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Nonfiction Book Writing

Draft your book with the help of a published author and agent

Course is closed.
Nonfiction Book Writing

WHEN 12 weeks, Mondays, June 16 - September 15
Online chats: Mondays, 9-10 pm EST

WHERE Online. Click here for details.

LEVEL Intermediate

PRICE
$610 ($575 for )
more info

Course Details

Even experienced writers can balk at having to fill hundreds of pages with tens of thousands of words. 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: how-to, history, political science, psychology, medicine, memoir, lifestyle, science, literature and art, personal essays, and business, to name a few.

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 on these topics while receiving invaluable feedback on your writing by an industry professional and your peers. The 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
  • How to create a dramatic structure for your book that will make it a page turner
  • How to find and sustain the right voice
  • How to distinguish your book in a crowded marketplace
  • Insights into the publishing industry that can affect how and what you write

By the end of this class, you will have:
A working draft (75-100 pages), a full chapter outline, and a plan for the completion of your book

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

Wendy Goldman Rohm's Courses

How to Get A Literary Agent – Chicago (Seminar on October 21)
How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal That Sells – Chicago (Seminar on September 23)

Wendy Goldman Rohm
Wendy Goldman Rohm is a New York Times bestselling author, literary agent, and award-winning editor. She is the author of the bestseller The Microsoft File, an expose on the antitrust investigation of Microsoft. She has been a correspondent for numerous national and international magazines and newspapers including The New York Times Syndicate International, Men's Vogue, Wired, Poets & Writers, New York, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, Washington Post, Financial Times of London, Talk magazine, Red Herring, and Upside.

Wendy has given a series of honorary Masters Teas at Yale University teaching students about the inner workings of book and magazine publishing, and the creative and business aspects of being an author. She's appeared on The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, BBC television and radio, CNN, PBS, National Public Radio, and other national and international broadcasts. She is also on the board of The Poetry Center, Chicago.

Testimonials


If you have a great idea for a book and need a primer on how to shop the idea and develop a great book proposal, this is the class. Wendy offers great advice and walks you through the process of getting your nonfiction book idea published. She's very approachable and makes time to help you. I'd like to take a longer workshop with her as I develop my reference book proposal!-Mike Reilley

"Wendy Goldman Rohm offers insider information about the publishing industry, both from the standpoint of an agent and an author. Her stories are entertaining and informative, and her interest in learning more about the participants and their book ideas is refreshing and makes for an engaging seminar."-Susan Blumberg-Kason

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