DETAILS

In this intensive workshop, limited to 12 students, memoirist Kelly McMasters will help you hone your story arc, character development, setting, voice, point of view, level of diction, and every other element of your manuscript. Each week you will receive detailed feedback as you work toward polishing your sample chapters or manuscript for submission to agents.

By the end of class, you will have:
At least three polished sample chapters ready to submit to agents with your book proposal.

This class is purely workshop-based and does not contain written lectures.

Admission Requirements:
Students should come to class with a working manuscript. Apply with a letter of interest and writing sample.

• Discussions: Join a weekly live, interactive discussion via video
• Assignments: Complete homework and receive instructor feedback
• Forums: Exchange resources, meet peers, and ask your instructor questions

DETAILS

From Glamour to Good Housekeeping to theknot.com, women's magazines and websites are among the most lucrative and high-profile markets. In this intensive workshop, you will learn how to wow editors with the stories they want (and need).

Each week, you'll produce a different story, each a type of article that is a mainstay at women's magazines and websites. You'll also workshop pitch letters, editing them to perfection to ensure they get read by editors. Your goal in this class is to pitch articles immediately after workshopping them. The pieces that you will complete include a short service piece, a Q & A, a health article, a personal essay, a long service piece, and a human interest piece (an "as told to" or narrative).

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Write in the voice of the magazine or website in which you want to be published
• Know which sections are easiest to break into and are most "freelancer-friendly"
• Find sources
• Rewrite and self-edit
• Connect with other writers in the industry

By the end of class, you will have:
A complete portfolio of publishable articles that will impress any editor.

Students who have taken this class have been published in:
Real Simple, For Me, Woman's Day, Self, Seventeen, Pregnancy, Fit Pregnancy, Everyday with Rachael Ray, Cooking Light, and Redbook.

The online classroom has several components:

• Lessons: Learn new skills through video-based lessons
• 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

DETAILS

In this class, you will 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, including memoir, narrative journalism, self-help, social and political issue, business, and narrative nonfiction.

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 while receiving invaluable feedback on your writing. 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
• Create a dramatic structure that makes your book a page turner
• Find and sustain the right voice
• Distinguish your book in a crowded marketplace
• Navigate the publishing industry

Students who have taken this class have published:
Too Good to Be True: The Rise and Fall of Bernie Madoff (Penguin), The Creative Girl's Guide To Having It All: How to Brave the Odds and Make Your Way in a Creative Career (Perseus/Running Press), Something New: Wedding Etiquette for Rule Breakers, Traditionalists, and Everyone In Between (Simon Spotlight), Escape from Corporate America: A Practical Guide to Creating the Career of Your Dreams (Ballantine), and Read My Hips (Harmony)

The online classroom has several components:

• Lessons: Learn new skills through written lessons
• 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

DETAILS

Nonfiction books -- a market easier to break into than fiction -- are the backbone of publishing. Whether self-help, travel, health, memoir, business, current affairs, or any other number of categories, there's no shortage of readers for nonfiction that teaches, transforms, and captivates readers interested in a particular subject.

In this class, you'll learn how to convey your idea in a winning book proposal and why taking the time to do so will make or break your chances of getting it noticed and sold. You'll also learn what is appropriate for writers who have an idea for a book, but would like to know the complete and correct execution of this vital marketing product.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Identify whether your idea is a good one
• Think through the essential ingredients of a book proposal
• Format the proposal
• Write your proposal letter
• Understand the nuts and bolts of the nonfiction publishing industry

By the end of class, you will have:
A marketable nonfiction book proposal package ready to send out to agents, including a query letter and sample chapter.

Students who have taken this class have published with:
Simon and Schuster, Perseus/Running Press, and Simon Spotlight.

DETAILS

In this intensive workshop -- limited to 12 students -- a former senior editor at Random House will help you 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 as you work toward polishing your manuscript for submission to agents and book publishers.

Weekly chat topics include how to:

• Develop your platform 
• Know what agents and editors are looking for when they consider your manuscript
• Craft an attention-grabbing query letter and practice your pitch
• Decide if self-publishing or traditional publishing is right for you

By the end of class, you will have:
Up to 80 polished pages of your novel, a query letter, and steps for submitting them 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

DETAILS

Though we can't promise that your novel will sell 10 million copies like 50 Shades of Grey, we can help you write a smart, polished manuscript that will appeal to agents, editors, and readers.

In this class, you'll read sample chapters from successful romance novels and learn the elements of historical, contemporary, paranormal, and erotic romance to find your perfect niche in the current marketplace. You'll complete a working draft of your romance novel, all while receiving expert, personal feedback from one of the genre's stars.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Build emotional and sexual tension quickly and effectively
• Create compelling characters, from heroes to villains
• Write sparkling dialogue that drives the plot, develops characters and heightens tension
• Revise, cut, and tighten your manuscript
• Find an agent and market your book and brand

By the end of class, you will have:
A working draft of your romance novel manuscript.

