ENGL 2025 - Creative Writing: A Writer’s Life

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab 0
Internship hours per week 0
Course Description: This creative writing class, intended for all students, but essential for those in pursuit for publication, equips writers with a comprehensive understanding of both traditional and independent publishing avenues. It provides practical guidance on literary promotions through digital platforms. Course activities provide opportunities to submit creative writing in any genre to various outlets, including literary agencies, book publishers, magazines, online journals, and writing contests. Because creative writing involves both creativity and scholarship, coursework includes insights from authors, agents, publishers, and editors; forming aesthetic judgments about publications and publication paths. Course assignments provide the opportunity to craft and refine query letters, bios, book proposals, and grant applications and to devise strategies to establish an online presence through websites and social media to enhance visibility and engagement. Effective marketing and active participation in a writing community will further develop both creative and professional growth.
MnTC Goals
Goal 1

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading OR completion of ENGL 0950  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940  with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950  with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090  with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051  with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052  with a grade of C or higher. Completion of ENGL 1027 with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: ENGL 1020  with a grade of C or higher OR  ENGL 1021  AND ENGL 1027

Major Content

1.  Foundations of Literary Creation Across Genres

   1. Drafting techniques for fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry.
   2. Revising work for clarity, style, and publication-readiness.

2.  Understanding and Choosing Publication Pathways

   1. Overview of traditional vs. independent publishing options.
   2. Pros and cons of each pathway, focusing on control, audience reach, and resources.
   3. Insights from industry professionals on how each pathway shapes a writing career.

3.  Preparing Professional Submissions

   1. Crafting effective query letters and professional bios tailored to specific opportunities.
   2. Writing book descriptions and blurbs, highlighting the distinctions between the two.

4.  Submission Process and Etiquette

   1. Strategies for submitting drafts to editors, agents, and publishers.
   2. Understanding standard timelines, rejections, and following up professionally.
   3. Exploring submission portals, networking events, and submission opportunities.

5.  Developing a Personal Brand and Professional Identity

   1. Analyzing how platforms like social media, blogs, and websites shape author identities.
   2. Crafting a unique and professional online presence through consistent branding.
   3. Creating a long-term plan for social media, blog content, and website engagement.

6.  Artistic Marketing and Audience Engagement

   1. Utilizing in-person events (e.g., readings, conventions) and online engagements to build readership.
   2. Leveraging digital marketing tactics suited to an author’s individual style and brand.
   3. Techniques for fostering a writing community and maintaining engagement with readers.

7.  Insights into Career Pathways for Writers

   1. Exploring ways to make a living as a writer: publishing, teaching, grant writing, editing, and more.
   2. Industry standards and expectations for various writing and publishing roles.
   3. Learning from seasoned professionals about career longevity and adaptability.

1. prepare drafts in major writing genres-fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry-and submit these drafts to editors and agents. 
2. craft compelling query letters, professional writer’s bios, and grant applications tailored to specific publishing and arts funding opportunities. 
3. explain the differences between the techniques used in drafting a book description versus a book blurb.
4. describe the advantages and challenges of both traditional and independent publishing options.
5. demonstrate an understanding of how to leverage both in-person events (e.g., readings, conventions) and online engagements to build a network of readers and fellow writers.
6. critically analyze how different platforms (e.g., social media vs. blogs) can reflect and shape their professional identity as an author.
7. create a personalized plan for establishing a professional online presence through various platforms (e.g., website, blog, social media).
8. describe the various ways writers make a living-from publishing to teaching, grant writing to editing, public relations to book sales, and more-while gaining insight into industry expectations and standards from experienced authors, agents, publishers, and editors.  

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