Class starts May 16, 2016!
Class Description
The first five pages of your book are arguably the most important. When submitting to agents, this is usually what they request along with the query letter. This is your audition, your chance to get that agent to request your entire novel. In a bookstore, the first five pages are often what sell the book. After the potential buyer has seen the cover, picked it up and read the flap copy, he or she will inevitably read the first few pages of your novel. You could make or break a sale with these alone. You’re in steep competition with others in the slush pile and others on the shelves at the bookstore—it has never been more important to grip your reader from the get-go!
What This Class Offers
Taught by bestselling author, Christina Farley, this class offers an in-depth look at the makings of attention-grabbing opening pages and a great query letter. You’ll receive homework assignments based on the curriculum. After you’ve completed the course you’ll receive a critique of your now-polished first five pages and query letter. Additionally, you’ll have access to weekly opportunities to ask questions.
Lesson Plan:
Week 1: Slay Your Reader With The First Sentence
An introduction to the course, easing the writer into the first five pages by nailing the very first sentence, setting the tone for the rest of your novel.
Week 2: Start Where the Action Does—But in the Right Way
We are all taught to start where the action does in the book—but there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. We will discuss both in this lesson.
Week 3: Avoid the “Workshop Plague”
In-depth feedback from literary agents on the dreaded “Workshop Plague” and how to avoid it. This lesson will cover editing and revising techniques for your entire manuscript, and resources for more information.
Week 4: Query With Your Voice—Not With Your Heart
An extensive look at query letters and what works, what doesn’t, and how to make your query sell your book for you.
When: This class will run from May 16, 2016 – June 12, 2016
Where: Online
Cost: $199
*Need a payment plan? Email racquel@racquelhenry.com
Space is limited!
About Christina Farley:
CHRISTINA FARLEY is the author of the bestselling Gilded series, a YA contemporary fantasy series set in Korea and upcoming middle grade, THE PRINCESS & THE PAGE, set in France. GILDED was nominated for Korea’s Morning Calm, Ohio’s Buckeye award, and the Tome’s It List. It also was hailed in Epic Read’s anticipated reads, PriceStyle’s recommended summer reads, Book Riot’s favorite myth inspired reads, and BuzzFeed’s 21 amazing series they’ll miss. She is a certified teacher holding a master’s degree in education and has taught writing workshops worldwide.
Christina’s Books:
