New York State Writers Institute
Short Nonfiction Workshop
Offered by Writer-in-Residence Le Anne Schreiber

New York State Writers Institute Writer-in-Residence Le Anne Schreiber will conduct a workshop on short nonfiction during the Fall 2001 semester. The main focus of the workshop will be on the personal essay, with emphasis on the variety and flexibility of this short form, the importance of voice and stance, and help in identifying potential subject matter and how best to shape it. Writers who have worked primarily in poetry and fiction are encouraged to apply, as well as writers of longer forms of nonfiction who might want to refashion aspects of their work in shorter form.

The workshop is scheduled for ten Tuesday nights (September 11, 25, October 2, 9, November 6, 13, 20, 27, December 4, 11) from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The class will be held on the University at Albany's uptown campus. The workshop is offered free of charge for non-credit, and will be limited to twelve writers. To be considered, submit nonfiction manuscripts to the Writers Institute according to the guidelines listed below. Due to the volume of manuscripts received from previous workshops, we must insist that you follow the guidelines exactly.

Guidelines for Workshop

    1. All manuscripts must be typewritten, double-spaced.

    2. Submit no more than five pages of nonfiction prose. Clearly indicate the title of the piece and the style of your submission (e.g.: part of an essay, travel or historical writing, etc). Include a brief statement (no more than 250 words) of intent--why you are interested in participating in this workshop and a description of the writing project on which you would like to work. Don't grovel; don't crow.

    3. All submissions must include a separate cover sheet with name, address, work and home telephone numbers, and the title of the piece. Do not put your name on any other pages of your submission.

    4. Be sure to keep a copy of your work, as your manuscript will not be returned to you.

    5. Writers enrolled in a University at Albany writing class for the fall 2001 semester, whether graduate or undergraduate, and writers who participated in the Schreiber Literary Nonfiction workshop during spring 2000, are not eligible. Auditing is not permitted.

    6. Manuscripts delivered in person will be accepted up until 1 :00 p.m. on Friday, August 17, 2001. Mailed manuscripts must be postmarked not later than Tuesday, August 14, 2001. Faxes and e-mails will not be accepted.

    7. Notification of acceptance will be by Tuesday, September 4th. Please do not call regarding the status of your manuscript. We regret that neither Ms. Schreiber nor the Institute can comment on manuscripts by writers not selected.

    8. Mail manuscripts to:
    Schreiber Workshop
    NYS Writers Institute, HU 355
    University at Albany, SUNY
    Albany, NY 12222