mediabistro.com Course Listings

Instructor Bio

Shari Goldhagen's Courses

Novel Writing Workshop – New York

Shari Goldhagen published her first novel, Family and Other Accidents, in 2006 (Doubleday). She holds an MFA from Ohio State and a journalism degree from Northwestern. A fellow of both Yaddo and MacDowell, she currently lives in New York City, where she has stalked celebrities as a reporter for magazines, including The National Enquirer, Life & Style, and Celebrity Living.

Testimonials

Shari was wonderful! She was very helpful and reassuring. I loved how she was frank and utterly honest. She told us how it really is, but didn't sour us on publishing our own work. -- Nicole Yanolatos

"Shari was excellent, perceptive, and very encouraging. She had lots of specific examples from writing her own novel and novels she had read. This helped to both generate a first draft and improve on the content already there." -- Dekker Dare

"Shari was both insightful and funny while offering detailed criticism of our writing. She was also realistic and encouraging about the process. I look forward to taking another class with her." -- Anne Barthel

"Shari is great. She is very laid back and her suggestions are spot on." --Jennifer Fermino

"Shari preserved the individuality and organic nature of novel writing while at the same time presenting tried and true advice." -- Mark Decker

"Shari's class allowed me to find my voice as a writer. I would recommend this course to anyone who is seriously writing and needs a refresher or even just feedback. It was great!" -- Keisha Bush

"Shari kept the discussion moving in an organized fashion. Clearly, she has had plenty of experience because her advice was thoughtful and provoked personal inquiry." -- Ann Votaw

11/23/2009: Copywriting: Mastering Ad Writing - ONLINE - Derek Scheips - 8 weeks, $499

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 8 weeks, November 23 - January 18
Online chats Mondays, 8-9 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for information.

LEVEL Intro

PRICE
$499 ($475 for )
more info

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Course Details

Learn how to think, see, and create from the unique perspective of a copywriter as you take part in creative exercises and practical, hands-on learning. Once you learn the basic formulas and structures of writing a print ad, your copywriting will translate easily into various media. Add some creative inspiration and a love for trends and brands and you're on your way to writing breakthrough ads. In this introduction to copywriting, you'll learn the art of coming up with concepts and headlines for both short, headline-focused ads as well as long copy (brochures, web etc.).

In this class, your talents will be nurtured as you learn the essentials. This course is open to anyone with an interest in advertising, including students, professionals, writers, and designers. No previous advertising experience is required. If you're already working as a writer or copywriter, you'll refresh your experience, learn from a new perspective, and practice creative assignments.

In this class you will learn:

How to write benefit-driven, creative headlines and body copy for a range of industries
How to practice writing for various advertising media: print, collateral (brochures, annual reports), web, outdoor, and direct mail
The varying skills needed to write brief, punchy ads and long copy (annual reports, brochures, web)
How to write, as well as work from, a creative brief
How copywriting works with graphics and photos to make a complete ad
Ways to jumpstart your ad portfolio and start looking for jobs

This class will mimic how projects are assigned in an ad agency. Each week you will be required to write ads (usually three executions) according to the assignment as per the lessons and creative brief, which you will post for feedback. Class time will consist of work review, instruction, and brainstorming exercises. Assignments also include reading magazines and journals. You can expect 3-5 hours of homework time each week.

Students who have taken this class have gotten jobs at:
Allebach, Saatchi and Saatchi, LyonHeart, IconNicholson, Euro RSCG 4D, Artisan Talent, Mr. Youth, and more.

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.

Course Syllabus

Copywriting: Mastering Ad Writing (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

Related Courses

• Brand Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 25)

• Trademark Essentials for Graphic Designers (Video) – ONLINE

• Mediabistro Circus: Creating a Global Phenomenon with Tim Ferriss (Video) – ONLINE

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Advertising & Marketing

Instructor Bio

Derek Scheips's Courses

Copywriting: Mastering Ad Writing – (Class starts November 23)

Derek Scheips has more than a decade of experience as a copywriter for global brands including Microsoft, Citibank, Sony, and Pfizer at global marketing agencies, as well as in direct consultation with companies from a range of industries. He was on staff at Wunderman (a division of Young & Rubicam) for eight years, working closely with art directors to create communications in a variety of formats for the Web, mail and print.

Testimonials

Derek's class was a very informative introduction to copywriting. Thanks to this course, I was able to secure several freelance copywriting clients within a week of our final project. -- Jennifer Clinehens

11/23/2009: Intro to Magazine Writing - ONLINE - Vanessa Bush - 8 weeks, $499

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 8 weeks, November 23 - January 11
Online chats: Mondays, 9-10 pm EST

WHERE Online. Click here for information.

LEVEL Intro

PRICE
$499 ($475 for )
more info

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Course Details

You're a writer, so why not become a magazine writer? Intro to Magazine Writing is the class that will launch your magazine career. This class will explore the editing process, journalism ethics, what makes something newsworthy, note taking, fact-checking, and reporting. Over the course of 8 weeks, you'll workshop two pieces in any format, from personal essays to profiles, service pieces to features.

You'll also learn the business essentials that will enable you to survive and thrive in the magazine world: 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 that editors will buy and readers will love
Craft compelling pitch letters
Figure out which magazines and sections will be interested in your story
Approach editors you don't know and build relationships that work

By the end of class, you will have:
Two polished articles, the pitch letters to sell them, and all the basic skills any journalist should have.

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

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.

Course Syllabus

Intro to Magazine Writing (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

• Mediabistro Digital Journalism Certificate Program – ONLINE

• The Whole Freelancer – ONLINE (Class starts January 21)

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Instructor Bio

Vanessa Bush's Courses

Intro to Magazine Writing – (Class starts November 23)

Vanessa Bush, a fifteen-year veteran of the magazine industry, was most recently executive editor at Essence magazine and has also held various editorial posts at Life and Glamour magazines. She has written a beauty book with supermodel/entrepreneur Tyra Banks, Tyra Banks Inside & Out, and is a graduate of Harvard University and Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism. Vanessa is currently pursuing another passion of hers -- food and wine -- by writing a food blog, Food Lovers Like Me (foodloverslikeme.blogspot.com).

Testimonials

I got a huge bang for my buck as Vanessa took me through the process of brainstorming, pitching, and writing. She was always courteous, professional, and down to earth with great insight on the industry and real life advice. -- Michael Damelio

"Vanessa was exceptional in her clarity and focus. I received three magazine story assignments while taking the class." -- Cheryl R. Riley

"The opportunity to learn from Vanessa is truly invaluable. She is experienced, intelligent, and very supportive." -- Kelly Deegan

"Vanessa was genuine and very informative. I could not put my pen down. New ideas for editorial content were flowing and covering up the white pages, and I came up with new ways to attract new readers." -- Patricia Rhinvil, Managing Editor, Caribbelle.com

"Vanessa was engaging and open to discussions and extremely receptive to just about any question. I learned a lot from her class, both about writing and pitching. I left with renewed inspiration." -- Sheryl Kraft

"Vanessa gave an insider's view of journalism. Not only did she present practical tips for developing and writing service pieces, but she also shared her publication's preferred format for writer queries. She invited us all to submit story pitches to her, which added an extra dose of challenge and motivation!" -- Bernita Dorch

