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2008 Freelance Writing Classes for Writers On The Rise Instructors: Christina Katz & Sage Cohen |
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What would six weeks of consistent effort teach you about your ability to write and get published? Find out by signing up for a six-week class with writing-for-publication instructor Christina Katz or poetry instructor Sage Cohen. You will be amazed what you can accomplish when you apply what you learn from weekly lessons to weekly assignments...truly amazed. NEW CLASSES STARTING in 2008! Poetry For The People A New Email Class with Sage Cohen
Targeting Your Best Writing Markets A New Email Class with Christina Katz
THIS SUMMER ONLY! Craft a Saleable Nonfiction Book Proposal A New E-mail Class with Christina Katz
THIS SUMMER FOR THE FIRST TIME! Personal Essays That Get Published Another New Email Class with Sage Cohen
2008 CLASS DATES—Christina Katz COMPLETE SCHEDULE: Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff
Targeting Your Best Writing Markets A New Email Class with Christina Katz
Pitching Practice: Write Six Queries in Six Weeks (Prior experience suggested--consult instructor)
How Pitching Practice Works (Word Doc Download) Platform Building Basics for Writers (Prior experience suggested--consult instructor)
Craft a Saleable Nonfiction Proposal (Prior experience suggested--consult instructor)
Summer Writing Career Coaching w/Christina Christina offers coaching during the summer. If you are interested in summer coaching, please read more below and e-mail Christina for rates. 2008 CLASS DATES—Sage Cohen COMPLETE SCHEDULE: Poetry For The People A New Email Class with Sage Cohen
Personal Essays That Get Published Another New Email Class with Sage Cohen
"Christina Katz is the nonfiction mentor I’ve always wanted! I felt supported each week by a professional who wasn’t relying on information she’d gotten second hand. Christina lives and breathes this stuff, and she gives her students all the tools they need to succeed." ~Kristine H., Whitsett, NC CLASS DESCRIPTIONS FOR 2008 Writing and Publishing The Short Stuff Especially For Moms (Busy Women & Dads Welcome Too)! Email Class Description Maximum Participants: 20 Cost: $199.00 Finally, a writing workshop that fits into the busy lives of moms! This class focuses on getting you into print sooner, rather than later, and without pulling all-nighters or paying a fortune in babysitter fees. You will learn how to create short, easy-to-write articles—a skill that will make it easier to work your way up to longer, more time-consuming articles (like features and profiles) when you're ready. You will try your pen at tips, fillers, short interviews, list articles, how-tos, and the short personal essays—all within six weeks. And you will learn to submit your work with a basic cover letter. Opportunities for self-assessment and self-reflection are woven into the class, and you'll benefit from reading your classmates' submissions. By starting short, you will learn to identify multiple possibilities for your material that will strengthen your freelancer’s eye in the long run. You will receive two detailed reviews of your drafts-in-progress at weeks three and six (you choose one of your pieces for an instructor critique each time). The instructor offers personal attention throughout the class in the form of questions answered for the entire class, just like a traditional “live” class. Because of the high volume of student productivity in this class, the instructor does not critique each and every student submission, but she does share all of your work with the entire class. Busy dads are also welcome to sign up, but they should expect a course designed to address and overcome the challenges busy moms face. Duration: Six lessons with six assignments completed in six weeks Dates:
Class work turns around on Wednesdays (please specify your class date when you sign up in the "notes" or "message" section). Prerequisites: This class is great for both beginning writers who have never taken a class before as well as experienced freelancers. The only requirement is that you must be able to receive and create Microsoft Word documents to participate in this class. The Instructor will send a personal introduction request form after your registration is confirmed, and a class evaluation to wrap up the class. Class Materials: The instructor provides class materials via e-mail in the form of Mirosoft Word documents on start date of class, so students must be able to read and create MSW docs to participate. Students will provide a jpeg photo/headshot and a one-paragraph introduction the week prior to the class start date. It's a voluntary but fun way to “meet” your classmates! About Christina Katz: Christina Katz is the author of Writer Mama, How To Raise A Writing Career Alongside Your Kids (March 2007, Writer’s Digest Books). She has published hundreds of articles in magazines, newspapers, and online publications over the past eight years. She teaches eleven writing career development classes a year and publishes and edits the online monthly zine, Writers On The Rise, voted one of the “101 Top Web Sites” for writers by Writer’s Digest, and the new monthly zine, The Writer Mama. Christina is currently writing her second book for Writer's Digest Books and planning her 2009 book tour. Reserve your space by sending your check to: Very Important: When paying by check, be sure to include a note with your email address! Or pay with Paypal—Don't forget to include the email address