Winter 2007 Workshops at Writers & Books

The Business of Writing

Basics of Proofreading and Editing

• WA7-B01
• Three Mondays, 7 - 9 p.m.
• January 8 through 22
• $56 W&B members / $59 General Public
• Instructor: Ruth E. Thaler Carter

Learn the essentials of proofreading and editing, including marks and symbols, essential style manuals, using Microsoft Word as an editing tool, and working effectively with clients and colleagues, as well as helpful organizational resources. Ruth E. Thaler-Carter brings more than 25 years of experience as a freelance writer and editor to this essential nuts-‘n’-bolts class.

How to register

Register online

Getting Started as a Freelance Writer

• WA7-B02
• 3 Mondays , 7 - 9 pm
• February 5- 19
• no class March 15 or March 22
• $56 W&B members / $59 general public
• Instructor: Ruth E. Thaler-Carter

You need more than writing skills and a computer to be a successful freelancer. You also need business sense, knowledge of the market, and a firm grasp of the tricks of the trade. Ruth E. Thaler-Carter will share her 25-plus years of experience in this tough but highly rewarding arena, working from her booklet, Get Paid to Write! Getting Started as a Freelance Writer.

How to register

Register online

Query Letters That Open Doors

• WA7-B03
• One Saturday, 10 a.m. – noon
• February 3
• $32 W&B members / $37 general public
• Instructor: Judith Lemoncelli

Your skill at writing succinct and compelling query letters may mean the difference between a busy writing life and one of languishing at your word processor. How do freelancers "break in" and get those magazine assignments? How do first-time novelists grab the attention of an agent? The answer to both questions: by sending well-honed queries to the right person. In this interactive workshop, Judith Lemoncelli shows you how to grab the attention of an editor or agent by crafting a query letter that opens doors.

How to register

Register online

Paths to Publication

• WA7-B04
• Saturday, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
• February 3
• $35 W&B members / $39 general public
• Instructor: Steven Huff

How does book publication really work? How should I approach a publisher? Should I look for an agent first? What about copyrights, permissions, and royalties? How will I know a good publisher if I see one? If I sign a contract, am I signing away my rights to my own work? Are there hidden pitfalls and problems that I haven’t yet imagined? How long does the process take? Should I consider self-publication? Steven Huff brings his years of publishing experience to this class.

How to register

Register online

So You Want to Start A Small Press?

• WA7-B05
• Two Mondays, 7–9 p.m.
• April 16 through 23
• $45 W&B members / $52 general public
• Instructor: Steven Huff

Publishing is risky business—and very rewarding! More and more, as big corporations and the profit motive dominate mainstream book publishing, small presses are quietly bringing some of the best poetry, fiction, and non-fiction to readers. And there are new technologies that can produce books cheaper and quicker. The instructor, with many years experience in both publishing and the retail book business, will detail the basic tasks, the traumas, and the excitement of small press book publishing.

How to register

Register online

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