Novel Writing Master Class
Ten weeks online
Revise or finish your manuscript with the guidance of a professional editor.
The spring 2025 session will be offered on a one-on-one and small-group basis only. E-mail Caitlin to discuss your manuscript and goals or if you'd like to be notified when future workshop registrations open.
In this intensive workshop, a veteran editor of a major publishing house will help you hone your story arc, character development, setting, voice, point of view, grammar, and every element of your manuscript. You’ll receive detailed feedback from the instructor and your fellow writers on up to ten pages each week as you work toward polishing your novel for eventual submission to literary agents and book publishers.
Once a week, we’ll gather on Zoom to discuss your pages and help you pinpoint the keys to compelling novel writing and must-know craft skills to sharpen your revisions. You’ll also meet one-on-one with the instructor and have opportunities to submit revised pages for feedback. By the end of the class, you’ll have up to eighty edited pages of your manuscript, a stable of tips and techniques that will elevate every aspect of your writing, and insight into how to position yourself in the current fiction market.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAY:
“Caitlin is one of the most insightful writing teachers I've ever had. She goes to the heart of a story and identifies where it can be brought out or deepened. Her publishing advice was also comprehensive.” “Caitlin makes sure each student has a chance to discuss his/her work and is thorough in her suggestions. My writing has come a long way since starting her course. She has given me nuggets of information that will benefit all of my writing. Invaluable!” “Caitlin is wonderful editor. She knows how to take a scene and make it tighter, and give it more ‘zing.’ Thanks for a great class.” “Caitlin is a terrific writing coach! She pulls out the strengths and weaknesses in her students’ writing and helps writers move forward with character development, plot, and voice. Her in-depth critiques help fully develop all elements of novel writing.” “Caitlin told it to me straight with ideas on how to improve my novel from an editor’s perspective.” “Caitlin has a talent for bringing out the best in her students. She's always encouraging and kind, but she is also honest about what is not working. Particularly great is her ability to provide both big-picture comments (as to plotting and character issues, for example) and specific language ideas when needed. I would highly recommend any course she teaches.” “Caitlin is not only a talented and insightful editor for all genres, but she has genuine interest and enthusiasm for everyone's work. Her feedback is honest, constructive, and specific, and her wise guidance will undoubtedly take your writing to the next level.”Contact Caitlin with questions or to be notified when future registrations are available.
Individual Query Letter Review
Literary agents receive dozens to hundreds of queries from writers every week. Because it would be impossible to read every manuscript, agents rely on your query letter to form an impression of your story and your writing, and to identify whether your manuscript fits their sphere of interest and has the potential to sell to a publisher amid current market trends. A standout query letter may entice an agent to take a chance on your work even if your manuscript needs revision before it can be submitted to publishers. Without a persuasive query letter, your manuscript may not be read by agents even if it's terrific.
When you work with me on your query letter, we'll collaborate to level up your entire submission package, including your query letter, a synopsis of your manuscript, and sample chapters. We'll identify the agents and/or publishers that are likely to be the best fit for your work and establish smart strategies to follow as you seek publication.