you intend to use for class, a snail mail address and the dateof the class you want to sign up for. You will receive confirmation within 48 hours: Register Here for Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff (Especially for Moms): Former participants say: “The WPSS workshop provided me with confidence, commitment and camaraderie. It was just what I needed to get myself to take the leap of submitting my work to publications.” ~ Liz S., Shoreline, Washington “As a busy mom trying to break into freelance writing with four little kids running around, Christina’s course was exactly what I needed! The feedback was great and the classroom atmosphere kept me on track. I’ll definitely be applying her lessons for years to come!” ~ Jennifer A., Toledo, Ohio “I highly recommend Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff with Christina Katz. You will learn how to earn money writing fillers and short articles, how to research markets, and how to write cover letters, all while polishing your writing skills. The class is fun, and Christina is encouraging, thorough, and professional. Do something for yourself and invest in your dream!” ~ Caroline Y., Houston, Texas “I liked learning about writing articles other that feature stories. The written forms I learned about here can often be sent with a cover letter instead of a query. I expect knowing more about these types of pieces will help me look at stories from many different angles and get more placements out of a single idea.” ~ Cindy H., Portland, Oregon “Not only did I learn what I had hoped, I feel more confident and willing to take a few risks with larger markets.” ~ Lori R., The Dalles, Oregon Targeting Your Best Writing Markets Email Class Description Instructor: Christina Katz Maximum Participants: 12 Cost: $175.00 Anyone who has ever tried to launch a writing career can tell you that learning how to sift through and analyze potential markets is one of the biggest challenges. This class will help you tackle that challenge head on, while showing you how to make the process easier. Plus, comparing markets that are a good fit for you with markets are a good fit for your classmates will help you see the value of marketing your writing. This class will also dispell any nagging concerns you have about "selling out" by paying attention to the most appropriate channels for you to sell your work. In this class you can start to develop an all-important writing specialty, something that will come in really handy when you are ready to build a writer's platform. Join other writers who are ready to submit their writing on a regular schedule and learn faster from Christina Katz and each other. This class covers idea management, how to discover your best audiences, how to allow your best audiences to lead you to fresh ideas, how to break a magazine down to key areas that matter most to you as a freelancer, how to cultivate several approaches and go in the direction of the most natural growth for your writing style, and how to start specializing right out of the gate. Duration: Six lessons with six assignments completed in six weeks Dates:
Class work turns around on Wednesdays (please specify your class date when you sign up in the "notes" or "message" section). Prerequisites: This class is specifically recommended for writers with a little bit of experience. For example, if you have taken Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff, this is the next class in the series of four. The only requirement is that you MUST be able to receive and create Microsoft Word documents to participate. Instructor will send a personal introduction request form after your registration is confirmed. The instructor will also send a class evaluation to wrap up the class. Class Materials: The instructor provides class materials via e-mail in the form of Mirosoft Word documents on start date of class, so students must be able to read and create MSW docs to participate. Students will provide a jpeg photo/headshot and a one-paragraph introduction the week prior to the class start date. It's a voluntary but fun way to “meet” your classmates! About Christina Katz: Christina Katz is the author of Writer Mama, How To Raise A Writing Career Alongside Your Kids (March 2007, Writer’s Digest Books). She has published hundreds of articles in magazines, newspapers, and online publications over the past eight years. She teaches eleven writing career development classes a year and publishes and edits the online monthly zine, Writers On The Rise, voted one of the “101 Top Web Sites” for writers by Writer’s Digest, and the new monthly zine, The Writer Mama. Christina is currently writing her second book for Writer's Digest Books and planning her 2009 book tour. Reserve your space by sending your check to: Very Important: When paying by check, be sure to include a note with your email address! Or pay with Paypal—Don't forget to include the email address you intend to use for class, a snail mail address and the dateof the class you want to sign up for. You will receive confirmation within 48 hours: Register Here for Targeting Your Best Writing Markets: Write Six Queries in Six Weeks Email Class Description Instructor: Christina Katz Maximum Participants: 12 Cost: $175.00
But you've run into a few challenges:
