Get it Edited: When to Call in the Pros, and What to Look for When You Do

December 4

When it’s time to hire a professional editor there are more options available than ever before, and it can be hard to sift through the “noise.” This 90-minute workshop will show you what you need to know to determine what kind of edit you need; how to find reputable, experienced professionals; how to pick the right editor for you and what you can expect of your working relationship; as well as other options if hiring an editor isn’t in your budget right now.

Improve Your Author Website: From Homepages to Contact Page

December 11

Every professional author needs a website, but too often bad design choices and lack of focus prevent it from doing its job. Some have conflicting messages about who they are or what they write. A shocking number of published authors don’t include book covers anywhere on the homepage. And unpublished writers sometimes don’t know what to say about themselves except, “I’m looking for an agent.” Is there something more you should be doing?

This 2-hour live webinar will address best practices for any author website—whether you’re published or unpublished—with simple tips and tricks you can put to work immediately.

Historical Fiction Virtual Conference

December 12 - 14

Experience the education, camaraderie, and opportunities provided by a live writing conference without ever having to leave your home! Writer’s Digest University is pleased to present a one-of-a-kind online event for historical fiction writers! Our WDU Historical Fiction Virtual Conference will provide expert insights from bestselling historical fiction authors. Spend the weekend learning techniques for honing your craft, then optionally receive a personalized critique of your query letter from a participating literary agent.

Beta Reader Ready: Get the Feedback You Actually Need

December 4 - January 1

This four-week guided experience helps writers build a complete, repeatable system for beta-reading, from choosing readers to preparing for revision. By the end of the course, you’ll have a vetted shortlist of readers, a polished brief, an outreach workflow, and a ready-to-use feedback plan.

Proper Formatting Technique: Script Format Made Easy

December 4 - January 1

Let Dave Trottier (Dr. Format himself) show you the necessary techniques and currently accepted standards that will set your script apart from the heap. Not only will he teach you the rules of script formatting, he will show you when and how to break them.

Writing the Thriller Novel

December 4 - January 15

In this six-week course, you'll examine the structural elements that create a successful thriller, learn how to build compelling conflict and suspense into your story, find out what helps a story engage a reader, and much more.