The Whole Book
An Eight-Week Course to Outline Your Book
For writers embarking on a book-length project in any genre.
Jan 21-Mar 17, 2024
Final Application Deadline: December 10, 2023
Join a supportive small-group of writers working on books
This eight-week intensive course is open to six writers.
The Whole Book is For You if…
- You have published some writing in journals, a chapbook or a book and are currently working on a book-length project.
- Want to join a dedicated group of writers you can run ideas by, and who will share their experiences, too, so that you can move forward with your book and writing career.
- You’re ready to get support and helpful feedback from an experienced editor and a group of warm and committed peers.
Whole Book Course Details
Course Outline
During the Whole Book Course, writers take their book-length projects from draft/idea to concrete plan.
In this small group course, you will get feedback on sample chapters/a full poetry manuscript/complete book outline (or reverse-outline) in a workshop led by Rachel.
We start with tools and resources for outlining a book, then we meet weekly for feedback on your progress and to discuss your challenges and solutions.
The course includes two one-on-one mentoring meetings with Rachel to answer questions and ensure you’re on track.
- Book outlining resources, and instruction
- Weekly craft assignments
- Guided workshop to get feedback on your book project
- Two one-on-one mentoring meetings with Rachel to answer questions, make sure you’re on track, and get feedback on your book-in-progress
what writers say about the Course
In this video, hear from three writers who took the Whole Book course.
I start by describing why I created the course, then talk to alums about their experience in the Whole Book course, then answer questions from writers about the course.
here is more of what writers in our community have said about the Whole Book course…
You’ve managed to have really awesome talented writers gravitate towards your programs. There’s such magic that happens, all the different perspectives, too, were super helpful. I’m really, really incredibly thankful for the Whole Book and I feel super grateful to everyone in the group.
The course was clearly laid out and tailored to each person. I appreciated the guidance on creating chapter/book outlines and sharing them with each other to talk about in detail. The workshopping process was instrumental for me in better understanding my book project, and the weekly check-ins helped to keep up the momentum. I never would have considered writing a book without the support of Rachel and this program.
I loved getting to know other people’s manuscripts, and I really liked the variety of forms and content that we were working with. I learned so much from giving feedback to other people, and from hearing theirs. Everybody in the class was kind, generous and helpful. When confidence falters and doubt creeps in it’s wonderful to be working with supportive, encouraging writers who know what you’re trying to do and who are cheering you on. In the company of my dear allies in the Whole Book course I went from being frightened of my giant octopus of a manuscript to viewing it as an exciting project that I could finish and be proud of.
I am so grateful for your platform and the community that you have created because it allows for a running dialogue, where ideas are shared and discussed. Sharing insights with other writers who are engaged in similar pursuits has energized and strengthened my writing practice.
Pricing Info
You will be able to choose from the sliding scale option that fits your circumstances. (There is no assessment required.)
Pay in Full
One-time paymentPayment Plan
Four monthly paymentsAll prices in USD and include applicable taxes.
Securely pay with your Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal account.
Sliding-Scale Pricing
I offer sliding scale pricing options to provide more access for writers who need this and reconciliation pricing for BIPOC and/or Trans Writers.
Support Tier $676 or $170/mo x4
For recently unemployed writers or writers experiencing reduced income and who do not have access to generational or personal wealth.
Support Tier 2 $597 or $150/mo x4
For writers who are experiencing financial insecurity and who also do not have access to personal or generational wealth and/or savings.
BIPOC +/ Trans Reconciliation Price Details
This pricing is offered ONLY to Indigenous, Black and other writers of colour and transgender writers because systemic racism and transphobia create financial disadvantages for these communities.
$398 or $100/mo x4
Apply Below
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Jan–Feb 2024 Session Application
Final Application Deadline: December 10, 2023
There is no need to be intimidated by the application. I am not looking for writers with an already-ready book, just writers who are serious and ready to work on a book-length project. Applications are assessed in the order they are received.
Apply early to confirm your spot; each course cohort is made up of six writers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Apply using the form that appears on this page during our enrollment period. (Or join the waitlist when registration is not open.)
Who is this course for?
The program is best suited for writers who have started a book project. That said, you can benefit at any stage and we adapt to your specific needs (we’ll do that in our one-on-one meetings, if needed). I’ve seen the program work for writers who only have a book idea and for writers working on their fourth draft of a manuscript.
Is there a specific point in the book process that this is best for?
The program is best suited for writers who have started a book project. That said, you can benefit at any stage and we adapt to your specific needs (we’ll do that in our one-on-one meetings, if needed). I’ve seen the program work for writers who only have a book idea and for writers working on their fourth draft of a manuscript.
What is involved in the course?
Here is a course outline:
- Week 1-2: Introduction, lesson on narrative forms and audience. (You’ll also have a one-on-one conference with me this week.)
- Weeks 3-5: We workshop the outline or book project summary for two participants each week. (You’ll need to read and prepare feedback for each outline/summary and also prepare and submit your own for your week.) Weekly craft assignments.
- Week 6: Conclusion, preparing to market your book (at any stage), and plans for the next stage of your writing. (You’ll have your second one-on-one call with me.)
Over the six weeks of the course, you will join 1.5-hour weekly meetings and two one-on-one conferences.
Participants also set aside one hour each week to post assignments, ask questions, and give feedback to one another.
For the workshop, participants read the two weekly submissions from Sunday to Saturday and provide a brief response by the end of day Saturday and then discuss the work in our live calls on Sundays.
When Will We Meet?
Our 1.5 hour calls are held early in the day on Sundays. (Usually at 10 a.m. Pacific / 1 p.m. Eastern time.)
Participants set aside one hour between Monday to Wednesday post assignments, ask questions, and give feedback to one another.
What is the expected time commitment?
In addition to our weekly 1.5-hour call, the expected time commitment is 2-3 hours per week to complete the craft lessons and provide feedback. You will need additional hours in the week when you prepare your outline or sample chapters for submission to workshop. (The time required depends on your project, but may be an additional 3-5 hours in the week prior your submission.)
What kind of feeback will I get on my writing?
You will get detailed, knowledgeable feedback on your book project from both your peers and instructor.
How much does it cost?
The course costs $795 USD.
If it is easier for you to pay in installments I offer the option of paying over four monthly payments of $199. I also offer sliding-scale pricing for writers who cannot afford the full rate.
Do you offer sliding-scale prices for this course?
Yes. I offer sliding scale pricing options to provide more access for writers who need this and reconciliation pricing for BIPOC and/or Trans Writers. Here is the information on my sliding scale:
For recently unemployed writers or writers experiencing reduced income and who do not have access to generational or personal wealth. Support Tier $676 or $170/mo x4
For writers who are experiencing financial insecurity and who also do not have access to personal or generational wealth and/or savings. Support Tier 2 $597 or $150/mo x4
Because systemic racism and transphobia create financial disadvantages for these communities, I offer reconciliation pricing for Indigenous, Black and other writers of colour and transgender writers
BIPOC Reconciliation Tier $398 or $100/mo x4
What payment options are available?
I offer a one-time or monthly payment option and sliding scale pricing for writers who cannot afford the full rate. Payment can be made using a credit card or PayPal.