In this class, pitching is all you do. Over the course of six weeks, you crank out six queries, which is exactly the kind of practice you need if you want to get into the habit of landing better-paying assignments. After you write and send six queries, you will never again ask, "What makes a strong query?" You will have developed your own style into prototypes that you can use over and over to obtain future assignments. And finding your own rhythm, not someone else's, is what effective query writing is about. Each week, you will study a successful writer's query and create your own list of steps to follow. You will also receive a three-page worksheet weekly, which will provide helpful ideas and checklists to help you systematize your query writing process and increase your productivity. You will be able to use these worksheets, along with your checklist to write a targeted query every six days for the rest of your career. Emphasis will be placed on developing the query-writing habit, achieving the goal of six queries written in six weeks and sent to publications that advance your career. Duration: Six lessons with six assignments completed in six weeks Dates:
Class work turns around on Wednesdays (please specify your class date when you sign up in the "notes" or "message" section). Prerequisites: Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff (Especially for Moms) is the perfect prerequisite to this class. Targeting Your Best Markets helps a lot too. Class Materials: The instructor provides class materials via e-mail in the form of Mirosoft Word documents on start date of class, so students must be able to read and create MSW docs to participate. Students will provide a jpeg photo/headshot and a one-paragraph introduction the week prior to the class start date. It's a voluntary but fun way to “meet” your classmates! About Christina Katz: Christina Katz is the author of Writer Mama, How To Raise A Writing Career Alongside Your Kids (March 2007, Writer’s Digest Books). She has published hundreds of articles in magazines, newspapers, and online publications over the past eight years. She teaches eleven writing career development classes a year and publishes and edits the online monthly zine, Writers On The Rise, voted one of the “101 Top Web Sites” for writers by Writer’s Digest, and the new monthly zine, The Writer Mama. Christina is currently writing her second book for Writer's Digest Books and planning her 2009 book tour. Reserve your space by sending your check to: Very Important: When paying by check, be sure to include a note with your email address! Or pay with Paypal—Don't forget to include the email address you intend to use for class, a snail mail address and the dateof the class you want to sign up for. You will receive confirmation within 48 hours: Register here for Pitching Practice: Write Six Queries in Six Weeks:
Former participants say: "Christina’s high level of knowledge is impressive and her sunny attitude is contagious. Together, these attributes make her a terrific advocate for new writers." ~Kristi B., Bellingham, Washington "In six weeks, I became informed, inspired and confident about the art of writing nonfiction articles and the business of getting them published. This is the best money I ever spent." ~Sage C., Portland, Oregon "Without this class, I’d still be just daydreaming about being a writer. It gave me the support and the practical skills to turn my dream of writing into reality!" ~Kelly H., Seattle, Washington "Even as a journalist with over 20 years writing experience, I walked away from this course with renewed energy, valuable tools in my writers toolbox and the belief that I wasn’t in this “all by myself.” Christina Katz is an excellent facilitator who thoroughly understands not only the mechanics of writing, but the emotional cycles that go along with a writer’s life." ~Shari D., Grants Pass, Oregon "I learned so much about the actual process of writing nonfiction articles. Though I read everything I can get my hands on, I never knew for example, how to determine if a publication utilizes free lance writers – now I do! Also determining my platform was a great exercise – taking the time to determine what I can write and how I can write it is a gift that I got from this class." ~Laurie W., La Grange Park, Illinois "If you ever thought about writing a nonfiction article for publication you should start by taking this class – no exaggeration, honest." ~J.M. K., Portland, Oregon "Christina has taught me to think like a freelancer by demystifying each step of the writing and marketing process. I expect my increased sales will more than pay for the cost of the class." ~Lori R., The Dalles, Oregon "Christina’s insights and comments could only come from a seasoned and highly successful professional. Her enthusiasm and positive comments motivated all of us to go beyond our personal fears and limitations. A million thanks!" ~Patty M., Portland, Oregon Platform Building Basics for Writers Email Class Description Class Maximum: 12 Cost: $199.00 This is the class that everyone has been begging me to teach. How do you go from someone who writes and gets published once in awhile, to a seasoned professional, who isn't afraid to let the world know what you have to offer? You work on your platform, that's how. This is an advanced course, for people who have taken any or all of Christina Katz's classes, and who find themselves ready to take their writing careers to a more professional level. Over six weeks, we will cover:
