Elizabeth Gaffney
Elizabeth Gaffney is the author of the novels Metropolis and When the World Was Young (both Random House). She was an editor for many years at the Paris Review, and is an editor at large at A Public Space. She teaches writing at New York University and is the founder and host of the 24-Hour Room virtual writers space.
Workshop
Elizabeth Gaffney
Online
Mondays, January 13-March 7, 2025
The Novel Workshop is an intensive class for writers with a substantially or fully complete draft of their manuscript. Each writer will have their entire book (up to 100,000 words or 400 double-spaced pages) read and critiqued by the instructor and all fellow participants. This is a lot of reading, but, in return, you’ll get copious feedback on your book’s plot, arc, and structure, as well as close reading and line editing. In addition to this comprehensive critique of your manuscript, you will also receive an editorial letter from the instructor after each workshop.
The workshop will be supportive yet challenging. Writers will be invited to respond to the feedback they receive and ask the workshop questions. In addition to discussing the manuscripts, we will focus on different elements of craft each week, and the final class will offer an overview of the publishing industry and guidance on how to navigate the search for an agent and find the right publisher for your book.
The workshop will be limited to 10 writers; please note that this class has sold out in previous seasons.
Note: Manuscripts may be up to 100,000 words or 400 pages—8.5” x 11” page, double-spaced, in 12-point font, with one-inch margins. For longer manuscripts, please contact A Public Space at office@apublicspace.org.
Mondays, January 13, 2025-April 07, 2025 (no class February 17)
6:30–9:00 p.m. ET
12 sessions
Online on Zoom
Where are the Master Classes and workshops located?
Currently, all Master Classes and workshops are held online on Zoom or Google Meet.
I registered but did not receive a link. What do I do?
Details for your class, including any reading assignments and the Zoom link, will be sent one week prior to the start date—to the email account connected to your registration. Please confirm the email with which you register is accurate. Please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with any questions.
Can I receive a recording of a past or upcoming workshop or class?
No. The only way to attend a Master Class or workshop is live.
Is closed captioning available?
Yes. Otter.ai live notes are available for all Master Classes held on Zoom and Google Meet, and on a case-by-case basis for workshops. (If you are signed up for a workshop, please discuss closed captioning with your instructor.) To view the notes, look for the red LIVE dropdown menu in the top left of your Zoom screen and select View Stream on Otter.ai.
Are scholarships available?
Scholarships are available for all Master Classes. Scholarships are not currently offered for workshops. To apply, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with the subject “Master Class Scholarship Application” and include 1) a short statement outlining your interest in this class, and how a scholarship would benefit you as a writer or a reader; and 2) a short bio. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis.
The Master Class or workshop I want to join is sold out. Is there a waitlist?
Yes. Please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to be added to the waitlist for an upcoming Master Class or workshop.
I signed up for a class but can't make it. Can I be refunded?
Full refunds are offered if requested at least two weeks prior to the start date of the class. After that, before the start date, we are able to offer a 50% refund. We cannot refund day-of cancellations, and we cannot refund or partially refund tuition once the class has started. Please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you need to cancel your registration.
But I signed up for a class after the cut-off point for a full refund had passed. Can I still be eligible for a full refund?
No. Please be aware of our cancellation policy upon registration.
I'd like to transfer my registration to someone else. Is this possible?
Yes. That is very generous of you! Please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel your enrollment in an Academy class, please let us know as soon as possible. We can only offer full refunds if you cancel two weeks prior to the start of class. After that, before the start date of class, we can offer a 50% refund. We cannot refund day-of cancellations, and we cannot refund or partially refund tuition once the class has begun.