Write and Publish Your Best Personal Essay

Learn to:

  • Craft a compelling personal narrative essay
  • Polish it for publication
  • Choose and submit to the right publication
  • Impress an editor

Master the essential elements of a memorable personal essay

Write an essay that captivates both readers and editors

Find the perfect online or print publication for your writing

Receive expert guidance in pitching to editors

Learn the power of narrative structure

Polish your essay for the right publication

COURSE SYLLABUS

Unit 1: Plan Your Essay 

  • Learn to recognize the elements of a successful personal essay
  • Learn about potential target publications

Unit 2: Write Your Best Essay

  • Use scenes to build your essay
  • Create a “writing routine”
  • Confront writing “saboteurs”

Unit 3: Revising for Structure, Voice, Detail, and Publication Style

  • Apply revision strategies to improve your essay draft
  • Incorporate peer and instructor feedback​

Unit 4: Craft the Perfect Narrative Hook and a Satisfying Ending

  • Hook your reader from the first sentence
  • Wrap up your essay with a satisfying ending

Unit 5: Submitting and Publishing Your Essay

  • Write a successful query
  • Submit to multiple publications
  • Form relationships with editors

Publish Your Personal Essay

an online self-paced course

Sign Up Today for $39

The best online course I’ve had for memoir. In five years of taking writing workshops, Jessica’s class was the hands on and specifics I’d been looking for. Classes in the past had too much time spent on feedback for the work of others and not enough time spent on building skills with exercises specific for that part of writing.”

“I learned so much from the Personal Essay Writing Bootcamp! I have more tools in my writer’s work box, which has also given me greater confidence. I’m inspired to go deeper with my feelings and my writing.”

What Former Students Say About HerStories Writing Classes