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Writers' Publishing Workshop provides information, advice, and critique for Christian writers who are interested in intensive, hands-on interaction with publishing specialists. |
The purpose of the Ockenga Writers' Publishing Workshop is to provide information, advice, and critique for Christian writers who are interested in intensive, hands-on interaction with publishing specialists. Offered in an informal retreat setting, the seminar provides an opportunity for a community of writers to be introduced to the publishing world and have their writing critiqued by their peers with the guidance of an editor. For returning writers, we invite you back to participate in an advanced writing track where you will experience the support and fellowship of an ongoing writers' community as well as comment from an editor. Returning writers who wish only to write and to meet with an editor have the option to do so.
The seminar offers an opportunity for constructive evaluation in three tracks,
depending on the number of people signing up for each track::
1. Beginning Fiction
2. Beginning Nonfiction
3. Advanced Track: Critique Group for Workshop Alumni/ae
The goal of these seminars is to help writers develop publishable manuscripts.
Location: The workshop itself is held on the beautiful campus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts (~30 miles north of historic Boston).
Time: Registration begins at 8:30 am in the Ockenga Institute atrium on Monday morning. Worship in the chapel beings at 10:15 am. The workshop concludes around noon on Friday afternoon.
Directions: (From 1-95) Take Rte. 128 North toward Gloucester. Exit at Grapevine Road (exit 17). Turn left off of the exit ramp. Continue past Gordon College; take the first right turn onto Rte. 22 (Rubbly Road). Turn left at the first stop sign (Essex Street). The entrance to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary is 200 yards ahead on the right. Proceed up the hill to the Academic Center. The Ockenga Institute atrium is on the upper level of the Academic Center.
Mornings will be devoted to sessions within the track areas. Participants in the beginning fiction and nonfiction tracks will concentrate on writing exercises and reading of their writing for comment.
Afternoons will be devoted to classroom-style lectures and discussions that will familiarize writers with the world of publication. These sessions will be jointly taught and include discussion on publishing as a business, identification of potential publishers, preparation and submission of a manuscript, query letters, the role of the agent, securing a contract, promoting and selling, and understanding the world of a publisher.
Advanced track writers meet individually with an editor to discuss their current writing project or other matters on which they want editorial comment. Returning writers also have the option of sitting in on any of the publishing sessions that they want to repeat. Or they may sign up for a track. Many returning writers spend their time writing and meeting together in informal, self-planned critique sessions.
A writing sample of 10-12 pages (e.g.,
magazine article, sermon, short story or book chapter), and a 1-2 page statement.
As part of the
statement, please include three goals you would
like to have answered during the workshop. These
documents should be sent to:
Linda Triemstra
Gold Leaf Editorial Services
4224 Lamdale Court SE C9
Grand Rapids, MI 49546-2411
Email: goldleaf554@comcast.net
The deadline for submission of the writing samples is July1, 2009. Early application is strongly encouraged. Submissions after the deadline will be considered only if space is available. Registration is complete after writing samples have been submitted and accepted and the deposit paid.
The cost of $340 covers the seminar and meals (lunches and dinners) on campus. Some scholarship money is available. Cost does not include housing or transportation to and from the seminary. A $200 deposit is required by July 1, 2009. A partial refund is available after this date if someone on the waiting list is able to take your place.
Housing: A block of rooms has been reserved at the SpringHill Suites in Peabody, Massachusetts. Participants must arrange their own accommodations.
SpringHill Suites
43 Newbury Street, Peabody, MA
(978)536-5000
Reservations: 1-866-239-3207 (Ask for the Ockenga Institute rate)
Enter G7L on Marriott.com
Group rate: $69 / night for a single; $74 / night for a double
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Linda Triemstra edits trade and academic books, with emphasis on reference works and commentaries. She has edited seven Gold Medallion winners. Having started her career at Baker Book House, she currently owns Gold Leaf Editorial Services. Instructional area: Professional and popular nonfiction. |
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David Manuel has written or collaborated on 27 books, including the bestseller, The Light and the Glory. Prior to his writing career, he was involved for eight years in the adult trade division of Doubleday, including three years as Doubleday Canada's first editor. From there he became the head of the book publishing division of Logos International. |
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Susan Graham has taught writing at two Vermont state colleges, the College of Lifelong Learning in New Hampshire, and for Elderhostel. She has been editor of a graduate news magazine for Dartmouth College. She has had short stories and poems published in the Lyndon Review. |
To register, visit the Ockenga Store or call 1.800.294.2774 today!
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