GENERAL WORKSHOP QUESTIONS

Included: Who may enroll, fees and critiques, program content, matching faculty with your interests, landing contracts with our faculty, and the website’s organization.

This website is filled with goodies. Where do I take my first bite?

For a step-by-step approach, start with the top navigational menus; move from left to right. Or click on topics in our alphabetized site directory.

To catch some quick nibbles, see our program overview and comparison table. Then, see our enrollment basics.

Who is this workshop designed for? Must I be a published author, or at least present a finished manuscript?

Interactive focus session with former faculty author Barb Shoup

Our workshop is designed for skilled writers who are approaching or renewing their goal of publication. We have two tracks—one for those with completed manuscripts; one for writers who are well into their novels but have not completed a first draft. All enrollees are chosen through a manuscript-selection process which may involve the workshop faculty.

What does the full, no-fluff weekend schedule include?

We’ve planned a stimulating, creative three days for you. See our detailed schedule.

How do I know if your faculty is right for me?

We are a novels-only workshop. Only faculty experienced with novels will critique your manuscript. Our prominent editor and agent are amiable, proven teachers and/or communicators—experts in their fields. We will take great care to match you with faculty who are potentially or directly interested in your manuscript. For more information, read our faculty profiles and (in March) exclusive interviews.

Has anyone ever signed with an agent, or received a book contract, as a direct result of attending this workshop?

YES! We are happy to report that:

• Enrollee Joni Sensel signed with Jennifer Rofe of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, who sold one of Joni’s YA novels, Farwalker (Bloomsbury, 2009). Joni says: “Attending PCCWW allowed me to meet a dynamic agent whom I would not have otherwise considered for my work. I’m so glad I participated!”
  
  
• Enrollee Heather Tomlinson’s debut novel, The Swan Maiden, was published by Henry Holt. After Heather signed contracts with PCCWW’s editor and agent, she announced to our alumni: “I’m thrilled to pieces. Many thanks to PCCWW for providing the fantastic opportunity to meet with them both!” (See her winning query letter in our workshop manual.)

What are “masterclass” critiques; how are they useful? Why do I need to share?

Writers can learn from each other. Therefore, we provide open clinics (master classes) to maximize your time and money. This format allows you to observe team-taught faculty critiques on peers’ opening pages. You may read these samples in our pre-workshop e-anthology, then compare your evaluations to those of the pros.

When faculty team-teach in a master class, their comments may reinforce or contradict each other. Common threads may emerge. Throughout the weekend, these key points can be developed to the fullest—benefitting not just the individuals receiving critiques, but the entire group.

How much does the workshop cost?

We offer several enrollment tiers, based on the type and quantity of manuscript critique. Discounts and teen workshop rates are available. See our fees table after February 20.

Along with the in-depth craft activities, will I get marketing or publishing help at this workshop?

Yes! We include a “Writing and Publishing Biz” focus session; editor and agent present mock book-deal negotiations, answer your in-depth questions, and so on. We always offer open-ended faculty Q&A sessions; we also provide publishing tips in our online course manual.

Complementing these business sessions, our manuscript critique sessions provide a first-hand look at what editors and agents want—what they believe will sell, or not. At our workshop, you’ll have many opportunities to hear and discuss the views of these industry professionals. There’s no better resource!

Read our Critiques FAQs.