"Vanessa not only understands the struggles writers endure, she uses her empathy to motivate and inspire you to continue writing no matter what happens!" -- Rashana Hooks

"Vanessa was always so helpful, insightful, knowledgeable, and professional. I learned so much about the publishing industry and was very sad during our class' last chat session." -- Elyse Lucas

"Vanessa was always upbeat and helpful. Her edits made for great learning while her experience delivered tips and insight I'm sure I'll use in the future." -- Matilde Parente

"Vanessa took a personal interest in her students and wanted us to succeed. She gave us what we needed to do to improve our work and make it saleable." -- Lisa Martin

"Vanessa was helpful even with the small, particular questions that I had. I would certainly recommend her as an instructor." -- Adrienne Mohadjerin

11/23/2009: Nonfiction Book Proposal - ONLINE - Jill Rothenberg - 8 weeks, $499

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 8 weeks,�November 23�- January 27
Online chats: Wednesdays, 9-10 pm EST

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intermediate

PRICE
$499 ($475 for )
more info

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Course Details

Nowadays, big publishers simply don't read unsolicited material. They depend on agents to muck through the slush pile in search of the gems. If you want to get a book published, knowing and using the correct format for a book proposal is paramount. Equally important is coming up with a great idea that you are passionate about and that will hook your intended audience. Put both of these components together and you have a great chance of winning over that agent, selling your idea, and securing a book contract.

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 will never be a 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 already 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:

If your idea is a good one
The essential ingredients of a book proposal
What the format and overall look of the actual proposal should be
How to write your proposal letter
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 a sample chapter.

Students who have taken this class have published:
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),�The Unlikely Lavender Queen: A Memoir of Unexpected Blossoming (Broadway), Cheer! Three Teams on a Quest for College Cheerleading's Ultimate Prize (Simon and Schuster), Something New: Wedding Etiquette for Rule Breakers, Traditionalists, and Everyone In Between (Simon Spotlight), The Hudson Rediscovered (Free Press), Read My Hips (Harmony), and more.

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.

Course Syllabus

Nonfiction Book Proposal (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

Related Courses

• Nonfiction Book Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 26)

• Novel Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 13)

• How to Create and Maintain an Author Website (Video) – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

Jill Rothenberg's Courses

Nonfiction Book Proposal – (Class starts November 23)

For thirteen years editor Jill Rothenberg has helped a wide range of journalists and writers develop their nonfiction book proposals and transform them into award-winning and commercially successful titles. At Westview Press/Perseus Book Group, these included Blood Diamonds: Tracing the Path of the World's Most Deadly Stones, which was made into the film of the same name starring Leonardo DiCaprio. At Seal Press/Avalon Publishing Group, she edited Confessions of a Naughty Mommy: How I Found My Lost Libido, which was featured on the Today Show. She also acquired Only As Good as Your Word: Lessons from My Favorite Literary Gurus by writer and frequent mediabistro instructor Susan Shapiro. Her work has also appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Urban Moto Magazine, Woman's Best Friend: Women Writers on the Dogs in Their Lives (Seal Press), and the forthcoming P.S. : What I Didn't Say (Seal Press). She lives in Boulder, CO.

Testimonials

After taking Jill's class, I scored an agent who told me the book proposal was one of the best ones she has seen. -- Rob Koebel

"My query letter, written with help from the class and Jill, resulted in a well-regarded agent requesting my proposal. I'm thrilled!" -- Marge Thorell

"Jill was a wonderful instructor -- friendly, encouraging, and always ready and willing to answer questions." -- Shann Fountain-Culo

"Jill was an outstanding instructor. She gave honest, constructive feedback that made my proposal 10 times better." -- Marla Majewski

"Jill's experience, knowledge, and insight of the publishing industry, plus the structure and format of the class, made it an incredible experience and really taught me how to fine-tune my pitch and craft a stellar proposal." -- Kristi Daniels

"Jill guides her students with clear lectures, detailed critiques, and lively chats. By the end of Jill's course I had a solid book proposal and a clear idea of the content of my entire book." -- Jill Johnson

"Jill's a great motivator, cheerleader, and fountain of knowledge about the business aspect of publishing. She is a spot-on editor and the most thorough class instructor I have encountered." -- Lovelace Cook

"Jill will be at the top of my book's acknowledgement page. I would totally take another class from her!" -- Anna Cox

"Jill's expert information, her kind, supportive advice and feedback, and her belief in all of the writers to create excellent nonfiction book proposals made getting a book published a reality." -- Patricia Wilkinson

"I couldn't have gotten my book proposal written without the class and instructor. Jill was fabulous ." -- Ellen Rosenthal

"Jill is a talented teacher and a savvy editor. She is supportive and her wisdom is insightful for those of us trying to make the leap to becoming nonfiction book authors." -- Meg Robbins

"Jill offered great feedback and insight into class submissions. She was very helpful and responsive to our questions." -- Stacy Jensen

"Jill is a compassionate and knowledgeable instructor who knows publishing from all sides. I would recommend her to anyone tackling a nonfiction project." -- Susan McDonald

"Jill is very experienced and insightful. She helped all of us bring the quality of our proposals up several notches, think of more ways to promote ourselves, and to get the word out about our books." -- Malorye Branca

"Jill Rothenberg is a revelation. As an editor and a writer, she is very knowledgeable, insightful, and generous with her students." -- Haig Chahinian

11/23/2009: Novel Writing: Chick Lit - ONLINE - Kristin Harmel - 8 weeks, $499

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 8 weeks, November 23 - January 18
Chats Mondays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intermediate

PRICE
$499 ($475 for )
more info

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Course Details

Chick lit is one of the hottest genres in modern fiction, and it's gaining even more momentum with the films In Her Shoes, The Devil Wears Prada and Shopaholic (all from chick lit books) hitting the big screen. At the same time, authors such as Jodi Picoult and Anita Shreve are still dominating the bestseller charts with soul-searching fiction about everyday women. Maybe you've read books in this genre and thought, "I can write this!"

Well, guess what? You can. And in this class, you'll learn how. You'll learn what chick lit is and why it's different from romance and other genres. You'll learn where women's fiction is going, how it's expanding, and how the field is a lot broader than you think. And best of all, you'll learn how to actually be a chick lit or women's fiction author AND how to get your book published.

In this class, you will learn:

How to draw on both your experience and your imagination to write a great story
The elements of a marketable chick lit or women's fiction novel
How to come up with a great title and plot
How to create compelling, likeable, realistic characters
How to write great dialogue
How to begin and end chapters with a bang
How to create and resolve conflict
How to revise, cut, and tighten your manuscript
How to find an agent and create a pitch package
How to market your book after it's sold

By the end of class, you will:
Be well on your way to completing the first draft of a chick lit or women's fiction novel. You'll also know how to sell it to agents and how to edit your own novel.

Admission Requirements
Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history) and a writing sample (less than 1,000 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.

