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Fall enrollment starts July 28, and closes September 28. Check out the Academic Term Calendar for more information.
Master Class in Creative Nonfiction Writing
WRITING X 421.4
Review and reimagine your creative nonfiction book manuscript in this three-quarter course for students revising their work toward finding an agent and submitting to publishers.
Review the elements of craft that make for powerful creative nonfiction
Discover how to weave universal themes into your next draft
Listen to guest speakers guide you through writing, revising, and publishing
Get feedback from a professional agent on your query letter and a manuscript excerpt
About this course:
Designed for writers serious about revising their draft memoirs and personal essay collections into polished works for publication, this 30-week course allows for in-depth critiques from a community of nonfiction writers, personalized guidance, and ongoing, one-on-one mentoring from a professional writer. In a challenging but supportive workshop environment, you will study the advanced elements of craft such as capturing memorable moments, developing a narrative structure, braiding your story with larger universal themes, and the art of revision. Guest speakers share their insights on writing, publishing, and the nonfiction market as you shape your next draft and prepare a professional book proposal. Master Class students' excerpts are submitted to an established agent for review and consideration at the completion of the course.
Admission to this course is by application only and the selection process is competitive. It is recommended that students take intermediate-level courses prior to submitting their work. When this course is open for enrollment, click "See Details" for application guidelines and quarterly application deadlines.
No meetings November 26 - December 2, 2025, December 17 - January 6, 2026, and March 11 - March 31, 2026. Live meet ups on Zoom to be announced for occasional cohort meetings and guest speakers.
A full creative nonfiction manuscript (memoir or personal essay collection) submission is required as part of the application.
Restricted course; approval needed to enroll. Not eligible for any discounts. Enrollment limited to eight students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. No refund after enrolling.
The priority application deadline for applications is Monday, August 25 at 9am (PT). Applications submitted after this date are not guaranteed consideration.
Submission guidelines:
Please submit the following materials (Word Document or PDF only). The first document must contain: a one-page personal statement that includes your writing background, previous creative writing courses taken; a two-page synopsis of your work-in-progress; and an excerpt of one complete scene you feel is one of the best and accurately reflects your work-in-progress (no longer than 12 pages). In a separate document, you must also submit the completed first draft of your creative nonfiction manuscript (either a memoir or personal essay collection).
Note: Participants in this master class work only on the project submitted for admission. No exceptions. Each page should be numbered, typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, and double spaced with 1-inch margins.
Please note that there are no pre-approvals. All students must submit the above requirements in order to be eligible for an advanced creative writing course.
NOTE: Despite being asked to enter payment information, YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED for this course unless you choose to enroll if/when you receive a notice of acceptance for the course.
Selection notices will likely be distributed via email 1-2 weeks before the class is scheduled to start.
Refund Deadline
No refunds after August 25, 2025
Course Requirements
Internet access required to retrieve course materials.
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