Looking for a children’s writing class? Why not take advantage of an online course. After all, what could be more convenient than learning how to write for children from the comfort of your home? Today, many online children’s writing classes are available – and not just for beginners. Seasoned children’s writers who want to improve or expand their writing skills can find something suitable online, too.
So how do you go about choosing an online children’s writing class that’s right for you? Below are some guidelines to help you navigate your way to the ideal learning experience.
Choose a Type of Children’s Writing Class
Start your search for an online children’s writing class by deciding what you want to learn. If you’re a beginner, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Online classes for beginning children’s writers are the most abundant and range from basic introductory courses to learning a particular specialty. For example, Writer’s Digest University offers fundamentals, fiction, and nonfiction children’s writing classes for beginners.
Some sites offer online classes by skill level, such as the Gotham Writers’ Workshop, which holds both a beginners and advanced children’s book writing class. At Writers.com, skill levels are implied in some course offerings, like Writing Text for Children’s Picture Books and the Whole Novel Intensive for Children’s Writers, both aimed at intermediate to advanced writers. To avoid confusion regarding skill level, most online courses include a course description, prerequisites, and sometimes a syllabus.
Consider the Price for an Online Writing Class
Price is another factor to consider when choosing an online writing class. Many online children’s writing courses run $300-400, although it’s possible to find classes for less. Among the least expensive classes are those available at Universal Class. Some children’s authors, like Susan Taylor Brown, also teach affordable writing workshops through their personal websites.
Keep in mind that some courses require a registration fee or the purchase of certain resources on top of the writing class fee, so it’s important to read through all the course information before enrolling. Children’s writing classes at Writers’ Village University require a membership fee, but otherwise the courses are free. Of course, high-priced online classes on writing for children also exist – and may be worth the extra expense.
Look at Writing Instructor Reputation and Class Recommendations
When it comes to the serious children’s writer, there’s nothing like taking a writing course from a school or instructor with a top reputation. Some colleges and universities fall under this category; unfortunately, many writing courses offered through these institutions are costly and sometimes classroom based. Still, it’s worth checking university websites to see what they have to offer.
Mediabistro is another option that comes highly recommended. Mediabistro offers online classes taught by well-respected authors on writing books for young adults and children. Like many sites, classes at Mediabistro vary throughout the year, so a particular course may not always be available. Other reputable online writing classes can be found by getting a recommendation from a children’s writing association or a respected professional in the field.
Be Comfortable with Writing Course Requirements
Finding the ideal online writing course may boil down to its requirements. For example, some online classes are one-on-one, between the instructor and student. Others operate similar to a real classroom, where students are asked to post their work for feedback from other students. Online class “discussions” may also be a requirement.
If you’re not comfortable with other people viewing and commenting on your work or participating in forums, that style of learning may not be for you. But bear in mind that any awkwardness associated with group online classes is usually short-lived and the experience can turn out to be highly beneficial for students, who can learn much from each other.
Another important consideration is the course schedule. Do you have to meet your instructor online on Thursday nights at 9 p.m., for example? Is the course 4 weeks long or 10, and can you work at your own pace? Flexibility is important for some students, while structure and deadlines work better for others. You must decide what’s best for you.
Finally, if you’re not sure about a particular class, e-mail the school or instructor with your questions. Often, you can get a feel for whether the course and chemistry are right from some simple pre-enrollment correspondence.
Taking an online children’s writing class is a convenient way to learn how to write for kids, refresh your writing skills, or develop a new specialty. The best part is, an abundance of classes are available on the internet – from introductory courses for new children’s writers to advanced workshops for published authors. The above guidelines can help you narrow down the choices and find the perfect fit.
Susie Yakowicz - Susie Yakowicz is a Minnesota freelance writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications for children and adults.
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