About Writer's Digest University

Developed by Writer’s Digest, the premier resource for aspiring authors for more than 90 years, each course was designed to get you writing and keep you writing for a long and inspired career. Writers Digest University offers a variety of online writing courses for writers at every experience level.

What Makes Writers Digest University Different?

We have all the elements you look for with in-person classes, including informative lectures, writing exercises and feedback from your instructor, only our online courses aren’t limited by a scheduled meeting time and place. Instead, our courses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you can participate on your own schedule, from any computer, anywhere in the world.

What different kinds of education does Writer's Digest University offer?

We have options to fit all budgets and schedules! Take a look below to learn about all of your options.

Webinars

Writer's Digest Webinars are conducted live on Zoom, with a Q&A with the instructor. A recorded version of the webinar is sent to registered attendees post-live event for additional viewing for one year. 60 minutes - 3 hours.

Boot Camps

Writer’s Digest boot camps are conducted by literary agencies. Boot Camps include an OnDemand Tutorial, agent Q&A chat to ask questions in real time, a set due date for materials to be submitted to literary agents, and a deadline for agents to return feedback. 

Virtual Conferences

Writer's Digest Virtual Conferences are 4-7 one-hour sessions which take place over 1 - 3 days. All sessions are live over Zoom on a set day/time and include a video presentation followed by a Q&A with the instructor. All sessions are recorded and provided post virtual conference for OnDemand access for one year. The virtual conferences also include the option to submit a query or material for review by a literary agent as well as several digital bonus items like Writer’s Digest Magazine, Digital Guides, and OnDemand Webinars. 

Guided Courses

Writer's Digest offers over 70 courses on various writing topics like writing short stories, copyediting, novel writing, memoirs, freelancing, submission coaching, screenwriting, etc. Courses are a hybrid of OnDemand course material, which may include written and/or video lectures, with due dates for written submissions and personalized feedback from the instructor. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss lessons with their instructor and fellow students in the course community. Course access expires 30 days after the end of the session.

Self-Paced Courses

The Writer’s Digest Self-Paced Courses are fully OnDemand courses on various topics. The material was created by an instructor, but instructor access is not included with these courses. You will not receive feedback on assignments. You may review the lessons and exercises on your own schedule, and access does not expire. 

How Our Guided Courses Work

Each of our guided courses is broken up into sessions normally lasting 1-week, and each session includes the following sections:

Lecture Material

All of our courses are developed by professionals in the writing industry who also dedicate themselves to helping others improve their writing and increase their chances of getting published. Each week you will have access to a new lecture where they share their knowledge about the topic of the course. After reading the lecture students are then encouraged to ask questions and participate in the discussion area (see below).

Required/Recommended Reading

The majority of our courses will have a required or suggested reading assignment. This additional content is designed to compliment and give further examples of the topics discussed in the lecture material.

Discussion Area

This section of the course is where students can discuss that week’s lecture, both between themselves and with the instructor. Many times the instructor will actually post prompts related to that week’s lesson to help students really dive into the material and get the most out of the lecture.

Writing Assignment

Every course is designed to help you produce a specific piece of work or improve a specific area of your craft. Therefore each week includes a writing assignment that is designed as a stepping stone that will get you one step closer to hitting your goal by the end of the course. Each assignment is sent to the instructor in private. They will then critique your work and send it back to you.

So whether you’re just starting to brainstorm the concept of your novel, perfect your entry for a writing contest or are a professional author looking to write in a different area or blast thru writer’s block, Writers Digest University can help you achieve your writing goal.

Take a look at our library of courses and register today!