Personal Narrative Essentials: How to Publish - Remote!

Class Description

In this one-day intensive seminar, we’ll examine the ins and outs of publishing personal narrative — both short form works (mainstream personal essays, op-eds, literary and creative nonfiction) and longform works (book-length memoir, narrative nonfiction, etc). We’ll explore resources for finding an agent and examine the range of possibilities for publishing. We’ll look at how to research marketplace information and submission guidelines, and discuss the practical and psychological ramifications of sending your work out there. We’ll look at sample query letters and you’ll have a chance, in class, to draft your own query or pitch letter for any current projects. Come with questions and war stories!

Part of The Personal Narrative Essentials series taught by Ethan Gilsdorf. Take every class in the series or simply choose the craft topics that are relevant to the challenges you face in your work. Classes include:

Personal Narrative Essentials: Finding Your Narrative Arc

Personal Narrative Essentials: Structure and Form

Personal Narrative Essentials: Using Research and Immersion

Personal Narrative Essentials: Playing With Voice

Personal Narrative Essentials: How to Publish

This class will be hosted using live Zoom meetings! You will be able to participate in class via Zoom videoconference from wherever you’re most comfortable. All you’ll need is a laptop or a phone! About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting via Zoom–no need to download anything or sign up for Zoom in advance! If you have questions about remote learning, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] for more information.

For a glimpse at how remote learning works, look no further than the deep Zoom discussion of writing and literature below:

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.