From Idea to Publication
A Three-Day Novel Workshop with J. Scott Savage
Available spots
Service Description
$350 ***Attendees may participate virtually or in person. Please contact wifyrstaff@gmail.com if you plan to attend virtually.*** From Idea to Publication: A Three-Day Novel Workshop With J. Scott Savage (But you can call me Uncle Jeff) Whether you’re arriving with a brand-new idea, a rough outline, a few opening chapters, or a completed manuscript, this workshop is designed to help you take the next major step in your writing journey. Over three intensive days, we’ll workshop stories from the big-picture level down. Together, we’ll explore concept development, plotting, structure, character arcs, genre expectations, market positioning, and publishing pathways. We’ll discuss both traditional and independent publishing options, how to evaluate the feasibility of a project in today’s market, and how to create a realistic plan for moving forward. Because of the larger class format, we will not be doing individual manuscript reads. Instead, we’ll work collaboratively as a group, using examples, exercises, discussion, and guided development sessions to help each writer identify where they are now, where they want their project to go, and the clearest path to get there. By the end of the workshop, participants should leave with: ● A stronger understanding of their story and audience ● Clear next steps for drafting or revising ● A workable outline or development plan ● Greater understanding of publishing options ● Tools for evaluating and improving story structure ● A practical roadmap for pursuing publication What to Bring: ● A notebook or laptop for writing and brainstorming ● Any existing materials related to your project (idea notes, outlines, synopsis, sample chapters, or completed manuscript) ● A willingness to rethink, revise, and develop your project ● Questions about writing, publishing, querying, or career direction This workshop is ideal for writers at any stage—from those with only the seed of an idea to those preparing a manuscript for publication. This is a THREE DAY workshop: June 17, 18, and 19, 2026 (Wednesday-Friday). Also included: All Afternoon Sessions (Mon-Fri). One-on-one with an agent or editor
Cancellation Policy
We understand not all circumstances can be anticipated. However, our faculty and staff put in a considerable amount of time critiquing registrants’ manuscripts and organizing Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers long before the conference begins. All refund requests must be made in writing. Please email carolloveswifyr@gmail.com to make the request. WIFYR Handling Fee Rates January = 20% February = 20% March = 25% April = 50% After May 1 = No refund Morning Class Deposit Refunds: If you make a deposit on a class and decide to withdraw, there will be a $200 non-refundable fee. Payment Plans: JANUARY & FEBRUARY ONLY! If you sign up by January 31, you can take advantage of a 4-month payment plan, and if you sign up by February 28, you can have a 3-month payment plan. Subsequent payments will be made by February 15 (if you sign up in January), March 15, and April 15 (final payment). Late payments may result in losing your spot in the class and a partial refund (see refund policy). Please only use this option if you're confident you are able to pay on time and in full by April 15, 2026.