This class is as much about self-analysis as it is about audience analysis. It's as much about serving editors and publishers as it is about establishing the platform that serves your highest good while helping you to stand on your own feet. This class is about standing back and taking a cold hard look at the industry and making strategic choices. It's not a class about pipe dreams, so be prepared to look at yourself and your dreams more objectively, because that's what editors and publishers do. By the end of our six weeks, you will have a clear vision of your platform and a plan for first and future steps. You will be ready to write your book proposal and build that all-important online presence your future readers will want. Duration: Six lessons with six assignments completed in six weeks Dates:
Class work turns around on Wednesdays (please specify your class date when you sign up in the "notes" or "message" section). Prerequisites: This class is most effective when you've completed Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff (Especially for Moms), Targeting Your Best Markets and Pitching Practice. Class Materials: The instructor provides class materials via e-mail in the form of Mirosoft Word documents on start date of class, so students must be able to read and create MSW docs to participate. Students will provide a jpeg photo/headshot and a one-paragraph introduction the week prior to the class start date. It's a voluntary but fun way to “meet” your classmates! About Christina Katz: Christina Katz is the author of Writer Mama, How To Raise A Writing Career Alongside Your Kids (March 2007, Writer’s Digest Books). She has published hundreds of articles in magazines, newspapers, and online publications over the past eight years. She teaches eleven writing career development classes a year and publishes and edits the online monthly zine, Writers On The Rise, voted one of the “101 Top Web Sites” for writers by Writer’s Digest, and the new monthly zine, The Writer Mama. Christina is currently writing her second book for Writer's Digest Books and planning her 2009 book tour. Reserve your space by sending your check to: Very Important: When paying by check, be sure to include a note with your email address! Or pay with Paypal—Don't forget to include the email address you intend to use for class, a snail mail address and the dateof the class you want to sign up for. You will receive confirmation within 48 hours: Register here for Platform Building Basics for Writers: Craft a Saleable Nonfiction Proposal Email Class Description Class Maximum: 12 The only class this year begins June 4th! Most writers underestimate the comprehensiveness necessary in a book proposal to garner the interest of agents and editors. They also often misunderstand the best strategies for linking a proposal to a solid platform. Christina has been helping writing students succeed at landing a book deals for years and she's formalized her tips for aspiring authors who want to nail their book proposal the first time around. This class includes two proposal-in-process reviews over the course of six weeks. Finally the definitive class on how to make sure that you are:
You'll benefit from the synergy of sharing your drafts with fellow participants and an experienced nonfiction author. Exactly what you need to master in order to effectively communicate your idea to the people who can greenlight your idea. Duration: Six lessons with six assignments completed in six weeks Dates:
Class work turns around on Wednesdays (please specify your class date when you sign up in the "notes" or "message" section). Prerequisites: This class is most effective when you've completed Writing & Publishing the Short Stuff (Especially for Moms), Targeting Your Best Markets, Pitching Practice, and Platform Building Basics for Writers. Class Materials: The instructor provides class materials via e-mail in the form of Mirosoft Word documents on start date of class, so students must be able to read and create MSW docs to participate. Students will provide a jpeg photo/headshot and a one-paragraph introduction the week prior to the class start date. It's a voluntary but fun way to “meet” your classmates! About Christina Katz: Christina Katz is the author of Writer Mama, How To Raise A Writing Career Alongside Your Kids (March 2007, Writer’s Digest Books). She has published hundreds of articles in magazines, newspapers, and online publications over the past eight years. She teaches eleven writing career development classes a year and publishes and edits the online monthly zine, Writers On The Rise, voted one of the “101 Top Web Sites” for writers by Writer’s Digest, and the new monthly zine, The Writer Mama. Christina is currently writing her second book for Writer's Digest Books and planning her 2009 book tour. Reserve your space by sending your check to: Very Important: When paying by check, be sure to include a note with your email address! Or pay with Paypal—Don't forget to include the email address you intend to use for class, a snail mail address and the dateof the class you want to sign up for. You will receive confirmation within 48 hours: Register here for Craft a Saleable Nonfiction Proposal: Email Class Description Instructor: Sage Cohen Class Maximum: 12 Cost: $199.00 Have you always wanted to write a poem but didn’t know how to begin? Maybe you’re already writing poetry and want to connect with your muse more often or brush up on your poetic prowess? Poetry for the People takes poetry off of its academic pedestal, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Facilitated by award-winning poet Sage Cohen, Poetry for the People will introduce new ways of expressing yourself in poetry and appreciating the poetry you read. Each week’s lesson will include a mix of:
