FAQs
HOW DO YOU SELECT AND TRAIN INSTRUCTORS?
When we select instructors for Writing for Children and Teens, we evaluate their background, education, work experience, publishing credits, professional accomplishments, and related experience that will benefit our students. Those selected undergo a program of closely monitored training, to ensure that they teach to our standards for Writing for Children and Teens. We have promises to keep, and we can keep them only with qualified instructors–as well as qualified students.
DOES THE INSTRUCTOR TO WHOM I’M ASSIGNED REALLY DO ALL OF THE TEACHING AND EVALUATION OF MY WRITING?
Your instructor is the only person who works on your writing assignments. The edits, corrections, and comments on your manuscripts are his or hers alone; and the instructional letters to you are also personally written by your instructor.
You work with one instructor to maximize the benefit to you. Early in the course, your instructor learns about you, your writing interests and goals, your strengths and weaknesses. This information is key to the program he or she develops for you. Each new assignment builds upon the previous one, and when you finish the course, you know how to write and how to sell your writing.
HOW DO I SUBMIT MY LESSONS?
Lessons may only be submitted by email, and you’ll get your personally edited manuscript back from your instructor by email as well. Lessons must be submitted to be in Microsoft Word document, which is the standard format for submitting writing in the publishing industry. We’ll provide you with detailed instructions once you enroll. If you have questions, check out the FAQs on our website, or email StudentServices@InstituteChildrensLit.com.
IS YOUR TUITION ALL- INCLUSIVE, WITH NO EXTRA CHARGES?
There are no additional charges by the Institute beyond tuition.
ARE THERE ANY TUITION PAYMENT PLANS?
We have two payment plans.
1. Pay with a one-time payment of $895 plus $19 US shipping and handling. (Additional shipping charges apply to students outside the continental US.)
2. Pay with our monthly payment plan of $85 per month for 10 months with an initial payment of $104 payable on enrollment. (Finance charges apply. See our Truth-In-Lending disclosure above. Additional shipping charges apply to students outside the continental US.)
CAN I EXPECT TO HAVE MY WRITING PUBLISHED BY THE TIME I COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?
Acceptance of your manuscript is the decision of individual editors and publishers. If any school or service does guarantee you’ll be published, be wary. It could either be a scam or a vanity press where they publish your work in their own books and you take all the risk. However, we can state with confidence that there is no better way of helping you to achieve your goals as a writer than by offering you enrollment in our program. The professional instructor we assign to work one-on-one with you from beginning to end teaches you how to write and helps you to find your niche.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO COMPLETE YOUR COURSE?
You set your own pace. To complete our course in six months, it’ll just take about 10-11 hours per week. Writing for Children and Teens is estimated to require approximately 223 hours of study, but you’re able to work at your own pace and have up to two years for completion.
WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE IF I’M NOT SATISFIED WITH THE PROGRAM?
If you’re not satisfied that you’ve become a better writer and learned how to market your writing to editors more effectively as a direct result of completing the program, you can obtain a prompt refund of every penny you’ve paid. Simply make your request by phone or mail within 60 days of the date on your diploma to Registrar, Institute of Children’s Literature. You may also contact the Connecticut Office of Higher Education.