Overview

Multi-Week Online Course

Whether you’re an emerging writer, a seasoned educator, or someone looking to expand your reach in the educational market, this multi-week program will equip you with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the ed market landscape and effectively submit work to educational publishers. Led by professionals in the educational market (Sandra Athans, Mike Downs, and their special guests, Harold Underdown and Dorothy H. Price), this online program will offer group and individual support to help you navigate educational publishing opportunities with confidence.

• Live sessions (with closed captioning available) on Thursdays from 7:00pm – 8:30pm Eastern (August 15, 22, 29 & September 5, 12, & 19*)
• *Please note that Thursday, September 19th runs from 7pm – 9pm, though you will only report to class for your 15 minute 1:1 consultation (Remaining time that week should be spend independently working on your submission packet.)
• Recorded content and resources in the virtual classroom throughout the course
• Weekly assignments August 15 – September 12 (posted in the virtual classroom)
• Optional written critique of your completed submission packet (at an additional cost after the program)
• 30 participants max

Feedback Expected

• Informal written feedback from faculty and peers in the virtual classroom following each assignment.
• A 15-minute, one-to-one consultation with your faculty to discuss your questions and review your writing samples so far (see consultation details below).
• Optional post-course paid written critique of your completed submission packet.

It’s a Great Fit If:

• You are a writer who wants to work in the educational market. Educational publishing companies need you!
• You’re an educator with experience in sharing books from the Educational Market with your students. We’ll show you how you can play to your strengths when writing for this market.
• You have a passion for education and/or teaching and wish to ignite a love of learning in readers.
• You are seeking ways to break into publishing and want to learn more about the exciting opportunities that educational markets have to offer.
• You like the structure of weekly lectures and writing exercises. All sessions take place via Zoom, with community building within the virtual classroom.

Note: Live sessions take place via Zoom. It is a good idea for you to install Zoom prior to the workshop and review the Zoom tutorials for “meetings” if this will be your first time taking a course on Zoom.

Detailed Agenda

All Times are Eastern Standard Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.

Pre-Workshop

• One week prior to your course, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards). This classroom will be our hub throughout the program where you will post weekly assignments.

How It Impacts Kids

The Educational Market puts books into kids hands all around the world. Your books can connect with kids and enrich their learning experience at school and home.

Testimonials from Our Community

“I appreciated the time given to discuss my resumes, samples, and introduction letters. The feedback was awesome, and such a great learning tool.”

“I feel much more confident with my submission packet to publishers. The individual consultations were also very helpful!”

“I had no idea there were such opportunities in the education market. Providing the samples was a huge benefit, the speakers you chose were excellent, the break outs and individual conference with one of you to critique my work was icing on the cake. ”

“The faculty was outstanding! They are organized, helpful, thoughtful, and caring.”

Resources

• Must-Read FAQ’s On the Educational Market, by Sandra K. Athans and Mike Downs
• Sandra K. Athans website
• Mike Downs website
• Writing for the Educational Market: 5 Pros Share Some Things to Know (Q&A)