Our Workshops
How does it work?
With each two-hour session limited to only five fiction and/or nonfiction writers, the Workshops offer detailed critiques from publishing professionals, as well as reviews from fellow participants. Here’s how it works: Before the start of each week’s session, writers have the option to submit to the group a chapter, or an excerpt of up to 15 pages, for consideration the following week. At the Workshop, fellow writers share their brief critiques of the respective submission, and the Workshop mentor contributes a thorough written and oral analysis of each work. Some of our writer-students are previously published, and others are tackling their first works. Many writers have published their debut works after writing them in the Workshops. Our current roster includes literary novelists, thriller & mystery writers, fantasy/sci-fi authors, short story writers, YA authors, memoirists, narrative nonfiction writers, romance/historical fiction writers and others. Also offered are online editing services and Skype or phone consultations for writers either not in the New York area or unable to attend the workshops. Get in touch today to learn more!
FAQs
How do I know this is the right writer’s workshop for me?
Come sit in and visit to see for yourself how we operate! You’ll find a warm and encouraging setting with beginning through experienced writers, all in an environment of mutual respect and writerly comradery. Contact us now if you’d like to “audit” any one of our fiction or memoir-writing workshops!
I’m a beginning writer, and I don’t have a manuscript yet to present. Is this the right place for me?
Yes. Many of our writers have started with little more than a basic idea. There’s no pressure to produce 15 pages each week. Many of our beginning writers might bring in a few notes, and the group helps you to brainstorm and develop a broader idea. Before long, those ideas turn into a page or two, then an outline, and soon enough the writer produces a first chapter.
What happens if I miss a workshop?
Your tuition covers an eight-week cycle of consecutive weeks. Generally, a missed workshop will still count as part of the eight-week cycle. However, if you’re unable to attend a workshop due to medical or work conflicts, and if you know in advance, just give us 24-hours notice, and we will consider each missed class on a case-by-case basis.
What happens if I don’t have a submission each week?
Even if you don’t have a submission for a particular week, we encourage all writers to attend their workshops. A lot can be learned about the elements of writing, and the state of the publishing market, just by listening to the critiques of other writers and their works.
Can I take a break in between sessions?
Of course. Writers can jump in and out of the workshop at their convenience at the conclusion of each respective eight-week cycle. However, if there’s a waiting list for a particular workshop session, the seat will not be held for an extended period of time.
Am I guaranteed a publishing contract?
No writer joining The WriteWorkshops is guaranteed a publishing contract or literary representation by Jeff or any of the other agents affiliated with the program. Publishing is a difficult and fickle business, and some genres are harder to sell than others. However, many authors, and many debut authors, have written their works as part of The WriteWorkshops program and have gone on to publish their books. We do the very best we can to help get your work into “publishable shape,” but there are no guarantees on either representation or publication.
How are payments accepted?
Fees for each workshop are due prior to the start of your workshop cycle. Payment may be made by cash, check, Paypal, Venmo or other electronic payment services. Currently, we are not accepting direct credit card payments.
Have a question for the team? Reach out today.