WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

  For a compact look at our event, also see our flyer.

Every year, we fashion a novel-crafting theme that permeates the weekend. This theme is revisited in keynotes, focus sessions, and open-clinic critiques—offering continuity as you build upon layers of understanding. With our integrated schedule, you’ll benefit from close contract with all of our stellar faculty.

Our seminar is designed for skilled writers who are approaching or renewing their goal of publication. We offer two main enrollment groups—one for those with completed, polished manuscripts; another for writers who are well into their novels, but may not have completed a first draft. (We refer to our main enrollment options as Groups A and B, rather than as tracks, because generally all writers participate in the same activities.)

Enrollees are chosen through a manuscript-selection process which involves the workshop faculty. To maximize your benefits, you may critique peer manuscripts before the workshop, then observe faculty interacting with these authors.

Our in-depth, innovative program blends two traditional workshop formats: one-on-one faculty critiques and faculty-led manuscript discussions. These are combined in a lively master class (open clinic) setting, team-taught by our editor and agent. Additionally, we offer whole-novel faculty critiques—written, plus in-person consults which selected peer writers may observe.

In either scenario, you’ll find top-notch, supportive professionals eager to help you reach your publishing goals. Selected enrollees may participate in a post-workshop Faculty Mentor Program (details provided upon enrollment). To round out our offerings, articulate teen enrollees in a concurrent workshop provide target-age feedback for adult colleagues.

For more information, read our profiles of faculty and the workshop’s founding director. See our in-depth current and past weekend themes, with exercises to apply to your novel. This self-paced, pre-workshop prep can maximize your benefits throughout our intensive weekend.

FACULTY

Our full 2013 faculty will be announced soon. At present we welcome Regina Griffin, Executive Editor at Egmont USA. Regina acquires a wide range of middle grade and YA novels, including historical, fantasy, paranormal, humorous, and contemporary. Her authors have included Walter Dean Myers and Todd Strasser, among others. Our second faculty, agent Fiona Kenshole, is actively building her list at Transatlantic Agency. The agency specializes in children’s and YA books. Fiona was formerly Publishing Director at Oxford University Press Children’s Books, and an editorial director at HarperCollins. Check our 2013 Bios & Kudos for more faculty details.

CONTENT

Highlights

• Whole novel critique by editor or agent for selected writers; in-person consults open to a few peer observers.
  
  
• Team-taught manuscript clinics (we “authorize” respectful eavesdropping!). Faculty-led discussion of peers’ early/ later chapters and synopses, which attendees review in advance.
  
  
• Focus sessions include applied writing techniques, marketing tips. Plus keynotes and Q & A among congenial, savvy (and/or published) peers.
  

Our program is 90 percent interactive—come discover new avenues for your analytical and creative skills. Dig in! See our detailed Schedule and lively FAQs.

COSTS

1) Basic fee includes pre-workshop materials, most meals, double-occupancy lodging on Friday and Saturday nights in a beachfront townhouse (optional: Thursday night free; Sunday bargain night), focus sessions, and observation of faculty critiques on selected whole and partial novel manuscripts. This basic fee does not include critiques, except for teens. Total: $769 adults (add $30 after May 20); $499 teens, including optional critique (add $50 after June 20).
Additional lodging fees for single occupancy: $85 per night. For Sunday night, if space available: $45 to $65, depending on accomodations.

2) Critique fee options
(a) Whole-novel manuscript written critique (if selected) with two in-person editor or agent consults, $3.00 per standard-formatted page. Total: $450 to $750, for 150 to 250 pages

(b) Partial-novel critique on a 15-page sample, by both editor and agent in an intimate open-clinic setting. Total: $90 for both critiques combined. For an additional $90, selected writers may receive these two critiques on 30 (not 15) total pages.

(c) Partial-novel critique, by faculty author, on up to 250 pages. Written, plus option for in-person consult. May combine with (b) above. Total: Inquire for rates.

  Read more details about enrollment.

THE INSIDE STORY

• The Pacific Coast Children’s Writers Workshop is unique, inspiring, and fun. I recommend
  it highly. — Andrea Welch; Editor, Harcourt Children’s Books
  
  
• Well-organized, intimate; the level of talent, high. — Stephen Fraser; Literary Agent, Jennifer DeChiara Agency
  
  
• Excellent faculty, format, craft focus, and caliber of peer submissions. The most valuable feedback and best workshop instruction I’ve ever received. — Claudia Pearson, M.A. (Children’s Literature; Hollins University)
  
  
• Well-organized, interactive, informative, congenial. One of the best workshops I’ve attended. — Cece Meng, past winner of the national Writer’s Digest contest (Children’s Fiction category)
  
  
• This was the most valuable writing event I have ever attended. I learned so much I would not be surprised if this experience turns out to be a major turning point in my fiction-writing career. — Mary Cronk Farrell, author of the award-winning YA novel Fire in the Hole! (Clarion) and a new, agented novel

Watch your manuscript soar! JOIN US THIS YEAR. Opportunity Camaraderie Craft

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