You’ll be inspired (but not required) to write a poem a day! Weekly assignments include a poem and check-in. At weeks two, four and six, you’ll provide brief feedback about classmates’ work. The instructor offers personal attention throughout the six weeks by answering questions for the entire class, just like a traditional, “live” class. Three detailed reviews of your poems-in-progress are included at weeks two, four and six: you choose one of your pieces for instructor critique each time. Because of the high volume of student productivity, the instructor does not critique each and every student submission, but she does share them with the entire class. Duration: Six lessons with six assignments completed in six weeks Dates:
Duration: Six lessons with six assignments completed in six weeks Prerequisites: This class is for people at any level of poetry writing experience. You must be able to receive and create Microsoft Word documents to participate. The instructor will send a personal introduction request form after your registration is confirmed and a class evaluation when the class is complete. Class Materials: The instructor provides class materials via e-mail in the form of Mirosoft Word documents on start date of class, so students must be able to read and create MSW docs to participate. Students will provide a jpeg photo/headshot and a one-paragraph introduction the week prior to the class start date. It's a voluntary but fun way to “meet” your classmates! About Sage Cohen: Sage Cohen is the author of Writing the Life Poetic, forthcoming from Writer’s Digest Books, and the poetry collection Like the Heart, the World. Her poetry and essays appear in journals and anthologies including Cup of Comfort for Writers, Oregon Literary Review, Greater Good and VoiceCatcher. In 2006, she won first prize in the Ghost Road Press annual poetry contest. Sage holds an MA in creative writing from New York University where she was awarded a New York Times Foundation fellowship. How to Register: Questions? Contact Sage Cohen at sage@sagesaidso.com. Register here:
Personal Essays that Get Published with Sage Cohen Email Class Description Instructor: Sage Cohen Class Maximum: 12 Cost: $199.00
Everyone has a story to tell. Would you like to tell yours exceptionally well––and then share it with a wider audience? Personal Essays that Get Published equips you with the basic knowledge you need to write personal essays that connect—and the market know-how to get them published. Facilitated by award-winning essayist and poet Sage Cohen, Personal Essays that Get Published will teach you how to:
Each week’s lesson will include two recommended markets for publishing your essays.
Weekly assignments include a writing assignment and check-in. The instructor offers personal attention throughout the six weeks by answering questions for the entire class, just like a traditional, “live” class. Two detailed reviews of your essays-in-progress are included at weeks three and six: you choose one of your pieces for instructor critique each time. Because of the high volume of student productivity, the instructor does not critique each and every student submission, but she does share them with the entire class.
Duration: Six lessons with six assignments completed in six weeks
Dates:
Prerequisites: This class is for people at any level of writing experience. You must be able to receive and create Microsoft Word documents to participate. The instructor will send a personal introduction request form after your registration is confirmed and a class evaluation when the class is complete.
Class Materials: The instructor provides class materials via e-mail in the form of Mirosoft Word documents on start date of class, so students must be able to read and create MSW docs to participate. Students will provide a jpeg photo/headshot and a one-paragraph introduction the week prior to the class start date. It's a voluntary but fun way to “meet” your classmates!
About Sage Cohen: Sage Cohen is the author of Writing the Life Poetic, forthcoming from Writer’s Digest Books, and the poetry collection Like the Heart, the World. Her poetry and essays appear in journals and anthologies including Cup of Comfort for Writers, Oregon Literary Review, Greater Good and VoiceCatcher. Sage holds an MA in creative writing from New York University where she was awarded a New York Times Foundation fellowship.
How to Register: Questions? Contact Sage Cohen at sage@sagesaidso.com. Register here:
2008 Summer Coaching with Christina Katz In the course of a long career in writing, teaching and publishing, I've worked extensively with editors at magazines, newspapers and publishing houses. I've also experienced first-hand the multiple challengs that writers encounter as their writing careers rise. In response to many requests from current and former students, I now offer individual coaching during the summer months, beginning in June. Scheduling phone time with me will be most helpful to you if:
Naturally, I prefer to coach folks who have taken my classes already (that’s hundreds of writers at this point). This way I can make the best use of your time and provide more informed feedback. Please be prepared to describe your annual goals when we talk. If you have not yet taken a class with me, I encourage you to take Writing and Publishing the Short Stuff (WPSS) first. I teach four sessions of this class a year. Cost: $50 per half hour To discuss summer coaching, please e-mail me at writersontherise at earthlink dot net. (I don't want to put the link here because I get so much SPAM.) I look forward to working with you to take your current writing career to the next level! |