The online classroom has several components:

• Lessons: Learn new skills through written lessons
• 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

DETAILS

The online classroom has several components:

• Lessons: Learn new skills through video-based lessons
• Discussions: 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

DETAILS

This class will provide you with the skills necessary to find work as a professional fashion writer. Through insight into the fashion world and media, you'll learn to grasp the different styles of fashion journalism and gain insight into and an understanding of the fashion industry.

Using trend reports, reviews of collections, and analyzing the craft and business of fashion, you'll learn how to tackle fashion stories from different angles for high fashion magazines, non-traditional publications, and websites. Learn the value of networking, creating and keeping contacts, and how to work with PR to get the heads-up on scoops and invites to press launches and fashion shows. You'll also learn to write pitch letters and emails to secure interviews with designers.

Throughout the course, you'll build a portfolio of spec clips that will exhibit your ability to analyze and report on fashion.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Watch shows, interpret collections, and develop an eye for inspiration
• Write fashion headlines, runway reviews, and fashion features
• Use your personal style to create stories that editors crave
• Understand the differences between fashion editors, writers, and freelancers
• Write compelling pitch letters

By the end of class, you will have: 
A pitch letter for a fashion feature and a collection of clips for a high fashion magazine.

Students who have taken this class have been published on:
NYMag.com, Glamour.com, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The online classroom has several components:

• Lessons: Learn new skills through video-based lessons
• 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

DETAILS

Remember The Glass Castle? It's time for you to write your New York Times bestseller.

This class is geared towards anyone ready to write a memoir but needs to learn how to tell it -- and sell it. You'll participate in a stimulating, supportive environment where you can workshop your memoir-in-progress and receive invaluable feedback.

Through weekly assignments and lectures, you will learn how to turn your idea into a book deal and produce up to 50 pages of text and an outline. You will also learn about craft, style, and the development of your unique voice.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Find your authentic voice and unlock memories
• Know what the 'theme' of your story is
• Find the most effective structure for your story
• Approach literary agents
• Understand techniques for selling a memoir before you have finished writing it

The online classroom has several components:

• Lessons: Learn new skills through written lessons
• 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

CERTIFICATE Use this course to earn a certificate in Copy Editing.

DETAILS

So you know a colon from a semicolon -- but how about an en dash from an em dash?

This class is for those familiar with the basics of copy editing and ready for the next level. If you are a junior-level copy editor or have some editorial experience, this class will provide a deeper understanding of the rules that anchor style choices.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Use more complex grammar and punctuation errors with a focus on proper comma usage
• Evaluate the merits of the popular style guides and other resources
• Understand the role and responsibilities of the copy editor
• Fact-check
• Judge proper word usage

By the end of class, you will have:
Copy editing skills to make consistent style choices in your editing or writing. 

Beginners: Check out our Intro class.

The online classroom has several components:

• Lessons: Learn new skills through written lessons
• 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

DETAILS

In this intensive workshop, limited to 12 students, Marie Claire senior editor Whitney Joiner will help you fine-tune your essays for publication. You'll work on your voice, narrative, and identity while drafting pitches and focusing in on where to market your essay. Each week you will receive detailed feedback as you work toward polishing your personal essay for submission to editors.

By the end of class, you will have:
At least two polished essays and pitches ready to submit to editors.

This class is purely workshop-based and does not contain written lectures.

Admission Requirements:
Students should come to class with a complete draft of their essay(s). Apply with a letter of interest and writing sample.

The online classroom has several components:

• Discussions: Join a weekly live, interactive discussion via video
• Assignments: Complete homework and receive instructor feedback
• Forums: Exchange resources, meet peers, and ask your instructor questions

CERTIFICATE Use this course to earn a certificate in Copy Editing.

DETAILS

Remember sixth grade English class? We don't either.

Get a grammar refresher and learn the rules that matter and those you can break. This course will help you navigate best grammar and style practices to produce clear, concise and engaging copy for editorial, business, or creative writing.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Understand the various parts of speech
• Make sure your subjects, verbs, and objects agree
• Ensure that punctuation serves the sentence
• Craft a perfect sentence
• Define of exactly what style is and why it differs from style guide to style guide

By the end of class, you will have:
Training in the fundamentals of grammar to improve your current and future writing projects.

DETAILS

Learn how to make the current climate in both publishing and parenting work for you. We'll explore the different outlets available to parenting writers, from blogs to websites to magazines, as well as the story ideas and formats that editors are looking for. Learn the nuts and bolts of researching, writing, and revising a parenting story. We'll also show you how blog posts, magazine stories, and newspaper stories differ, and how to develop strong relationships with your editors. 

