Instructors: Caitlin Alexander and Cynthia Manson
Length: 1 session, $175
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
 

The first step in getting published is querying literary agents—and to catch one’s eye you need a dynamite query letter that will stand out from the dozens (sometimes hundreds) they receive every week.
 
In this interactive workshop, an experienced literary agent and a veteran editor will walk you through the key components of effective pitch letters and queries, from the all-important “hook” to how to describe your book in a succinct, attention-grabbing paragraph to what to include (and what not to include) in your bio—mixed in with plenty of insider tips about what agents and editors are really looking for. The emphasis will be on personalized feedback and editing of your query letter draft, which you’ll bring with you to the workshop.
 
Don't have a query letter yet? Don't worry. You'll come away from this class with a bevy of advice and inspiration to get you started.

Caitlin Alexander has been editing books for more than fifteen years. She spent much of that time at Random House, where she acquired and edited New York Times bestsellers in fiction and nonfiction. She continues to edit bestselling and award-winning books as a freelance editor.

Cynthia Manson is a well-known and respected independent literary agent with a small, successful list of published authors. She graduated from Scripps College for Women with a BA in English Literature and Fine Arts. She also attended the Radcliffe Publishing Course, where she was inspired by Sterling Lord. Two years later she joined the Sterling Lord Literary Agency. Manson has worked in both magazine and book publishing, including Putnam, Bertelsmann and Scientific American. Currently she is a consultant for Advertising Age magazine and other Crain Publications as well as representing authors in a variety of genres.
 

Writing Institute Registration Process:

Step 1 - Registration Information: Complete this registration form in full.

Step 2 - Payment: Once you click submit on this form, a new page will appear in your browser with a payment link. Click on the payment link, complete the required information, and submit your payment. 
 
Step 3 - Confirmation: Once we receive your payment, your registration will be finalized and confirmed with an email. Please keep this email for your records.  Details about room assignment, parking, and any other information relevant to the course will be emailed to registered students the week before classes begin.

If you have questions about the registration process, please call us at 914-395-2205 or email writinginstitute@sarahlawrence.edu.