Master Class FAQ

  1. Q. What is Master Class 1.0?

    Master Class 1.0 is an intensive day of study held on Tuesday, April 27th, 2027 before CraftFest, and it requires additional registration. Please take advantage of this unique opportunity to work in small groups under the tutelage of bestselling authors. Our instructors in 2027 include: Yasmin Angoe, Allison Brennan, Karen Dionne, Steven James, Elise Hart Kipness, Mary Kubica, Wanda M. Morris, Hank Phillippi Ryan and Tessa Wegert.

    Whether you are a new writer or an experienced one, we’ll offer a class that will elevate your writing to the next level.

  2. Q. Where and at what time is Master Class 1.0 held?

    Master Class 1.0 is an intensive day of study held on Tuesday, April 27th, 2027 (the Tuesday of ThrillerFest week) at the New York Hilton Midtown. Specific rooms will be announced in Spring 2027. Name tag pick-up opens at 7:00 AM, and the class will run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A lunch break (on your own) will be from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. We recommend wearing layers, as the temperatures in the individual rooms can vary.

  3. Q. What is Master Class 2.0?

    In Master Class 2.0, ITW is focused on authors eager to meet the challenge of a growing career – to raise the bar, up their game, and grow in technique, imagination, and skill. Maybe even change genre. Outside of this four-hour limited-size intensive sessions (which require separate registration), your 2,500-word manuscript sample will be analyzed and critiqued by one of the most experienced writing coaches in our community. Master Class 2.0 sessions are in-person at ThrillerFest on Thursday, April 29th, 2027. You may choose between a morning session (8:00 am – 12:00 pm) or an afternoon session (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.). Our instructors in 2027 are: Karen Dionne, Robert Dugoni, Steven James and Isabella Maldonado.

    Don’t be “one and done.” If you are seriously invested in growing your career, Master Class 2.0 can be your secret weapon.

    *Applicants for Master Class 2.0 must have published at least one novel-length work of 80K words or more and be an Active ITW member.

    Learn more at thrillerfest.com/master-class/master-class-2/

  4. Q. Where and what time is Master Class 2.0 held?

    Master Class 2.0 is an intensive four-hours of workshop-style study held in person at ThrillerFest on Thursday, April 29th, 2027, available only to ITW member-authors with at least one published novel of at least 80K words. You may choose between a morning session (8:00 am – 12:00 pm) or an afternoon session (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.) All sessions take place at the New York Hilton Midtown. Specific rooms will be announced in Spring 2027. We recommend wearing layers, as the temperatures in the individual rooms can vary. Learn more at thrillerfest.com/master-class/master-class-2/

  1. Q. Are there any packages that contain Master Class?

    Yes. Master Class 1.0 is available in a package with PitchFest. You can learn more, and register, here: https://thrillerfest.com/register/

  2. Q. How are writers paired with instructors?

    For both Master Class 1.0 and Master Class 2.0, a committee reviews the writing samples and questionnaires, then pairs attendees with the instructor who is the best fit.

  3. Q. Can you request to be paired with a specific instructor?

    Registrants for Master Class 1.0 and 2.0 will be assigned an instructor. Instructor assignments are emailed to Master Class attendees roughly four weeks in advance of ThrillerFest. If you have questions, please email Ruth Church, ThrillerFest Deputy Director at ruth@thrillerwriters.org.

     

  4. Q. What else can I do to prepare for Master Class 1.0 or 2.0?

    • Bring layers as the hotel temperature can vary;

    • Consider a travel mug for your drinks;

    • Pack a back up notepad as some of the rooms may not have power outlets to charge laptops;

    • Once you are registered, please read the guidelines carefully.

ITW Community

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