THE SCOOP ON CRITIQUES
FOUR ENROLLMENT OPTIONS

Below, each of our four enrollment options (three with manuscript critiques) is described in detail: who should apply; plus the features, responsibilities, and perks of each group.

All enrollees participate in the full array of workshop offerings (one-track focus sessions, clinics, keynotes, and Q-A). Additionally, attendees may enjoy:

• Our pre-workshop manual, personalized worksheets, and peer-manuscript anthology
  
  
• Access to the “Members Only” area of our website (bulletin board for enrollees)

To see an overview of our workshop’s distinctive features, click here. To see teen enrollment options, click here.

Writers today must pursue their publication goals systematically. Many agents and editors have closed their doors to submissions—except through personal referrals. These include queries and manuscripts from writers they’ve met at workshops. So, regardless of which PCCWW group you enroll in, meeting our faculty can provide all-important contacts—which, for some of our writers, have also led to contracts!

Below, here’s the scoop on our basic critiques. Which group suits you best? Your preference will be given the utmost consideration. (See also Spot Critiques).

GROUP 1

FACE-TO-FACE CRITIQUES

With editor, agent, and faculty author on 10 to 15 manuscript pages, plus up to 250-word synopsis.

DESCRIPTION

Group 1 is reserved for the most skilled applicants, published and not-yet published, about whom the following statements are true:

• The writer’s manuscript is a polished, literary, character-driven novel with a thought-provoking message.
  
  
• The manuscript genre is nearly always realistic (contemporary or historical). Exceptions are made occasionally, per factors noted on this page.
  
  
• The manuscript contributes to a balance between masterclass novels aimed at younger and older adolescent readers.
  
  
• Our panel deems that the manuscript offers educational benefits for all attendees. It may demonstrate ways in which even very accomplished writing can benefit from constructive feedback. Or the manuscript may offer some element, perhaps unusual but of common interest, to round out the rest of the manuscripts.
  
  
• The writer has received professional manuscript critiques (at workshops, in class, and/or from book doctors), preferably in a public format. The writer is equipped to be “on stage,” rigorously team-critiqued in our faculty master classes—without being argumentative about faculty or peer feedback. Read more about our masterclass critique clinics.
  

• The writer has submitted an e-application at least by our priority deadline: April 20, 2010. Where all else is equal, writers submitting earliest are given priority consideration for Group 1, if they so choose.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Manuscript Sharing: In June, Group 1 writers submit packets for the workshop director and faculty to be discussed in masterclass clinics. Each packet includes 10 to 15 manuscript pages, a synopsis of up to 250-words, and a Cover-Evaluation Sheet.

Before the workshop, all enrollees download and print Group 1 manuscripts from our e-anthology. Each Group 1 enrollee provides a thoughtful written critique of at least four other Group 1 manuscripts, mainly the critiquer’s own selections.

PERKS

Group 1 writers can compare three professional points of view—those of editor, agent, and faculty author—regarding their manuscript. Group 1 writers also receive written critiques from knowledgeable peers in Groups 1-4.

“A novel is... a whale of a dream. You have to go under for a long time
 into the dark waters of the mind.” — Natalie Goldberg

Group 2 description »