Enrollment and Critique Groups

Following are descriptions and perks of our critique options. While we primarily seek quality, we also seek a balance among manuscript genres and among ages of target readers. Thus as an observer at peer critique sessions, you are offered a rich gamut of experience.

All Group A and B critiques are in masterclass format—open clinics in which a small group of peers learn from each other. Since 2003, this collegial style has maximized benefits for our enrollees, all respectful and supportive of each other.

GROUP A: Whole Novels

DESCRIPTION

Critique with editor or agent on your full manuscript. Includes editorial letter, light line-edits, and two in-person consults of 30 to 45 minutes. The following minimum enrollment conditions apply:

Which book(s) will carry your name?

• You have completed a draft of a novel; your protagonist is age 11 to 12 years or older. The manuscript, or portions of it, has been critiqued by peers and/or professionals.
• You will allow an intimate group of peers to silently observe your consults with faculty, if peers sign up and provide pre-workshop critiques on your manuscript.
• You have revised and polished the manuscript by our deadline. You are ready to consider our faculty’s (and peers’) suggestions—i.e., you are not attending the workshop solely to sell your novel.

If you apply for Group A and your manuscript is not selected or arrives too late, it will be automatically considered for Group B unless you request otherwise. (We also keep a Group A wait list; sometimes unexpected openings arise.)

PERKS

• Your editor or agent mentor, unlike most book doctors, will choose your manuscript to critique because it appeals to him or her.
• At the workshop, you will meet for two consults with your faculty mentor; one is a follow-up after you’ve had time to revise and think of new questions or ideas.
• Your editor or agent mentor may offer you a contract on the manuscript critiqued—and help you get it into publishable shape.

GROUP B: Partials

DESCRIPTION

Critique with editor and agent on up to 14 manuscript pages, plus up to one-page synopsis (350 words). Includes brief editorial letter or notes, light line-edits, and a 20-minute open-clinic consult. Selected writers may receive a critique on 24 total pages, plus up to one-page synopsis, for an additional fee. The following minimum enrollment conditions apply:

• Our panel deems that “workshopping” your manuscript will offer educational benefits for all attendees in the open clinic setting.
• You are willing for all workshop participants to silently observe your team-taught faculty critique. Your protagonist is age 11 to 12 years or older.

PERKS

• You’ll be able to compare two professional points of view—those of editor and agent
  —regarding your manuscript’s strengths and weaknesses. You’ll also receive written critiques from knowledgeable enrollees.
• You may apply for Group B-Plus to receive a faculty author critique on a manuscript of 5 to 250 pages—brainstorm ideas or problem areas, as needed.

GROUP C: Teens’ Critiques

Teens share their writing with peer enrollees, as well as with adult enrollees, for mutual education and inspiration. Details in the TeenSpeak pages!

Masterclass critiques »