Course Syllabus

Novel Writing: Chick Lit (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

Related Courses

• Novel Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 13)

• Comic Book and Graphic Novel Writing – ONLINE (Class starts February 3)

• How to Throw a Digital Book Party (Video) – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

Kristin Harmel's Courses

How to Write Chick Lit – Boston (Seminar on December 1)

Novel Writing: Chick Lit – (Class starts November 23)

Novel Writing: Chick Lit: Advanced – (Class starts February 1)

Kristin Harmel is the author of How to Sleep with a Movie Star, The Blonde Theory, and The Art of French Kissing, all from Warner Books/5 Spot/Hachette Book Group and When You Wish, a teen novel from Random House. In August 2009 look for her fifth novel, Italian for Beginners, (Hachette Book Group). In early 2010 her sixth novel, After, (Random House) hits shelves.

Kristin is also a reporter for People magazine and a freelance writer for Glamour, American Baby, Woman's Day, and Health. Visit her web site at www.KristinHarmel.com.

Testimonials

Kristin really wants her students to improve, and I benefited greatly from her kind but sharp critiques. She knows what she's doing in terms of writing and is intimately familiar with the publishing/agent world. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in taking their manuscript to the next level. -- Susan Dennard

"Kristin is a fantastic teacher. She gives constructive criticism that is motivational and precise. My manuscript advanced so much in this class and I couldn't have done it without her guidance." -- Colleen Quill

"Kristin is the most motivating and empowering writing instructor I have had the privilege to work with. I would highly recommend any class she teaches." -- Kristen Conway

"Kristin is truly a dynamo! She made herself available in and out of class. She is truly a wonderful person and teacher." -- Ellen Feig

"Kristin is a great instructor. She motivates you to get the idea from your head onto the paper and get your book done. I would recommend her to anyone." -- Linda Olatunde

"I could not have asked for a better instructor than Kristin. I've taken two classes with her and can honestly say I wouldn't have produced the pages I have without her guidance." -- Debbie Feit

"Kristin was fabulous! She far exceeded my expectations. She was very generous with her time and was so enthusiastic. I will definitely sign up for her online class." -- Kathy Goodman

"Kristin knows how to balance reality with inspiration. She left her students feeling they can conquer the publishing world!" -- Maureen Jenkins

"Kristin's enthusiastic no-nonsense approach encourages anyone with a good idea to tackle writing. Her energy and her generosity in offering tips has got me fired up to write!" -- Helen Mitternight

"Kristin is extremely knowledgeable about her craft. Her input was valuable, and her direction on characterization was inspiring." -- Lauren Bahlman

"Kristin is an engaging, friendly, and experienced instructor who knows her stuff and makes her students feel at ease." -- Rebekah Gordon

"Kristin is warm, funny, and well-spoken. She provided solid advice mixed with her personal experiences and perspective." -- Liz Grimes

"Kristin really helped me develop my manuscript and my writing. She had well thought out ways of helping students make progress and keep our projects on track." -- Ellie Parker

"Kristin has incredible amounts of energy and an obvious true passion for writing. It is truly inspirational to learn from her and I left the class feeling a renewed sense of drive to write my book!" -- Sara Mailloux

"Kristin's experience comes through in the lecture notes and chat sessions. She has a very casual, inviting style which makes her seem less like a strict instructor and more like a colleague. I would definitely recommend taking one of her courses." -- Christine Guerrini

"Kristin really knows what she's talking about and genuinely wants her students to be as successful as she already is. She's a great teacher who gives wonderful advice and plenty of encouragement." -- Meredith Bodgas

11/23/2009: Stiletto Boot Camp - ONLINE - Lauren Waterman - 8 weeks, $499

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 8 weeks, November 23 - January 18
Online Chats: Mondays, 8-9 pm EST

WHERE Online. Click here for information.

LEVEL Intermediate

PRICE
$499 ($475 for )
more info

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Course Details

From Glamour to Good Housekeeping, women's magazines are among the most lucrative and high-profile markets, which is why this is one of our most popular classes. 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 which is a mainstay at women's magazines. You'll also workshop pitch letters, editing them to perfection to ensure they get read by the editors of your dream publications. Your goal in this class is to send articles out immediately after workshopping them. The pieces that you will complete usually include a short service piece, a Q & A, a quiz, 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 in which you want to be published
Which editors to pitch stories to
Which sections of the magazine are easiest to break into and most "freelancer-friendly"
How to tell whether your story is best suited for a publication's print book or website
How to write perfect pitch letters
How to sell a story that has a 360 reach in print, on the web, and for mobile platforms
How to find sources
How to rewrite and self-edit
How to network in the industry

By the end of class, you will have:
A complete portfolio of publishable articles that will impress any women's-magazine print or online 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

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.

Course Syllabus

Stiletto Boot Camp (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

Related Courses

• Feature Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 12)

• The Whole Freelancer – ONLINE (Class starts January 21)

• Land Your First Editorial Job (Video) – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

Lauren Waterman's Courses

Intro to Magazine Writing – New York (Class starts February 11)

Stiletto Boot Camp – (Class starts November 23)

Lauren Waterman is a contributing editor at Teen Vogue and co-author of the upcoming book The Teen Vogue Handbook: An Insider's Guide to Careers in Fashion (Penguin/Razorbill). She has also worked at Vogue as a staff writer and contributing editor.

Her work has been featured in Vogue, Details, InStyle, Self, Nylon, Boston Magazine, Fashion Rocks, US, and the Chicago Tribune.

Testimonials

Lauren is a 'must experience' instructor. She's focused, funny, and informative! -- Jane Perdue

11/30/2009: Get Over Your Writer's Block - New York, NY - Kendra Levin - 4 hours, $125

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN: Monday, November 30, 6:30-10:30 pm

WHERE New York (Midtown East)

PRICE
$125 ($100 for )
more info

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Course Details

Everyone gets writer's block at one time or another. Maybe you just finished a manuscript and don't know what to start next. Maybe the only thing you're writing these days is emails and you want to try your hand at something more enduring. Maybe you've always thought you had a story in you, but you don't know how to get it out.

Stop staring at your blank notebook or empty computer screen and get started on a new project in this one-day workshop with Kendra Levin, associate editor at Penguin. Through fun in-class writing activities and personalized discussion, you'll get the beginnings to several new stories and you'll learn practical ways to move beyond your writer's block, now and in the future. This class is great for those who want to write fiction, nonfiction, short stories, or novels.

You will leave the class with feedback on your writing from the instructor and other members of the class, and the motivation to take your work to the next level.

Related Courses

• Personal Essay Writing – New York (Class starts January 27)

• Feature Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 12)

• Get the Gig: Perfecting Your Pitch (Video) – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

Kendra Levin's Courses

Get Over Your Writer's Block – New York

Young Adult Novel Writing – (Class starts January 12)

Kendra Levin is an associate editor at Viking Children's Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), where she edits literature of all age levels from picture books to YA. She has worked with a wide range of critically acclaimed authors. An award-winning playwright whose work has been produced off and off-off Broadway, Kendra also works with writers as a certified life coach.

