Master Class in Novel Writing
Master Class in Novel Writing
Get intensive, individualized instruction as you rewrite your novel, preparing your manuscript for presentation to agents and publishers to begin the process of turning it into a book.
Get More Info
What you can learn.
About This Course
This dynamic and rigorous Master Class in Novel Writing is designed for those serious about revising and polishing their novels and getting published. The nine-month, 30-week structure allows for intensely individual instruction, peer critiques from a community of liked-minded, talented writers and a focus on process and results. Each participant's unique voice is cultivated so that it remains true to the singular vision for his or her novel, while ongoing one-on-one mentoring by a professional novelist provides distinctly personal support. Workshops include discussion and implementation of the basic craft elements of writing including, but not limited to, developing structure, creating vibrant, memorable characters, setting and maintaining tone, creating scenes that further your theme and the art of revision. Guest speakers (authors, agents, editors) share their insights on writing, publishing and staying balanced through the sometimes daunting process of it all. Master Class students' novel excerpts are submitted to an established agent for review and consideration at the completion of the course.
Note: The Master Class in Novel Writing course plan is subject to change based on the needs of writers in the class, the class size, and the overall progress towards the course outcomes. The advanced nature of this workshop requires regular adjustment to meet the ever-changing needs of the enrolled writers' and their works-in-progress. As the needs of the writers become clear and change over the length of this course, course details and specifics will change as the instructor adapts their planned curriculum to address the needs of the workshop.
Fall 2026 Schedule
No meetings November 25 - December 1, December 16 - January 5, and March 10 - March 30, 2027. Live meetings on Zoom will happen every Saturday from 11 am - 12 pm PT.
A full novel manuscript submission is required as part of the application.
Restricted course; approval needed to enroll. Not eligible for any discounts. Enrollment limited to eight students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. No refund after enrollment. Internet access required. Materials required.
Admission to this course is by application only. The priority application deadline is Monday August 31 at 9am (PT). Applications submitted after this date are not guaranteed consideration.
Application Submission Guidelines for Master Class in Novel Writing
Please submit the following materials (Word Document or PDF only). The first document must contain: a one-page personal statement that includes your writing background, previous creative writing courses taken; a two-page synopsis of your work-in-progress; and an excerpt of one complete scene you feel is one of the best and accurately reflects your work-in-progress (no longer than 12 pages). In a separate document, you must also submit the full, completed first draft of your novel manuscript.
Note: Participants in this master class work only on the project submitted for admission. No exceptions. Each page should be numbered, typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, and double spaced with 1-inch margins.
To apply:
Log in with your existing student account and then add to cart and follow the prompts to create a new or returning student account. Then, follow the remaining instructions below:
- Click “Start” on the first Application page.
- On the 2nd Application page, click “Start” on the bottom left side of the page.
- After that, you will be asked to upload a writing sample, per the guidelines below.
- Once you finish the steps, click "Submit Application."
Please note that there are no pre-approvals. All students must submit the above requirements in order to be eligible for an advanced creative writing course.
Note: Despite being asked to enter payment information, you will not be charged for this course unless you choose to enroll if/when you receive a notice of acceptance for the course.
Selection notices will likely be distributed via email 1-2 weeks before the class is scheduled to start.
This course is held via a combination of required video teleconference meetings and asynchronous instruction on Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates. The Instructor also uses Zoom to offer live meetings at the designated class meeting time for additional workshop discussion and guest speakers – please check the meeting schedule below for exact dates. Students must be present at the course meeting time as each student’s final grade may include scores for participation. Please inform your instructor if you will miss a class meeting. You are responsible for any class information you missed. We suggest you arrange with a fellow classmate to share their notes when feasible.