Regular price
Act Like A Writer, Think Like An Editor Zoom Seminar with Christine Pride, Saturday, April 15th, 2023
A Two-Part Live Seminar Via Zoom on Saturday, April 15th, 2023
Part I is 10:30AM -1:30PM EST
Part II is 2:30PM - 5:30PM EST
Any questions about this class? Use the Chat Button (lower left) to talk with us.
Taught by Christine Pride, a writer, editor and long time publishing veteran. She’s held editorial posts at many different imprints including Doubleday, Broadway, Crown, Hyperion, and Simon and Schuster. As an editor, Christine published many bestselling and critically acclaimed books, with a special emphasis on inspirational stories and memoir. As a freelance editorial consultant, she does select editorial work and proposal/content development, as well as teaching and coaching and pens a regular column— “Race Matters" for Cup of Jo. She's also the author of the novel, written with Jo Piazza: We Are Not Like Them and the forthcoming You Were Always Mine (both from Atria Books).
10:30AM -1:30PM EST
So you want to write a book and get published? In this two-part course, author and fifteen-year publishing insider Christine Pride explores practical and critical questions that every writer who has a dream of being published must consider: What are agents and editors really looking for? How do I know if I have a marketable idea? How do I know if my book is any good? It’s so competitive out there, so how can I increase my chances of getting an agent? Is it all just hopeless? (Spoiler alert: no!)
This course, designed to be an expert guide for every step in the process, will focus on idea development, elements of craft, and the editorial process. We will explore what makes projects exciting and marketable to agents and editors. We will discuss how to evaluate and improve your work, as well as the critical components to a successful book. And finally, we will discuss the three Ps: how to polish, package, and pitch your projects.
The session will be interactive—come prepared to discuss your ideas and books, whatever stage you’re at in the process. We will have exercises and prompts to help you think about ways to improve/refine your book based on an editor’s eye, identify the audience for your project, and hone how you think and talk about your project (the ever important “sell”). By the end of this first session, you’ll be able to think critically about the merits of your story, its audience, and how to reach and entice that audience: In other words, you’ll be thinking like an editor!
PART TWO: THE ROAD TO PUBLICATION
2:30PM - 5:30PM EST
You’re ready to go! You have or soon will have a finished project ready for the world. Now what? This session will deal with the tricky business of getting an agent and editor interested in your project. We will break down the intimidating “behind the scenes” of the publishing world, so you can have a deeper understanding of the true ins and outs of publishing.
This behind the scenes tour will include a range of helpful insights—from the best approach for getting an agent to what editors are really saying about you and your book, to the realities of the marketplace and how you can put your best foot forward.
We will review query letters and pitches so you can leave the session equipped to successfully write your own. We will discuss common mistakes, road blocks, and pitfalls writers should avoid as you navigate this process. You can expect to leave the session armed with lasting knowledge and approaches that will improve your chances on the road to publication.
PEOPLE LOVE CHRISTINE:
“When Christine started her publishing career here at Doubleday all of those years ago, I knew she had a bright future and that prediction has been borne out. Christine has all of the qualities that make for an outstanding editor—an innate feel for storytelling and narrative, a keen and curious mind, and an exuberant work ethic. It's no surprise why she has such a stellar reputation throughout our industry and that she's so respected by colleagues and agents and writers." -Bill Thomas, VP, Editor-in-Chief / Doubleday
“I’ve worked with the incredible Christine Pride on many projects over the years, across genres, and have consistently found her to be one of the most skilled editors in the publishing business. Her editorial work is precise, thorough, and unusually thoughtful and considered. My clients adore working with her and call her the author whisperer. Christine is the gold standard.” -Brettne Bloom, Agent, The Book Group
“Christine Pride is the ideal editor. She’s brilliant, honest and kind, and instead of focusing solely on what doesn’t work in your book finds what does; she encourages a writer to explore the good, and enlarge on it, because she knows that eventually the good will overtake and overwhelm what’s not. I’ve worked with her on two novels, Mr. Sebastian and the Negro Magician, and Extraordinary Adventures, and I know they wouldn’t have become the books they are without her. Christine is magic.” Daniel Wallace, author
"Christine's seminar exceeded my expectations. She provided ample opportunity to give comments and ask questions and her patience, preparedness, and professionalism were on display throughout the course. I highly recommend it." -Jean P., student
"Everything about Christine's seminar was done to perfection, especially the tips for writing a query letter. Best class I've taken." -Elsie A., student
"Christine's organization of materials and presentation skills were excellent as was the level of material. Christine has a VERY professional way of presenting with obvious skill in lectures and eliciting participation in a safe, courteous manner. The material was very helpful, and the presentation was perfect. I also found the handouts to be an excellent resource. I feel the instructor delivered, in an appropriate amount t of time, what was promised, along with a few 'insider' extras. That's called exceeding expectations and value-added. I would recommend this class to anyone seeking basic insight into the writing and publication professions." - Ted. J, student
"This seminar was fantastic simply because it illuminated my understanding of the process of editing/finding an agent/publishing--details I had not known before. I would recommend this class to other writers." -Deirdre H., student
"Christine’s warmth, enthusiasm, and industry knowledge were exceptional. I'm happy I enrolled in this seminar." -K.G., student
COURSE TAKEAWAYS:
- A knowledge of the publishing industry and acquisitions process.
- The components of a query letter, how to pitch your idea.
- The vital elements of craft, etc.
SOME BOOKS CHRISTINE HAS PUBLISHED
ONLINE COURSE STRUCTURE:
A Two-Part Live Seminar Via Zoom on Saturday, April 15th, 2023
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
You can pay for the course in full or use Shop Pay or Affirm to pay over time with equal Monthly Payments. These options are available at checkout.
- Instructor: Christine Pride
- A Two-Part Live Seminar Via Zoom on Saturday, April 15th, 2023.
- Part I is 10:30AM-1:30PM EST
- Part II is 2:30PM - 5:30PM EST
- Seminar is fully ONLINE and meets via Zoom
Contact us HERE if you have any questions about this seminar.
Instructor Christine Pride is a writer, editor and long time publishing veteran. She’s held editorial posts at many different imprints including Doubleday, Broadway, Crown, Hyperion, and Simon and Schuster. As an editor, Christine published many bestselling and critically acclaimed books, with a special emphasis on inspirational stories and memoir. As a freelance editorial consultant, she does select editorial work and proposal/content development, as well as teaching and coaching and pens a regular column— “Race Matters" for Cup of Jo. She's also the author of the novel, written with Jo Piazza: We Are Not Like Them and the forthcoming You Were Always Mine (Atria Books). Learn more about Christine here.