Instructor: Miko Marsh
Maximum Enrollment: 8
Class Term: 07/18/2022 - 08/29/2022
Tuition/Fees
SCN Member: $200
Non-Member: $240
Class synopsis
“So, You Want to Write a Book?” is a fast-paced course designed to give you, the author, an overview of what should be considered and included to write and publish your work.Class description
This course covers essentials for nonfiction and fiction, critical writing mistakes that anger readers, “must-have” edits, and more. You will have a stronger understanding of what your readers seek and how to deliver it, options for publication, and potential pitfalls to avoid. Activities and exercises provide opportunities to interact while learning with peers. Students will learn how to accept and give critiques, and share work in progress.
Class goals
Participants should finish this course with an understanding of core elements that should be included in a story. Participants will have a clearer understanding of how to prepare a book for publication. Participants' confidence in their writing abilities should increase as they becomes more comfortable in their writing styles and learn how to improve them.
Class communication method
I will use Powerpoint presentations that encourage group interaction (reading, commenting, and answering questions). We will meet over Zoom weekly on Tuesdays from 6- 7:30 Central Time.Class outline
Week 1:
Nonfiction – We will discuss types of nonfiction, essentials in it, what I believe is the most important edit, and why.
Week 2:
Fiction – We will discuss types of fiction, essential parts of a story, things writers do to anger their readers, and what I believe is the primary edit needed. Writers of other genres, especially creative nonfiction, can benefit from this, too.
Week 3: Writing for children – Like adult literature, children’s literature has its own subsections. Participants will get information about expectations for age groups, what to consider while writing, and things to consider when putting it together (ex. illustrations) and promoting it.
Week 4: Poetry – Roses Aren’t Always Red. Poetry is known for its expressiveness, yet writers tend to feel restricted and nervous about one of the freest forms of writing. Information will be shared on written and performed works, length, open mics, etc. Participants will be offered writing prompts throughout the class to practice techniques, attempt at least three writing forms that will be taught (a short form, one that ties ends to beginnings, and one that requires heavy edits), and allowed to share during class. If time permits, there may be a freestyle or students may edit a poem after we discuss breaks.
Week 5: Revising and editing – For some, this is a frustrating task. However, editing doesn’t need to be painful. This is where we work on polishing manuscripts to benefit readers. The more heavy lifting we do, the cleaner our manuscripts will be, which increases the chance that our editors can catch other errors. We will also learn about critiques (accepting and offering feedback), beta readers, types of edits, and tips for self-editing.
Week 6: Putting it all together. In this final class, we will go over types and ways to publish, copyrights, ISBNs, formats, platforms, and the technical process of putting a book together. Depending on time, questions, and interest, I may show how to format an ebook, the author platform for Amazon, or another program.
Class time commitment
90 minutes for class; less than an hour per week (more depending on how much the writer works on her own project)Instructor bio
Miko Marsh is an author, speaker, and instructor. She has a degree in psychology from Old Dominion University with Early Childhood Care Education certification from Chattahoochee Technical College.
Miko writes contemporary fiction and spoken word poetry under Obelia Akanke. She has written 20 titles across multiple genres, was awarded a poetry fellowship from Martha’s Vineyard Institute for Creative Writing in 2021, and her books have been sold in 15+ countries. She gives writing workshops at libraries, writing groups, and on platforms such as Indie Author Project’s expert session.
In addition to writing, she is a revisions editor for a hybrid press. Miko helped 12 authors publish books in 2021. She enjoys supporting others, helping them to find areas in which they can shine, and seeing people of all ages and abilities reach their individual goals.