Testimonials

Kendra was truly awesome. She was professional, personally invested, and believed in every student's work. She offered never-ending encouragement and precise and helpful critique. Not only did she enhance my knowledge about writing for YA, she improved my writing quality as well. -- Jill MacKenzie

"Kendra really made an effort to find out what would help each student the best during our class time. She was very encouraging and helpful. I left her class feeling inspired and ready to write!" -- Elaine Emme

"Kendra was so engaging and inspiring. She was really able to get your creativity going in such a short time!" -- Jenny Darlington

"I loved Kendra's class! I learned more in four weeks than I have in the past three years! Kendra rocks!" -- Jill Unger

"Kendra has a great talent for bringing out latent creativity. After leaving Kendra's class, I had at least 4 solid story ideas to start me off. I thoroughly enjoyed her class!" -- Jenny Darlington

"Kendra's YA class is perfect if you're starting a young adult novel. She really helps hone ideas, think through structure, and offers much support and insightful feedback." -- Julie Sternberg

12/1/2009: How to Write Chick Lit - Boston, MA - Kristin Harmel - 3 hours, $65

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN Tuesday, December 1, 7-10 pm

WHERE BCA, Stanford Calderwood Pavilion, 527 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116

DIRECTIONS Click here

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )
more info

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Course Details

Is your real life stranger than fiction? Do you think, day after day, "this would make a great book"? This seminar will cover every step of the process of writing a chick lit novel, from the kernel of your idea to the publication of your novel. You will get a full overview of the publishing industry and learn how chick lit novels get published, along with the basic elements of crafting a novel that will sell. Whether you've just been on a ton of bad dates or are already beginning to write, this is the seminar for you.

In this seminar, you will learn how to:

Turn your ideas and funny stories into fiction
Begin writing and structure your novel
Stay motivated with your writing while keeping your day job

Related Courses

• Personal Essay Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 26)

• Young Adult Novel Writing: Advanced – ONLINE (Class starts January 11)

• Get a Book Deal: Find an Agent Online (Video) – ONLINE

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Boston, MA

Instructor Bio

Kristin Harmel's Courses

How to Write Chick Lit – Boston (Seminar on December 1)

Novel Writing: Chick Lit – (Class starts November 23)

Novel Writing: Chick Lit: Advanced – (Class starts February 1)

Testimonials

12/1/2009: Grammar, Punctuation, and Meaning - ONLINE - Gaylord Fields - 4 weeks, $350

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 weeks, December 1 - January 5
Chats Tuesdays, 10-11 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intro

CERTIFICATE CREDIT This course counts towards the Mediabistro Copy Editing Certificate.

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
more info

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Course Details

Should a preposition be something you never end a sentence with? Which rules that were drilled into your head by your sixth-grade English teacher are essential to good grammar, and which can you discard? This course will help you navigate safely through the overgrown thicket that is grammar as practiced in the 21st century, concentrating on both the philosophy and the practice of successful usage. This course is structured to illustrate that using English successfully is more of an art than a science.

In this class, you will learn:

A refresher on the various parts of speech
How to make sure your subjects, verbs and objects agree
How to ensure that punctuation serves the sentence
How to avoid creating undercooked as well as overblown sentences
A definition of exactly what style is, and why it differs from style guide to style guide

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.

Course Syllabus

Grammar, Punctuation, and Meaning (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

• Intro to Copy Editing – ONLINE (Class starts December 8)

• Copy Editing: 12-Session Self-Paced Course – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

Gaylord Fields's Courses

Grammar, Punctuation, and Meaning – (Class starts December 1)

Gaylord Fields is currently a senior editor at AOL Music, and before his recent relocation to the web he spent most of the past 20 years as a copy editor or copy chief at Rolling Stone, This Old House Magazine, Spin, Spy, and Back Stage/Shoot. In addition, he has worked freelance at several other magazines. He is also a longtime writer of articles and reviews on music and popular culture. And while Gaylord has a definite opinion on use of the serial comma, he saves such discussions for parties.

Testimonials

Everyone needs a grammar refresher. If you're looking for a quick, painless class to remind you of the basic and very important rules, this class is for you. -- Lauren Szczerba

"The way the material was presented was witty and entertaining. I would highly recommend this as a refresher course." -- Laura Rawls

"Gaylord's class achieved that rare balance of rigor and fun. I learned a lot." -- Jeremy Greenberg

"Gaylord was great! He knows the English language inside and out, and there was never a question he couldn't thoughtfully address." -- Steve Boudreault

"Gaylord was wonderful and his lectures were both entertaining and informative. All in all, he was knowledgeable, funny, and responsive." -- Lia Huber

"Gaylord was very knowledgeable, gracious, and kind. I greatly appreciated how he reviewed our assignments. For questions we got wrong, he not only marked them as such, he explained why they were wrong." -- Todd Burger

"Gaylord knew precisely the right way of framing a grammar issue and helped make the nuances of the English language instantly clear. This is the self-editing class that everyone in online media sorely needs." -- Ethan Stanislawski

"Gaylord incorporated his witty sense of humor into our lectures, making them engaging and interesting. He gave great tips and rules of thumb. I looked forward to the online chats." -- Andrea Polk

"Gaylord makes class fun and engaging." -- Ellen Lupton

"Gaylord eats and breaths punctuation and grammar rules. He is a committed teacher who knows how to present his knowledge in an entertaining but highly informative way." -- Iris Thalhammer

"Gaylord is a great instructor whose knowledge is matched by his wit and infectious joy for the subject." -- Susan McLennan

"This course was amazing, and exactly what I needed to improve my writing professionally and personally. I'd recommend this class to anyone looking to improve upon their skill set." -- Matthew Daniel

12/7/2009: Breaking Into Editorial Photography - New York, NY - Stella Kramer - 3 hours, $65

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN Monday, December 7, 6:45-9:45 pm

WHERE mediabistro, 475 Park Avenue S. (at 31st), 4th Fl., NY, NY 10016

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )
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Course Details

New York City is home to most of the largest magazines in the world, covering everything from news to fashion, entertainment to human interest, and business to food.

But given that, there are even more photographers in this city vying for editorial assignments and trying to establish relationships with magazines. This seminar will give practical information and insider tips on how to get those magazine jobs and build a career as an editorial freelancer.

In this seminar, you will learn:

What exactly an editorial assignment is
How to decide what kind of work is right for you
Specific vocabulary and language
Insider tips to finding jobs and getting assignments
The best way to target specific photo editors
How to build a relationship with a magazine
How to create your most dynamic portfolio
When it pays to join an agency or get a someone to rep your work
How newspaper assignments differ from magazine assignments
Specific information about shooting for newspapers

Related Courses

• Final Cut Pro – New York (Class starts January 30)

• Intro to Social Media – ONLINE (Class starts January 20)

• What's Behind Online Design? (Video) – ONLINE

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Design & Photo

Instructor Bio

Stella Kramer's Courses

Breaking Into Editorial Photography – New York (Seminar on December 7)

Photography Portfolio Review with Stella Kramer – New York

Stella Kramer is a multi-award winning photo editor who has worked in the New York publishing industry for more than 15 years. She was part of the photo team at The New York Times that won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography, the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in recognition of the Portraits of Grief which ran after September 11th, and a 2002 Infinity Award for Public Service from the International Center of Photography. She has worked at The New York Times, People, Entertainment Weekly, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, MONEY, and Brill's Content, where she was the director of photography.

