Courses

Many aspiring authors are familiar with the idea of securing an agent as a means to getting published. However, obtaining an agent is just one route to success in writing. There is a diverse range of opportunities for writers, regardless of whether they've been published. These include not only monetary grants but also artist residencies and fellowships, which offer funding as well as dedicated time and workspace. Unfortunately, many writers miss out on these valuable resources simply because they are unaware of where to locate them or feel daunted by the application process.

This workshop will walk poets and fiction and nonfiction writers through the basics of researching grants, fellowships, and residencies, writing convincing pitches, and crafting applications. We will address such topics as the fine art of pitches, personal statements, project proposals, choosing a compelling work sample, tailoring a resume toward specific opportunities, effectively spreading the word about books and events, and building a creative portfolio. We will also touch upon how to promote creative work in order to discover an appreciative audience. Students will leave the workshop with a packet of resources for researching residencies and discovering grants, sample application materials, and new strategies for presenting their work to decision-makers in the literary arts.