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Mine your life, experience, and connections for ideas
• Define yourself as a parenting writer
• Identify which market is right for you -- magazines, blogs, or websites
• Target your pitches
• Research topics and identify sources

By the end of class, you will have:
Two stories with pitch letters, a list of targeted venues for publication, and a strategy for getting published.

• Lessons: Learn new skills through written lessons
• 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

CERTIFICATE Use this course to earn a certificate in Copy Editing.

DETAILS

This course is for anyone who wants to break into copy editing or feel more confident wrangling words. We'll cover the basics, from understanding copy editing marks to avoiding rookie grammar mistakes. You'll have the tools needed to enter the field and an understanding of how to create smooth, readable copy. And you'll have another skill you can add to your resume and put into action.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Determine when a sentence needs tweaking or is best left alone
• Understand copy editing lingo, including proofreading symbols and common terms
• Navigate stylebooks and prepare for a copy editing test
• Find the best reference materials for a copy editing assignment
• Tailor a resume and find copy editing jobs

By the end of class, you will have:
Knowledge of the copy editing field and the tools to pursue a job as a copy editor.

• Lessons: Learn new skills through written lessons
• Discussion: Join a weekly live, interactive discussion via IM
  
• Assignments: Complete homework and receive instructor feedback
• Forums: Exchange resources, meet peers, and ask your instructor questions

DETAILS

Remember The Glass Castle? It's time for you to write your New York Times bestseller.

This class is geared towards anyone ready to write a memoir but needs to learn how to tell it -- and sell it. You'll participate in a stimulating, supportive environment where you can workshop your memoir-in-progress and receive invaluable feedback. 

Through weekly assignments and lectures, you will learn how to turn your idea into a book deal and produce up to 50 pages of text and an outline. You will also learn about craft, style, and the development of your unique voice.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Find your authentic voice and unlock memories
• Know what the 'theme' of your story is
• Find the most effective structure for your story
• Approach literary agents
• Understand techniques for selling a memoir before you have finished writing it

By the end of class, you will have:
An outline, 50 pages of a memoir, and a plan for approaching literary agents and publishing houses. 

Students who have taken this class have published with:
Crown, Random House, and have gotten agents at William Morris and Brandt & Hochman.

DETAILS

While the last several years saw the chick lit-based feature films The Devil Wears Prada, Something Borrowed, and P.S. I Love You, the genre has begun to drift in a deeper direction, drawing closer to women’s fiction standards with Jodi Picoult and Anita Shreve, who consistently dominate the bestseller charts. Whether you call your writing chick lit or women’s fiction, this is the class for you.

Learn how chick lit and women's fiction differ from romance and other genres. We'll discuss where women's fiction is going, how it's expanding, and how to get your book published.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Create compelling, likeable, realistic characters
• Write great dialogue and resolve conflict
• Revise, cut, and tighten your manuscript
• Find an agent and create a pitch package
• Market your book after it's sold

By the end of class, you will have:
A first draft of your chick lit novel, and the knowledge of how to sell it to agents.

The online classroom has several components:

• Lessons: Learn new skills through written lessons
• Discussions: 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

DETAILS

• Lessons: Learn new skills through written lessons
• Discussions: 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

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

DETAILS

Discover how to work as a writer in a changing industry by completing two publishable pieces. This class will show you where opportunities are and which are right for you. You'll workshop two pieces in any format including news stories, roundups, services pieces, listicles, profiles, personal essays, interviews, and features.

In addition to writing and reporting exercises, we'll also show you the business side of getting published: where to pitch, how to query a publication, and how to work with editors so they'll want to work with you.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Create captivating stories editors will want and readers will love
• Know which magazines and sections will buy your story
• Craft compelling pitch letters
• Approach editors and build relationships
• Create content for online publications

By the end of class, you will have:
Two polished articles with corresponding pitch letters.

Students who have taken this class have been published in:
Wired, In Touch Weekly, ESPN the Magazine, Time Out New York, Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Cookie, Town & Country Travel, Boston, Woman's Day, Family Circle, Psychology Today, Paste, and Bust.

DETAILS

Join fellow writers in your pursuit of a first draft, under the guidance of a novelist who knows what she's doing -- and what you need to do. You'll learn the lost art of craft, the power of the outline, and how to find the "hook" that will sell your novel.

You'll get lessons on characterization, point of view, style, dialogue, plot, and silencing your inner critic. Students will share their work with the class at least three times and will join the instructor in providing feedback to other students.

In this class, you will learn how to:

• Write a strong outline -- and when to change it
• Create believable characters
• Create a consistent tone and point of view
• Understand the secret to dynamic dialogue
• Provide and receive useful feedback

Students who have taken this class have published with:
Simon & Schuster, Voice, Forge, and signed with the McIntosh and Otis agency.

The online classroom has several components:

• Lessons: Learn new skills through written lessons
• 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