Testimonials

Stella brought an insider's perspective on how to create a portfolio of my work for the strongest impact -- who to target, what editors are looking for in a portfolio, and what works with promotions. I got more out of the class than I had expected. -- Robert Englebright

"Stella gives you a good start towards thinking about the most dynamic possible flow of a portfolio, important issues to consider, and the best publications to target in relation to the style of your portfolio." -- Ingrid Breyer

"Stella showed a genuine interest in all the work shown, providing comments that were specific to each student's desired application and target market. Her insights were fresh and insightful and helped students breathe new life into otherwise stale portfolios." -- Ion Sokhos

"Stella is a thoughtful, approachable, and respectful editor. She was able to not only make recommendations about where to send work, but how to reorganize and edit existing books." -- Lana Bortolot

"The best teachers are able to show you new ways of thinking about your own life and career. Stella did this masterfully." -- Craig Seymour

"Stella has a marvelous way of helping you see your work in a new light. Her style of critique is so affirming your artistic thin skin is not bruised, yet you come away knowing what it is you need to develop." -- James Hazelwood

"I really recommend this class to any photographer looking to define where they are going with their work and how to share it. Stella has so much real-world experience and brings a real vision and enthusiasm to looking at your work." -- Angela Jimenez

"Stella was thoughtful and engaging. She really put things in perspective and gave us a new way to look at our work and even ourselves." -- Patrick Sasso

"Stella's positive demeanor made the concept of working in the field of editorial photography a very approachable and realistic goal." -- Michele Silver

"Stella knows what she is talking about. She has kept herself current on industry trends and offers suggestions about how to find opportunities." -- Richard Pinto

"Stella really knows her stuff and gets you to think how photo editors do." -- Douglas Ljungkvist

"Despite the nature of the industry today, Stella was able to inspire and encourage our class." -- Danielle Richards

"Stella has a wealth of experience from years of editorial photography which makes for great inside information about the publishing industry." -- Douglas Ljungkvist

"Stella is knowledgeable, likable, succinct, informative, and she knows her stuff! I recommend her without reservation and would want an editor just like her." -- France Menk

"Stella was open to answering any kind of question about the industry, but it was really her humorous anecdotes from her stints at Time and The New York Times that made the class valuable." -- Wei Liou

"Stella was a terrific instructor. She has a lot of respect for her profession and fosters the same in her students. I would consider taking this exact course again." -- Alexander Colby

12/8/2009: Personal Essay Clinic: Advanced - New York, NY - Paula Derrow - 4 hours, $125

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 hours, Tuesday, December 8, 6:30-10:30 pm

WHERE New York (Midtown East)

LEVEL Advanced

PRICE
$125 ($100 for )
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Course Details

This advanced class is designed for students who have a personal essay in the final stages of revision. This class is open to students who are passionate about the form of memoir, are comfortable with it, and are ready to polish and take their pieces to the next level and be published nationally. Essays must be submitted in advance, and admission will be based on those essays.

In this small class -- limited to 10 students -- you'll bring in a 1200 word piece to be read and commented on by the class, critiqued by the instructor, and edited as heavily as the piece requires. The instructor will also recommend venues for which the work is suitable. Your pitch letter for the class will be workshopped as well. Through others' examples, you'll learn how to turn the red pen on your own work and learn to edit yourself with a sharp editorial eye.

In this workshop, Paula Derrow, Articles Director at Self (who assigns personal essays for the magazine), will edit and critique personal essays.

Admission Requirements:
Please submit a brief letter of interest that (including a work history) as well as the essay you would like to workshop.

Related Courses

• From Essay to Memoir – New York (Class starts February 22)

• Novel Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 13)

• Get a Book Deal: Find an Agent Online (Video) – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

Paula Derrow's Courses

Personal Essay Clinic: Advanced – New York

Personal Essay Clinic: Writing About Family – New York

Paula Derrow is the articles director of Self magazine, where she edits the "Self Expression" column as well as investigative, general-interest, and psychology features. She has more than 20 years of editing and writing experience at a variety of women's and general-interest magazines and Web sites, including Glamour, American Health, Harper's Bazaar, The New Yorker, and Lifetime Television for Women (lifetimetv.com). She is the editor of Behind the Bedroom Door: Getting It, Giving It, Loving It, Missing It (Delacorte) an anthology of essays by women about sex in real life.

Testimonials

Paula's course resulted in my being published in The New York Times' Modern Love column. Paula's suggestions inevitably take a personal essay from 'a good idea' to publishable. -- Liza Monroy

"Paula gets to the heart of the personal essay. She inspired me to finish essays I had been toying with in my mind for a long time, and I have submitted my first essay for publication." -- Glenn Michael Gordon

"I took Paula's workshop and was immediately impressed with her deceptively laid-back style. Her feedback was incisive and powerfully focused on the heart of each person's story. I wrote a piece shortly after the class that ran in Runner's World. Thanks, Paula!" -- Bill Braine, editor and freelancer

"Paula convinced me that my writing was not only publishable but also worth publishing. With her encouragement -- and honest critique -- I placed pieces in the NYTimes City Section and the My Word (person essay page) of the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Magazine. I can't commend Paula highly enough." -- Erica Rex

"Paula has a knack for getting to the essence of an essay and pointing out what a writer can do to make a piece stronger and have a better arc." -- Christine Koubek

"Paula gives insightful, thorough feedback on your work. If you want to know how to improve your writing and better your chances of getting published, take her class. I highly recommend it." -- Rebecca Shalomoff

12/12/2009: Improve Your Memoir - New York, NY - Joy Peskin - 4 hours, $125

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN: Saturday, December 12, 1-5 pm

WHERE New York (Midtown East)

PRICE
$125 ($100 for )
more info

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Course Details

You've been working on your memoir -- maybe you've even taken a class or two -- but you still think it needs some polishing. This one-day workshop led by Joy Peskin, a senior editor at Penguin, will give you the push you need to take your memoir to the next level.

Through in-class critique from the instructor and fellow workshop members, you'll get valuable feedback that will help show you both the strong and weak points in your writing. In-class writing activities will give you new material to add to your story.

This class is appropriate for students writing a novel-length memoir or a shorter autobiographical story.

Application Requirements
Students should have pages of a memoir already written for in-class critique.

Related Courses

• Personal Essay Writing – New York (Class starts January 27)

• From Essay to Memoir – ONLINE (Class starts February 9)

• Twitter for Writers (Video) – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

Joy Peskin's Courses

Improve Your Memoir – New York

Joy Peskin is executive editor at Penguin Group USA. She teaches writing courses at mediabistro and at Streetwork, a drop-in center for homeless teenagers. She is a frequent speaker and guest editor at writers' conferences, where she enjoys meeting and mentoring new authors.

