The Summer Creative Writing Workshop is a great way to keep up your practice while generating new work and getting feedback on your current or future projects. During this six-week workshop, we will divide the class time into two parts: for the first half of the class, we will workshop a student (or students), and for the second half we will explore written and visual prompts, discuss craft, and answer any other questions that come up as we get to know each other’s work. The class is open to all genres and levels. There is also an option to continue the classes after the initial six weeks. |
This course is an exciting way for you to create a writing foundation before going on to longer projects. It’s perfect for writers who do not have time for a workshop, but are looking for one-on-one feedback. There are12 craft and contentlessons which you can complete at your own pace, with the freedom to stop and start as you move through each lesson.
How it Works:
Each section consists of a lesson, a corresponding reading, and a small writing assignment. The lessons will alternate between focusing on craft and content.
Once you have gone over one lesson, read the corresponding reading, and written your assignment, you will send the assignment to me for line-edits and feedback. You can also list specific questions (if you have any) when you return your assignment.
From there you can wait for my feedback (between 12-48 hours) or simply keep going.
All correspondence is done via email.
This class is ongoing and can be purchased and started whenever you are ready.
$400 for the full course.
A SELECTION OF BOOKS PREVIOUSLY WORKSHOPPED IN MY CLASS!

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Wall Street Journal • NPR • New York Public Library • LitHub • Mental Floss
“In the workshop I took with Rachel Sherman…she impressed me with her generosity as a reader: even though students were working in many different genres, from prose poetry to magical realism to traditional literary fiction, Rachel looked at each piece on its own terms, with a keen eye for its particular strengths and weaknesses. She also creates a welcoming, respectful environment in the classroom where everyone’s voice is heard. After studying with Rachel, I had a much clearer sense of what direction my novel needed to go. She’s a terrific teacher, and I highly recommend her course.”-Chandler Klang Smith (author of THE SKY IS YOURS)

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Globe and Mail • Glamour • TIME • Real Simple • Good Housekeeping • Marie Claire • Town & Country • Bustle

Set in a world inspired by pre-Shogun era Japan, this is a stunning debut fantasy in the vein of Grace Lin about how a young pearl diver goes to the ends of the earth to rescue her twin sister, who has been stolen by a ghost whale.
Rachel Sherman is a master of the craft and a gifted, compassionate teacher. Her critiques are generous and insightful, at both the macro level (narrative structure, thematic development) and the micro level (line editing). Most importantly, she creates a safe, supportive space for writers to share their work. Thanks to the regular submission deadlines and Rachel’s invaluable feedback, I was able to complete a first draft of a middle-grade novel called The Pearl Hunter — which will be published by HarperCollins/Balzer+Bray in early 2023!
– Miya T. Beck (Mariko Beck)