The Coaching Your First 500 Words Workshop is the next step to perfecting those important first 500 words of your WIP after the Grabbing the Reader workshop. (Participating in the Grabbing the Reader workshop is not required but encouraged!)
In this weeklong workshop, you will work with a coach in a group setting of 5-10 WFWA peers. Each coach determines the total amount of participants in their individual groups. The coaches are WFWA members and are excited to work with you on perfecting your first 500 words.
This workshop will run similarly to Grabbing the Reader but with the added benefit of a coaching expert offering you valuable advice, suggestions, and comments.
To sell a book, you need to GRAB THE READER within the first 500 words. Agents, editors, potential interviewers, and readers (who will become reviewers) must want to keep reading.
Take the time in this safe environment to workshop your beginning pages with a coach so you’ll be ready when the time comes. This is also the perfect time if you have never had the pleasure of working with a coach before. This workshop will give you a fantastic taste of the coaching experience and what one can do for you as an author!
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Who are the coaches, and can I choose who my coach is?
- No. Each participant will be assigned according to time zones as best as possible.
- The reason for this is so that each participant can converse with the coach and group members and receive responses, etc. in a timely manner.
- All coaches are WFWA members.
How many participants are in each group?
- Each coach decides how many participants they will coach during this workshop. Depending on the coach you are assigned to, expect 5 – 10 participants in your group.
What is the “schedule” for Coaching Your First 500 Words?
- There is no set schedule.
- Each participant in each group will “develop” a schedule if the need arises but it is not required. You simply will “post” the First 500 Words of your WIP the first day the workshop begins, and the coach assigned to your group will give feedback and suggestions. Other group members can give feedback and suggestions as well. Each participant and coach will comment, make suggestions, etc. throughout the week.
- We do recommend that you plan to visit the workshop each day for a minimum of one hour so that you can read, comment, and make suggestions.
- For maximum learning opportunities, plan on spending more time in the workshop if you can and read the postings and comments in other groups. You just never know what ideas may spark or tips may be picked up by reading information outside your own group. You may also find a coach that you wish to work with after this workshop ends. You will have access to each coach's contact information should you choose to work with an individual coach after this workshop has ended. Each coach has their own pricing structure and business formats and if you elect to work with a coach outside of this workshop, the conditions and payment fees are between you and said coach.
Are there any homework assignments or can I revise my words using the suggestions I receive and then post my words again for more suggestions?
- Currently, we are not aware of any “homework” assignments from any of the coaches. You can safely “assume” that you will receive feedback and suggestions on your 500 words, and we suggest you take everything into consideration. You can revise your words according to the feedback you receive or choose not to.
- Your group members and coach can agree to read and make suggestions on your revised words if they choose to. In the past, this has almost always been done.
Are there any Live Events or Zoom Sessions?
- Each coach can decide if they would like to hold any Live/Zoom events. This is not required. This is something the coach can elect to do.
Are there pre-recorded videos with this workshop?
- Not at the moment. However, each coach has the option of offering videos if they choose to do so.
- Each coach also has the option to provide links to videos outside the workshop space if they feel it would benefit the group!
Can I read and view things that are posted in other groups within this workshop?
- Absolutely! This workshop is like our Grabbing the Reader workshop. You can bounce between groups to read other members' First 500 Words and you can make comments and suggestions if you wish to.
- One requirement – PLEASE ONLY POST YOUR FIRST 500 WORDS in the group you are assigned to.
- You are not required to comment/post outside of your group at all. You are strongly encouraged to comment, offer advice, and participate within the group you will be assigned to. Participation is key to a successful workshop.
- Each coach will only work with the participants assigned to their group. They are not required to comment, and/or make suggestions in any other coaches’ group.
So, this workshop lasts for 7 days, but the workshop itself remains open and available until February 29, 2024, does that mean I can still post or work with other members or my coach?
- Yes, you as the participant can continue to perfect your 500 words and offer and receive comments and suggestions if your group members choose to do so. This is your workshop. This is a private space and ONLY people participating in this workshop will have access to it. Take advantage of this extra time if you would like to.
- No, each coach does not have to continue to work with participants beyond January 29, 2024, directly in the workshop. You may personally hire any coach who participates in this workshop after it has ended.
Do I have to do everything in the workshop platform, or can I converse with group members and/or coaches via email or via the chat (private message) function in the workshop platform?
- We prefer all conversations and work be posted on the workshop platform, but we do respect your privacy as well. We ask that you post your 500 words as text in your group and NOT offer a PDF, Word Doc, Google Doc, link, etc. Many people do not want to download or open documents. Most participants prefer to read the materials online and be able to comment and make suggestions directly in the workshop platform.
How will I know when, where, and how to post my 500 words?
- You will receive a “Welcome Email” on or prior to January 20, 2024. This email will have all the information you need to participate, including a “Help” document on how to maneuver around in the workshop platform.
What can I do now to be prepared to start on January 22?
- Make sure you have your first 500 words prepared and ready to copy and paste into your group space by January 22, 2024.
- Possibly look at your schedule for that week and mark off an hour or two a day that you can devote to this workshop. This will give you time to read your group members 500 Words, offer suggestions, etc. As we get further into the workshop, you may need more or less time as Coaches and other members begin commenting more.
- Join the Programs Community Platform NOW. Once you join the Programs Community Platform, you have access to the “Learning Library” we have created. Within the “Learning Library,” you will find the “Grabbing the Reader Toolbox.” Within this toolbox, you have access to several online articles that are valuable resources to use. You also have access to several informative articles and documents that we have created for you to study while preparing not only for this workshop but also for the Grabbing the Reader workshop.
- Here is the information to join the Programs Community Platform: Use this link to access the Community platform. Once you create your profile and password, check out the Welcome Guide and Community Tour video. If you experience any challenges, email [email protected]. Once you are in the Programs Community Platform, look in the left-hand side menu, scroll down if you need to, and look for the words “Learning Library.” Click on the words: “Learning Library.” In the center of your screen, a very long menu option appears. Scroll down and locate the “Grabbing The Reader Toolbox” and click to enter the Toolbox.
I work full-time; can I still participate in this workshop?
- Absolutely! There is no set schedule for this workshop. There are no scheduled times for meetings, etc. You visit the workshop, post your words and comments, and read the information provided on your time schedule.
After this workshop is over, can I continue to work with my coach?
- Each coach runs their personal coaching business outside of WFWA. If you would like to continue working with your coach, the arrangements for this would be between you and the coach. All contact information for each coach will be available to you and you can access this information in the workshop itself as each coach will have an “About Me” area!
I’m not computer savvy, will there be anyone to help me if I get stuck or need assistance?
- Yes! There will be an assigned WFWA Workshop Volunteer who can help you! Just please note, that the volunteer does live in the EDT time zone of the USA. She is available to assist you from 6 AM until 9 PM during the entire workshop and will respond promptly - always within 12 hours, more likely within moments.
I have another question, who can I email? [email protected]