Testimonials

I learned so much from Joy! She made me grow as a writer and I am truly optimistic about what I accomplished with her help. -- Lisa Zeiger

"Joy was the most inspirational and dedicated instructor I've ever had. The effort she put into her responses was well beyond what I could have ever expected." -- Nina Sherwin

"Joy made it possible for me to understand my writing in totally new ways and put it in a broader context." -- Ellie Parker

"Joy is an excellent instructor. She helped students find the focus of their project and why they were blocked." -- Elisa DeCarlo

"Joy's class was the extra push I needed to motivate me to keep working on my book. Very informative and helpful! I want to go back again!" -- Cara Alwill

"Joy understands her audience and knows what the market is all about -- really important information for writers trying to break into a genre." -- Randi Gollin

"I flew to New York from Minnesota just to attend and it was well worth both the time and money. Joy was fantastic." -- Ben Olson

"Joy was everything that a student needs in an instructor. Down-to-earth, informative, thorough, and inspiring." -- Philana Marie Boles

"Joy is smart, insightful, and knowledgeable. I've returned three times to take a class with her!" -- Caroline Bock

"Joy is very generous, warm, candid, and extremely knowledgeable. I have taken this class twice, and I might just take it again." -- Rebecca Cohen

"Joy is a very gifted editor and teacher. I benefited from her intelligent and supportive feedback. I look forward to taking another class with her." -- Elizabeth Merrick

"Joy's class showed me that I have many stories to tell. Now I know how I'm going to organize my material and which direction to go in." -- Marguerite Dunne

"I left Joy's workshop excited to start on my revisions and more confident in my story and with my writing." -- Theresa Clarkson

"Joy was accessible and informative, and it's clear she knows the industry and how to get the best out of writers." -- Morgan Baden

"Joy is incredibly insightful, energetic, and witty. She truly cares for each student." -- Candy Schulman

"Joy's class was just the shot of adrenalin I needed to immerse myself back into the revision process." -- Allison Kopicki

"Joy is a joy! She reads and listens actively, and her comments are refreshingly honest." -- Kiara Downey

"Joy was warm and engaging and she created an environment for productive feedback. She offered suggestions in an encouraging and supportive way." -- Laura Sibson

"Joy's knowledge of publishing was invaluable. I left feeling inspired and ready to keep on writing." -- Stephanie Whallon

"Joy was an astute and encouraging guide. She has a lot of enthusiasm, empathy, and expertise and was generous in sharing ideas." -- Leslie Brody

"Joy jumpstarted my confidence, making me believe that I was writing something worth publishing. She highlights what works and introduces ideas for improvement so we leave inspired." -- Christine Wang

"I highly recommend Joy to anyone needing objective feedback on their memoir. The caliber of students was high and very valuable. Joy clearly loves what she does and the passion translates into enthused critique." -- Nancy Colasurdo

12/12/2009: InDesign for Writers and Editors - New York, NY - Patricia Ryan - 2 days, $425

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 2 days, Saturday, December 12 & Sunday, December 13, 10 am-4 pm

WHERE Midtown West

LEVEL Beginner

PRICE
$425 ($400 for )
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Course Details

No matter how great an editor you are, not knowing how to use a page layout program can stop your magazine job search in its tracks. mediabistro.com to the rescue! We will teach you everything you need to know about InDesign, the page layout program that is fast becoming the favorite of designers in the magazine business. By the end of this two-day course, you will be editorially proficient in InDesign, a declaration that will sparkle on your resume.

In this class, you will learn:

How to create an InDesign document
How to use the toolbar and palettes
The basics of typography, fonts, kerning, and leading
The proper way to make text changes
How to use the story editor and style sheets
How to adjust type and page preferences
How to work with multiple document pages and InDesign files
How to create Tables importing from Excel
Master pages and how to use them
How to import images, add colors, and change colors

Note: This class is taught on Macintosh computers, but you should also be able to use the the skills you learn on a PC. Email us if you have any questions.

Admission Requirements
This class is intended for writers and editors (not graphic professionals). Students should be comfortable with working on a Mac.

Course Syllabus

InDesign for Writers and Editors (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

Related Courses

• Create Quick Video for the Web – New York (Class starts January 23)

• Writing and Editing for the Web – ONLINE (Class starts January 19)

• Illustrator Time Savers: Adding Dimensionality with 3D Effects (Video) – ONLINE

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Design & Photo

Instructor Bio

Patricia Ryan's Courses

InDesign for Writers and Editors – New York (Class starts December 12)

Patricia Ryan is an art director and graphic designer with extensive publishing experience. She has had over 15 years experience in the design industry, including many years in magazine publishing. As an art director and graphic designer for companies such as Hachette Filipacchi, American Media, and Rodale, Patricia has gained vast knowledge and experience working with InDesign, Quark, Photoshop and Illustrator.

Testimonials

This class was phenomenal! Patricia is clearly a master on the subject, and she was able to convey that knowledge in a concise, focused, and very approachable way. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to every editor and writer out there -- freelance or staff. -- Elisa Agostinho

"Patricia is very knowledgeable in all areas of design. She easily taught a class with people from all different disciplines. The weekend class is great for getting a basic overview of how the program works and gives you tools to implement projects for yourself." -- Donna Gronachan

"Patricia is very knowledgeable and presents the subject matter with knowledge and humor. An excellent class for writers and editors who want to enhance their marketability." -- Claudia Perry

"Every job out there expects you to know InDesign, but they don't want to teach it to you. This course gives you all the tools you need to go out there and use the program correctly. I would definitely recommend it!" -- Kate Kenny

"Tricia was amazingly responsive to our questions. It was a pleasure to learn from someone so good-humored, patient, and expert at the program." -- Kaukab Jhumra Smith

"Tricia gave me the tools to learn InDesign in a very efficient way. This class helped me a lot in my first days of work. She's an excellent instructor with a lot of experience in this subject and design experience as well. Thank you, Tricia." -- Carol Jimenez

"Patricia is clear, patient, diplomatic, expert, efficient, energetic, and has a sense of humor. I'd study with her again." -- Mary Alford

"Patricia has perfect pitch as an instructor. The amount of information learned and the pacing of the class were exceptional!" -- Lisa Bowie

"Patricia is a terrific instructor who obviously enjoys her subject, is thoroughly knowledgeable, and communicates clearly and directly. She has a wonderful sense of humor and held my attention for two solid days. I thought she was truly remarkable." -- Patrick Fisher

"Tricia made everyone feel comfortable with the material, even those who felt overwhelmed at times. She's casual, approachable, and knows her stuff. I feel like I can take the information and run with it." -- Robert Haynes-Peterson

"There are instructors who know their subject, and then there are those who exude confidence and knowledge from every pore. Patricia is in the latter camp. I can't think of another class anywhere with such a dynamic and patient teacher." -- Rick Rodgers

"After ten hours of instruction over one weekend with Patricia, I can now use InDesign CS3 text functions with confidence. And that means I can now apply for many more jobs than I could have before." -- Joanne Gerber

"I've been taking Mac software classes for 15 years and Patricia was the best instructor I've ever had." -- Nancy Deutsch

"Patricia was a great instructor. She explained things simply and effectively. She was also very patient with the class and answered our questions." -- Brian Anelante

"Patricia is an InDesign guru! Her instructions are easy to follow and she is very patient. The combination of instructor and course content was perfect. I'm thrilled that I came away with a very clear understanding of the program." -- Helena Carey

12/15/2009: eBook Summit - New York, NY - , $345

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN December 15-16, 2009
WHERE New World Stages, NYC

Early-bird 2-day pass: $345 until November 18
Group rate just $245!

Click here for full pricing details.

PRICE
$345 ($345 for )
more info

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Course Details

New technologies have disrupted the business of publishing. Books have become software, consumed on e-reader devices, smart phones, and computer screens. Authors can self-publish without the greenlight of a major publishing house, and news and current events are fed daily directly through RSS feeds. The value of print has changed, and the publishing industry is now a multimedia business.

