NEW!  Advance application required by August 15 2008.
Writers in Progress
Manuscript Intensive Series

The Manuscript Series is a 13-month program for writers with prose manuscripts in progress that call for critical response and new writing.  Writers can be working on novels, short story collections, memoirs or essay collections.  This group will provide the structure, support, inspiration and critical feedback to help writers complete a book-length manuscript.   

Program Guidelines:  Participants are writers who have made substantial headway in a writing project (approximately 50 pp), and are motivated to complete it.  They agree to meet the deadlines for manuscript submission, to read and critique in advance the manuscripts of other group members, and to discuss them at the Friday evening/Saturday intensives.   

The basic structure of the group includes eight Friday evening/Saturday craft and critique intensives.  These will run every six weeks or so, on a Friday night (6:00 – 9:00) and the following Saturday (9:30 – 4:30) in our studio at the historic Arts & Industry Building, 221 Pine Street, Florence, MA. As well, admission to the group includes two one-on-one conferences with Dori Ostermiller.  These conferences serve to help writers envision the overall shape of their manuscripts, address specific challenges and provide individualized support for issues of craft, writer’s block or time management, as needed.   

The series is limited to 6 writers, who will make a commitment for the full year.  Intensives take place at Writers in Progress studio and include refreshments, a full lunch on Saturdays, manuscript critiques, some writing exercises, and discussions on craft, inspiration, revision and process.   

Manuscripts for each intensive include up to 40 pages of prose (up to 320 pages total) and are sent to all group members 2-3 weeks ahead of each scheduled intensive.  Members are responsible for getting their manuscripts to all participants by the dates indicated below. 

The series will culminate with a celebration and public reading, as well as advice on publishing and agent-finding from a professional, published writer.   

Accommodations are not included, but Dori will be happy to help locate nearby lodging for Friday night/Saturday intensives, for writers who are traveling from out of town.   

Application Deadline:  August 15, 2008

 Cost: $2,500 includes tuition and materials, (handouts, all critiques, instruction and individual conferences) and all meals during intensives.  A $500 deposit is due at the time of registration.  While you are obligated to pay the entire tuition if you are accepted into the program, you may arrange to pay the tuition in installments to fit your needs.   

2008 - 2009 Manuscript Series Dates

How to apply:  Write a 1-2 page letter to Dori, describing your project, your progress to date, your short and long term goals, and why you believe the Manuscript Series is a good fit for you.  Send the letter, along with 10 – 20 pages of your manuscript, by mail or email, by August 15^th to: Dori Ostermiller, Writers in Progress, c/o 17 Norwood Ave.  Florence, MA 01062, dorio@writersinprogress.com 

When applying, please mail your $500 deposit as well.  If you are accepted, the deposit is non-refundable.  If you are not accepted, it will be refunded in full.