In this class, you can expect to learn:

  • How to write a teen novel proposal that doesn't end up in the slush pile
  • Tips for generating commercial hooks that will make your novel stand out from the rest
  • What makes a novel truly teen -- it's a lot more than just the ages of the characters
  • Whether or not you need an agent, and, if so, how to get one
  • How to write for teens without being condescending (they can smell patronizing a mile away!)

By the end of class, students can expect to have:
A complete first draft of their YA or middle grade novel.

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

The online classroom has several interactive components:

  • Instructors post lectures once a week. You can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience.
  • Students post completed assignments for feedback and discussion by the instructor and class.
  • Weekly chats allow your class to get together via instant message. Transcripts are available for review if you can't attend.
  • Technical support is available from mediabistro staff.

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Instructor Bio

Liesa Abrams's Courses

Young Adult Novel Writing: Advanced – (Class starts January 26)

Liesa Abrams
Liesa Abrams is executive editor at Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Books, where she acquires and edits tween and middle grade fiction in a range of genres, including the bestselling Pendragon series. Previously, she was an editor at Razorbill, the commercial YA imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, and worked with many of today's hottest teen book authors such as Scott Westerfeld and Maureen Johnson. Liesa began her career at the book packager now known as Alloy Entertainment (producers of hits like Sweet Valley High, Gossip Girl, and The Clique), developing, launching, and overseeing ongoing YA series.

Testimonials


Liesa brings both a professional and personal touch to her class. She's clear, concise, and thorough in addressing general writing issues as well as the specific issues that appear in each writer's work. She's a valuable resource to guide one through the YA novel writing process. -- Christopher Momenee

"Beware! Liesa's classes are addictive. If you're looking for insightful critiques, encouragement, and professional insight, Liesa is the instructor for you." -- Donna Ballman

"Liesa is the best mentor I've experienced in online education. She is professional, fun, and clear in her advice and direction." -- Marcia Kelly-Gerritz

"Liesa is very experienced, intuitive, and insightful. She gets right to the point, and helps aspiring writers find their way." -- Malorye Branca

"Liesa is knowledgeable, wise, compassionate, fair, and even-handed. She met our needs, provided encouragement, and gave me new ways to improve my story." -- B. Lynn Goodwin

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