Mediabistro.com's two-day eBook Summit will take a closer look at the changing digital publishing industry, from the perspectives of content creators and of publishers. Leaders in the field will uncover business development opportunities, and highlight the latest technological innovations currently driving the future of digital publishing.

For more information and to register, go to the eBook Summit site.

Related Courses

• Web 3.0 Conference – New York

• Taking The New York Times Digital (Video) – ONLINE

• The Future of Social Media with Chris Anderson (Video) – ONLINE

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Digital Media & Tech

Advertising & Marketing

12/16/2009: Photography Portfolio Review with Stella Kramer - New York, NY - Stella Kramer - 4 hours, $125

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 hours, Wednesday, December 16, 6:30-10:30 pm

WHERE New York (Midtown East)

LEVEL Intermediate/Advanced

PRICE
$125 ($100 for )
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Course Details

In a city with more magazines than you can count, how does one put together the strongest portfolio to land freelance work? And how do you go about getting your portfolio to the people who can hire you?

In this one-night portfolio review session, limited to 12 students, you'll have a chance to have your book critiqued and edited as much as necessary to create a tight, well-paced representation of you. Veteran magazine photo editor Stella Kramer will help focus and direct you toward the best places to make your pitch for work.

You will pick up important tips, a fresh eye, and a new perspective on your own work. You will also understand how to edit yourself, how to seek advice from friends and family, and what photo editors are looking for when they review portfolios.

Admission Requirements:
Students selected for the portfolio review will have the opportunity to present a portfolio of 12-15 images, in print form only (no 35mm or 2-1/4 chrome). Laser prints are acceptable.

Related Courses

• Breaking Into Editorial Photography – New York (Seminar on December 7)

• How Online Video Is Changing the Internet, Part 1: Overview (Video) – ONLINE

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Design & Photo

Career

Instructor Bio

Stella Kramer's Courses

Breaking Into Editorial Photography – New York (Seminar on December 7)

Photography Portfolio Review with Stella Kramer – New York

Testimonials

1/11/2010: Young Adult Novel Writing: Advanced - ONLINE - Jill Santopolo - 8 weeks, $499

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 8 weeks, January 11 - March 15
Chats Mondays, 8:30-9:30 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Advanced

PRICE
$499 ($475 for )
more info

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Course Details

You've made it through the challenge of choosing a concept and a hook for your novel, outlining the story arc, and even beginning to write. Now it's time for the disciplined stage of writing, revising, and then revising some more. This course functions as an online workshop for novels in progress, with the emphasis on sharing your work for review and providing critique for others.

Join a group of fellow writers as you share ten pages every week for written feedback and intermittent chat workshops focused on your novel, led by a senior editor at Laura Geringer Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

We'll look at big-picture issues like plot and character, as well as focusing on teen voice and tone. You'll share your novel's outline with the class at the outset, so everyone knows where your book is heading, and then go from there. During the week, you can chat or post discussions with the other students about craft issues -- or just share any thoughts on the process of writing and revision. Get experience in peer review that can carry over outside the class as you network and create ties that just might result in a writers group.

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

In this class, you will learn how to:

Listen to, critique, and decide if or how to incorporate what you hear
Stick to a dedicated schedule of posting your work
Approach revisions with fresh eyes
Make sure everything you've set up in your story yields optimal payoffs in the resolution
Assist others in making a stronger novel, and how that will help your own work

By the end of class, you will:
Have feedback on up to 80 pages of your novel and be equipped to continue implementing the editing techniques learned on your own.

Students who have taken this class have published:
Total Knockout: Tale of an Ex-Class President (Simon & Schuster), Emily Goldberg Learns to Salsa (Razarbill), Vidalia in Paris (Viking), Rock the Burbs (Random House), Brand New Emily (Tricycle Press), This is What I Want to Tell You (Flux) and sold 4-book deals to Penguin and 2-book deals to HarperCollins

Admission Requirements
Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history) and a writing sample (less than 1,000 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.

Course Syllabus

Young Adult Novel Writing: Advanced (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

Related Courses

• Young Adult Novel Writing – ONLINE (Class starts January 12)

• How to Throw a Digital Book Party (Video) – ONLINE

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Instructor Bio

Jill Santopolo's Courses

Young Adult Novel Writing: Advanced – (Class starts January 11)

Jill Santopolo is an executive editor at Philomel Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group. Prior to that, she edited at HarperCollins Children's Books for the Laura Geringer and Balzer + Bray imprints. She has worked on critically-acclaimed, award-winning, and New York Times best-selling titles. Jill holds a BA in English literature from Columbia University and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College. She is also the author of The Nina, The Pinta and the Vanishing Treasure and The Ransom Note Blues, both published by Scholastic.

Testimonials

Jill gave 110%. She was available throughout the week as a sounding board or to answer questions and always had great suggestions on how to propel each story forward. Now that class is over I'm inspired to read and write as much as I can and take another one of Jill's classes! -- Theresa Read

"The opportunity to work with Jill was just the push I needed to get me over the hump with my current novel. She was very generous with her knowledge of both craft and the publishing industry and her feedback was always encouraging and spot on." -- Susan Taylor Brown

"I worship the ground upon which Jill walks! She challenged us each week to produce our best effort. She is awesome." -- Meg Dobson

"Kudos to Jill for her expert guidance. The challenge of pleasing her editor's eye was just what I needed to find the direction for my manuscripts. The open dialogue with editor on a daily basis was an amazing and instructive opportunity." -- Alison Formento

"If your goal is to write and publish a YA or MG fiction novel but you just don't seem to be able to get motivated or maintain discipline, this course is for you! I was amazed by how much I had accomplished when this class was over!" -- Theresa Read

"Take this course. Jill is brilliant. She gears her instruction toward writers who are ready to publish. Her editorial insights are razor-sharp and generous. She knows how to get the best work out of her students while bolstering their confidence and productivity." -- Kimberly White

"The course was extremely engaging. Jill was very knowledgeable and responsive." -- Nancy Lessem

"Jill kept me focused and determined to get my writing done. The quantity and quality of my writing improved significantly. Thanks to this class, I'm ready to start the submission process with confidence." -- Naomi Panzer

"Jill's knowledge of the publishing world is seemingly unlimited. This was my third mediabistro class. I will most assuredly be back." -- Meg E. Dobson

"Jill was fabulous! She gave very balanced feedback that was always helpful and inspiring. The encouragement she gave me helped me make changes to my manuscript resulting in a much better story." -- Theresa Read

"Taking Jill's class was perhaps one of the best investments in my development as a writer. With her expertise as both an editor and a published author, she was able to advise and teach the class from both perspectives. I'll be taking another class with Jill!" -- Syndee Barwick

"Jill pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and showed me how to dig deeper for those emotions and character motivations. I am a stronger writer after taking Jill's class. I'd highly recommend this course." -- Christina Farley

1/12/2010: Feature Writing - ONLINE - Joe Pappalardo - 4 weeks, $350

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 weeks,�January 12�- February 9
Online chats Tuesdays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intro

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
more info

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Course Details

A big feature story can launch your career and lead to major opportunities (book deal, anyone?). The best feature writers make it seem easy, but like any form of journalism, a good feature takes skill. Long-form feature writing is a delicate combination of reporting acumen and creative writing skills. It requires a unique combination of organization, story-telling, relevancy, and humanity that separates it from other journalism.

