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Nonfiction Book Writing

Draft your nonfiction book manuscript with the help of a book editor

Course is closed.
Nonfiction Book Writing

WHEN 12 weeks, Mondays, July 28 - October 20
Online chats: Mondays, 9-10 pm EST

WHERE Online. Click here for details.

LEVEL Intermediate

PRICE
$610 ($575 for )
more info

Course Details

Even experienced writers can balk at having to fill hundreds of pages with tens of thousands of words. Learn how to manage the tricky process of writing a nonfiction book from an instructor who has overseen the development of nonfiction titles of all kinds: how-to, pop culture, health/fitness, memoir, lifestyle, humor, entertainment, and history, to name a few.

Find out where to start, how to stay motivated, how to write for a specific audience, and how to establish a powerful voice. You'll get guidance on these topics while receiving invaluable feedback on your writing by an industry professional and your peers. The class will be a combination of lectures and weekly manuscript workshops.

In this class, you will learn:

  • How to research your topic efficiently and effectively
  • How to create a dramatic structure for your book that will make it a page turner
  • How to find and sustain the right voice
  • How to distinguish your book in a crowded marketplace
  • Insights into the publishing industry that can affect how and what you write

By the end of this class, you will have:
A working draft (75-100 pages), a full chapter outline, and a plan for the completion of your book.

Admission requirements:
Please submit a letter of interest (including a brief work history), and a writing sample (less than 2,000 words).

The online classroom has several interactive components:

  • Instructors post lectures once a week. You can read them online, print them, or download them at your convenience.
  • Students post completed assignments for feedback and discussion by the instructor and class.
  • Weekly chats allow your class to get together via instant message. Transcripts are available for review if you can't attend.
  • Technical support is available from mediabistro staff.

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Instructor Bio

Ursula Cary's Courses

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Ursula Cary
Ursula Cary is an editor at Chronicle Books. She has worked on several New York Times bestsellers, including The Loved Dog by Tamar Geller, The Cardio-Free Diet by Jim Karas, and Steve & Me by Terri Irwin. Other recent titles include The History of the Snowman, My Trip Down the Pink Carpet, Becoming the Natural, and Small Dog, Big Life. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Columbia University Publishing Course, Ursula has also worked for Simon & Schuster, Random House and Beacon Press. She lives in San Francisco.

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