Learning the Best Techniques of Master Storytellers Across Media

June 17

The secret of telling a good story, regardless of your chosen media, is good storytelling. It’s essential to the success of all media, from film and graphic novels to novels, short stories, video games, and any point in between. How do you take the techniques of master storytellers and fold them into your own work, regardless of medium?

What It Takes to Sell Your Memoir (or Hybrid Memoir)

June 25

Knowing how to position your memoir—and understanding what the market actually requires—is where most writers get into trouble. In this class, we’ll walk through the real-world factors that determine whether a memoir can find a traditional publishing home, drawing on what recently announced book deals (and their authors) tell us about the current market. You’ll learn the common reasons memoirs don't sell—not to discourage, but because an honest reality check is what memoirists need to avoid frustration and lots of wasted time.

Today's Key Book Publishing Paths

July 9

Jane Friedman discusses everything you need to know about how book publishing operates today, in plain English, to help you understand the pros and cons of every major publishing path available. She'll cover traditional publishing and what projects are well-suited to being represented by literary agents; the capabilities of mid-size publishers and independent publishers; how to evaluate small presses, micro-presses, and digital-only presses; what "hybrid" publishing is (or thinks it is) and how to evaluate such companies; and all forms of self-publishing and e-publishing practiced today.  

Media Savvy Author: Elevate Your Platform

June 18 - July 16

Take 20% off with code MEDIA20

Whether you're preparing to pitch your book, attract an agent, or grow your readership, your author platform is the foundation that supports it all. Paula Rizzo will help you assess your current platform, imagine what’s possible, and develop a plan that fits your life and goals.

Comp Titles Intensive: The Essential Tool That Can Launch Your Career

June 18 - June 25

This one-week intensive will walk you through the process of finding comparable titles and authors. The class covers what the industry uses comps for and why they are so important. Then it shows HOW to find the titles with the best sales numbers by using readily accessible online tools.

Flash to a Novel: Publishing Short Fiction and Laying the Foundation for a Novel

June 18 - September 10

In Flash to a Novel, learn to write powerful, emotionally resonant flash fiction for submission to journals and acquire the skills to build a novel through the meticulous selection and accumulation of details while embracing the process of discovery.