Whole Novel Workshop: A Virtual Course for Middle Grade and Young Adult Writers (Spring)
Overview
Apply for this opportunity to have your entire draft (up to 85,000 words*) of a novel read by faculty, with detailed written feedback and a private consultation provided. This online program is for any writer of a middle grade or young adult novel.
KEY DATES:
Apply on or before April 9 (with final notifications on or before April 16)
Live sessions Thursdays, 7:30pm – 8:30pm Eastern: April 30 – June 25
Lectures: Thursdays: April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21
Reading week for peer groups: May 28
Peer to Peer Workshopping: June 4 & June 11
Final Presentations: June 18 & 25
All lectures are recorded for those who cannot attend live.
Complete manuscript submissions due by May 21
Feedback letters delivered to writers by June 30
60-minute, 1:1 Private Zoom Consultation: Scheduled at a mutually convenient time, June 30 – July 11
The cost of the full course (including live sessions, feedback letter, 1:1 consultation, workshopping, and writing exercises) is $2,199
Spots in the program are limited based on availability
Why Do I Need to Apply to this Program?
The Whole Novel Workshop is reserved for novelists who have made significant independent progress on their drafts and need a review of the “whole novel” to move forward in their revision goals.
As such, you will need to have a completed draft of your novel that matches the criteria for the course by the submission due date (no later than May 21).
We ask that you apply to the course to make sure that the Whole Novel format is the best fit for your goals.
Please submit:
The first 10 – 15 pages from the manuscript you wish to workshop
A one-page synopsis or general outline
Tentative word count, workshop goals, and a short bio (including how you are connected to this project)
This virtual course features:
Rich presentations (Sessions may include: The Importance of Setting; Deepen Your Characters; Bringing Yourself to the Page; Revision; The Power of Language; and more!)
Writing exercises and small group workshopping (First 15 pages for peer groups due May 21.)
A feedback letter offering written insights and questions about your drafted novel (up to 85,000* words) to help you prioritize goals and next steps.
A 60-minute private consultation with your reader to discuss feedback, revisions, and next steps.
Connection opportunities with fellow writers.
All presentations are recorded for those who cannot attend live.
Please note:
If accepted to the program, your full novel draft must be submitted to your reader by May 21, 2026.
*If accepted, should your full novel be over the 85,000 word limit, you may be asked to summarize a portion, or compensate your faculty reader for additional length.
It’s a Great Fit If…
You have a complete or near-complete draft of a novel. You’ll get the most out of this workshop if you’re at this stage. Your full workshop novel submission is due May 21.
Your project is one of many fiction genres, a graphic novel, a verse novel, or a multi-genre novel. If you aren’t sure if your novel fits the program specifics, please reach out and ask.
You would benefit from receiving multiple feedback perspectives. In addition to a whole novel review by your faculty reader, you will lead a discussion for feedback from fellow writers.
You’re willing to work! This program is best for those who will dedicate time and attention to processing feedback, revising, writing exercises, and group sessions.
You enjoy online learning. This workshop takes place on Zoom with regular meetings on Thursdays, April 30 – June 25. Can’t attend live? Presentations will be recorded. (Please note that 1:1 consultations and small group workshopping will not be recorded.)
Learn more at: https://boydsmills.org/workshop/whole-novel-workshop-a-virtual-course-for-middle-grade-and-young-adult-writers-spring/