Polishing the Gems of Your Novel
with Celesta Rimington
Available spots
Service Description
$605 until March 15 / $655 NOVEL WORKSHOP: POLISHING THE GEMS OF YOUR NOVEL You want your novel to stand out and shine, and I'd love to help you get it there! In this class, we’ll use a “gemology approach” toward your writing: identifying the gems in your story, appraising them for both the story you want to write and for the market, and determining what treatments may enhance them. Your class submission materials will include a Novel Gems Questionnaire that will ask you to evaluate what inspired your story, why you wanted to write it, and personal connections (if you want to share.) You’ll also draft a mission statement for both your novel and your writing life. We’ll work on craft to increase emotional resonance, create memorable characters, further develop voice, improve pacing, and strengthen setting. Each attendee will also meet with me individually to discuss your writer strengths, items to work on, and to prepare a revision plan and next steps to help you reach your goals. This class includes required reading. Please submit the first 5,000 words of your novel (approximately 20 pages, double-spaced) by April 15, 2026. After registration, you’ll receive an email from our class assistant with the Novel Gems Questionnaire about your work. Please allow yourself time to complete and submit that by May 15, 2026. We’ll discuss and critique the version of your manuscript that you submit by the April 15th deadline. 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, 2025.
Upcoming Sessions
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.