This is a noncredit, online writing class through UW-Madison Continuing Studies.

My Manuscript Coach

So you have written your manuscript. Lots of blood, sweat, and tears went into the journey of completing your manuscript. Now what?

Are you going to let it sit on the shelf for only your grandchildren to read or are you going to get it out into the buyers’ arena for it to be published?

The staff here at UW-Madison Continuing Studies Writing programs hope your grandchildren will one day enjoy your manuscript...along with the rest of the world that has read the best-selling editions of your work!

This dynamic 4-week online/hybrid course provides you with your own personal trainer when it comes to the next steps you need to take after your manuscript is written. 

Let your manuscript coach:

• break down the myths of selling to the publishing world.
• give you solid marketing feedback regarding your manuscript’s genre.
• guide you to the right editors, publishers and agents.
• be there for you as you take those steps to get your work out into the world.

The first three lectures will cover topics such as marketability, target audience, creation of loglines, synopsis, and selling materials, branding yourself alongside your script and up-to-date resources for you to follow to educate yourself as you become part of this world.

The final fourth lecture is an in-person, by phone, or via video chat (Skype, iChat or FaceTime) with your coach as you practice your pitches one-on-one.

There’s no need to be afraid.

Know that there are publishers, editors, and agents that want your manuscript – it is up to you to let them know who you are.  Taking advantage of the pearls of wisdom you’ll learn within this course, My Manuscript Coach arms you with research and inspiration and ways to make educated decisions regarding the next steps for your manuscript.

My Manuscript Coach features the expertise of Laurie Scheer, an entertainment industry veteran who has read thousands of scripts and manuscripts and has worked in the development departments of some of our country’s largest entertainment corporations such as ABC Entertainment, Viacom Enterprises, Showtime, and AMC Networks.  She is also published and is currently shopping her latest book proposal.

Your instructor

Laurie Scheer is a published author, her book Creative Careers In Hollywood and her DVD How To Pitch and Sell Your Screenplay have helped mentor the next generation of media professionals for nearly a decade. Laurie has been a professor at universities across the United States and professional speaker. She is currently researching and navigating the landscape of writing for the Web, creating a number of new courses for writers who are migrating from print to web based platforms.

How it works

You can start this writing course anytime, and there are no required hours to participate. It's all done with one-on-one correspondence with the instructor using email. We have writers from around the world participating in our workshops, and we have success stories. A lot of great writing gets accomplished via email. Because of the one-on-one nature of our workshops, you'll find them an excellent "coaching" or mentoring situation that will keep you going. And if you want to just work on your own-hey, that's fine too. Of course you can do the suggested exercises on your own without the feedback if you'd rather do that. We're also here throughout the year if you have questions.
 
Review the current technical requirements for students in Learn@UW online courses.

Costs

$95. You will earn 1.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) when you complete the course. Work at your own pace and take up to a year to finish the course.

Your contact

Your contact for more information about My Manuscript Coach is Laurie Scheer. 608-265-3972 or lscheer@dcs.wisc.edu.

For more information about online learning contact Lori O'Neill at 608-263-6322 or toll-free 877-336-7836 or email LSAonline@dcs.wisc.edu.

How to register

Online: Register now online with our secure server.

Mail: Print and mail our registration form.

Telephone: Call 608-262-2451 or toll-free 800-725-9692 to register. Our phone is answered M-F, 7:00 am-4:30 pm Central Time. At other times please leave a message, and we will return your call.

Also of interest

Explore other online writing classes.

The same writing staff that bring you these great online classes also provide individualized writing critique services. Learn more by visiting our writing critique services web page.

Subscribe to the Writing News, our free e-mail newsletter and 3-4 times a year you will receive a detailed e-mail with information about our upcoming writing programs, and news about student achievements or opportunities for writers. To subscribe send a blank join-writing-news@lists.wisc.edu.