Whole Novel Workshop: A Virtual Course for Middle Grade and Young Adult Writers (Fall)

OVERVIEW:

Congratulations on your acceptance into the Whole Novel Workshop: A Virtual Course for Middle Grade and Young Adult Writers (Fall)!

This intensive, transformative Whole Novel Workshop offers writers the rare opportunity to have the entire draft (up to 85,000 words)* of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and a private consultation provided. Enjoy weekly presentations via Zoom that will help shape your novel and support you at this stage in your creative journey.

*If your finished novel is over 85,000 words, we will may ask you to summarize some parts of the novel, or offer additional compensation to your reader.

Out of respect for others who are on the waitlist, we ask that you please complete this registration process within 2 weeks of being offered acceptance. Choose the payment option that works best for you and your budget, or contact us to set up a personalized payment plan.

KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS:

• Apply on or before September 16 (with final notifications on or before September 23)
• Live sessions Tuesdays, 7:30pm – 8:30pm Eastern: October 6 – December 1
  
  • Lectures: Tuesdays: October 6, 13, 20, 27, & November 3
  • Reading week for peer groups: November 10
  • Peer to Peer Workshopping: November 17 & 24
  • Final Presentation: December 1
• All lectures are recorded for those who cannot attend live.
• Complete manuscript submissions due by November 3.
• Feedback letters delivered to writers by December 14.
• 60-minute, 1:1 Private Zoom Consultation: Scheduled at a mutually convenient time, December 14 – December 22.

• The cost of the full course (including retreat + pre-retreat zooms, feedback letter, 1:1 consultations, lectures, and writing exercises) is $2,199. Please note that once the submission deadline occurs, you are subject to a $1,100 cancellation fee should you decide to leave the course for any reason. You will still receive your 1:1 feedback.

Full program details, including the week to week lectures are found in your virtual classroom.

This virtual course features:

• Rich presentations (Sessions may include: The Importance of Setting; Deepen Your Characters; Bringing Yourself to the Page; Revision; The Power of Language; and more!)
• Writing exercises and small group workshopping (First 15 pages for peer groups due November 3.)
• A feedback letter offering written insights and questions about your drafted novel (up to 85,000 words) to help you prioritize goals and next steps.
• A 60-minute private consultation with your reader to discuss feedback, revisions, and next steps.
• Connection opportunities with fellow writers.

All presentations are recorded for those who cannot attend live.

HOW THIS WORKSHOP IMPACTS KIDS:

Your novel can make a big impact on a child’s life. This workshop helps you take steps toward bringing it to market in a way that is authentic to your voice and your story, because that is just what your reader needs.

Why do we mention this? Learn about the Highlights Foundation mission. 

Commitment Required for the Best Experience

• This course is best if you engage in all sessions. If you cannot attend live, please commit to watching the recordings in sequence. You’ll have access to the recordings with closed captioning. They’re posted the day after the session.
• Participants are encouraged to leave open/schedule blocks of time for themselves to work on exercises and reflections throughout.
• Please be in contact as soon as possible if you need extended time for the submission deadlines as this impacts the intense reading schedules of your faculty members and peers. Thank you!

The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.