** Stay tuned for workshop and webinar dates in 2021! **
After years of experience working with novelists, memoirists, short story, and non-fiction writers, Chrysalis Editorial has developed a workshop series, NOW THAT YOU'RE DONE, WHAT'S NEXT?, to help with all or part of the publishing process. The classes will focus on three distinct aspects of writing and publication for novel and memoir projects: REVISION, PUBLISHING, and MARKETING.
Prior to the start of the workshop sessions, authors will will be given an introductory questionnaire to help identify their individual goals. They are also expected to provide the first 25 pages of their manuscripts to the workshop, where we will offer individual critiques and advice. After the workshops, Chrysalis will provide participants with numerous handouts outlining the topics discussed in the class, including lists of resources and contacts.
Below are overviews for each of the 3-4 hour workshops.
Prior to the start of the workshop sessions, authors will will be given an introductory questionnaire to help identify their individual goals. They are also expected to provide the first 25 pages of their manuscripts to the workshop, where we will offer individual critiques and advice. After the workshops, Chrysalis will provide participants with numerous handouts outlining the topics discussed in the class, including lists of resources and contacts.
Below are overviews for each of the 3-4 hour workshops.
PART 1: EDITING & REVISION
Revision and editing are key to developing the final draft of your memoir or novel. This should include your own editing and revision efforts, as well as those of an experienced and objective editor. So, what exactly are the steps to revising your own work?
We use the analogy of The Telescope, The Magnifying Glass, and The Microscope, as the three stages to reviewing your manuscript. We’ll start by looking at the big picture (have you accomplished what you set out to do?) and then delve into the finer details, including:
And we’ll conclude with tips on how to put the final polish on your manuscript (copy editing, fine-tuning your prose, etc.).
These narrative issues and others are explored and explained in this workshop, and the writer will leave with a detailed outline of the topics covered plus numerous resources.
We use the analogy of The Telescope, The Magnifying Glass, and The Microscope, as the three stages to reviewing your manuscript. We’ll start by looking at the big picture (have you accomplished what you set out to do?) and then delve into the finer details, including:
- Character development
- Plot/pacing/tension
- Show vs. Tell
- Point of View/Single vs. Multiple
- Voice/diction level
- Setting/Descriptions
And we’ll conclude with tips on how to put the final polish on your manuscript (copy editing, fine-tuning your prose, etc.).
These narrative issues and others are explored and explained in this workshop, and the writer will leave with a detailed outline of the topics covered plus numerous resources.
PART 2: GETTING PUBLISHED
You’ve put the final period on your manuscript and are now ready to get the book published. In today’s publishing market there are more options than ever for an author to see their work in print (and, of course, as an e-book), but what’s best for you?
In this class we’ll help you define your publishing goals and help you choose the right path to publishing. We’ll discuss whether or not you might need an agent and how to approach agents and publishers, including how to write a successful query letter.
From a traditionally published author (Herta) and a literary agent (Emily), you’ll receive the insiders’ perspective on the process of getting published. We’ll discuss the different types of publishing houses, from traditional publishing (corporate vs. independent presses), hybrid publishing, and self-publishing platforms, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each. We’ll also touch on the role of author platform, marketing, and promotion both before and after publication.
We delve into the answers to these questions:
Handouts include lists and online links of resources for: agent searches, publishers who don’t require an agent, hybrid and self-publishing companies and what they do, the good and bad of self-publishing companies, and what mistakes to avoid.
In this class we’ll help you define your publishing goals and help you choose the right path to publishing. We’ll discuss whether or not you might need an agent and how to approach agents and publishers, including how to write a successful query letter.
From a traditionally published author (Herta) and a literary agent (Emily), you’ll receive the insiders’ perspective on the process of getting published. We’ll discuss the different types of publishing houses, from traditional publishing (corporate vs. independent presses), hybrid publishing, and self-publishing platforms, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each. We’ll also touch on the role of author platform, marketing, and promotion both before and after publication.
We delve into the answers to these questions:
- Should you seek representation (try to find an agent)?
- Should you spurn the traditional route and self-publish, or stick with traditional but find an indie press (most don’t require an agent)?
- What’s this newfangled thing in-between, a hybrid press?
Handouts include lists and online links of resources for: agent searches, publishers who don’t require an agent, hybrid and self-publishing companies and what they do, the good and bad of self-publishing companies, and what mistakes to avoid.
PART 3: THE NUTS & BOLTS OF MARKETING YOUR BOOK
Your book is about to be published—whether through a big press, indie press, hybrid, or self-publisher—what do you need to know about marketing your book?
It often surprises people that even when your book is traditionally published, you need to provide additional marketing support. You ought to know the basics of marketing and develop a plan well in advance of your book’s publication date. Ideally, give yourself six months.
In this workshop, we explore the importance and value of book reviews, various forms of social media, book tours (virtual and real), house parties, targeted advertisement, entering contests and appearing at book festivals, and more.
Handouts and online links include lists of book reviewers (print & online), paid advertising options, PR and publicity firms that promote books, local venues that host readings, lists of festivals, contests, and awards.
It often surprises people that even when your book is traditionally published, you need to provide additional marketing support. You ought to know the basics of marketing and develop a plan well in advance of your book’s publication date. Ideally, give yourself six months.
In this workshop, we explore the importance and value of book reviews, various forms of social media, book tours (virtual and real), house parties, targeted advertisement, entering contests and appearing at book festivals, and more.
Handouts and online links include lists of book reviewers (print & online), paid advertising options, PR and publicity firms that promote books, local venues that host readings, lists of festivals, contests, and awards.
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