New Year, New Book—Advanced Writers' Program

Name: New Year, New Book—Advanced Writers' Program
Brand: Literary Agent Sam Hiyate
Price: 3995.0 USD
Availability: InStock

EARLY BIRD PRICING! $500 off if you register before December 1, 2024!

In this 6-month program you will receive personalized weekly feedback on your writing from an experienced literary agent who knows both great writing and the publishing industry. Most weeks also include live, 2-hour video discussions.

You'll enjoy the accountability of writing and submitting pages every week, get unstuck, and finish your book.

And you'll do it in a fun community that motivates you to write; in a forum for dialogue, where you can have all your writing questions answered.

Plus, learn invaluable writing and publishing skills (critiquing, outlining, writer psychology, editing, and querying) from expert guest lecturers.

At the end of this program you will have the opportunity to pitch your book to a panel of literary agents from various companies for additional feedback and direction.

Stop Struggling With Your Book

Look, you’ve struggled long enough with being stuck, letting life's responsibilities and setbacks get in the way of your writing.

Sure, you could try to write your book on your own, but without this program you might never find out what's not working with your book.

You could keep querying without success, and stay confused about the path to publication.

You could keep attending free critique groups with amateur writers at your local coffee shop.

You could get yet another writing degree or certificate that you don’t need.

...But we'd rather help you leave a legacy for the world in the pages of your book!

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Conquer the Impenetrable Fortress of Publishing

Let's be real: the traditional publishing industry is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside a query letter.

What are the steps to get from book idea to the bookstore shelves?

What are readers and editors looking for? What do I do when I finish my book?

Who do I pitch? How do I query? How do I build my audience?

Answers to all of these questions and more will be revealed as you write your book during this 6-month program.

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Slay the Dragon of Resistance

Why haven't you finished your book yet?

Are you having trouble getting started? Lacking motivation? Procrastinating?

Perhaps you're struggling with your own doubts, fears, or perfectionism?

You are perfectly normal, and we are here to help.

We know you: NOT writing is NOT an option. When you can't write, you lose a part of yourself. You need to express yourself through your words, and want to publish your story and leave a legacy for the world.

This program will do that for you.

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We Are: So You Want To Write?

Soyouwanttowrite.org has been helping writers improve their work and publish books since 2017.

Each month more than 20,000 visitors read our writer tips blog, and we have 4,000 active subscribers.

Hundreds of writers move through our training programs each year, and many go on to publish books.

Become our next success story—apply now!

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Results You Can Count On

1. Get Motivated: Beat procrastination, get unstuck, and find the accountability to produce new writing each week.

2. Finish Your Book: Get invaluable weekly feedback from a trusted literary agent with 30+ years of experience, plus learn from expert guest lecturers. Find out what's working in your book, and how to fix what's not.

3. Publish Your Book: Improve your chances of getting a book deal with a publisher. Graduate the program with a “next steps” plan tailored for you, and even pitch your book to a PANEL OF LITERARY AGENTS after the program is completed!

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Your Transformation

In this program you will go from unsure about your book's structure to prepared with a clear and detailed outline that tells the story that you truly want to share...

From confused about the publishing process to clear on the exact steps needed to get to bookstore shelves...

From writing inconsistently to producing 10 or 20 quality pages per week...

From unsure if your writing is any good to confident that readers, agents, and publishers will compete to get your book...

From writing alone in a vacuum, to writing in a supportive, enlightening, motivating, and fun community with talented peers and curated resources, under the guidance of an experienced industry insider and a team of experts.

Meet Sam Hiyate, Your Writing Guide

This program is led by Sam Hiyate, literary agent and president of The Rights Factory, an international literary agency based in Toronto.

In his 30+ year publishing career he has launched the careers of numerous New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling authors.

He teaches creative writing at the University of Toronto and publishing at Ryerson University.

He will be supported by expert guest lecturers (to be announced) who will help you bolster your skills in crucial aspects of your writing journey. Guest lecturers will include:

An expert on outlining your book. A creativity/mindset coach to speak about writer psychology. A professional editor for guidance on polishing your book. An expert on querying literary agents and securing a traditional book deal.

At the end of the course you will have the option to pitch a panel of literary agents for feedback on your book.

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What Writers Are Saying About Sam Hiyate

"I can’t remember a more enjoyable and informative presentation. Sam's stories from the world of publishing vividly illustrated his points. His ability to focus on each person’s work and rearrange elements showed directorial genius… I am very glad I attended and look forward to querying Sam when I am further along in [my writing].”
— Tim Christian, Victoria

"I had a wonderful time with Sam yesterday. Could you please extend my appreciation to him for his time and all his invaluable advice? I cannot thank you and Sam enough for organizing this unique opportunity for new novelists such as myself. I hope to have another meeting with him in the future."
— Yale Wang, Toronto

“What I love about working with Sam is that it gives me a greater understanding of the industry. You can try to study creative writing in a class, but it's hard to learn what will set you apart until you work with someone who sells books for a living! If your goal is to eventually publish, I think Sam's advice and support is invaluable. He has added tremendous value to my near-finished manuscript.”
— Amy Dixon, Toronto

Schedule (Subject to Change)

Course Schedule, January-June 2025

(Dates are subject to change. Guest lecturers to be confirmed.)

Jan. 12, Session 1 (Video)
Introduce yourself and your writing goals
Lesson: How to critique others' writing
Share your first 20 pages for feedback and live video discussion with Sam Hiyate and peers

Jan. 19, Session 2 (Video)

Jan. 26, Session 3 (Text)

Feb. 2, Session 4 (Video)

Feb. 9, Session 5 (Video)

Feb. 16, Session 6, (Text)

Feb. 23 Session 7 (Video - Guest Lecturer)

Mar. 2, Session 8 (Video)

Mar. 9, Session 9 (Video)

Mar. 16, Session 10 (Video - Guest Lecturer)

Mar. 23, Session 11 (Video)

Mar. 30, Session 12 (Video)

Apr 6, Session 13 (Video - Guest Lecturer)

Apr 13-27, Break

May 4, Session 14 (Video)

May 11, Session 15 (Video - Guest Lecturer)

May 18, Session 16 (Video)

May 25, Session 17 (Video - Guest Lecturer)

June 1, Session 18 (Video)

June 8, Session 19 (Video)

June 15, Session 20 (Text)

June 22, Session 21 (Video)

June 29, Session 22 (Video)

Agent Pitch Session: Date to be determined
Pitch your book to a panel of 3 to 5 literary agents for feedback!
Agents will read your query and synopsis in advance
10 minutes per writer