It's not as hard as you'd imagine to break into the world of feature writing.�Most of the strongest magazines accept cold pitches and are starved for artfully conceived articles. Learn how to make the leap into the big leagues.

In this course you will learn:

What to put in pitches, what to leave out, and where to send them
Narrative techniques to keep readers interested
Tips on organizing long form pieces
How to handle a drastic rewrite -- and how to avoid the indignity of having an editor do it instead of you
Tips on how to bring ace reporting into feature writing
Fiction-writing tips that easily translate into journalism

By the end of the course you will have:
A completed pitch letter and first draft of your feature

Students who have taken this class have been published in:
The Washington Post and more

To Apply
Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history).

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.

Course Syllabus

Feature Writing (PDF)
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Instructor Bio

Joe Pappalardo's Courses

Feature Writing – (Class starts January 12)

Joe Pappalardo is a writer and journalist at Popular Mechanics. He is a former associate editor at Smithsonian's Air & Space magazine. Joe is the author of The Secret History of Sunflowers. His writing has appeared in Time magazine, the Village Voice, the Dallas Observer, the New York Sun, and Spirit magazine. He is the recipient of a 2005 distinguished reporting award for domestic defense reporting from Military Reporters and Editors, and has been recognized for science writing from the Dallas Press Club and for short feature writing from the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors. Joe is also one of five finalists for the international Aerospace Journalist of the Year award.

Testimonials

Joe is practical, funny, and encouraging. He had so much material, he could teach two classes back-to-back, which I would definitely sign up for! -- Emily Schmitt

"This class was rewarding and gave my longer feature writing a kickstart for the future. Joe is a seasoned pro and his advice was on the button." -- Chesney Bradshaw

"Joe is a successful journalist who understands the essence of what makes a story compelling. He not only provides insights into the art of storytelling and reporting, but demonstrates how to analyze the market, sell pitches, and be a perpetual learner." -- Leyla Haidarian

"Joe taught an excellent class. He used his own published stories as examples, and showed students how to find and analyze features for technique." -- Patricia Shepard

"Joe is a fantastic teacher. I got a lot out of his weekly lecture notes and I still refer to them to this day. This guy is worth the money, and then some." -- Rebecca Lerner

"Joe clearly knows his stuff. The examples of feature writing he provided, including some his own, were very good. I learned things that really helped my writing improve while taking his class." -- Joseph Hight

"Joe is a great teacher and editor. He knows how to find the heart of a story and then make it come alive." -- Susan Mandel

1/12/2010: Intro to Magazine Publishing - ONLINE - James Kaminsky - 4 weeks, $350

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 4 weeks, January 12 - February 9
Online chats Tuesdays, 9-10 pm ET

WHERE Online. Click here for more information.

LEVEL Intro

PRICE
$350 ($325 for )
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Course Details

Despite sweeping changes in all parts of the business -- or perhaps because of them -- magazine publishing continues to grow. In fact, more new magazines were launched in the first quarter of 2009 than in the previous two years. Add in new online titles, and you have a burgeoning industry. If you've always had an interest in publishing, this class is for you.

As you learn about what makes magazines work, you'll be creating and refining a workable business plan for your own magazine or website. Topics covered include how to create buzz with groundbreaking content, marketing, promotion, and public relations and how circulation goals are determined and maintained through subscriptions and newsstand sales.

We will also look at ways to obtain new revenue streams through online tie-ins, promotions, events, strategic partnerships, and integrated marketing. And we'll explore at the different factors involved in creating and maintaining a profitable website.

In this class you will learn:

How a magazine works from the ground up
How to gain a competitive advantage through unique, well-targeted content
How to make a magazine sell
How to integrate sales, marketing, and editorial
The importance of circulation and research in attracting advertisers
The newest forms of integrated marketing: blogging, emails, ad-supported websites, innovative advertorials
How to start up a magazine
How to develop a realistic budget and business plan
What makes a magazine successful or not

By the end of this class you will have:
A viable business plan and mockup for your own magazine as well as a full understanding of how magazines work, including editorial/content, advertising, marketing, promotion, public relations, distribution, and circulation.

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.

Related Courses

• Public Relations: Plans and Press – ONLINE (Class starts November 23)

• New Media: 6-Session Self-Paced Course – ONLINE

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Advertising & Marketing

Instructor Bio

James Kaminsky's Courses

Intro to Magazine Publishing – (Class starts January 12)

James Kaminsky has been the editorial director of Playboy and Maxim and editor-in-chief of Men's Journal. He has also served as a top editor for magazines including Rolling Stone and worked as an editorial and media consultant for private equity firms, Internet startups, and book publishers. James helped launch magazines at Conde Nast, Hachette, and Wenner Media. He has written for The New York Times, Variety, Rolling Stone, Details, and The Village Voice and has lectured at Columbia and New York University.

1/12/2010: Young Adult Novel Writing - ONLINE - Kendra Levin - 12 weeks, $610

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN 12 weeks, Tuesdays, January 12 - April 13
Online chats: Tuesdays, 8-9 pm EST

WHERE Online. Click here for details.

LEVEL Intermediate

PRICE
$610 ($575 for )
more info

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Course Details

Did Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret change your life? Did you read the Twilight series and know you can write better than that? Do you find that when you sit down to write, a natural-sounding teen voice pours out? If so, you might be the next teen fiction sensation -- 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 book happen. The goal of this class is to complete your YA or middle grade novel in 12 weeks. With serious work and attention to the class, you can have your manuscript ready to send to agents and publishers by the end of the session.

In this class, you will 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, you will have:
A complete first draft of a YA or middle grade novel

Students who have taken this class have published:
Total Knockout: Tale of an Ex-Class President (Simon & Schuster), Emily Goldberg Learns to Salsa (Razarbill), Vidalia in Paris (Viking), Rock the Burbs (Random House), Brand New Emily (Tricycle Press), This is What I Want to Tell You (Flux) and sold 4-book deals to Penguin and 2-book deals to HarperCollins

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.

Course Syllabus

Young Adult Novel Writing (PDF)
View a sample syllabus for this class here.

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Instructor Bio

Kendra Levin's Courses

Get Over Your Writer's Block – New York

Young Adult Novel Writing – (Class starts January 12)

Testimonials

1/13/2010: How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal that Sells - New York, NY - Ryan Fischer-Harbage - 3 hours, $65

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WHEN Wednesday, January 13, 6:45-9:45 pm

WHERE University Settlement, 273 Bowery (at E. Houston), New York, NY 10002

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )
more info

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Course Details

Agents and editors see hundreds of book proposals a year. Find out what captures their attention and demands their time (and money). Ideally, a lot of their money. In just three hours, a successful writer will guide you through everything you need to know about what makes a proposal sell.

This seminar will cover the following seven steps:

How to choose salable subject and concept
How to write the perfect pitch
Harbage shares a brilliant (and sold) proposal
How to write your own winning overview, bio, outline, sample chapter(s), market analysis, marketing/publicity plan
The three secrets of success: Revise, more revising, and revision
Sending your proposal out into the world
You've sold your book, now what?

Related Courses

• Memoir Writing – New York (Class starts February 10)

• Get a New Job: Pass the Edit Test (Video) – ONLINE

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