There are few things as rewarding as seeing your work appear on the big screen. However, getting to that point requires a significant investment of time and resources.
As the title of this piece suggests, the Writers’ Bureau Comprehensive Creative Writing Course (hereafter, CBCWC) aims to give emerging authors the tools to succeed in this field. Specifically, the CBCWC provides professional guidance and development opportunities, access to award-winning dramatists and novelists, and provides a platform for manuscript submission to top-tier literary agents and/or managers.
In order to qualify for this course, applicants must have a minimum of two books that are either completely or partially completed and be considered “emerging authors.” Those who are accepted into the program will work with a faculty member while also taking English classes at NYU and receiving guidance from the executive director of the Writers’ Bureau, an organization that provides professional development opportunities for writers.
The Value Proposition
If you’re reading this, I assume that you’re either a writer yourself, or someone who knows one; if not, then maybe it’s time to consider becoming more involved in this exciting world! As a writer, you’ll likely take great pride in your work and consider it a valuable calling card/resume builder. You’re also no doubt aware of the many pitfalls that can be encountered in today’s ever-evolving publishing market, and how one wrong move can send your manuscript to the scrap heap without a chance of redemption.
Considering all of this, it’s clear that getting a professional handle on your work is crucial to your survival as an author. But, what exactly does this coaching/guidance entail?
In a word, everything. While it’s always great to have a finished product to show for your efforts, getting to that point often requires a lot of “behind the scenes” work, as it were. Some of this work is simply common sense (e.g., get a life, exercise, eat well), but it can also be quite practical (e.g., how to craft a winning literary agent pitch, where to find/how to engage with potential readers).
Getting the most out of the course requires a shift in mindset. Rather than thinking of the CBCWC as a place where you go to get feedback on your work, consider it a platform for you to develop as a writer — a chance to both give and receive real-world, professional guidance.
Key Program Benefits
One of the unique things about the CBCWC is that it provides not just guidance on writing, but also assists in all aspects of the creative process, from developing story ideas to securing representation. The following are just a few of the important benefits to consider:
Funding
If you’re looking for financing opportunities, the NYSCB is currently offering a $15,000 per annum sponsorship package, which provides up to $30,000 in funding for a maximum of four years. This is on top of the generous grants that are available to all qualified applicants.
One of the great things about this program is that, as an emerging author, you may well be eligible for additional grants and/or loans to help you publish your first book. Whether you’re looking for publishing assistance or need money for research or travel, NYSCB is definitely a destination to consider.
Exposure
Getting your work developed and published can be a tricky process. One great way to get exposure is to enter pitching competitions. Just remember to keep things light-hearted and don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s also a great way to find new contacts and possibly even land a book deal. There are many such platforms, such as Airtime, Hitched, and Story Bubbles that can help you find the best possible judges and audience members for your work. Just remember: self-publication is an important part of an author’s life journey, but it doesn’t come without its risks. If you do end up winning one of these contests, be sure to celebrate, but also keep your eyes open for possible negative consequences. There are a variety of legal issues that you need to be aware of, including but not limited to: copyrights, royalty payments, and slander. Furthermore, contests can be a great way to get noticed by agents and/or managers, but they can also be a way to get noticed by predators looking to exploit your work for financial gain. Be sure to do your research before entering any contest, and remember: the rules and regulations can change at any time, so be sure to stay informed.
Manuscript Assistance
If you’re looking to tackle a complete rewrite or just want someone to read through your work and give some suggestions, the CBCWC can also help. The great thing about this option is that it provides you with a fresh set of eyes to view your work objectively. In short, this option allows you to get your work edited, and the editors at the CBCWC can help you determine where you went wrong, and how you can fix it. Of course, this comes at a cost, but, in the end, it’s worth it.
Representation
If you’re looking for an agent or manager to represent you, the CBCWC can help, too. Not only does it provide you with contacts to assist you in finding the best possible representation for your work, but it also provides you with an opportunity to develop your pitch. To that end, consider taking advantage of this option if you’re looking to land a new contract or just want someone to look at your work and give you some suggestions. Remember: developing a winning literary agent pitch can take a lot of time, so be sure to make the most of this program. To start, you can contact the literary agency directly using the list of contacts provided by the CBCWC.
The Learning Curve
No matter what stage you’re at in life, coming to the end of your learning curve is never easy. But, it’s important to remember that you’ve been given a set of tools that can help you continue to grow as a writer. Just because you’ve reached a certain point in your writing journey doesn’t mean that you’ve reached the end of the road. Consider the following:
Classroom Training
Anyone who’s traveled this path before you will tell you that it’s not always easy to find the right words when you need them. But with a little bit of training and practice, this becomes much easier. One of the great things about the CBCWC is that it provides you with a platform to learn from some of the best teachers in the industry. Those who are already successful writers can help you craft the perfect manuscript for an aspiring author. Additionally, the great thing about this option is that it provides you with a wide variety of training courses, ranging from short story writing to querying, pitching, and getting your work published. Moreover, as an NYU student, you can take advantage of this program’s affiliation with a top-tier university to gain valuable learning opportunities, and eventually, a teaching or research post. No matter what phase you’re at in life, the CBCWC has something for you.
Self-Publication
If you’ve gone this far in your writing journey, then congratulations! Your first book (or, at least, your first two books) are complete, and now you need to find a way to get them in front of as many readers as possible. One of the best ways to do this is through self-publication. To that end, the Writers’ Bureau has put together a complete roadmap for self-publication, including advice on how to tackle the many challenges that can arise. If you’ve got a good idea for a book, then consider self-publishing. The option can be a great way to get your book into the hands of readers, and possibly even earn you some extra cash.
Creative Development
If you’re looking for a safe and nurturing environment in which to develop your creative writing skills, then consider one of the many creative writing programs available. Not only will these places provide you with a creative community of like-minded individuals, but they can also help you find that special story that you’ve been searching for. Additionally, as you continue to develop as a writer, these environments can help you find that perfect publisher for your work.
How Does It All Work?
So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and apply for the CBCWC. Or, perhaps you were fortunate enough to have heard of it and decided to look into it further. Either way, you’ve made the right choice. Now, it’s up to you to make the most of it.