About the Yale Writers' Workshop

The Yale Writers' Workshop   

The Yale Writers’ Workshop faculty are talented and seasoned instructors with strong records of publication and teaching. Drawing on their expertise and training, instructors will provide a variety of their own materials and exercises designed to illuminate all aspects of the craft of writing. The workshops do not rely on a set curriculum but will instead draw on the expertise of their instructors to provide all participants with a uniquely tailored experience.
 

We are offering on-campus and virtual sessions in 2024. Writers may apply to the on-campus program, the virtual program, or both.  Our successful virtual youth program for high school students will return in July.

On-campus Writing Workshop: June 1 - 8, 2024

During the seven-day on-campus workshop, you will develop your talent while exploring broad issues of craft through intensive workshops, craft talks, and reading published work. There are ten to twelve writers in each workshop. You will have the opportunity to meet individually with your workshop leader and to participate in a group reading. Visiting writers deliver additional readings and craft talks. Because we write to be read, we will offer panels of agents, and editors for discussions and pitch sessions. Participants with book-length manuscripts will be invited by their instructors to participate in pitch sessions following the agent panel.

Woodhall Press, a Connecticut based indie publisher will participate in a special collaboration exclusively for 2024 attendees. Woodhall will open a special submission period for writers to submit book-length manuscripts for possible publication. Editor Christopher Madden joins us on campus.

The bulk of your time will either be spent in the workshop with your instructors and peers—or writing and revising. This year we’re offering an exclusive short story workshop. General fiction workshops will also accept short stories as well as novel excerpts. Divided into fiction and non-fiction groups, you will work closely with your instructors. The schedule features six workshops with time allotted for reflection and revision. Be prepared to write. For a little artistic fun, we will have an ekphrasis writing adventure at Yale’s world-class museums. 

Six workshop sessions with your instructor include:

• Intensive group writing workshops with the chance for you to showcase your writing and to receive feedback/critique. (You will receive copies of your peers’ work in advance; you are required to submit a manuscript of 4500 words or fewer for critique. And to provide feedback to your fellow writer’s work.)
• The chance to learn constructive criticism techniques that support productive feedback.
• Instruction on technique, revision, and submission, along with other tricks of the trade.

All activities aim to build community and trust among the participants.

The welcome orientation has been scheduled for June 1, followed by your first workshop, and then a bookish opening night cocktail party. Consult the workshop schedule for a full listing of activities, instructors, and guest writers.

Virtual Workshop: June 9 - 15, 2024

The virtual workshop shares the same concentration on craft and technical improvement as the on-campus workshop. Zoom sessions are lively, and connections are forged over the course of the week. Over seven days, in groups of no more than twelve, you will work with experienced instructors in daily workshops. Participants with book-length manuscripts will be invited by their instructors to participate in pitch sessions following the agent panel.

Woodhall Press, a Connecticut based indie publisher will participate in a special collaboration exclusively for 2024 attendees. Woodhall will open a special submission period for writers to submit book-length manuscripts for possible publication. Plus, we’ll continue our magazine submission drives for attendees with polished short prose. Three literary magazine editors will attend the virtual week to discuss the genres they publish. Please take time to read the magazines in advance.

Each intensive workshop will include exercises and readings as well as discussion of student work. You will participate in a half-hour individual conference with your instructor and attend a craft lecture, an open mic, a publishing panel, and two conversations with published writers. It’s an immersive seven days.

Five remote workshop sessions with your instructor include:

• Intensive group writing workshops with the chance for you to showcase your writing and to receive feedback. (You will receive copies of your peers’ work in advance; you are required to submit a manuscript of 3000 words or fewer for critique. And to provide feedback to fellow writer’s work.)
• The chance to learn constructive criticism techniques that support productive feedback.
• Instruction on technique, revision, and submission, along with other tricks of the trade.

An online welcome orientation has been scheduled for Sunday, June 9, followed by an evening open mic. The next day you will attend your first workshop. Consult the workshop schedule for a full listing of activities, instructors, and guest writers.

Virtual High School Program: July 7 - 12, 2024

Yale is excited to again offer a one-week online summer writing workshop for 16 - 18 year old rising high school  juniors and seniors. We’re seeking bookish wordsmiths interested in adding to their writerly toolbox. Writers will generate and share their work in an intimate, non-competitive, online community.

Guests include:
Fiction writer Jennifer McCauley
Nonfiction Writer Jane Wong
Poet Allison Joseph
Graphic Novelist Thung Le Capecchi-Nguyen