Winter 2008 Workshops at Writers & Books

Business

Query Letters That Open Doors

WA8-B01
1 Saturday, 10 a.m.–noon
Jan. 19
$32 W&B members / $37 general public
Instructor: Judith Lemoncelli

Your skill at writing succinct and compelling query letters may mean the difference between a busy writing life and one of languishing at your word processor. How do freelancers break in and get those magazine assignments? How do first-time novelists grab the attention of agents? The answer to both questions: by sending well-honed queries to the right person. In this interactive workshop Judith Lemoncelli shows you how to write queries that open doors!

Register Online

Grammar 101 for Business

WA8-B02
3 Tuesdays, 7:30–8:30 a.m.
Jan. 29 through Feb. 12
$60
Instructor: Mary Anne Donovan

Does the thought of grammar send shivers down your spine? You’re not alone. Join us for “Grammar 101 for Business,” where you will not only learn the important basics of grammar, but you will actually have some fun with it! Impossible, you say? Come find out and brush up on those all-important skills that can make or break how you are perceived in your job or career. When you complete this course you’ll be able to: (1) Define and demonstrate correct use of parts of speech, (2) Identify parts of sentences, (3) Construct interesting, grammatically and structurally correct sentences, (4) Demonstrate correct punctuation and mechanics, and (5) Identify and edit work for common word and usage errors.

Course Canceled

Writing the Business Report and Proposal

WA8-B03
4 Tuesdays, 7:30–8:30 a.m.
Feb. 26 through Mar. 11
$72
Instructor: Mary Anne Donovan

Your boss has asked you to write a major report for a project you’ve been working on for months. You are comfortable with the project and its associated business matters, but the thought of having to write this report terrifies you. Or maybe you’ve started your own business and you’ve pitched a major account! The account rep likes what she sees, but asks you to prepare a formal proposal to bid on the business. Where do you begin?
You begin right here! In this course on report and proposal writing, you will learn every aspect including the different types of reports and proposals, how to analyze the audience and purpose, the steps in the writing process, different ways to present information, and the components of reports and proposals. You will conclude the course by preparing a report or proposal of your own for a given scenario.

Course Canceled

Digital Rhetoric

WA8-B04
4 Tuesdays, 7:30–8:30 a.m.
Mar.25 through Apr. 15
$72
Instructor: Mary Anne Donovan

Writing for websites is a different beast than writing copy for typical marketing materials. For example: you have just 7 seconds to catch your reader’s attention before he clicks off to ride the next Internet wave. Moreover, writing for the search engines is an art and science with its own set of guidelines. In this course you’ll learn the techniques and nuances for writing compelling, search-engine-savvy website copy.  You’ll be able to demonstrate your own ability to apply the concepts of digital rhetoric when writing for websites, blogs, ezines, email newsletters, and more.

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Paths to Publication

WA8-B05
1 Saturday, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Feb. 16
$35 W&B members / $39 general public
Instructor: Steven Huff

How does book publication really work? How should I approach a publisher? Should I look for an agent first? What about copyrights, permissions, and royalties? How will I know a good publisher if I see one? If I sign a contract, am I signing away all rights to my own work? Are there hidden pitfalls and problems that I have not yet imagined? How long does the whole process take from finished manuscript to seeing my work on a bookstore shelf? Should I consider self-publishing? Steven Huff brings his years of experience as a publisher to this class. There will also be advice for those who are just beginning to send their work to magazines.

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Basics of Proofreading and Editing

WA8-B06
2 Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m.
Apr. 8 through 15
$45 W&B members / $52 general public
Instructor: Ruth E. Thaler-Carter

Learn the essentials of proofreading and editing, including marks and symbols, essential style manuals, using Microsoft Word as an editing tool, and working effectively with clients and colleagues, as well as helpful organizational resources. Ruth E. Thaler-Carter brings more than 25 years of experience as a freelance writer and editor to this essential nuts ‘n’ bolts class.

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Getting Started as a Freelance Writer

WA8-B07
2 Tuesdays, 7–9 p.m.
Apr. 22 through 29
$45 W&B members / $52 general public
Instructor: Ruth E. Thaler-Carter

You need more than writing skills and a computer to be a successful freelancer. You also need business sense, knowledge of the market, and a firm grasp of the tricks of the trade. Ruth E. Thaler-Carter will share her 25-plus years of experience in this tough but highly rewarding arena, working from her booklet, Get Paid to Write! Getting Started as a Freelance Writer.

Register Online

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