ENROLLMENT OVERVIEW

Since 2003, our workshop has offered a collegial event for writers at various stages in their development. We’ve focused on craft, the foremost tool that makes the sale. In 2011, many of our alumni have become savvy and/or published children’s book authors. Thus we’ve added a new element to our seminar. Now, in addition to our masterclass (open clinic) critiques, Group A writers may receive an editor or agent critique on their entire novel.

Whole-novel critiques provide feedback on the seeds planted in early chapters; i.e., those most often “workshopped.” These chapters serve multiple purposes—they present a hook; they introduce a dramatic question to be developed and resolved by The End; they make or break a formal submission.

It’s invaluable to examine these opening chapters, which we’ll continue to do in Group B master classes (open clinics). A third track, Group C, are enrollees in the TeenSpeak Novel Workshop. While engaging in their adjunct event, they will also join adults to give these writers fresh feedback from target-age readers.

All faculty critiques (Groups A, B, C) will be both written and in person. The three tracks will converge for novel-crafting focus sessions, as well as for observation of each others’ faculty consults. Regardless of which group you enroll in, expect a smorgasbord of educational and networking delights!

MASTERCLASS CRITIQUES

Master classes are not traditional at children’s writers workshops. We’ve adapted this collegial format to allow our entire group to observe faculty critiques of selected enrollees’ opening chapters. These manuscripts are available to read before the workshop.

In a 20-minute masterclass critique, each faculty offers comments for about five minutes, based on written feedback that he or she has prepared for the author. Then, for 10 minutes, the author and/or peer audience discuss that manuscript with both faculty.

Masterclass Critiques Schedule

See your story spring to life!

Friday: A team-taught demo session is presented by our agent and editor.

Saturday, Sunday: Faculty leads masterclass critique clinics, integrating our weekend theme. Critiques cover opening pages, the synopsis, and an optional “later chapter.”

Read more about master classes.

SPOT CRITIQUES

These are three-minute, public critiques by our editor-agent combo; designed for teens and/or adults who receive no other core faculty critiques. Maximum one manuscript page per writer, available for all to review before the workshop. Available to six writers, or as time permits.

GENRES

Most of our manuscript submissions are contemporary or historical realistic novels. However, depending on our faculty, we may offer critiques for well-crafted, character-driven fantasy novels, “older” chapter books, and stories in verse. Writers of multiple genres can benefit by exploring the character, plot, and theme issues we address at the workshop.

Also see our annotated table of fees.  For an in-depth look at each enrollment group, click here.